Stone Boiling Water In A Plastic Container:
I have been thinking about the premise of boiling water without a metal container as unfortunately everywhere we go these days you find trash (usually in the form of plastic bottles). So undertook a mission to boil water several different ways using a plastic container and those items I could find in nature (note this is never a first option and is only a fall back plan if a metal container is not available). First off lets talk about stone selection. DON'T use any bedrock (i.e. sand stone and other porous rocks) as they will explode when exposed to extreme heat. Granite is one of the best materials for this endeavor and I was able to find it laying around in several locations. Ideally you need 3-4 rocks to bring your water to a boil; however, if you superheat one large rock it will also do the trick quite well. Just as a brief note if you are using a plastic container this is probably the best medium to ensure your continued use of that container going forward as you can get countless stone boils out of a plastic container but usually 1 or 2 out of a traditional boil over a fire.
1) Place the selected rock (remember if you throw it against another rock and it breaks it's not a good idea to stick it in the fire) in the direct flame or in the coals (coals give the best result however cause a change in the taste of the water if you don't attempt to shake the soot off). This step should last at least 45 minutes if you want it to work on your first attempt. NOTE to increase your chances of success have multiple rocks ready for use in case the first rock was not heated enough to bring the water to a boil. You may also elect to wrap your rock in a green material then place it on the coals to prevent the transfer of soot but I usually skip this step as I don't mind the way the water tastes if you let it boil for a few minutes (there is just a hint of an after taste).
4) Wait for you water to come to a roaring boil (should take 30 seconds or less) then you are able to drink your water or use it for cooking. NOTE if you melt the container in anyway the plastic could off gas and release materials into the water that are worse for you than what you would have drank.... always check for color change in the water and deformity to your container).
2) Retrieve your rock from the fire utilizing tongs, two metal objects (wear gloves), two sticks (a "Y" shaped stick on each side will help you control the rock better) or any other medium which you prefer.
3) Shake off any loose soot from the rock (or blow the soot off) then place the rock directly into the container full of water.
5) Finished product.... user beware this is one hot beverage!
6) Just a quick video to show you how effective of a boil this method gives you inside your plastic container.
As always there are several ways to accomplish this task and if you have a better way please share it with me as we are all here to learn together! Feel free to comment or ask any questions you may have.
Is that safe? Given the toxins in plastic? Not criticizing, asking
ReplyDeleteNot unless the plastic comes in contact with the the fire and causes melting or discoloration once that occurs then there is off gassing and the potential for leaching from the plastic, otherwise its just like drinking from a water bottle which millions of people do on a daily basis. The water will have a yellow tint if the plastic has off gassed and leached into your water.
DeleteThanks, just needed to ask, never really tried that
DeleteI was under the impression that when heated or exposed to sunlight plastic breaks down and enters the water thus , pollutants are in your water? They are warning about leaving those bottles in your car and getting hot just from that. Good information.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that warning, but it doesn't surprise me. If you take a small taste of the water and it tastes strongly of plastic just don't drink it. In my experience even water bladders have tasted like plastic. Everything non-organic seems to be found to cause cancer so who know what is true. If its truly skunky water and this is all I have for re hydration I would probably take my chances. Also if you follow Les Stroud, Dave Canterbury or Cody Lundine they have all used some plastic container to boil water.
DeleteI've rocked boiled before, there are somethings to be careful of. Make sure the rocks are dense so they don't explode, I used a t-shirt to filter water in a cup so I didn't get any ashes and the water was fairly clear. I drank the water in a lake and never got sick.
ReplyDelete100% Correct! I covered the dense rock (granite is best for me) a couple times in there to remind people.
DeleteYes you did an awesome job explaining, I was just reiterating your post, great detail thanks.
Delete10-4 and thank you. Sorry a lot of people have been commenting that didn't actually read it so I've been explaining on other forums alot of things in the post, and also defending the evil plastic which is known to cause cancer in CA lol
DeleteYeah, your page is one of my favorites. Keep the good flight!
DeleteThank You that means a great deal!
DeleteI did a demonstration, like this, not long ago, for a friend of mine. SCIENCE IS AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteLet's face it water is the number 1 when it calls for survival , since the body is 70% water ! you got to have it and that sounds like a good way to bring it to a boil ! But if you taste or smell plastic, the chemicals are harmful and you need to go another route ! Good Idea ! but make adjustments to achieve your goal of water !
ReplyDeleteI did a demonstration, like this, not long ago, for a friend of mine. SCIENCE IS AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteScience Really Is Very AWESOME !
DeleteWell, that sure was interesting! I have no idea what a bunch of the rocks are made of around here. So, you're saying if I try to smash them and they don't break, I'm good?
ReplyDeleteYes, that's roughly what I'm saying... if it isn't porous or gritty and doesn't break when you throw it against other rocks you should be good. If you are not 100% sure wear eye protection when handling the rock and stay away as much as possible while it's warming up. If you hear a small explosion you got a bad rock. Granite seems to work best and is found in most mountain regions.
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