Bunsen Burner – Principle, Parts, Types, Flames, Applications, Advantages & Precautions

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Bunsen burner is one of the most common and essential pieces of laboratory equipment. It produces a controlled, smokeless, non-luminous flame used for heating, sterilization, and combustion in various scientific experiments.

Invented in 1857 by German scientist Robert Bunsen and his assistant Peter Desaga, this device revolutionized laboratory heating methods by providing a safer and more controllable flame than candles or oil lamps. Today, it is a staple in biology, chemistry, physics, and microbiology labs.

Principle of Bunsen Burner

The Bunsen burner works on the principle of air-gas mixing before ignition to produce a clean, hot flame.

Gas Supply – The burner is connected to a laboratory gas source, typically methane (natural gas) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Air Mixing – Air is drawn in through holes at the base using the Venturi effect, mixing with the gas before combustion.
Combustion Control – An adjustable collar at the base controls the amount of air entering the burner.
Flame Types – Different air settings produce different flames:
- Yellow (Safety) Flame – Air holes closed, cooler temperature.
- Blue Flame – Air holes partially open, hotter flame.
- Roaring Blue Flame – Air holes fully open, maximum heat.

Parts of Bunsen Burner and Their Functions

Parts of Bunsen Burner; Bunsen Burner parts — **Figure:** Parts of Bunsen Burner

Base or Stand
- Provides stability to prevent tipping over.
- Often made of heavy metal.
Barrel or Chimney
- Vertical tube where gas mixes with air before burning.
- Contains air vents near the bottom.
Collar
- Rotating part at the base of the barrel.
- Adjusts the amount of air entering through the air holes.
Air Holes
- Openings that allow air to mix with gas.
- Air supply determines flame type and temperature.
Gas Valve
- Controls the flow of gas into the burner.
Gas Inlet Tube
- Connects the burner to the gas source via a rubber hose.

Fuel Sources for Bunsen Burners

Natural Gas (Methane) – Common in laboratories.
LPG (Propane, Butane, or Mix) – Used when natural gas is unavailable.
* A burner designed for one fuel should not be used with another.

Types of Bunsen Burners

1. Meker-Fisher Burner

Wider barrel for better air-gas mixing.
Flame divided into smaller sections using a grid at the top.

2. Teclu Burner

Longer barrel, better mixing, and higher temperature flames.
Adjustable gas screw for precision control.

3. Tirril Burner

Disc valve at the base for gas regulation.

Types of Flames in a Bunsen Burner

Flame Type	Air Hole Setting	Temperature	Characteristics
Yellow Flame	Closed	~300°C	Luminous, cooler, safety flame
Blue Flame	Half open	~500°C	Non-luminous, hotter
Roaring Flame	Fully open	~700°C	Very hot, noisy, for intense heating

**Figure:** Types of flames produced in the Bunsen Burner

Applications of Bunsen Burner

In Microbiology

Sterilizing inoculating loops and needles.
Flaming the mouths of culture tubes to maintain sterility.

In Chemistry

Heating solutions and chemical reactions.
Evaporating solvents.
Testing flammability of compounds.

In Physics

Heating materials for expansion studies.
Demonstrating convection currents.

Other Uses

Melting small quantities of substances.
Determining boiling and melting points.

Advantages of Bunsen Burner

Simple to operate.
Provides adjustable flame temperatures.
Inexpensive to run.
Portable in labs with gas supply.

Limitations of Bunsen Burner

Open flame poses fire hazard.
Requires constant supervision.
Limited temperature control compared to electric heaters.

Precautions When Using a Bunsen Burner

Work in a clutter-free area.
Tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing.
Inspect rubber tubing for leaks.
Use a spark lighter instead of matches.
Never leave the burner unattended.
Turn off gas immediately after use.
Allow burner to cool before handling.

Examples of Modern Bunsen Burners

FIREBOY Safety Bunsen Burner – Automatic ignition, flame monitoring.
Marienfeld Superior Bunsen – Nickel-plated air regulation.
Techno Gaz 4056/B – Safety thermocouple shut-off.
Medline BEC2 Series – Electric alternative with focused heat stream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Who invented the Bunsen burner?
Robert Bunsen and Peter Desaga in 1857.

Q2. Why is the yellow flame called a safety flame?
It is cooler, more visible, and used when the burner is not actively heating.

Q3. Which flame is best for heating?
The roaring blue flame—hottest and cleanest.

Q4. Can Bunsen burners be used with any gas?
No, each is designed for a specific fuel type.

Q5. What is the Venturi effect in Bunsen burners?
It is the drawing in of air into the gas stream through air holes to mix before combustion.

References

https://dlu.com.ua/FIREBOY-Safety-Bunsen-Burner
https://edulab.com/the-bunsen-burner-what-is-it-and-how-to-use-it-safely/
https://psiberg.com/bunsen-burner/
https://sites.google.com/site/glenscienceeportfolio/reflections/bunsen-burner-and-types-of-flames
https://www.directindustry.com/prod/medline-scientific-ltd/product-107585-2357621.html
https://www.google.com/amp/s/universe84a.com/bunsen-burner-introduction/%3famp=1
https://www.hbarsci.com/blogs/articles/10099273-understanding-products-bunsen-burners
https://www.jove.com/v/5035/introduction-to-the-bunsen-burner
https://www.marienfeld-superior.com/burners-acc-to-bunsen.html
https://www.medicalexpo.com/prod/tecno-gaz/product-70281-633645.html