Beakers Laboratory Equipment | Labware for Science
Lab Beakers
Lab beakers are a basic piece of equipment in various lab settings, including chemical, biological, clinical and industrial labs. They are cylindrical in shape and have flat bottom. Beakers are used for mixing, measuring and holding solutions and samples.
Besides glass beakers, reusable plastic beakers are also widely used in labs. These plastic beakers are made from durable materials like polypropylene and have safety features like breakage and chemical corrosion resistance. They are ideal for routine lab tasks that don’t require high temperature resistance.
Laboratory Equipment: Beaker Selection - Griffin, Plastic, Glass, Stainless Steel
Stainless steel ones are durable and corrosion resistant so great for high temp applications. They come in various sizes from 100ml, 1000 ml, to 12qt so you have options for different volume requirements. Graduated stainless steel beakers have markings on the side so you can measure liquids accurately.
Labware in Laboratories
Overview
Labware is an essential part of scientific research and testing, used in many experimental procedures in laboratories all over the world. From classic borosilicate glass beakers to modern plastic materials, labware comes in many forms to fit different scientific requirements. This overview covers the specifications, applications and benefits of using various equipment in laboratory settings, with focus on their design features like borosilicate glass and plastic beakers for laboratory efficiency and safety.
Types of Lab Equipment
Lab beakers are a part of laboratory equipment and come in many types to fit different laboratory tasks. Here are the main types of lab beakers found in most collections of laboratory equipment:
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Borosilicate Glass: Made from low expansion borosilicate lab glass, these beakers are used for laboratory tasks that involve heating and storing liquids. They are shock resistant and can withstand extreme temperature changes so great for experiments that require direct heating or sudden temperature changes. Borosilicate lab glass beakers are also chemical corrosion resistant so durable and long lasting in the lab.
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Polypropylene: Polypropylene beakers, or plastic beakers, are a cost effective and lightweight alternative to glass beakers. Used in educational settings and for laboratory tasks that don’t require high temp resistance. The plastic beaker is durable and less prone to breakage so great for routine tasks. They often have easy pouring spouts and scales for precise volume measurements. Some polypropylene beakers come with a lid, providing additional functionality and convenience in maintaining sterility and usability.
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Berzelius Beakers: Berzelius beakers are tall and thin beakers with a height that is double their diameter. Used for titration experiments and made from borosilicate glass. The tall form of Berzelius beakers allows for better control during titrations and other precise daily laboratory procedures. Their construction also minimizes the risk of spillage and contamination.
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Low Form: These beakers are shorter and wider than standard beakers so great for hot bath heating in the lab. Made from borosilicate glass and have pouring spouts for easy liquid handling. The low form design provides more stability and reduces the risk of tipping over so great for general mixing and heating applications.
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Graduated: Graduated are for accurate measurements and used for synthetic organic reactions. Available in various materials like plastic. Graduated have clear and easy to read markings for precise volume measurements which is critical for experiments that require exact quantities of reagents.
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Standard: Standard are the most common type of lab beaker and used for general laboratory tasks. Made from borosilicate has standard shape and size. Standard are versatile and can be used for many applications like heating and storing liquids. For approximate measuring and mixing, consider using a 250 ml Pyrex Flask, Erlenmeyer, which is ideal for educational, research, and industrial laboratories.
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Disposable: Disposable are made from plastic and used for single use applications. Used for laboratory tasks that require less quantity of liquid and are autoclavable.
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Jacketed: Jacketed are for temperature control and used for laboratory tasks that require precise temperature regulation. Made from borosilicate glass and have a jacket for temperature control. Jacketed are great that involve exothermic or endothermic reactions as they maintain a stable temperature throughout the process.
Labware for Specific ApplicationsHeating Applications
Borosilicate: Glass are used for heating applications as they can withstand high temperatures without deforming or breaking. Features for Heating: Can be placed directly on a hot plate or over a flame and heat treated for mechanical washing after use.
Chemical Resistance
Good for Strong Acids and Solvents: Borosilicate is chemical resistant, good for storing and strong acids and solvents that can degrade other materials or excite other materials.
Buying and Maintaining Labware
Choosing the Right Labware
Material and Volume Considerations: When choosing labware, consider the chemical compatibility and class and physical requirements. Plastic and volume should match the experimental needs.
Stock and Availability: Lab should manage their inventory well, make sure beakers are always in stock and ready for use. This means regular check and timely replenishment.
Maintenance Tips
Cleaning and Storage: Proper maintenance extends the life of labware. Beakers should be cleaned thoroughly to prevent cross contamination. Plastic though less fragile also need to be cleaned and stored properly to prevent material degradation.
Quality and Manufacturing
Lab beakers quality is critical for accurate and reliable results in laboratory applications. High quality materials like borosilicate glass are used in manufacturing due to its thermal shock resistance and durability. Borosilicate can withstand extreme temperature changes without cracking, perfect for labs that involve direct heating or sudden cooling.
Reusable plastic beakers made from high quality materials like polypropylene are also popular in laboratories. These plastic beakers are chemical resistant and can withstand daily laboratory procedures, making them a durable and safe alternative.
