Australia's Science Forum

Is it alright to use LPG bunsens on Natural Gas?
I've got 10 brand new LPG bunsens (ordered by mistake by HT a couple of years ago, before my time) and I would like to use them.
I have tried one and it gives a good flame, although a bit big.
I also have some bunsens for coal gas, and they give a very big flame, so
I won't let the kids use them because I think they're too dangerous.
I'm just not sure about the LPG bunsens. What does everyone think?

We recently did the swap from LPG to natural gas and had to purchase all new bunsens. The LPG bunsens give a MASSIVE flame when used with natural gas and I think they are too dangerous. You can get the LPG bunsens modified for natural gas (I think that the opening for the gas is reduced in size) However it's probably not cost effective. I would recommend sending the LPG bunsens back.
Kate

Hi kate1,

The LPG Bunsen Burners are not designed to be used on natural gas the fuels are considerably different Natural gas is 90% Methane. It also contains small amounts of ethane, propane, butane and some heavier alkanes. LPG contains Butane.

Using one gas over the other in a specific product designed for only one type may cause the gas to stream line through the Bunsen Burner (as the densities of both gases are quite different) and in turn can cause Serious Injury.

It is always good to ask the question beforehand though,

I hope this helps.

Robb........

Hi Robb
What do you mean by "cause the gas to stream line through the Bunsen Burner"?
Two of our labs have very low gas pressure, so I thought that these LPG burners may work better, but I don't want to do anything that may be dangerous.
Thanks
Carol

Hi Carol,

The Natural Gas is of a lower density than LPG. And due to this the gas may not disperse through the pin hole in a normal fashion. (It may disperse through the air holes).

I can't tell you for sure, I have always used the Bunsen’s of the correct gas type.

I hope this helps,

Robb.........

A number of years ago our school changed over to LPG. We had to pay someone to solder over the existing holes and then redrill them with a finer drill bit.They did a pretty ordinary job with most of the holes off centre and some of the bunsens had to be thrown out.

The LPG flame is smaller and is supposed to be hotter though I'm not convinced. I think you'll find it's much safer & more cost effective to buy the bunsens made for each type of gas.

Cheers

Thanks everyone.
I think I'll just buy some new bunsens, then I'm sure to be safe.
Carol