This activity simulates the monitoring of a gas refinery flare with a Do-It-Yourself spectrometer indoors by substituting a candle for the flare.

• Time and participants: The activity should take approximately 1 hour and is suitable for a group of 4, or multiple groups of 4. 1 hour longer if you need to assemble the spectrometer.
• Related research: http://publiclab.org/tag/flare
• You'll need: a DIY spectrometer, a candle, a tripod and zip ties, salt, a small spray bottle, and a fluorescent light (the ceiling lights may suffice)

Public Lab community members using a spectrometer to monitor a real gas refinery flare in Chalmette, Louisiana Read more

Preparation

Be sure you have internet access, or you may use just a webcam program and upload your data later. Fill the spray bottle with very salty water and confirm that you can "mist" the water over the flame without putting it out. A bunsen burner can be substituted for the candle.

If you have limited time, you may calibrate the spectrometer ahead of time.

A diagram of the setup if it were actually observing a gas refinery flare. Read more

The activity

1. Set up the candle across the room on a table, light it, and turn off the lights.
2. Calibrate the spectrometer. If you have time, this can be
3. From the other end of the room, have the students plug in the spectrometer and

Background

Conclusions