Chemistry

Bunsen burner Parts and Their Functions

A Bunsen Burner is commonly used in laboratory Apparatus. it is named by the inventor Robert bunsen the basic function of a bunsen burner in the laboratory is heating, sterilization, and combustion. it produces a single open gas flame. there are 6 major bunsen burner parts i.e, barrel, a collar, air holes, gas intake, gas valve, and stand.

A typical diagram is shown below:

bunsen burner parts label diagram

In this article you’ll learn:

  • What are the parts of a Bunsen burner?
  • What is the function of a Bunsen burner?
  • How do you use a Bunsen burner?
  • What is the hottest part of a flame on a Bunsen burner?

Let’s Get Started…!

Parts of Bunsen Burner and Their Functions

it is one of the important parts of the lab equipment and is mostly used for heating different materials in the laboratory. it is set beneath a support stand that holds a glass test tube other liquid-containing material for heating purposes using a mixture of gasses by a continuous flame. it has six major parts which are as follows:

  1. Barrel
  2. Collar
  3. Gas Flow Valve
  4. Gas Intake Tube
  5. Base
  6. Stand

Barrel (Parts of Bunsen Burner)

it is around 5 inches long tube. the main function of the barrel is that it contains air intake openings that mix air and gas together. it is a metal tube that lies on the base of the burner. a smile size of holes (air intakes) is present on the barrel that opens at the bottom allowing air into the barrel.

when natural gas and air draw into the barrel bypassing the air intake opening, the gas and air mixture ignites through the top end of the barrel to make it functional.

Collar 

the major function of the collar is to control the amount of air entering the barrel. it is present around the air holes at the bottom end of the barrel. the collar works on the screw mechanism. A clockwise turn of collar increases the air intake amount while the anticlockwise rotation decreases.

Gas Spot

it controls or limits the supply of gas to the barrel.

Base

typically, A base provides support to the bunsen burner. it is often present as six sides ( Hexagonal) shape. being supportable, it is a wide and heavy part of the bunsen burner.

Gas Valve

The gas Valve in the bunsen burner is responsible for letting gas into the barrel through the collar. it is often attached to the base of the burner or screw. the gas flow valve and barrel both can be adjusted similarly as clockwise and anti-clockwise manners.

Air Holes

the air holes allow air to enter the burner for a mixture of air and gas or any other liquid fuel with air e.g, petroleum.

Rubber tubing

Rubber tubes are used to transfer the gas into a bunsen burner.

Gas Inlet

A gas inlet is a point where gas enters the burner. it helps to extend the gas flow valve. the major function of the gas inlet to control the leakage of gas through a gas pipe.

Functions of Bunsen Burner

in 1852, Robert Bunsen invents the bunsen burner first time. this device is often used in the scientific laboratory under the continuous stream of natural gas or liquified petroleum to heat different kinds of materials and liquids. it often set under the supportive stand which holds a beaker or test tube full of liquids.

connecting with a source of fuel, the first thing is done that air enters into the barrel on opening the air holes. if you close the air hole, a yellow wavy flame will appear called luminous of coolest flame.

the air reacts with the entering gas and produces a blue or non-luminous flame at the one-third ratio. the non-luminous flame is always preferred while using the burner because it is the hottest flame and easiest to control over the luminous flame.

this flame also does not produces soot or smoke. using a burner is a firey work so one should always be careful and should adopt the laboratory safety rules and regulations to avoid any kind of hazards. in any case of any danger or accident, students should quickly be referred to as the first aid treatment.

What is the hottest part of a flame on a Bunsen burner?

it produces two types of flames i.e. luminous flame and non-luminous flame. Luminous Flame is the coolest part of the flame while the non-luminous flame is the hottest part.

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a Bunsen burner used for?

the bunsen burner is an important laboratory apparatus that is used to produce a continuous flame to heat different substances and solutions by mixing gas with air in a controlled fashion. 

What are the parts of a Bunsen burner?

there are six parts of the bunsen burner i.e., Barrel, Collar, Gas Flow Valve, Gas Intake Tube, Base and Stand.

Is Bunsen burner dangerous?

Bunsen burners are considered extremely dangerous due to the presence of fire hazards. the chances for accidents to occur increases because it produces produce an open flame by burning at a high temperature.

What part of the Bunsen burner combustion happens?

as the tip of bunsen burner flame from the inside is considered as hottest part. when the amount of fuel gas Is increased the needle valve, the size of the flame will also increase.

How does a Bunsen burner work?

step1: mix the air and natural gas. 

Step 2: ignite the mixture of air and gas from the top of the tube. 

Step3: Bunsen burner will ignite and start heating the substance put on the top of the flame. 

Step 4: gas flow will stop by closing the gas valve. 

What is the use of barrel in Bunsen burner?

the barrel present at bottom or base of burner to screw it. for the relocation of different instruments, it is very important to tighten and stable the burner. 

What are the 3 types of flame produced by the Bunsen burner?

three types of flame are as follows: yellow flame, Blue Flame, bright blue triangle flame in the center. 

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