Working in a laboratory involves different mixtures of chemicals and also not neglecting the very important factor, which is the type of bottles used. The bottle is very essential in terms of mixing the right chemical solutions and containers for experimentation.
One of the focal points for getting this right is by using flasks. Glass flasks made out of glass bottles are essential laboratory instruments because of a number of significant benefits. They have the ability to withstand chemical reactions, particularly when working with compounds that are experimental.
Their materials are transparent enough to let you see reactions and color changes clearly, and they are made to be heat-resistant to survive high temperatures, enabling a variety of heating operations. In this article, we will be covering the different types of flasks that people use, their unique functionalities, and the exceptional qualities they possess.
Types of flasks used
There are different types of flasks used in laboratory settings based on their functions and what applications they are being used for; however, for the purpose of this article, we will be streamlining it to primarily six types.
● Erlenmeyer Flask
On one occasion or another, you must have come across this type of flask with its long, narrow neck and rectangular bottom. It is ideally used for mixing, heating, and storing liquids.
● Round-bottom flask
The round-bottom flask is spherical in nature with a flat bottom that can be placed under a Bunsen burner for heating liquids evenly.
● Volumetric flask
This type of flask is used to get the right volume measurements. Ideally, it is used as a tool for getting precise measurements of solutions for identified concentrations. It is almost similar to round-bottom but is more pear-shaped in nature, with a label that has the manufacturer's brand, the applicable manufacturing standard, the accuracy class, tolerance, and notional volume.
● Florence Flask
The Florence flask is designed for heating solutions. It has a long neck, a rounded bottom, and a flat base that make it suitable for heating liquids and serving as a reaction vessel.
● Buchner Flask
Buchner Flask is a type of Erlenmeyer flask made with thick walls and a side arm that connects directly to a vacuum hose, which is used for the filtration of liquids.
● Schlenk Flask
Schlenk Flasks are shaped like a round-bottomed flask with a ground glass joint and a side arm for gas manipulation; as a result, they are ideal for vacuum or inert gas manipulation.
Functions of Glass Flasks
These glass flasks perform specific functions in the laboratory. For instance, while the Erlenmeyer flask is best used for heating, mixing, and titration, the volumetric flask is best known for precise volume measurement. They are also used for other purposes like holding and storing liquids under air-sensitive compounds, nitrogen determination, and even preparing solutions for distillation. Each has its own unique functionality in the lab.
Features to look out for in glass flasks
● Material
In terms of properties, study the material features like the type of glass used, the transparency of the bottle, its resistance to heat, and its durability.
● Size
Size also matters in the grand scheme of things because these bottles are oftentimes light-weight and would need to be handled properly.
● Design
It is very essential to look at the type of design before opting for one. Certain glass bottles would need a type of shape and neck design to fulfill specific applications, so it is important to watch out for the type of design an EC flask comes with to know the right one to select from.
Conclusion
Glass bottles have been used and viewed through different lenses from that of a storage solution for essentials or flower vases at home, but glass flasks come with a redefined twist. It shows the endowment of the flask and how certain types of flasks are needed for specific applications in the laboratory. With this knowledge in check, you can easily tell the difference and use of each flask in the laboratory. Have fun experimenting!
FAQ’s
● What are the different types of glass flasks?
There are different types of flasks available, including boiling flasks, dewar flasks, filter flasks, Erlenmeyer flasks, cell culture flasks, etc.
● Do chemicals react with glass flasks?
No, they don’t. The glass used for these flasks are made with silicon dioxide (SiO2), which is highly resistant to reactions and can be used as a storage solution for chemicals.
● Are glass flasks safe?
Anything made out of glass is a highly sustainable option, as it doesn’t have any effect whatsoever and is a safe choice for storing food, drinks, beverages, whiskey, laboratory chemicals, and so on and so forth.