Blowpipe

Blowpipe, an instrument used for directing a blast of air into a flame. A convenient form of mouth blowpipe consists of a tube, fitted at one end with a mouthpiece, and inserted at the other into a small metal cylinder, from the side of which issues, at right angles, a short tube with a brass or platinum nozzle. To use the blowpipe well, considerable practice is required. A continuous blast is needed, and for this the cheeks should be kept distended all the time, respiration being performed through the nose. By regulating the flame, and the blast, an oxidising or reducing flame can be produced at will. It is largely used in qualitative chemical analysis, and for fusions and glass-blowing. For this latter purpose some of the different forms of foot blowpipes are employed.