Fire Syringe

Combustion occurs inside the cylinder. The plexiglass may become warm with repeated use. Allow cooling time between demonstrations. Keep flammable materials away from the demonstration area.

Use ONLY silicone-based lubricants or water. Petroleum-based lubricants (such as standard vacuum grease) will dissolve the o-ring rubber and damage the plexiglass cylinder. This damage is often irreversible.

Purpose

Demonstrates adiabatic compression by rapidly compressing air in a transparent cylinder to ignite tissue paper. Students see that mechanical work alone -- with no external heat source -- can raise gas temperature above the ignition point.

Fire syringe with metal plunger and wooden handle, storage box, and small cleaning brushes

Figure 1:

Warning: Fire and Heat Hazard

Warning: Equipment Damage Warning

Purpose

Safety Warnings

Warning: Fire and Heat Hazard

Warning: Equipment Damage Warning

Purpose