Alcohol burner

Alcohol Burner

An Alcohol burner is a piece of laboratory equipment used to produce an open flame. It can be made from brass, glass, stainless steel or aluminium.

History

The alcohol burner has a long history in the chemistry field. It was first used in the 19th century by Robert Bunsen, a German chemist, who developed the Bunsen burner. The Bunsen burner was a predecessor to the alcohol burner, which was later improved upon by other scientists.

Design and Function

The alcohol burner is designed to use alcohol as its fuel source. The burner consists of a container filled with a flammable alcohol, usually ethanol or methanol. The container has a wick, which is lit to produce the flame. The wick draws the alcohol up from the container and into the flame, where it is burned.

The flame produced by an alcohol burner is less hot than that produced by a Bunsen burner. However, it is also less sooty and does not produce any harmful gases, making it safer to use in a closed environment.

Uses

Alcohol burners are commonly used in science laboratories for experiments that require a heat source. They are also used in the field of microbiology for the sterilization of tools and materials.

In addition to their use in laboratories, alcohol burners are also used in camping stoves, where they provide a reliable and safe source of heat for cooking and warmth.

Safety

While alcohol burners are generally safe to use, they should be handled with care. The flame can be difficult to see, especially in bright light, and the burner can remain hot for a period of time after the flame has been extinguished. It is also important to ensure that the burner is placed on a stable surface to prevent it from tipping over.

See Also

• Bunsen burner
• Camping stove
• Laboratory equipment
• Microbiology