Laboratory glassware is distinguished by its diversity. It is used in the process of analysis in a variety of areas. A huge number of variations of the presented capacities allows the use of the most suitable variety in each case.
Existing types of flasks can be classified according to some criteria. This allows a deeper understanding of 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 sufficiently large expense item of any laboratory is precisely the container.
Since most flasks are made of glass, they can break. Today there are a variety of types of flasks. They may be exposed to temperatures or chemicals. Therefore, the material from which the laboratory glassware is made must withstand such loads.
The configuration of the flasks can be very unusual. This is necessary in order to carry out fully chemical experiments, as well as analysis of the required substances. Most often, such containers have a wide base and a narrow throat. Some of them may be equipped with cork.
Varieties of form
In laboratory studies, a flat-bottomed and round-bottomed flask can be used. These are the most commonly used types of containers. Flat bottom varieties can be placed on a flat surface. Their purpose is very diverse.
Round-bottom flasks are held by a tripod. This is very convenient if the container needs to be heated. With some reactions, this speeds up the process. Therefore, a round-bottom flask is most often made due to this feature of the use of heat-resistant glass.
Also, both presented varieties of laboratory glassware are used for storing various substances. Sometimes, in very rare cases, ostroponic varieties of containers are used during laboratory analysis.
The use of flasks and their configuration
The types of flasks and their names are very diverse. They depend on the scope. The Kjeldahl flask is characterized by a pear-shaped form. It is most often used in the device of the same name for the determination of nitrogen. This flask may have a glass stopper.
A Wurz flask is used to distill various substances. In its design there is a branch pipe.
The Klaisen flask has two necks, the diameter of which is the same over the entire length. One of them is supplied with a pipe designed to divert steam. The other end communicates dishes with a refrigerator. This variety is used for distillation and distillation at ordinary pressure.
Bunsen flask is used in filtering processes. Its walls are very strong and thick. At the top there is a special process. He approaches the vacuum line. For experiments under reduced pressure, this variety is ideal.
Erlenmeyer flask
Considering the existing types of flasks, one cannot but pay attention to another form of laboratory glassware. The name of this tank is given in honor of its creator - the German chemist Erlenmeyer. This is a conical packaging 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 fluid inside. A unique feature of this type of packaging is the insert made of special glass. This is a kind of notebook. On it, the chemist can make the necessary notes.
The neck can be closed with a stopper if necessary. The conical shape promotes good mixing of the contents. A narrow neck prevents spillage. The evaporation process in such containers is slower.
The flask of the present type is used for titration, cultivation of pure cultures or heating. If the bulb has divisions on the body, they are not heated. Such dishes can measure the amount of substance.
A few more features
The types of flasks used can also be divided into groups depending on the type of neck. They are simple (under a rubber stopper), as well as with a cylindrical or conical thin section.
Depending on the type of material from which the dishes are made, it can be heat-resistant or ordinary. According to the purpose of the flask can be divided into measuring tanks, 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 greater volume. When working with such containers must comply with safety rules. Each variety of equipment presented should be used strictly for its intended purpose. Otherwise, you can break the flask or harm your body.