When you think about labware, you probably envision large, expensive-looking pieces of equipment. But, the truth is that many of the more basic tools you'll find in your laboratory are much simpler -- and often quite useful, too.
One of the most common tools in a laboratory burner produces an open flame that can quickly heat samples and other materials. But these devices aren't without their risks.
Bunsen Burners
A Bunsen burner is a gas-powered flame used in many laboratory experiments. Named after Robert Bunsen, a German scientist who designed the instrument in 1857, these burners have become an essential part of laboratory equipment.
Using a Bunsen burner safely is important for the safety of your experiment. Make sure you are well-equipped with the right safety equipment and wear a lab coat to protect yourself from the flame's heat.
You should also find a safe work area away from shelves, equipment, or lights that hang from the ceiling. Remove any papers, books, or other combustible materials from the site before you begin your experiment.
The Bunsen burner has many parts, including the base, a wide, heavy part of the variable shape that supports the device. It is attached to a side tube known as a gas tube. Also, air holes allow the mixture of air and gas to be controlled.
Alcohol Burners
Alcohol burners, also known as spirit lamps or alcohol stoves, are popular for laboratory experiments. They are easy to set up and use denatured alcohol, methanol, or isopropanol as fuel.
They are a safer and more affordable alternative to Bunsen burners that do not require complicated or expensive setups. They are often used in laboratories where natural gas is unavailable or where a lower flame is desired.
When the reservoir is filled with alcohol, vapors escape from a ring of small holes to create a nice even flame. It is not meant to ignite the liquid fuel but rather the mists.
A cap is placed over the flame to extinguish it. Using a hat for this purpose is safe because the love is less likely to explode and cause serious damage. In addition, a cap helps to prevent spills and is easier to store than a traditional alcohol burner.
Butane Burners
Butane burners are used for various purposes in the lab, such as cooking and heating foods or other materials. They are a safe and efficient alternative to propane for these purposes because they don’t produce toxic emissions like carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons.
Butane burns at a higher temperature than propane, and its flame travels farther into the stove’s burner for optimum heat distribution. This means that butane stoves are more energy-efficient than propane in similar environments, saving you money and space.
They’re also easy to store and transport. However, they should only be kept indoors and out of reach of children and pets.
To use a butane burner, open the tap on the canister and light it with the lighter. Ensure you don’t hold the lighter too close to the burner, which could cause burns or injuries.
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Other Burners
Burners of all shapes and sizes are the name of the game in the lab. The most common types are gas, acetylene, and alcohol. Each comes with its unique pros and cons. Choosing the best burner for the job involves a good mix of fuel type, temperature, application, and budget. A well-chosen burner can enhance or improve your workflow by reducing the time and energy needed to heat, melt and evaporate materials while keeping fumes, bacteria, and dust at bay.
The plethora of choices can be daunting. The most important part of the selection process is selecting a burner based on your requirements and objectives without overpaying for equipment you may not need or use. The other features of the puzzle include installation, service, and maintenance.
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