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Antique and rare scientific instruments and equipment like glass science beakers have become collectible over the years, especially for people with a penchant for science. While modern laboratory beakers are mainly made of glass or plastic, the historical glass beakers to exhibit have different shapes available, made from different types of glass. Below are some of the most common types of glass beakers that are popular with scientists.
Low-form beakers are short and wide vessels that are mainly made of glass. They are commonly used in laboratories for holding and mixing liquids. Due to their shape, they are also suitable for heating substances.
High-form beakers are tall and slender vessels, mainly designed to hold and mix liquids in laboratories. Unlike low-form beakers, these are not suitable for heating substances due to their shape.
These are the beakers that are currently in demand due to their novel designs and features. These may include magnetic stirring capabilities, multiple compartments, or even flexible materials for working with changing pressures.
These include beakers designed with unique features to handle specific tasks in the laboratory. These may include beakers for high-viscosity liquids, extreme temperatures, or chemical storage. Often, such beakers have added properties for strength, insulation, or easy pouring.
A titration beaker usually has very slight graduations and a distinctive shape. This facilitates the titration process, which involves the gradual addition of a reagent to measure volumetric analytes.
The most common everyday glass beakers are made of borosilicate glass, which can thermally shock, or several types of soda-lime glass. There are, however, several other types of antique and scientific glass beakers. Laboratory glassware, such as beakers, is required to be durable and resistant to chemical and thermal damage. Here's a breakdown of the key materials and their durability:
This is the most common material used for glass beakers. It contains silica and alumina; hence, it has a strong chemical composition that can resist heat. It is also resistant to thermal shock, which means it won't crack or break when exposed to sudden temperature changes. All these properties make them suitable for use in laboratories.
An easily molded and less expensive type of glass is used in the production of many beakers. While more susceptible to thermal shock than borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass beakers provide adequate durability for basic laboratory and educational uses. It is also well resistant to chemicals but not as resistant as borosilicate glass.
This type of glass is highly resistant to thermal shock and is even more durable than borosilicate glass. Aluminosilicate glass beakers resist chemicals and extreme temperatures, making them suitable for high-tech and intensive application.
Also called silica glass, this type of glass beaker is made from pure silica. It is highly resistant to UV and extreme temperatures. It also has excellent chemical resistance. While more expensive, quartz glass beakers are excellent for sensitive experiments.
This beaker is fitted with an outer plastic coating to help protect the glass under heavy use. The coating helps protect the glass from breaking while still providing the chemical resistance of glass. These are commonly used in schools and busy laboratories where glass breakage is likely to occur often.
Glass beakers are mainly used for mixing chemicals in labs because they can withstand extreme temperatures and acidic conditions. Laboratory technicians typically use them for holding chemical solutions, creating reactions, and mixing different compounds, among other things.
In pharmacies, glass beakers mix different chemicals and compounds that should be used in the making of medicines, drugs, and other medical solutions. Due to their high degree of accuracy and resistance to chemical reactions, beakers must ensure a proper mixture without contaminating the ingredients.
Once scientists have collected samples, they have to keep and preserve them for analysis. Glass beakers can help store biological, environmental, and other samples without risk of contamination. Glass will not react with most sample materials, ensuring they remain pure for future testing.
In schools, students use glass beakers during science experiments to demonstrate chemical reactions, prepare solutions, or heat substances. Learning how to use lab equipment, including glass science beakers, helps students understand basic scientific principles and measurements.
Even in kitchens, glass beakers are used for mixing different elements, whether in cooking or baking. The heat resistance of these beakers allows them to be placed in ovens, while their precise measurement markings ensure accurate ingredient quantities for recipes. They are also ideal for creating marinades, sauces, or even emulsified dressings.
In large-scale chemical manufacturing, glass beakers prepare small quantities of chemicals for larger reactions or store purified substances. The compatibility of glass with corrosive chemicals makes it a preferred option in making certain byproducts during manufacturing processes.
When choosing glass beakers, there are several factors that should be considered. Below are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting the appropriate glass beakers for different uses:
Borosilicate glass is usually stronger than ordinary glassware and can therefore resist heat and thermal shock. Look for beakers that are strong enough to handle frequent heating or cooling without breaking or cracking.
Beakers normally come in various sizes, ranging from a few milliliters to several liters. The right size beaker should be chosen based on the volume of the liquid or the scale of the experiment to be conducted. A larger beaker, for instance, may be more appropriate to mix solutions in experiments, while a smaller one is suitable for testing samples.
During science experiments or even when prepping medicine, glass beakers must be pure in their ways. Any form of impurity will react with the chemicals or samples and might contaminate them, leading to inaccurate results or hazardous situations.
Measuring solutions and chemicals during experimentation is crucial. While many glass beakers have graduated markings, beware that the markings may not be accurate. Always check whether the beaker has accurate measurement markings before purchasing it online.
Before choosing a glass beaker, one should at least ensure that the beaker is compatible with the chemicals that are mostly used in their lab. Some glass materials may, after all, begin to degrade or etch when exposed to certain aggressive chemicals.
While glass science beakers are relatively cheap, the price will still depend on the type of glass, brand, size, and any additional features like a plastic coating or a lid. Always have a budget before shopping online, and consider investing in a quality science beaker because it is worth it.
Yes, titanium dioxide can be stored in glass beakers. Although it doesn't react with glass like other substances do, a glass beaker should be chosen based on the chemical environment in which it will be used.
In laboratories, borosilicate glass beakers are the most commonly used because they offer excellent thermal shock resistance and chemical durability. In bead makers, soda-lime glass beakers are the most popular.
No, generally, metals do not leach into glass beakers. It is, however, possible for trace metal contaminants to be present in the surface of any glassware, particularly if the glass is not of high quality, like in certain historical glass beakers.
Yes, plastic-coated glass beakers are suitable for chemicals. The plastic coating is meant to protect the glass from breaking but does not interfere with the chemical resistance properties of the underlying glass.
Simply washing them with detergent and water or putting them through a dishwasher will do enough to clean scientific glass beakers away from contaminants. Follow this up by rinsing them thoroughly with distilled water to remove any detergent residue or mineral deposits.
