Bunsen Burner

Time to go back to college. Remember those chemistry practicals where we used a special device for heating and combustion while conducting different experiments? Well, many of you may not remember the name of that equipment but don't worry, I will tell you what it's called. The name of that apparatus is Bunsen burner. Today your children may not be using the same Bunsen burner for science experiments as it has been replaced by electric hot plate by many institutes. The electric hot plate produces more balanced heat without having much inflammability. But, Bunsen burner is still popular and widely used by experienced scientists.

What is a Bunsen Burner?

It is essentially a small gas burner that is dowered with adjustable flame. The size of the flame depends on the amount of gas it receives and this amount of gas can be controlled and manipulated manually with the help of nozzle that is situated at the base of the apparatus. Barrel, collar, gas flow valve, gas intake tube, and base, are the core Bunsen burner parts that constitute a complete burner. The design of this burner is very simple yet very user-friendly. It includes a vertical metal tube that is connected to the base. The base of the burner has a nozzle that connects to gas flow valve as well as gas source. Using this nozzle one can adjust the amount of gas that needs to be passed thought the tube which ultimately helps in controlling the Bunsen burner temperature. When the gas is released it reacts with the oxygen that is present at the bottom of the tube and flows upwards that is top of the burner where you can lit it with a match stick or a lighter.

A Bunsen burner is used in the process of sterilization, heating, and combustion of various substances in the laboratory. It is one of the most common, in fact, the primary laboratory equipment, especially of the chemistry lab. Though it might seem very easy to use this apparatus, it is essential to learn from your instructors or teachers about how to use it safely for better and accurate results.

Who Invented the Bunsen Burner?

The story behind this high utility burner and its name is quite interesting. Many of you may have concluded by now that the burner got its name from the person who designed or invented it. If yes, then you are wrong. Though the burner is named after Robert Burner, he is not the inventor of this device. There is a long story behind this which I will tell you in brief. In 1852, Bunsen, a well-known chemist in Germany, was working with University of Heidelberg as a laboratory supervisor. He observed that flammable burners cause inconvenience while conducting experiments that interferes with the actual result of an experiment. Apart from that, safety was also his concern. He then asked the laboratory assistant, Peter Desaga, to design a new burner that will produce even, clean, non luminous, and controllable air. He also provided him with a rough design of the apparatus. Soon many of his colleagues adopted this design and it became universal in all the laboratories.

Share the above information on Bunsen burner with your old college friends and revive some old mischievous memories about chemistry practicals that are sure to bring a smile on your face.