Bunsen Burner

A Bunsen burner is a laboratory instrument that produces a hot, sootless flame by mixing gas and oxygen in a controlled manner: Description A Bunsen burner is a gas burner that produces a single, open flame. It's used for heating, sterilization, and combustion. Parts A Bunsen burner has a barrel where the gas and oxygen are mixed, a hose barb for the gas tube, and a valve for adjusting the gas flow. The air inlet is usually adjusted by rotating a sleeve on the barrel. Flame The size and temperature of the flame can be controlled by adjusting the Bunsen burner. The flame starts out unsteady and orange when the air hole is closed, and transitions to a more steady orange, purple, and finally blue as the air hole is opened. Safety When using a Bunsen burner, it's important to secure loose hair and clothing, and to have safety equipment like a fire extinguisher or blanket on hand. History The Bunsen burner was invented in 1854 by German chemist Robert Bunsen, and was based on designs by Peter Desdega and Michael Faraday. It was a forerunner to the gas furnace and gas-stove burner.