Laboratory glassware is distinguished by its diversity. It is used in the process of conducting analyzes in various fields. A huge number of variations of the containers presented allows you to use the most suitable variety in each case.
Existing types of flasks can be classified according to some features. This allows you to delve deeper into their application and significance for analysis. Varieties of laboratory glassware deserve special attention.
General characteristics
In laboratory studies, glass flasks are most often used. They allow you to perform many different operations and chemical reactions. A fairly large expense item for any laboratory is precisely the container.
Since most flasks are made of glass, they can break. Today there are many different types of flasks. They may be exposed to temperatures or chemicals. Therefore, the material from which laboratory glassware is made must withstand such loads.
The flask configuration can be very unusual. This is necessary in order to conduct full-fledged chemical experiments, as well as the analysis of the required substances. Most often, these containers have a wide base.and narrow throat. Some of them may be fitted with a stopper.
Varieties of shape
Flat-bottomed and round-bottomed flasks can be used in laboratory research. These are the most commonly used types of containers. Flat-bottomed varieties can be placed on a flat surface. Their purpose is very diverse.
Round bottom flasks are held by a rack. This is very convenient if the container needs to be heated. For some reactions, this speeds up the process. Therefore, the round-bottom flask is most often made from heat-resistant glass due to this application feature.
Also, both types of laboratory glassware presented are used to store various substances. Sometimes, in very rare cases, sharp-bottomed varieties of containers are used during laboratory analysis.
Application of flasks and their configuration
Types of flasks and their names are very diverse. They depend on the application. The Kjeldahl flask is pear-shaped. It is most often used in the device of the same name for the determination of nitrogen. This flask may have a glass stopper.
Wurtz flask is used to distill various substances. It has a drain tube in its design.
The Claisen flask has two necks, the diameter of which is the same along the entire length. A tube is connected to one of them, designed to remove steam. The other end communicates the dishes with the refrigerator. This variety is used for distillation and distillationnormal pressure.
Bunsen flask is used in filtration processes. Its walls are very strong and thick. At the top there is a special process. It approaches the vacuum line. For experiments under reduced pressure, this variety is ideal.
Erlenmeyer flask
Considering the existing types of flasks, it is impossible not to pay attention to another form of laboratory glassware. The name of this container is given in honor of its creator, the German chemist Erlenmeyer. This is a conical container that has a flat bottom. Its neck is characterized by a cylindrical shape.
This flask has divisions that allow you to determine the volume of liquid inside. A unique feature of this type of container is an insert made of special glass. This is a kind of notebook. The chemist can make the necessary notes on it.
The neck, if necessary, can be closed with a cork. The conical shape promotes high-quality hashing of contents. The narrow neck prevents spillage. The evaporation process in such containers is slower.
This type of flask is used for titration, growing pure cultures or heating. If the flask has divisions on the body, they are not heated. Such dishes allow you to measure the amount of substance content.
A few more characteristics
Applicable types of flasks can also be divided into groups depending on the type of neck. They are simple (for a rubber stopper), as well as with a cylindrical or conical section.
Depending on the type of material from which the dishes are made, they can be heat-resistant or plain. By purpose, the flasks can be divided into volumetric containers, receivers and reactors.
The volume of laboratory glassware is also quite diverse. Their capacity can be from 100 ml to 10 liters. There are flasks of even larger volume. When working with such containers, it is imperative to follow safety rules. Each type of equipment presented must be used strictly for its intended purpose. Otherwise, you can break the flask or harm your body.
