Bunsen Burners

Information for Bunsen burners The device in use today safely burns a continuous stream of a flammable gas such as natural gas (which is principally methane) or a liquefied petroleum gas such as propane, butane, or a mixture of both. The hose barb is connected to a gas nozzle on the lab bench with rubber tubing. Most lab benches are equipped with multiple gas nozzles connected to a central gas source, as well as vacuum, nitrogen, and steam nozzles. The gas then flows up through the base through a small hole at the bottom of the barrel and is directed upward. There are open slots in the side of the tube bottom to admit air into the stream via the Ventura effect, and the gas burns at the top of the tube once ignited by a flame or spark. The most common methods of lighting the burner are using a match or a spark lighter.

Different flame colours 1 safety flame 2 medium flame 3 soaring blue flame

Safety of a Bunsen burner Step one: Place the Bunsen burner on a heat proof mat Step two: Check that the rubber tubing is connected properly to the Bunsen burner and the gas tap. step 3: ensure that the air hole is closed Step 4: Light the match Step 5: Open the gas tap Step 6: Hold the burning match over the barrel. Make sure your hand is not in the passage of the flame.

How to use a Bunsen burner The "coolest" flame is a yellow / orange colour.  It is approximately 300°C.  It is never used to heat anything, only to show that the Bunsen burner is on.  It is called the safety flame. The medium flame, also called the blue flame or the invisible flame is difficult to see in a well-lit room.  It is the most commonly used flame. It is approximately 500°C. The hottest flame is called the roaring blue flame.  It is characterized by a light blue triangle in the middle and it is the only flame of the 3 which makes a noise.  It is approximately 700°C.