phykoleum

The name phykoleum derives from the $LANGUAGE words for 'algae oil', phŷkos élaion. IT is a naturally ocurring oil derived from aquatic plant matter, such as goldenscale algae. Once extracted, it can be used raw, or refined into the fuel oil, querosene.

Production

Extracting oil

Comercially grown strains of algae are so abundant in oil that it can a simple manual press can extract about 75% of the available product. Further processing by specialised arcanists yields a result that constitutes 95% of the available oil.

Refinement into querosene

First performed in 1853 by Zuberoa Astica, phykoleum is refined into querosene^* via a process known as transesterification. In this process, caustic soda and alcohol are mixed into the oil to create querosene and glycerine. The latter is removed and the final product is filtered before use. Unadulterated querosene burns cleanly, without leaving residue or soot, and does not create any harmful gasses. It was sold as a better quality phykoleum without the dangers associated with burning impure oil. It is sold under a number of trademarks based on performance-enhancing additives - although engines are made of steel, and consequentially are impervious to magic, the fuel itself is capable of being enchanted to various effects.

Uses

Historic uses

The first documented use of phykoleum is in a travelogue from the 9th century, where costal communities described as using 'sea oil' to fuel oil lamps and provide 'woodless fire'. Phykoleum is still used to provide cheap light and heat in remote areas and regions where gas lines cannot be safely installed. More recently, it is used to fuel space heaters, portable cooking appliances, toy cars, and some smaller-engined vehicles such as motor-bicycles and small boats.

Ortiz engine

Conceptualised in 1861 by Tulio Ortiz, an ortiz engine is an internal combustion engine that uses mechanical compression to heat atomised querosine past its flash point, causing it to spontaneously combust. The first working engine ran for the first time on 1864-02-17, propelling an unladen cart over 200 metres, and can be seen in the $COUNTRY Museum of Technology.

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* from keros élaion, 'wax oil', as phykoleum was then sold compressed into bars of wax

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