The Bunsen burner is a common piece of equipment used in laboratories for scientific and testing purposes. It produces a flame that is often used for combustion, heating, and sterilization in experiments.

The burner operates by feeding methane gas through a gas nozzle. The gas flows up the base through a small hole at the bottom of the barrel. Oxygen enters the burner through the air control vent. The two types of gas mix in the burner tube and produce an open flame.

Robert Bunsen began to work at the University of Heidelberg in 1852. The university had just begun to install coal-gas street lighting, so Bunsen's laboratory was dimly lit using illuminating gas. Bunsen made some suggestions to Heidelberg's mechanic about a prototype for a new type of burner to use in his laboratory. Bunsen's design was a success and it began to be used throughout the university.

Today, Bunsen burners are found in schools, universities, and laboratories around the world. Happy Bunsen Burner Day!