Teclu burner

Last updated
Teclu burner
Teclu w pracy.jpg
A Teclu burner
Uses
  • Heating
  • Sterilization
  • Soldering
Inventor Nicolae Teclu
MaterialBrass or iron
Related items

The Teclu burner is an ambient air laboratory gas burner, that was created by Romanian chemist Nicolae Teclu in 1882. The burner is most commonly used to heat substances in a laboratory, can be used for sterilisation and sometimes it is used for soldering or glasswork. [1] It is commonly made from brass or iron. [2] [3] The burner physically consists of a round base, a tube connected to it providing the gas to the flame and a vertical metal tube that directs the flame upwards. The tube has a conical shape closer to the base.

Contents

The burner was created on the basis of Nicolae Teclu's previous studies on flame spectroscopy and specifically, his experiments including flames positioned at different levels in a tube. Teclu was able to conclude that changing the position of the flame in a vertical tube can effect the splitting of the flame and optimize the heat produced by the flame. As a result of this alteration, this burner compared with the Bunsen burner is able to produce higher flame temperatures: around 2,900 °F (1,600 °C; 1,850 K). [1] [4] The research behind the creation of this burner was first published in 1892. There are some early Teclu burners on display in the Virtual Gas Museum in Poland [5] and also in the Science Museum, London.

Physical components and uses

The Teclu burner is a gas burner that is used most often as piece of laboratory equipment for experimental and educational purposes. The Teclu burner is most commonly used for rapidly heating substances using an open flame. While the Teclu burner's primary function is to serve as a piece of equipment that is used in a laboratory, the Teclu burner can also be used for glasswork and even used for soldering. [1] The Teclu Burner can produce a very hot flame of around 2,900 °F (1,600 °C). It is commonly made out of brass or iron. [2] [3] The burner consists on a round base, a tube connected to it providing the flame with gas and a vertical metal tube that directs the flame upwards. The tube has a conical shape closer to the base. The tube dimensions range between 125 and 165 mm (4.9 and 6.5 in) in height and between 13 and 17 mm (0.5 and 0.7 in) in diameter. [3] [6] It is designed with a screwed air valve which can be tightened or loosened for gas regulation. [3] The structure of this device is more simple than other burners, [7] because in the Teclu burner the inner flame is able to be lifted and placed on top of the tube, with its tip pointing upward. This allows for a single flame to be produced out of the tube.

History and creation

Flame study conducted by Nicolae Teclu Flame study by Nicolae Teclu.png
Flame study conducted by Nicolae Teclu

The inventor of the Teclu burner is the Romanian chemist Nicolae Teclu. Teclu is most commonly known for his studies of flames. [8] Teclu was born in Braşov, Romania on 7 October 1839 and graduated from high school in Vienna. After graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Munich, he returned to Vienna and attended chemistry classes at the Acedemy of Fine Arts in Vienna. [9] He began his career as a young scientist and assisted Professor Ernest Ludwig. Soon after, he became Professor of Chemistry at the Technical Chemistry Department of the Vienna Trade Academy. He also presented academic lectures on the chemistry of colours at the Academy of Fine Arts. Other notable investigations Teclu was involved in were the burning process of combustible gases, the analysis of natural products and also studies on the composition of paper. [7]

Teclu was also constantly occupied with creating and investigating new and more advanced laboratory equipment. [7] The Teclu Burner was created on the basis Teclu's studies and tests investigating the combustion rate of a gaseous mixture in regards to its oxygen content. Teclu conducted an experiment where he compared the flames that were produced when moving the position of a flame in a vertical tube. [7] From this experiment he came to the conclusion that a flame is split into different parts while it is burning- one flame burning on the inside of the tube and one flame burning on the outside of the tube. He described the flame on the inside as very hot, with a green hue that points in a downward direction and is being supplied oxygen that is contained in the gaseous mixture. He noted that the flame on the outside has a blue hue, points in an upward direction and is supplied with oxygen from its surroundings. Using this conclusion and his prior knowledge and research on flames, Teclu successfully created a burner in 1882 where the flame in the tube was able to be lowered or lifted to create a very hot flame. [7]

Teclu burner in the Virtual Gas Museum in Poland Teclu Burner in museum.png
Teclu burner in the Virtual Gas Museum in Poland

The first publication of his research behind the creation of the Teclu burner was 10 years later, in 1892 and the publication was titled “Ein neuer Laboratoriums Brenner". This article was issued in the Für Praktische Chemie Journal. The original burner was patented by a company owned by W. J. Rohrbeck Nachfolger which was based in Vienna and a company owned by Franz Hugershoff which was based in Leipzig. [7] A Teclu Burner that was manufactured in the 1960s is currently on display in the Gasworks Museum in Paczkow, Poland. It is made from cast iron and brass and it was admitted to the museum in 1998. [5] Other early makes of the Teclu burner are displayed in the Science Museum in London. Here there are two models of the Teclu burner displayed, one whole and one that has been cross sectioned to examine the inside parts of the burner. [10] [11]

Examples of the Teclu Burner in past experiments

The Teclu Burner can be helpful in experiments where moisture sensitive compounds are being used. An example where the Teclu burner was used in an experiment was during the preparation of glassware for the handling of beryllium compounds. Beryillum is moisture sensitive and so it is necessary to exclude the presence of water that might be still left on the surface of the glassware after cleaning them. The experiment conductors stored the glassware for at least four hours in a heated cabinet, which was kept at 130–160 °C (270–320 °F). Then the glassware removed and connected to a Schlenk line. The glassware was heated with a Teclu burner under vacuum up until the flame of the burner turned to a yellow/orange colour. At this point the glassware was hot enough and was then cooled to room temperature while still being under vacuum. This procedure was repeated several times, to ensure no moisture was left on the glassware. Using a Teclu burner instead of a heat gun will ensure that you have obtained the lowest possible moisture levels in glass laboratory equipment and this should be sufficient enough for the moisture sensitive substances to not react when added into the glassware. [12]

The Teclu burner was used in an experiment investigating the effect of the process on the crucible swelling number of coal (CSN). The number is a measure of the degree of swelling of the sample. A sample of 1g of freshly ground minus 72 "B.S. mesh coal" was heated using a Teclu burner to approximately 800 °C (1,470 °F) for 1.5 minutes and to 820 °C (1,510 °F) in the next minute. The final result was recorded and coal with a profile of 8 to 9 would be considered high coal quality. [13]

The Teclu burner was also used in an experiment which aimed to investigate the spark formation from rare earth elements. The powders containing the rare earth elements were passed into the centre of the gas flame produced by the Teclu burner and the sparks were then examined. The Teclu burner was operated with methane through an aluminium tube from a distance of 20 cm (8 in). These sparks were then examined using time-resolved emission spectroscopy, long-time exposures, and NIR (Near-infrared spectroscopy)/ MIR (mid-Infrared spectroscopy) imaging. [14]

Similarities and differences to other notable burners

The Teclu burner vs. the Bunsen burner:

The Teclu Burner was invented in 1882 as opposed to the Bunsen Burner invented in 1855. The respective developers Nicolae Teclu, a Romanian chemist, and Robert Bunsen, a German chemist, also differed in their educational backgrounds as Teclu specialised in engineering, architecture, and chemistry while Bunsen primarily studied chemistry, mineralogy, and mathematics. The devices themselves differ in their abilities to accurately control the amounts of methane gas and air inputted into the tube therefore contributing to a hotter flame able to be achieved by the Teclu Burner. [1] While the Bunsen burner has open slots on the side of the tube, the Teclu Burner regulates the air and gas input through the distance between the screw below the base of the tube and the end of the tube itself. This change in design also allows for greater mixing of methane gas and air which in turn produces higher temperatures as seen in the Teclu Burner. More specifically, the Teclu Burner can reach approximately 2,900 °F (1,600 °C) while the Bunsen Burner achieves only 2,000 °F (1,100 °C). Both the Bunsen and Teclu burner burn with noise. [1]

Meker-Fisher burner 001 Meker-Fisher burner 001.jpg
Meker-Fisher burner 001

The Teclu burner vs. the Meker burner:

The Meker Burner differs in that it is designed with more openings in the lower part of the tube than the Teclu Burner and has a wire grid covering the top of the tube allowing the flame to be divided into smaller flames. [1] This allows for temperatures to reach 2,200 °F (1,200 °C) and this allows the device to burn without noise unlike the Teclu and Bunsen burners. The Meker Burner has a wider tube than the Teclu Burner. [1]

The Teclu burner vs. the Tirril Burner:

The Tirril burner has a needle valve to regulate the gas intake directly unlike the Teclu burner which regulates gas directly from the gas source. Additionally, the Tirrill Burner differs in that it reaches around 2,800 °F (1,550 °C) and the Teclu burner reaches 2,900 °F (1,600 °C). [1]

The Teclu burner vs. the Amal burner:

The Amal burner is a burner created by the modification of the Bunsen and Teclu burner. The Amal burner was marketed by Messrs. Amal Ltd., of Birmingham. In this burner, there is a needle valve which can sensitively control of gas the flow into the burner. It is inserted in the orifice of the jet and can be adjusted by an external screw. The flame produced can be reduced near to invisibility, by using this needle-valve. This burner's combustion-head is perforated with many small holes, so that the flame the burner produces consists of many aerated small cones whereas in the Teclu burner, only one single flame is produced. There is an insulated hooked strip of metal attached to the base that functions as a holder for when the burner itself becomes too hot to handle. The Amal burner is usually 5 inches high and its tube has approximately a 1 inch diameter. [2]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atomic absorption spectroscopy</span> Type of spectroanalytical ciao

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is a spectroanalytical procedure for the quantitative determination of chemical elements by free atoms in the gaseous state. Atomic absorption spectroscopy is based on absorption of light by free metallic ions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bunsen burner</span> Laboratory device used to make fire from fuel and oxidizer gases

A Bunsen burner, named after Robert Bunsen, is a kind of ambient air gas burner used as laboratory equipment; it produces a single open gas flame, and is used for heating, sterilization, and combustion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laboratory glassware</span> Variety of equipment usually made of glass used for scientific experiments

Laboratory glassware refers to a variety of equipment used in scientific work, and traditionally made of glass. Glass can be blown, bent, cut, molded, and formed into many sizes and shapes, and is therefore common in chemistry, biology, and analytical laboratories. Many laboratories have training programs to demonstrate how glassware is used and to alert first–time users to the safety hazards involved with using glassware.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Test tube</span> Glass or plastic laboratory glassware

A test tube, also known as a culture tube or sample tube, is a common piece of laboratory glassware consisting of a finger-like length of glass or clear plastic tubing, open at the top and closed at the bottom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flame</span> Visible, gaseous part of a fire

A flame is the visible, gaseous part of a fire. It is caused by a highly exothermic chemical reaction taking place in a thin zone. When flames are hot enough to have ionized gaseous components of sufficient density they are then considered plasma.

Burner may refer to:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot plate</span> Portable self-contained tabletop small appliance

A hot plate is a portable self-contained tabletop small appliance cooktop that features one or more electric heating elements or gas burners. A hot plate can be used as a stand-alone appliance, but is often used as a substitute for one of the burners from an oven range or a kitchen stove. Hot plates are often used for food preparation, generally in locations where a full kitchen stove would not be convenient or practical. They can also be used as a heat source in laboratories. A hot plate can have a flat surface or round surface. Hot plates can be used for traveling or in areas without electricity.

A pipeclay triangle is a piece of laboratory apparatus that is used to support a crucible being heated by a Bunsen burner or other heat source. It is made of wires strung in an equilateral triangle on which are strung hollow ceramic, normally fire clay, tubes. The triangle is usually supported on a tripod or iron ring. Unlike wire gauze, which primarily supports glassware such as beakers, flasks, or evaporating dishes and provides indirect heat transfer to the glassware, the pipeclay triangle normally supports a crucible and allows the flame to heat the crucible directly. The triangular shape allows rounded crucibles of various sizes to rest in a stable way.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wet chemistry</span> Form of analytical chemistry

Wet chemistry is a form of analytical chemistry that uses classical methods such as observation to analyze materials. It is called wet chemistry since most analyzing is done in the liquid phase. Wet chemistry is also called bench chemistry since many tests are performed at lab benches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gas burner</span> Device used to make fire from combusting fuel and oxidizer gases

A gas burner is a device that produces a non-controlled flame by mixing a fuel gas such as acetylene, natural gas, or propane with an oxidizer such as the ambient air or supplied oxygen, and allowing for ignition and combustion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicolae Teclu</span>

Nicolae Teclu ; was a Romanian chemist, who gave his name to the worldwide-used "Teclu burner". He studied engineering and architecture, and then chemistry, continuing his career by becoming professor for general and analytical chemistry in Vienna. He also contributed substantially to the worldwide development of chemistry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wire gauze</span> Fine metal net or mesh

Wire gauze or wire mesh is a gauze woven of metal wire, or very fine, gauze-like wire netting. Wire gauze is placed on the support ring that is attached to the retort stand between a burner and glassware, or is placed on a tripod to support beakers, flasks, or other glassware to protect it during heating. Glassware should not be heated directly by the flame of a Bunsen or other gas burner; wire gauze diffuses the heat and protects the glassware. Glassware has to be flat-bottomed if rested on the wire gauze.

Air-free techniques refer to a range of manipulations in the chemistry laboratory for the handling of compounds that are air-sensitive. These techniques prevent the compounds from reacting with components of air, usually water and oxygen; less commonly carbon dioxide and nitrogen. A common theme among these techniques is the use of a fine (100–10−3 Torr) or high (10−3–10−6 Torr) vacuum to remove air, and the use of an inert gas: preferably argon, but often nitrogen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meker–Fisher burner</span>

A Meker–Fisher burner, or Meker burner, is an ambient air laboratory burner that produces multiple open gas flames, used for heating, sterilization, and combustion. It is used when laboratory work requires a hotter flame than attainable using a Bunsen burner, or used when a larger-diameter flame is desired, such as with an inoculation loop or in some glassblowing operations. The burner was introduced by French chemist Georges Méker in an article published in 1905.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Bunsen</span> German chemist (1811–1899)

Robert Wilhelm Eberhard Bunsen was a German chemist. He investigated emission spectra of heated elements, and discovered caesium and rubidium with the physicist Gustav Kirchhoff. The Bunsen–Kirchhoff Award for spectroscopy is named after Bunsen and Kirchhoff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiophosphoryl fluoride</span> Chemical compound

Thiophosphoryl fluoride is an inorganic molecular gas with formula PSF3 containing phosphorus, sulfur and fluorine. It spontaneously ignites in air and burns with a cool flame. The discoverers were able to have flames around their hands without discomfort, and called it "probably one of the coldest flames known". The gas was discovered in 1888.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of spectroscopy</span>

Modern spectroscopy in the Western world started in the 17th century. New designs in optics, specifically prisms, enabled systematic observations of the solar spectrum. Isaac Newton first applied the word spectrum to describe the rainbow of colors that combine to form white light. During the early 1800s, Joseph von Fraunhofer conducted experiments with dispersive spectrometers that enabled spectroscopy to become a more precise and quantitative scientific technique. Since then, spectroscopy has played and continues to play a significant role in chemistry, physics and astronomy. Fraunhofer observed and measured dark lines in the Sun's spectrum, which now bear his name although several of them were observed earlier by Wollaston.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Splint (laboratory equipment)</span>

A splint is a simple piece of equipment used in scientific laboratories. Splints are typically long, thin strips of wood, about 6 inches (15 cm) long and ¼ inch (6 mm) wide, and are consumable but inexpensive. They are typically used for tasks such as lighting bunsen burners, as the length of the splint allows a flame to be lit without risk to the user's hand, should the burner flare back. Another use for splints are chemical identification of various gases, and splints are also used to teach simple chemical principles in schools and homes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alcohol burner</span> Laboratory equipment for producing an open flame

An alcohol burner or spirit lamp is a piece of laboratory equipment used to produce an open flame. It can be made from brass, glass, stainless steel or aluminium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tripod (laboratory)</span> Laboratory equipment

A laboratory tripod is a three-legged platform used to support flasks and beakers. Tripods are usually made of stainless steel or aluminium and made light-weight for efficient portability within the lab. Often a wire gauze is placed on top of the tripod to provide a flat base for glassware. Tripods are generally tall enough for a bunsen burner to be placed underneath.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Herres, D. (2021). "The difference between Robert Bunsen's burner and a gas stove". www.testandmeasurementtips.com.
  2. 1 2 3 "A New Modified Bunsen Burner". Nature. 134 (3396): 844–845. 1 December 1934. Bibcode:1934Natur.134S.844.. doi: 10.1038/134844c0 . S2CID   4090011.
  3. 1 2 3 4 PHYWE. "Teclu burner, DIN, natural gas". www.phywe.com.
  4. Mandal Pratim Partha; B. Mandal (1 January 2001). A Text Book of Homoeopathic Pharmacy. B. Jain. p. 46. ISBN   978-81-7381-009-1.
  5. 1 2 Wirtualne muzeum gazownictwa. (1998). "Virtual Gas Museum- Teclu burner". wmgaz.pl.
  6. "Teclu Burner". Supertrek, Serving Science since 1943. Supertrek.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Baiulescu, GE; Moldoveanu, S; West, TS (February 1983). "Nicolae Teclu (1839–1916) A pioneer of flame spectroscopy". Talanta. 30 (2): 135–7. doi:10.1016/0039-9140(83)80035-6. PMID   18963334.
  8. Naglav, Dominik; Buchner, Magnus R.; Bendt, Georg; Kraus, Florian; Schulz, Stephan (26 August 2016). "Off the Beaten Track-A Hitchhiker's Guide to Beryllium Chemistry". Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 55 (36): 10562–10576. doi:10.1002/anie.201601809. PMID   27364901.
  9. "Teclu, Nicolae (1839 - 1916)". www.dmg-lib.org. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  10. "Teclu Type Gas Burner, 1900-1905 | Science Museum Group Collection". collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
  11. "Teclu burner, for sectioning". 1914-301. Science Museum Group. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  12. Baiulescu, George-Emil; Stoica, Anca-Iulia (1 January 2003). "Education by Teaching Analytical Chemistry in Romania". Microchimica Acta. 142 (3): 187–188. doi:10.1007/s00604-003-0008-2. S2CID   93942279.
  13. "Editorial". Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review. 41 (6): 439–440. 2020-07-26. doi: 10.1080/08827508.2020.1795411 . ISSN   0882-7508.
  14. Lederle, Felix; Koch, Jannis; Schade, Wolfgang; Hübner, Eike G. (31 January 2020). "Color‐Changing Sparks from Rare Earth Metal Powders". Zeitschrift für anorganische und allgemeine Chemie. 646 (2): 37–46. doi: 10.1002/zaac.201900300 . S2CID   213327707.