• Sydney Olympic Torch
  • Sydney Olympic Torch
  • Red Dye In Water

Sydney Olympics Torch

Customer:
SOCOG, Sydney

Description:
FCT was commissioned by the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG) to develop a combustion system for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Relay Torch and worked with our research partner, the University of Adelaide, to meet the challenge. The scope requested by SOCOG was for a flame to achieve the following:

  • Stable in all expected weather conditions;
  • Highly visible to spectators and the media;
  • Low environmental impact through minimum fuel usage, the use of readily available fuels and materials, and no toxic emissions;
  • Safe for athletes and surroundings;
  • Simple and low cost to manufacture; and
  • Operate for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

These specifications, particularly the environmental criteria, were significantly stricter than for previous torch designs. FCT and the University of Adelaide therefore conducted an extensive R&D program to develop a unique fuel and combustion system that performed to SOCOG’s expectations. This program resulted in the development of a liquid draw fuel system and the patented crinkle burner combustor.

Di Henry, SOCOG’s Event Director of the Torch Relay, congratulated FCT, writing that the FCT team “… should be congratulated for your commitment, professionalism and success in the design of a technically superior combustion system which delivered flawlessly in 14 countries over 127 days. … The specifications on performance were clearly met and exceeded, and the project was delivered on time and on budget meeting all of our needs.”

Watch the video of Opening Ceremony – Sydney 2000 Olympics