gasbrenner

Gasbrenner, or gas burner, is a device that produces a controlled flame by mixing a fuel gas with combustion air. It is used for heating, cooking, soldering, and various industrial processes. The most common fuels are natural gas (methane) and liquefied petroleum gases such as propane and butane.

In operation, a valve releases fuel to a burner tube; air is drawn in through an adjustable inlet, regulating the air–gas mixture. The mixture is ignited at the burner, producing a flame whose appearance reflects combustion quality. A blue, non-luminous flame indicates efficient combustion with complete burning, while a yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion and sooty deposits.

Design varies: basic laboratory burners like the Bunsen burner rely on natural convection to supply air and fuel. More advanced designs incorporate air shutters, jets, and laminar flow features to optimize flame temperature and stability. In cooking, sealed gas rings and trivets provide controlled flames for pots and pans.

Applications: In laboratories for heating reagents, sterilization, digestion and flame tests; in kitchens for cooking and browning; in metalworking and glassworking for soldering, brazing and flame shaping.

Safety: Gas burners pose risks from leaks, burns, and asphyxiation in poorly ventilated spaces. Proper ventilation, leak detection, flame safety devices, and regular maintenance are essential.

History: The Bunsen burner, developed by Robert Bunsen and Peter Desaga in the mid-19th century, became a standard laboratory tool. The term gasbrenner is common in German-speaking regions; in English, "gas burner" is the general term.