Meker–Fisher burner

Meker-Fisher burner 001

Meker–Fisher burner is a laboratory apparatus used in various chemical experiments requiring intense and uniform heating. It is an evolution of the Bunsen burner, designed to provide a hotter and more consistent flame. The Meker–Fisher burner is distinguished by its wider burner head and a mesh screen atop the burner tube. This design significantly increases the surface area for the gas-air mixture to combust, producing a hotter flame that is also more evenly distributed across the burner's surface.

Design and Function

The Meker–Fisher burner consists of a base for fuel intake, typically connected to a laboratory gas supply, and a vertical tube that widens at the top into a larger diameter burner head. The head is covered by a stainless steel mesh screen. This screen diffuses the gas, allowing for more efficient mixing with atmospheric oxygen and facilitating a more complete combustion process. The result is a flame that is not only hotter than that of a standard Bunsen burner but also more uniform, making it ideal for heating larger vessels evenly.

The burner is equipped with an adjustable air intake at the base of the tube, which allows the user to control the amount of oxygen mixed with the gas before combustion. This feature enables the adjustment of the flame's temperature and its oxidative or reductive properties, making the Meker–Fisher burner versatile for a wide range of chemical reactions.

Applications

The Meker–Fisher burner is commonly used in organic chemistry laboratories and other settings where substances need to be heated to high temperatures evenly and consistently. Its applications include, but are not limited to, the heating of crucibles, the boiling of liquids in flasks, and the conducting of flame tests. The burner's design makes it particularly useful for tasks requiring prolonged heating, as it minimizes the risk of localized overheating that can lead to the breaking of glassware.

Safety Considerations

As with all laboratory equipment that involves open flames, there are significant safety considerations associated with the use of the Meker–Fisher burner. Proper ventilation is essential to avoid the accumulation of potentially harmful gases. Users must also ensure that flammable materials are kept at a safe distance from the burner. Additionally, the intense heat generated by the Meker–Fisher burner necessitates the use of heat-resistant gloves and eye protection to prevent burns and eye damage.

Comparison with Other Burners

While the Bunsen burner is adequate for many laboratory applications, the Meker–Fisher burner's ability to provide a hotter and more evenly distributed flame makes it preferable for specific tasks. Another alternative, the Tirrill burner, offers similar adjustability in terms of flame size and temperature but lacks the mesh screen that characterizes the Meker–Fisher burner and contributes to its unique heating capabilities.

Conclusion

The Meker–Fisher burner is a valuable tool in the laboratory, offering enhanced heating capabilities over traditional Bunsen burners. Its design ensures a hotter, more uniform flame, making it an essential apparatus for a wide range of scientific research and experimentation.

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