Everything you Should know about Laboratory Glassware

When it comes to laboratory equipment or apparatus, glass is the most sought-after material since it is transparent, temperature-resistant, easy to clean, and in several shapes and sizes. These qualities make glass equipment the right fit for conducting different experiments.

However, not knowing their uses can be overwhelming for anyone who wants to conduct the test or experiment. If that is the case, read on. In this blog, we will offer you everything you should know about glassware - from what it is to its applications.

Before getting to the uses and benefits of laboratory glassware, let us first try to understand what laboratory glassware is.

What Is Laboratory Glassware?

In simple terms, glassware can be defined as equipment created from Glass that is further used for a scientific cause. While glass material has many benefits, there are certain things that you should beware of. Glasses are fragile, so they are highly susceptible to breaking under pressure. So if you are dealing with glassware, ensure you consider its fragility when performing tests.

An alternative solution to Glass is plastic. However, given glasses are more transparent and heat resistant, many laboratory experts prefer using glassware more than any other material. The reason is simple. Glass outperforms other materials because it is extremely heat resistant. It can withstand several chemicals, including acids, alkalis, saline solutions, and organic solvents.

Now that we know what glassware is and its benefits, let’s jump onto the types of glasses.

Types of Glasses

Clinivex, a certified reference materials supplier, manufactures glassware with various types of glasses. Different types of glasses have different technical properties. However, the most common type of glass apparatus used is listed below. Let’s take a look at them without any further ado.

Borosilicate Glass

This type of glass has exceptional chemical and physical properties. It is used highly in high-temperature experiments since its innate nature is the coefficient of thermal expansion. Moreover, borosilicate glass can absorb and withstand rapid changes in temperature without getting damaged. This is why it is used for storing solid acids, including hydrochloric acid.

Soda Lime Glass

Soda-lime glass is used to create pipettes and culture tubes since it is used for short chemical exposure and little heat stress. Moreover, it has good chemical and physical properties, which allow an expert to work with these products with utmost precision.

Tips When you Work with Glass Apparatus in the Laboratory

While glass equipment has its benefits, people working glass in the laboratory need to keep some things in mind. Below mentioned are a few tips:

  • If you work with glass equipment, it is also necessary to keep its limitations in mind regarding thermal and mechanical stress.
  • Ensure you take safety measures when diluting solid acids such as hydrochloric acid. Ensure you stir and cool the liquid and that the reaction occurs in a suitable vessel.
  • Prevent using volumetric flasks and graduated cylinders to carry out exothermic reactions. If you overheat the volumetric instruments, you run the risk of breakage.
  • Do not expose the glass equipment to sudden temperature or pressure changes. While glass can withstand high temperatures and pressures, it will break off when they are changed swiftly.
  • Apply effort/pressure when controlled on empty glass apparatus when required. Use safety devices like gloves, screens, and goggles when dealing with solid solutions and glassware equipment.

Conclusion

There are over hundreds of laboratory glassware manufacturers and suppliers. It could get confusing to choose one from the many. If you are looking for a laboratory glassware supplier in Canada, contact Clinivex. They have the most profound and highly opted laboratory equipment, making them one of the most sought-after companies. From pipettes to beakers, they offer various laboratory equipment. Go through their website to learn more about their services.

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