XP Lava Lamp fluid?

earthdick

Member
Apr 14, 2001
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I just got an XP lava lamp and it is missing about 2" of the fluid on top. Anyone know what I can use to fill it to the top, that would be compatible with the fluid already in there? Thanks.
 

Jzero

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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What's an XP lava lamp?

Well, if you're talking about a lava lamp like i'm thiking of, there's supposed to be some air at the top. The water expands when it's hot, so there's space up there to accommodate it.
 

earthdick

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Apr 14, 2001
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I didn't think it could be water because when I unpacked it the glass on the outside of the lamp was filmy and kind of oily. Thanks, I'll try it.
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
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Jul 19, 2001
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its supposed to be missin a little bit at the top, its the part thats covered by the cap that comes with the base. at least it was on mine.
 

earthdick

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Apr 14, 2001
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<< What's an XP lava lamp?

Well, if you're talking about a lava lamp like i'm thiking of, there's supposed to be some air at the top. The water expands when it's hot, so there's space up there to accommodate it.
>>



It's the lamp that was included with some WinXP promotion. It only expands about 1/16 of an inch when it is warm. There is still a very large gap to the top that you can still see with the cap on.
 

sohcrates

Diamond Member
Sep 19, 2000
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good work!

edit, actually, wait a sec.

"The lava component is said to consist of "a solidified globule of mineral oil such as Ondina 17 (R.T.M.) with a light paraffin, carbon tetrachloride, a dye and paraffin wax."
The clear liquid is roughly 70/30% (by volume) water and a liquid which will raise the coefficient of cubic thermal expansion and encourage the movement. The patent recommends slip agents such as propylene glycol for this. However, glycerol, ethylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are also mentioned as being sufficient.
"

"The liquid in which the globule is suspended is usually dyed water"

so it's not always mineral oil. there might still be hope for water!!!
 

earthdick

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Apr 14, 2001
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<< I think it's mineral oil.
But if you do a search for them you can probably find out for sure.

Well that took about 2 sec. ;)

And I win. It's mineral oil... :)

whats inside a lava lamp
>>



Thanks for the search and the link. When I read the article I came to the conclusion that the mineral oil is used for the lava.
"The clear liquid is roughly 70/30% (by volume) water and a liquid which will raise the coefficient of cubic thermal expansion and encourage the movement. The patent recommends slip agents such as propylene glycol for this. However, glycerol, ethylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are also mentioned as being sufficient." So we're back to water again with some glycol added. Correct me if I'm wrong.
 

cmdavid

Diamond Member
May 23, 2001
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<< I just got an XP lava lamp and it is missing about 2" of the fluid on top. Anyone know what I can use to fill it to the top, that would be compatible with the fluid already in there? Thanks. >>


compatible.. HA...
 

Brutuskend

Lifer
Apr 2, 2001
26,558
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AHHH I stand (or sit actually) corrected......


(Damn I guess I should have actually READ the damn thing B4 I started Bragging HUH???) ;)

I did find the link though.. ;)
 

wildwildwes

Senior member
Jul 18, 2001
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I made a lava lamp mixture of my own a while back. I used isopropyl alcohol and water for the clear part and vaseline and some other oils for the lava part. Anything that's clear, mixes with water with about the same density should be fine.
 

Keego

Diamond Member
Aug 15, 2000
6,223
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<<

<< I just got an XP lava lamp and it is missing about 2" of the fluid on top. Anyone know what I can use to fill it to the top, that would be compatible with the fluid already in there? Thanks. >>


compatible.. HA...
>>



lol we should have known, nothing is compatible with MS's lava lamp, just like their OS :D