The Glassblower

[MUSIC] This might be any oil research laboratory. One of the first things you'll notice is the glass apparatus of all kinds. Have you ever given a thought as to where it comes from? Take this fractionating apparatus for instance. How's that made? Behind it lie the skill and experience of a highly specialised branch of the glass blowing industry, employing craftsmen like 32-year-old George Ola. His equipment is simple. Hollow glass cylinders of all sizes, a flame, his fingers, the breath of his lungs, and the knowledge acquired during the 16 years he spent in the craft. Heating the glass to about 800 degrees centigrade, he draws off the length of tubing required for making the bulb. You might think this would be too hot to hold. Well, the answer is that glass is a poor conductor of heat. This is where a blow comes in and the hot glass is kept turning to give an even thickness. [MUSIC] A check for size with the calipers. A glance at the diagram and he starts on the smaller pear-shaped bulbs forming the column. Six of these bulbs are wanted. The next job is to fix the column onto the bulb. This is how the opening's made. [MUSIC] A puff to prevent the joint from collapsing. Another opening is wanted for the side tube. And so thanks to the glass blower, another piece of apparatus is ready for the laboratory.