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TM 31-210
Improvised Munitions Handbook


Section V

No. 4-3

GELLED FLAME FUELS

SOAP-ALCOHOL SYSTEMS

Common household soap can be used in combination with alcohol to gel gasoline for use as a flame fuel which will adhere to target surfaces.


MATERIALS REQUIRED:
Parts by Volume Ingredient How Used Common Source
36 Gasoline Motor fuel Gas station,
Motor vehicle
1 Ethyl Alcohol Whiskey
Medicine
Liquor Store
Drug Store
NOTE: Methyl (wood) alcohol or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol can be substituted for the whiskey.
20 (powdered) or 28 (flake) Laundry soap Washing clothes Stores
NOTE: Unless the word "soap" actually appears somewhere on the container or wrapper, a washing compound is probably a detergent. These Can Not Be Used.

 

PROCEDURE:

CAUTION: Make sure that there are no open flames in the area when mixing the flame fuels. NO SMOKING!

1. If bar soap is used, carve into thin flakes using a knife.
2. Pour alcohol and gasoline into a jar, bottle or other container and mix thoroughly.
3. Add soap powder or flakes to gasoline-alcohol mix and stir occasionally until thickened (about 15 minutes).


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