Potassium Permanganate???

M

Mr Jody Hudson

Joined
Oct 1, 2001
Messages
106
I like the idea of the versatility of Potassium Permanganate; for making fires, killing microbes, sterilization of wounds, etc. However, I am unable to find out how to sterilize drinking water with it. Does anyone have a reliable reference on how to use it to purify water?

I see it listed in survival kits all over the Web as water purifier but found no reference on how or how well it does the job.

Anyone have a reference?
 
Yeah, I would also like to know how to use it to sterilize water. The only thing I have ever used Pot.Perm. for was for staining gun stocks...it goes on purple and dries a dirty brown but when you hit it with 0000 steel wool and tung oil it turns a beautiful redish-brown that looks like and old muzzleloader stock that has been hand rubbed for years.

Would also like to hear of the many more uses of the Pot.Perm.
:p
 
My favorite use is as a fire starter. Mix some PP with glycerin and in a couple of minutes you have a fire that is HOT. In cold weather I've had to add some alcohol to the glycerine to reduce the time of ignition. One fellow claimed that he could ignite aluminum or magnesium with a PP and glycerine starter puddle for some real heat.
 
Where does everyone here get their Potassium Permanganate and the glycerine and about how much do they cost?
 
I have bought a kit containing PP and glycerin at REI. You should be able to buy both at any drugstore.

Bob
 
Hey Guys...

I've never used straight glycerin before but have used antifreeze out of the truck,,and it works just fine..
The antifreez has Glycol in it,,that probably contains gylcerin..

I have heard using a couple packets of sugar also does the trick,,but have not tried it...

Fun Stuff chem reactions Eh!!

ttyle

Eric...
 
In the British SAS survival manual, no specific solution is given for using Potassium Permanganate. It states to mix with water until a light pink color is reached, for drinking, and to mix until red to use as an antiseptic.

My doctor said that while it will work, it can be a bit harsh and may make you sick to your stomach, which will of course cause you to lose more valuable water. Too much hassle IMO. Stick with puritabs or bleach.

Coffee creamer found in MRE packets makes a great firestarter :D .
 
I use well water in my home and i have a water softener and an iron filter. The iron filter uses Potassium Permanganate for recharging. The local feed stores here sell it in 3 pound plastic containers for around $8. This stuff is very purple when wet and I do not know how you could dilute it as I believe it is very concentrated. One pound will recharge a 5 foot cylinder of green sand for a month of iron removal from the water supply.
 
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