Alcohol lamps are used by educational systems and professional laboratories as part of a biosafety cabinet, or BSC. A BSC is an enclosed cabinet that laboratory workers use to handle biohazardous materials. One major issue with alcohol lamps is that lab workers may leave them burning, inside the BSC, rather than go through the hassle of relighting them. The continuous burning presents a safety hazard that can disrupt the airflow inside the BSC and may cause damage to the interior of the cabinet.
Electric Hotplate
Electric hotplates, such as those found in households, are an easily adjustable and flameless alternative to the alcohol lamp. Electric hot plates have a metal coil that may take some time to reach full temperature. Additionally, these devices require an electric power source, and may take up too much space within the confines of the BSC.
Ceramic Top Hotplate
Ceramic hot plates are specifically designed for laboratory use and come in two models: recessed coil models and those designed to accommodate round-bottomed flasks. Like the electric hot plate, the ceramic variety has variable heat controls. The ceramic version, however, heats up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Ceramic units require an electric power supply and may have too large a footprint for the confines of the BSC.
Safety Lab Gas Burner
A safety lab gas burner is similar to a Bunsen burner. The safety lab gas burner has its own power supply, in the form of a butane or propane cartridge. These burners also have a start/stop function which makes the burner easier to light and allows the user to adjust burning time. Additionally, according to the Cole-Parmer library, safety lab gas burners have a small footprint, which means they fit well within the tight confines of the BSC.
Microburner
As with the safety lab gas burner, the microburner has its own butane power supply and a push-button ignition, which makes it easy to light. According to Robert Bruce Thompson, author of "Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture," microburners burn hotter than an alcohol lamp. The microburner is similar to the Bunsen burner and delivers a focused flame. The burner may be too hot for test tubes, but works well for boiling solutions.
References
- EHRS: Alternatives to Natural Gas (Bunsen Burners) and Alcohol Lamps in a Biosafety Cabinet
- Pelletlab: Laboratory Burners
- Iowa State University: Biosafety Cabinets
- Cole-Parmer Technical Library: Flame Sterilization with Safety Laboratory Gas Burners
- "Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture"; Robert Bruce Thompson; 2008
