Fill a 2 liter soda bottle with calcium chloride pellets ( this is the white ice melt). This will take about 24 oz. When you need to use it simply fill the bottle with water which should be stored along with the ice pellet bottle. The temp will reach about 100* and last a whole day. I am going to make smaller bottles of this . This would also be good for camping and put in your sleeping bag to keep your feet warm.
bug out bag-heat
- Thread starter Deemy
- Start date
fruit loop
Inactive
THANKS!
Didn't know that.
Didn't know that.
oldladydoolin
Inactive
WOW!!!! This is something great to know. Thanks!
Brenda
Brenda
Doc1
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Questions
Very interesting post! Does the chemical reaction generate gasses of any sort? If so, what are they, what volumes and does the bottle cap have to be loose to prevent dangerous pressure build up? Though only plastic, soda bottles can build up significant pressure and I'd hate to be possibly injured at worst, or splattered with wet compound (at best) in cold weather by an explosion.
Best regards
Doc
Very interesting post! Does the chemical reaction generate gasses of any sort? If so, what are they, what volumes and does the bottle cap have to be loose to prevent dangerous pressure build up? Though only plastic, soda bottles can build up significant pressure and I'd hate to be possibly injured at worst, or splattered with wet compound (at best) in cold weather by an explosion.
Best regards
Doc
I did indeed...it really works! Have you seen those new heater meals? This is the stuff that heats the meal. How about those hand warmers? Same stuff. By the way, there is no fumes at all. It cost only about three dollars to fill the 2 liter bottle but I'm making them smaller say the 16 oz size bottle
What if the water freezes? That is why I'm doing it in 16 0z bottles instead of 2qt. You are suppose to not fill a water bottle filled with liquid all the way to the top in case it does freeze. Put the water bottle so it can defrost where your car heater can thaw it out, then you pour the water into the calcium chloride....you can also pour the water in in small amounts it just won't heat through the whole bottle just from the bottom
BackToTheFuture
Membership Revoked
Great idea!
Almost any hdwr store should carry it. Look for 'snow-melt' or 'de-icer'. Read the label tho, you want calcium chloride not sodium chloride (salt). Sorta hard to find here in the desert tho.IMPAT said:
Note: this is a "deliquescent dryer". In other words it sucks water bigtime. Avoid getting it on materials you don't want to dry out..like leather. It's recommended for drying organics like mushrooms.
Back when I had a large gun closet, I used this stuff to absorb moisture in the closet. A mason jar full set at bottom kept my guns nice and dry in what was a humid environment. It's not recyclable so when the chem turns to liquid it needs replacing, and an occasional pouring off of liquid.
Should work well in a dry foods/goods storage area too for folks living in high humidity locations.
[edit to add] Calcium Chloride is very corrosive to iron, steel (even stainless steel), aluminum, copper, brass. So be careful about leaving it in long term contact with these metals.
Cool!! ..er.. hot!!
Thanx Deemy. I'd never thought of using it for emergency heat generation. Made a note to ask for availability at local hdwr/feedstore.
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Michigan Majik
FreeSpirit, with attitude
What a great idea, thanks Deemy.
Does the bottle get warm enough to keep a car warm, without running the heater constantly?
Does the bottle get warm enough to keep a car warm, without running the heater constantly?
troglodyte
Inactive
Would this also work to put the materials into a zip-lock baggie, like the size of those hand warmers? Although care would have to be taken not to squeeze the baggie and cause it to open. By the way, the typical price for those little hand warmers is $1 each when bought one at a time in a store -- quite expensive. Could this replace them?
"Have you seen those new heater meals? This is the stuff that heats the meal. How about those hand warmers? Same stuff."
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I don't have an MRE around now, but it seems like that the heaters for the MRE had some sort of warning about the heat-generating chemical.....I just can't remember what it was. Must have been downright funny or (more likely) SCARY for me to remember a warning existed.
Anyone have an MRE with the heater bag that you add water to that can read off the warning label?
And thanks for the post Deemy!
Jaded
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I don't have an MRE around now, but it seems like that the heaters for the MRE had some sort of warning about the heat-generating chemical.....I just can't remember what it was. Must have been downright funny or (more likely) SCARY for me to remember a warning existed.
Anyone have an MRE with the heater bag that you add water to that can read off the warning label?
And thanks for the post Deemy!
Jaded
WOW! interesting stuff flowing from your initial idea Deemy.
An interesting tech history of Packages that Heat & Cool (HTML version of the PDF).
Here's that warning Jaded prolly saw...
[snip] Military Rations. Military developers determined that calcium oxide reactions were not rapid enough for fast-moving soldiers, so magnesium oxide was substituted in flexible pouches—with the usual addition of water to actuate. The speed of heating was sufficient to warn users that they could burn their fingers and tongues on the package or its contents. [/snip]
Yep, same Magnesium Oxide we use (diluted) for antacid/laxative/magnesium supplement ("milk of magnesia" is MgO in water). Hmmmm...donno where to go with this info for heat production tho. Nor if (dry tablets) off-the-shelf stuff works.
An interesting tech history of Packages that Heat & Cool (HTML version of the PDF).
Here's that warning Jaded prolly saw...
[snip] Military Rations. Military developers determined that calcium oxide reactions were not rapid enough for fast-moving soldiers, so magnesium oxide was substituted in flexible pouches—with the usual addition of water to actuate. The speed of heating was sufficient to warn users that they could burn their fingers and tongues on the package or its contents. [/snip]
Yep, same Magnesium Oxide we use (diluted) for antacid/laxative/magnesium supplement ("milk of magnesia" is MgO in water). Hmmmm...donno where to go with this info for heat production tho. Nor if (dry tablets) off-the-shelf stuff works.
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night driver
ESFP adrift in INTJ sea
Those buck a pack hand warmers that you just open are finely divided iron with another chem to stabilize and accelerate the rusting reaction which is what develops the heat in THEM...
Now there ARE re-usable packs where you pop a little clicker in the solution and it solidifies... and warms for about 6 hours...you can then boil the bags and it goes back into solution...
c
Now there ARE re-usable packs where you pop a little clicker in the solution and it solidifies... and warms for about 6 hours...you can then boil the bags and it goes back into solution...
c
Bubba Zanetti
Inactive
Isn't this the same stuff they use in those toy cannons? If so, it gives off hydrogen gas. I know the old MRE warmers gave off a little of the gas.
Jumpy Frog
Browncoat sympathizer
After eating MREs I sometimes give off methane gas....does that count? 
Doing a test run right now. I filled a Herseys milkshakebottle(14oz) with the calcium chloride and only needed 1/2 cup of water. It went very hot very fast. Put on the lid but had no fumes.Half hr passed at this point still very warm. Question had been asked about baggies....no way! lol, put the bottle behind me back while playing on puter feels darn good. For little kids a must have gloves on.
ok, test is done. The 14 oz bottle heat lasted three hours. I used Vaporizer brand from KMart. Charlie ,I looked on the ingredients list and this is 100% pellet calcium chloride. Thanks for the warning is case anyone finds a different brand. All in all, I'm very pleased with the outcome.
intothatgoodnight
. . .
What is the correct ratio of water to calcium chloride?
intothegoodnight
intothegoodnight
phoenix7of7
Deceased
Timbo;
NaCl is sodium chloride .... salt
MgCl is Magnesium chloride
KcI ....... no such thing as written. Did you make a typo?
NaCl is sodium chloride .... salt
MgCl is Magnesium chloride
KcI ....... no such thing as written. Did you make a typo?
timbo - No chem pro but from what I've read...
KcI = Potassium Chloride (Potash)
NaCI = Calcium Chloride
MgCI = Magnesium Chloride (this one will produce hydrogen gas when wetted but not considered a fire hazard)
MgCl+H2O heats hotter/faster. May melt some thin plastics or burn organics..like fingers/etc.
My suggestion when homebrew experimenting with any exothermic (heat producing) chemical combinations is that you use common sense safety precautions. Gloves, eye protection, distance from experiment or shielding, and that you at first do not "contain" the reaction. Doing it outside might be wise until you're sure of the results.
Remember too, the speed of a chemical reaction is very much determined by ambient temperatures, including temp of the H2O added. In other words, adding heat to an already exothermic/heat producing chemical reaction speeds the reaction. Example: the MRE heater that heats in 2 miutes at 80F may require 5-10 minutes at much lower temps.
KcI = Potassium Chloride (Potash)
NaCI = Calcium Chloride
MgCI = Magnesium Chloride (this one will produce hydrogen gas when wetted but not considered a fire hazard)
MgCl+H2O heats hotter/faster. May melt some thin plastics or burn organics..like fingers/etc.
My suggestion when homebrew experimenting with any exothermic (heat producing) chemical combinations is that you use common sense safety precautions. Gloves, eye protection, distance from experiment or shielding, and that you at first do not "contain" the reaction. Doing it outside might be wise until you're sure of the results.
Remember too, the speed of a chemical reaction is very much determined by ambient temperatures, including temp of the H2O added. In other words, adding heat to an already exothermic/heat producing chemical reaction speeds the reaction. Example: the MRE heater that heats in 2 miutes at 80F may require 5-10 minutes at much lower temps.
Loretta Van Riet
Trying to hang out with the cool kids.
Could you pee into the bottle? 
That is ANOTHER brilliant idea!!!
Wow! Someone try it and report in!
Loretta V.
That is ANOTHER brilliant idea!!!
Wow! Someone try it and report in!
Loretta V.
Yup, that's an interesting question.
I know CaCl is used in feedlots to reduce ammonia emmisions (urine/manure combining with N and O in soil/atmosphere). A major contributor, along with Hydrogen Sulfide, of feedlot odor. (google)
My reading says both acids (low pH) and/or water (pH 7) + CaCl is exothermic. However, base (high pH) reduces the exothermic reaction.
So I reason that if you have a (fresh) healthy urine sample (pH around 7), it should work as well as water. FYI: Kidneys excrete acid or base according to blood pH to maintain the pH 7 balance. Urine pH basics
My amateur research seems to conclude that urine+CaCl experimentation should not be a safety problem and/or should work as an alternative to plain water.
Hmmmm...I wonder if CaCl may be an answer to improvised toilet odors. ??
I know CaCl is used in feedlots to reduce ammonia emmisions (urine/manure combining with N and O in soil/atmosphere). A major contributor, along with Hydrogen Sulfide, of feedlot odor. (google)
My reading says both acids (low pH) and/or water (pH 7) + CaCl is exothermic. However, base (high pH) reduces the exothermic reaction.
So I reason that if you have a (fresh) healthy urine sample (pH around 7), it should work as well as water. FYI: Kidneys excrete acid or base according to blood pH to maintain the pH 7 balance. Urine pH basics
My amateur research seems to conclude that urine+CaCl experimentation should not be a safety problem and/or should work as an alternative to plain water.
Hmmmm...I wonder if CaCl may be an answer to improvised toilet odors. ??
newsnut... I keep CaCl on hand for melting snow in certain areas where I don't want to use salt or coal ashes. I buy it in 50 lb bags for $16 at Home Depot and put in in plastic milk jugs to keep dry. It gets all over my hands, and I sprinkle it around for snow with bare hands with no problems.
My advice on this 'heat in a bottle 'trick is to not use a 2 liter soda bottle. So much heat is generated at first the the bottle can warp like shrink wrap. Use a heavier wt plastic bottle like a gatorade or juice bottle with a good, strong cap.
When you add water to the bottle, it dissolves some of the CaCl and you get a sort of glycerine like slippery stuff mixed with the pellets. I smeared some on my arm and hand to see if it burns.... after maybe 15 minutes it felt a tiny bit itchy, nothing like weak acid or lye, and no redness.
For the bottom of a sleeping bag, I'd wrap the bottle in a couple of paper towels and put it in a jumbo ziploc bag just in case.
This is absolutely the best prep idea I've read in a while. My son came in from hunting a few weeks back for a bottle of propane and his little stove. I was thinking that he could slip two bottles of CaCl in his camo suit and yes, pee in the bottles.
My advice on this 'heat in a bottle 'trick is to not use a 2 liter soda bottle. So much heat is generated at first the the bottle can warp like shrink wrap. Use a heavier wt plastic bottle like a gatorade or juice bottle with a good, strong cap.
When you add water to the bottle, it dissolves some of the CaCl and you get a sort of glycerine like slippery stuff mixed with the pellets. I smeared some on my arm and hand to see if it burns.... after maybe 15 minutes it felt a tiny bit itchy, nothing like weak acid or lye, and no redness.
For the bottom of a sleeping bag, I'd wrap the bottle in a couple of paper towels and put it in a jumbo ziploc bag just in case.
This is absolutely the best prep idea I've read in a while. My son came in from hunting a few weeks back for a bottle of propane and his little stove. I was thinking that he could slip two bottles of CaCl in his camo suit and yes, pee in the bottles.
I Agree with Annie that the 2 qt bottle is way to much. I like it in the 14 oz bottle of Herseys milkshake. It is a stronger plastic than the 16 oz soda bottle and it still was to warm to touch(which is why I highly suggest gloves or mittens) . The heat cools down to be able to touchafter about the first 45 min. The 14 oz bottle are smaller so easier to keep in the car and you can have more of them to use for more people or extend the heat time for one person. As for peeing in the bottle...well I might try it after other options fail! Hum, would there be a chemical reaction?
Timbo..did ya try the deicer mix you have..seems to be the only mix I have around here. I still need to check feed store tho.
Ran across this at Cheaper than Dirt and ordered some. Buck apiece not bad IMO. Should be perfect for BOB, sleeping bag, and/or other mobile uses. Looks to be one of their special buys so donno how long it will hold.
Product Description: Military Heating Pad 12 Pack 7" Square Add Water To Activate
Catalog Item #: LOW-514 Mfg Item #: 8-0915
Value:$39.94 Our Low Price:$11.97
Military Heating Pad Original US heating pad which can be reused many times, just add water. New in sealed package with carry pouch, 7" square and gets to hot to hold, perfect for winter sports, limited supplies,we sell these in a package of 12. Each Heating Pad consists of a green outer pouch and a brown heating pad. The brown heating pad is rubber lined so moisture will not leak out. Directions for use: With a pencil or a similar 3-4" rod, insert into the flap/funnel at the top corner of the heating pad so that water can be added. If contents in heating pad are hard or lumpy you will need to break up or knead before use. For initial first use of the pad slowly add Two Tablespoons of water ONLY. If more water than recommended is use it will diminish the heating ability of heating pad. In the initial first use of pad, it will take longer for the pad to reach the hottest temperature; each use thereafter will not take as long. Occasionally shaking the bag will keep the heating pad actively heating. The duration of heat will last approximately 8 hours. After 40 hours of use Three Tablespoons of water to activate, then after 70 hours use Four Tablespoons of water to activate. When finished using heating pad remove from pouch and place in a flat open area (preferably on something that heat will not damage) to allow pad to cool and dry out.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/...gid=&mscssid=DVHTE6V1S6VU8LPGAL8EXA6WBLPQ3GUC
Ran across this at Cheaper than Dirt and ordered some. Buck apiece not bad IMO. Should be perfect for BOB, sleeping bag, and/or other mobile uses. Looks to be one of their special buys so donno how long it will hold.
Product Description: Military Heating Pad 12 Pack 7" Square Add Water To Activate
Catalog Item #: LOW-514 Mfg Item #: 8-0915
Value:$39.94 Our Low Price:$11.97
Military Heating Pad Original US heating pad which can be reused many times, just add water. New in sealed package with carry pouch, 7" square and gets to hot to hold, perfect for winter sports, limited supplies,we sell these in a package of 12. Each Heating Pad consists of a green outer pouch and a brown heating pad. The brown heating pad is rubber lined so moisture will not leak out. Directions for use: With a pencil or a similar 3-4" rod, insert into the flap/funnel at the top corner of the heating pad so that water can be added. If contents in heating pad are hard or lumpy you will need to break up or knead before use. For initial first use of the pad slowly add Two Tablespoons of water ONLY. If more water than recommended is use it will diminish the heating ability of heating pad. In the initial first use of pad, it will take longer for the pad to reach the hottest temperature; each use thereafter will not take as long. Occasionally shaking the bag will keep the heating pad actively heating. The duration of heat will last approximately 8 hours. After 40 hours of use Three Tablespoons of water to activate, then after 70 hours use Four Tablespoons of water to activate. When finished using heating pad remove from pouch and place in a flat open area (preferably on something that heat will not damage) to allow pad to cool and dry out.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/...gid=&mscssid=DVHTE6V1S6VU8LPGAL8EXA6WBLPQ3GUC