What does a hard sharp small flame indicate?

A hard sharp small flame typically indicates that there is a small orifice in the burner. This is because a small orifice reduces the amount of gas flowing through it, resulting in a more concentrated, tighter flame. The characteristics of this flame can be observed in applications such as pilot lights or small burners where precise fuel control is essential.

In contrast, larger orifices would allow more gas to flow, resulting in a larger flame. A clogged burner would not necessarily produce a sharp small flame, as it may lead to a weak or flickering flame due to insufficient gas supply. Similarly, inefficient combustion is indicated by characteristics such as a yellow flame, so it would not be associated with a hard sharp small flame.