What is a bunsen burner and its parts and how is it used?

A Bunsen burner is a device used in scientific laboratories for heating, sterilization, and many other uses.
The device safely burns a continuous stream of a flammable gas such as natural gas (which is principally methane) or a liquified petroleum gas such as propane, butane, or a mixture of both.

The Bunsen burner is used frequently in the laboratory as a source of heat. This burner is designed so that gaseous fuel may be mixed with the correct amount of air to yield the maximum amount of heat. In order to use this burner properly and safely, it is essential that you understand its construction and the adjustments that can be made.

The three principal parts of the burner are: barrel, needle valve, and base. The quantity of gas admitted to the burner is controlled by the needle valve, while the air needed for combustion is admitted at the small opening around the bottom of the barrel. The air is controlled by turning the barrel so as to make the air holes larger or smaller.

Always open the desk outlet valve fully and regulate the gas supply to the burner by the needle valve. Always extinguish your burner by turning off the desk outlet valve (and then closing the needle valve and barrel.) If there is an accident always shut off the desk outlet valve immediately.

STEPS TO LIGHT BUNSEN BURNER:
1. Check connections to burner and desk outlet valve.
2. Close needle valve and barrel.
3. Open desk outlet valve fully.
4. Check for leaks with flame.
5. While holding flame above barrel, open needle valve 1/2 turn.
6. Adjust barrel and needle valve for blue in blue flame.

Always light burner in open space on lab counter. After you have adjusted it for the flame needed move it into position. One person in lab group is always responsible for maintaining the burner and flame.

Burner Procedure:

1. Light the burner according to our rules. Observe the yellow flame which is produced because not enough air is admitted to give complete combustion. The yellow color is caused by small particles of unburned carbon which become incandescent.
2. Now rotate the barrel until the flame is entirely blue. Two different zones should appear when the burner is correctly adjusted. Too much air should not be admitted as it may cool the flame or blow it out entirely. After having the teacher confirm a good hot, blue flame draw a diagram of the flame (use labels and descriptions). Indicate on your diagram of the flame where the hottest part of the flame is located.