Lab Burners for research and education

What are burners needed for in the laboratory?

Laboratory gas burners are not only characterized by different equipment and accessories, but can also be used for many different applications. These include, in particular, sampling (such as soldering tube samples or flame staining) and sterile work in the immediate vicinity of the flame. Other applications include heating food and samples as well as glass work. This is one of the reasons why burners are widely used and are frequently found in the following facilities in particular:

• Microbiology laboratories

• Schools and universities

• Food industry

• Research facilities

• Material testing

Lab burner - our range at a glance

In order to meet all requirements in various areas of application, we offer you a wide selection of different laboratory gas burners in our MedSolut range. So you can find exactly the right burner for your laboratory.

Tec burners

The term Teclub burner refers to small gas burners that are primarily used for heating processes in the laboratory. Unlike Bunsen burners, the air is drawn into the combustion tube from below, which in turn has a larger diameter. This allows high temperatures and a very hot flame of more than 1,000°C to be reached. In our range you will find BOCHEM brand Teclub burners that comply with DIN 30665.

Bunsen burners & gas burners

Bunsen burners and gas burners are among the classic representatives of this category and are characterized by different sizes and construction variants. Bunsen burner are equipped with a combustion tube, an air flow, a gas flow regulator, gas pressure regulator and a gas supply so that both roaring and glowing flames or a blue flame can be produced. The differences lie in the burning time, the heating time and the accessories. At MedSolut, we offer Bunsen and gas burners from the brands WLD-TEC, BOCHEM and SCHUETT.

Micro burners

Also micro burners also belong to the group of gas burners, but are characterized by a particularly compact design and interchangeable nozzles. This makes them handy and suitable for mobile use. Micro burners are usually operated with a butane or propane gas cartridge and can reach high temperatures of up to 1,300°C despite their small dimensions.

Safety burners

A safety burner is a gas burner with a solid base and an automatic gas cut-off after the flame goes out. These additional features make operation simple and - as the name suggests - safer. Some models also have a micro-tip for pinpoint flames, making them suitable for intricate work.

Meker-Fisher torch

Last in the group is the Meker-Fisher torch (such as this model from BOCHEM), which is designed for a larger heating volume compared to Bunsen burners and gas burners. This means that the flame can be heated up quickly even with large volumes, which is ideal for time-intensive projects.

Operating and setting up a laboratory burner

In order to be able to work safely and effectively with a burner in the laboratory, a number of important precautions must be taken during commissioning and operation. It is therefore important to have an overview of the important components - and what the actual setup looks like. Safety is at the top of the list.

Laboratory burner: the most important components

Although the exact design of a gas burner can vary from model to model, practically all appliances share common components. Taking the conventional Bunsen burner as an example, this is as follows:

• Base: The base is located at the bottom of the laboratory burner and ensures a firm hold on the table.

• Burner tube: The burner tube connects to the base. This vertical metal tube carries the gas inside the appliance and becomes hot during operation, which is why it should not be touched.

• Gas supply with gas regulator: The gas enters the burner tube via the gas supply. This is usually a connection for a rubber hose. The associated gas regulator makes it possible to regulate the supply. If it is turned up, more gas is supplied - the flame becomes larger.

• Air regulator: The air regulator or air supply can also be found on the lower part of the gas pipe. In most cases, this is a small wheel. The air supply is used to control how much air is drawn in by the burner. This influences the color, size and temperature of the flame.

• Outlet: Finally, the part of the gas burner where the flame exits at the top is called the outlet.

Important: Always pay attention to your safety when operating a burner. This includes closing the gas regulator completely after each use and allowing the gas burner to cool down. Always wear safety goggles and secure your hair. Flammable objects must not be within reach of the flame. Turn off the gas supply after each use.

Starting up the laboratory gas burner

You should have a mental list for each start-up of the laboratory gas burner that contains all the important steps. This also contributes significantly to safety and at the same time ensures an optimum workflow with the appliance. Pay particular attention to the following steps when using the appliance:

• Put on safety goggles for each use and tie up long hair to avoid accidentally getting caught in the flame.

• First check that the air supply and gas control are completely closed before connecting the Labor burner to the gas supply.

• Only open the gas tap when the rubber hose is connected to the connection and the burner.

• Then light the flame immediately with a match or a lighter to prevent gas loss.

• Keep your head away from the outlet and open the gas regulator.

• The air supply can then be opened for a roaring flame.

• When you have finished working with the laboratory burner, the air supply and the gas regulator must be completely closed.

Setting up a laboratory gas burner - what needs to be considered?

When using a burner in the laboratory, there are other aspects that should be taken into account. These relate in particular to the setting and management of a suitable flame. The following questions often arise in this context: What flame zones are there? The flame zones are differentiated into an outer cone (outer area) and an inner cone (inner area). How hot does a roaring flame get? A roaring flame is produced with an open air supply and has a bluish color. The temperature is between 300°C and 500°C (inner cone) and around 1,300°C (outer cone). How hot does a glowing flame get? The glowing yellow flame is produced without air supply and reaches between 600°C (inner cone) and approx. 900°C (outer cone).

Laboratory burners: We support you in planning!

Not all laboratory burners are the same - depending on the model and design, different aspects come into play that can affect the temperature, size and color of the flame. In order to find the perfect Bunsen burner for your laboratory applications, we are therefore happy to help you with the equipment features and safety accessories. We also offer advice on laboratory equipment so that you are fully informed - and will be more than happy with your choice.

Do you have further questions about laboratory gas burners?

If you need more information about our laboratory equipment and manufacturers or have any questions about burners for the laboratory, our highly qualified team of consultants will be happy to help you. You can reach us all day by telephone on +49 30 209 657 900 or by e-mail at info@medsolut.com. We look forward to hearing from you!