mfisher
Hot Rolled
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2006
- Location
- Annapolis, Maryland
A search of the web provided nothing definitive - so here goes:
MOVA Globes
Innovative Rotating Globe Decor - MOVA Globes, A Unique Elegant Gift (not an endorsement, they are a bit overpriced and tend of have problems, but are cool while they last, and I got one as a gift)
have a clear plastic shell, then a globe inside floating in some sort of clear liquid. Using light, and an arrangement of magnets, photo cells of some sorts and a bit of magic, the globes turn inside the shell.
They are notorious for getting air bubbles in them. With a bubble, the globe is no longer suspended, and doesn't rotate.
Easy enough to drill a small hole, and refill, but what is in there? The maker describes it as 'totally safe' and similar to charcoal lighter fluid. They say it is a 'proprietary fluid', but that is probably just marketing. They will sell a replacement globe, but not very cheap.
So I am thinking it is a light paraffin / mineral oil of some sort. Any one know? Fluid density is critical, but since I need to top-up such a small volume, I think just making sure it is miscible and doesn't cloud is the biggest concern.
Thanks in advance.
Matt
MOVA Globes
Innovative Rotating Globe Decor - MOVA Globes, A Unique Elegant Gift (not an endorsement, they are a bit overpriced and tend of have problems, but are cool while they last, and I got one as a gift)
have a clear plastic shell, then a globe inside floating in some sort of clear liquid. Using light, and an arrangement of magnets, photo cells of some sorts and a bit of magic, the globes turn inside the shell.
They are notorious for getting air bubbles in them. With a bubble, the globe is no longer suspended, and doesn't rotate.
Easy enough to drill a small hole, and refill, but what is in there? The maker describes it as 'totally safe' and similar to charcoal lighter fluid. They say it is a 'proprietary fluid', but that is probably just marketing. They will sell a replacement globe, but not very cheap.
So I am thinking it is a light paraffin / mineral oil of some sort. Any one know? Fluid density is critical, but since I need to top-up such a small volume, I think just making sure it is miscible and doesn't cloud is the biggest concern.
Thanks in advance.
Matt