http://metricfelt.com/wicking.html
It talks about the wick height capability of felt wicks. I have not been able to find a similar discussion of cotton, but there were hints here and there that imply that denser felts wick better than cotton.
The chart referenced in the above link was done at 20 C using SAE 10 weight oil. I believe kerosene would work better, but the article implies that temperature has a significant effect on the outcome.
Anyway, it all sort of implies that tanks that are deep are going to be troublesome, especially at colder temperatures. It also makes clear that a doubled up wick will carry twice the fuel as a single wick (no surprise there). I would guess there is logic in thinking the multiple need to be combined into a single wick within 2 inches of the flame.
My latest experiment with a deep tank lantern is using a triple wick. One wick is bent into a U shape and the "primary wick" is inserted into the U. I has my wife sew the three layers together for a couple inches on the bottom. The rest of the way up I tied it together with cotton string, allowing me to retie it as the primary wick burns away.
So far the results are very positive. The lamp burns well untill the tank is empty every time.
Of course, the real test will come this winter when the cold weather returns.
Rick
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