The Wild World Of Wicks! NCA Workshop 2014

Challenges of Candles Today

1 – More Wax Blends with Soy 2 – End of Life Safety 3 – Lower Outside glass Temps 4 – Less Post Extinguishing Sooting 5 – Higher Fragrance Loads 6 – Multi Wicked Candles 7 – More Demanding Consumers

Key ASTM Standards for Candles*

Cautionary Labeling Standard Reference #: ASTM F-2058Effective Since: 2000This standard sets forth specifications for the warning label that cautions consumers to always keep a burning candle within sight; never place a candle on or near anything that can catch fire; and to keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Reference title: Standard Specification for Cautionary Labeling for Candles Burned in A HomeHeat Strength of Glass Containers Standard Reference #: ASTM F-2179Effective Since: 2002This standard establishes scratch test and temper specifications for the proper annealing of glass containers used for candles, as well as thermal shock differential requirements.Reference title: Standard Specification for Annealed Soda-Lime-Silicate Glass Containers that are Produced for Use as Candle Containers Fire-Safety Design Standard Reference #: ASTM F-2417Effective Since: 2004This standard establishes maximum flame height, tip-over limits, secondary-ignition proscriptions, and end-of-useful life specifications.Reference title: Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candles Candle Accessories Reference #: ASTM F-2601 Effective Since: May 2007 This standard sets forth specifications for the fire-safety manufacture, labeling and testing of candle accessories (e.g., candle rings, candle burners, potpourri burners).  It is expected that this standard will be expanded in 2008 to include candle holders and other accessories.

Why is the Wick Important?1. Controls All Aspects of a Candles’

Burning!Flame size, Consumption rate, etc…

2. Controls Hot Scent Throw!Burn pool formation, Evaporation, etc…

3. Controls the Quality of a Candle’s Burn!= Customer Brand Loyalty= Repeat Sales

The Two Basic Forms of Cotton Wicks

Flat Braided – Coreless “Flat” braided cotton wick that curls outward when burning. Examples are PLY, HTP , ECO, CD, LX, etc...

Round Braided – Cotton braided jacket around a central core like paper, zinc, or cotton. Examples are A&P C,Z,&P, RRD, PK, WU C, WU Z, etc…

Wick Burning ProfileStraight Burning Flame Curling Burning Flame

Characteristics of Flat Braids PROS Wick curls to outside, less mushrooming Flame is elongated horizontally toward curl More likely to be “self-trimming” No core so less potential wick clogging Maintains liquid flow in viscous formulations CONS Curling pulls heat source off center, hang up In acidic environments wick can curl too far In deep burn pools wick can lean to one side

Characteristics of Round Wicks PROS Straight flame profile, concentric burn pool More rigid in liquid wax, stays centered Can be “self-trimming” when sized precisely Cores add additional heat in combustion Physically more rigid during manufacturing CONS Potential for more mushrooming Denser core could clog overtime Larger sizes can/need to be trimmed more often

Anatomy of a Flame

LIQUID WAX

HEAT LIGHT

OXYGEN

OXYGEN OXYGEN

OXYGEN

Candle Candle

N00XYGEN

VAPORIZEDWAX

Glow Zone 2000 F Blue Zone 2500 FBl

ue Z

one

2500

F

Dark Zone 1800 FDar

k Zo

ne 1

800

F1500

F

Van der Waals Force, Adhesion, Tension, Pressure

THE VARIABLES IN CANDLE COMBUSTION

1. Infinite Permutations of Formulas2. Varying Composition of Organic

Components in Candles3. Infinite Ambient Burning Conditions4. Completely Uncontrolled Nature of

an Open Candle Flame

General Test Burning Guidelines

Wick Selection Is Only Finalized On Finished Formulations – Changes to Formula Will Change The Burn

Burn A Control Sample - ASTM Burn at Least 1 Candle with NO

Wick Trimming Experience Different Cycles – Short

To Abusive

Test To Find Wick Type First, Then Exact Size

Product Line – Easy To Burn, Majority, Hard To Burn

Easier To Burn – Light Colored With More Flammable Diluents

Harder To Burn – Dark colors, Cinnamon Notes, Essential Oils Like Patchouli

General Test Burning Guidelines

Excessive Flame Height on Initial Lighting

Tall Thin FlameConstant Soot FormationExtended Time to Stabilize Flame

Size Initial Lighting Depression

Low PressureArea

AcceleratedBuoyancy

Excessive Combustion Sooting in General

Vaporized Fuel

Fuel Broken Down

Extre

me H

eat

Escaping Soot (carbon particles)

Liquid Fuel

Escaping Soot (carbon particles)

Excessive Flame Height During Last Half of Candle

1. Trapped Heat Accumulates2. Lower Viscosity Increases Liquid Flow3. Overheating Increases in Last 50% of

Candle to the End of Life

• Narrowing Top• Area of Trapped Heat• Over 50%

Consumption

SOLUTIONSExcessive Flame Heights and Smoking During Burn Cycles

1. Test Burn 1 or 2 Sizes Smaller of The Same Style Wick

2. Test Burn Different Style Wicks With Tighter, Denser Braiding for Better Liquid Flow Control – Try Wicks with Curling Burn Profiles Instead of Straight Profiles

3. Conservative Wick Selection4. Trapped Heat Aids in Liquefying Candle5. In Large Jars Try 2 Smaller Wicks Instead of 1

Large Wick

Carbon Accumulation on the Wick

LIQUID WAX

2000 F2000

F

N00XYGEN

N00XYGEN

OXYGEN OXYGEN

VAPORIZEDWAX

Partially Reduced

Wax Molecules

Falling Back Onto The Wick

Excessive Outside Container Temperature

Of Metal Containers

1. Metal Absorbs and Radiates Heat2. Conservative Wick Clip

Selections RIGHT WICK – SIZED CORRECTLYWRONG WICK – TOO HOT

Post-Extinguishing Sooting

LIQUID WAX

SOOT Partially Reduced

Molecules

PROLONGED SMOKING

SOLUTIONSFor Carbon Buildup – Excessive Heat –

Post Extinguishing Sooting 1. Test Burn Wicks 1 or 2 Sizes Smaller of

The Same Style 2. Test Burn Different Style Wicks With

Bending Burn Profile3. Conservative Wick Selection4. Test Burn Different Style Wicks With

Tighter, Denser Braiding for Better Metering of the Liquid Wax

Optimum Candle PerformanceHOT THROWMinimal SootFlame Height

Burn Time Drama Free Experience Controlled by

The Wick!Controlled by

The Wick!

Thank

You