Bunsen Burner
What are they and why do we use them? What types are there?
A Bunsen burner is a critical tool for creating a sterile workspace for the purpose of sterile technique without resorting to disposable plastic or a laminar flow hood. They are the companion of the synthetic biologist, the lone flame that a researcher has for company as they streak plates late into the night.
Bunsen burners burn propane or butane. If you are lucky enough to have a gas outlet, you should look for any typical lab bunsen with a plastic hose;
Image credit: https://www.teaching.com.au/product/EIS0093BTL
If you don’t have piped in gas, do not despair! There are some excellent portable Bunsen burners available, or you can sub in a portable camping burner or a jet burner if you’re feeling reckless. Keep in mind that there is an extreme risk to messing around with explosive & flammable chemicals. Reloading a portable bunsen scares the hell outta me…
When do you use?
Whenever you wish to create a sterile workspace for sterile technique!
How do you use?
While the gas is OFF, find the O-ring around the neck of the Bunsen burner. Twist it until the hole is completely covered (orange safety flame).
Find your ignition source (lighter or matches) and bring it close to the bunsen.
Light your ignition source and hold it over the top of the Bunsen burner.
Turn on the gas slowly. The orange safety flame should catch. If it does not catch within three seconds, or your ignition source goes out, turn off the gas source.
Once the orange safety flame is steady, you can turn the O-ring on the Bunsen burner’s neck until the hole is fully exposed (roaring blue flame).
Your Bunsen is now providing a cone of protection for your Sterile Workspace.
Keep in mind that movements within the cone of protection are not protected by the updraft. The updraft only prevents things from falling down from above. If your hands pass between the flame and your work, you may have still contaminated it.