Let’s Dive into Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes, Kimble Chase 73785 50
The Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes, Kimble Chase 73785 50 are more than just simple lab equipment; they’re the unsung heroes of countless scientific breakthroughs. These tubes, manufactured by Kimble Chase, are designed for reliable and consistent performance in the demanding environment of a laboratory setting, offering a balance of quality and affordability. They represent the bedrock upon which experiments are built, providing a sterile and precise container for critical samples.
My background in tactical gear might seem an odd connection, but precision and reliability are paramount in both fields. Whether it’s trusting my gear in a remote environment or trusting a centrifuge tube with valuable samples, the underlying principle is the same. I needed a set of reliable, disposable centrifuge tubes for a personal project involving soil sample analysis, specifically to isolate particulates after a series of extractions.
The tubes arrived well-packaged, minimizing the risk of breakage during shipping. Holding one for the first time, the borosilicate glass felt robust, reassuringly solid compared to cheaper alternatives I’ve encountered. The conical bottom and bullet nose design of the 50mL tube inspired confidence in its ability to withstand the forces of centrifugation.
When choosing these, I considered similar offerings from Corning and Eppendorf, but ultimately the Kimble/kontes tubes won out due to their reputation for consistent glass quality and the assurance of meeting ASTM E438 Type I, A, or B glass requirements. These standards provide a baseline level of confidence. My first impression was one of quiet confidence; these aren’t flashy, but they appeared to be built for the job.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes, Kimble Chase 73785 50 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes, Kimble Chase 73785 50 in my makeshift lab, a spare room converted for analyzing soil samples collected from various locations for heavy metal contamination. This involved a series of chemical extractions followed by centrifugation to separate the soil matrix from the extract. The tubes were subjected to varying speeds, reaching up to 2500 g, within the specified 2980 g maximum.
The performance was consistent across all tubes tested. They held their integrity, with no signs of cracking or leakage during centrifugation, even with relatively dense soil slurries. The ease of use was remarkable; filling and decanting were straightforward, and the conical bottoms facilitated efficient pelleting of the solid fraction. There were no surprises, only the predictable, reliable performance I expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use, processing dozens of samples, the Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes have held up admirably. There’s been no sign of degradation in the glass itself, even after repeated exposure to various solvents and acids. The phenolic screw caps with PTFE-faced rubber liners consistently provided a tight seal, preventing evaporation and contamination.
Maintenance is essentially non-existent, as these are disposable. The fact that they are disposable is a significant advantage when dealing with potentially hazardous materials, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination that comes with re-using tubes. Compared to previous experiences with cheaper tubes that cracked easily or had unreliable seals, the Kimble/kontes tubes are a clear step above, saving time and reducing the risk of losing valuable samples.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes, Kimble Chase 73785 50
Specifications
Material: Borosilicate Glass. The borosilicate glass composition is crucial for its chemical resistance and ability to withstand temperature changes during experiments.
Capacity: 50mL. The 50mL capacity is ideal for a wide range of sample volumes, striking a balance between sufficient capacity and manageable size.
Bottom Shape: Conical. A conical bottom allows for efficient pelleting of solids during centrifugation, facilitating easy separation of components.
Cap Type: Phenolic Screw Cap with PTFE-faced Rubber Liner. The phenolic screw cap provides a secure closure, preventing leakage and contamination, while the PTFE liner ensures chemical inertness.
Maximum RCF: 2980 g. The maximum Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) rating indicates the tube’s ability to withstand high-speed centrifugation without structural failure.
Compliance: Meet Type I, A, or B glass requirements per ASTM E438. Compliance with ASTM E438 ensures that the glass meets specific standards for chemical composition and performance, guaranteeing consistent quality and reliability.
Special Feature: Bullet nose on the 50mL tube. This offers extra strength compared to other tubes and reduces breakage rates.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes excel in their primary function: reliably containing and separating samples during centrifugation. Their robust construction and tight-sealing caps minimize the risk of leaks and contamination, ensuring accurate and consistent results. The conical bottom facilitates efficient pellet formation, crucial for subsequent analysis or processing. They meet expectations for reliability and consistency.
A minor potential weakness lies in the lack of graduations on the tubes. While not essential for all applications, having volume markings would add a layer of convenience for precise measurements.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the borosilicate glass providing a sturdy and chemically resistant container. The tubes are comfortable to handle and easy to manipulate, even when wearing gloves. The conical bottom and bullet nose design contribute to the overall robustness and ease of use.
There’s virtually no learning curve. The tubes are simple and intuitive to use, requiring no special skills or knowledge.
Durability & Maintenance
Given that these are disposable tubes, long-term durability is not a primary concern. However, the high-quality borosilicate glass is resistant to cracking and breakage during normal use, ensuring they hold up well throughout the duration of an experiment.
Maintenance is straightforward: simply dispose of the tubes after use. The fact that they are disposable minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and eliminates the need for cleaning and sterilization.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes are primarily standalone products, and customization is limited. The primary “accessory” is the phenolic screw cap, which is included. While there are no specific accessories designed solely for these tubes, they are compatible with standard centrifuge rotors and racks designed for 50mL tubes. Aftermarket labels can be used for sample identification, but no other customization is typically necessary.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes, Kimble Chase 73785 50
Pros
- High-Quality Borosilicate Glass: Ensures chemical resistance and durability.
- Conical Bottom Design: Facilitates efficient pelleting of solids.
- Reliable Screw Caps: Prevents leakage and contamination.
- Disposable: Eliminates cross-contamination risks and cleaning.
- Meets ASTM E438 Standards: Guarantees consistent quality.
Cons
- Lack of Graduations: No volume markings for precise measurements.
- Price: Compared to some alternatives the cost is slightly higher.
Who Should Buy Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes, Kimble Chase 73785 50?
The Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes, Kimble Chase 73785 50 are perfect for researchers, lab technicians, environmental scientists, and anyone involved in sample preparation and analysis. They’re ideal for applications such as soil testing, water analysis, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Individuals or organizations seeking the absolute cheapest option, even at the expense of reliability and quality, might skip this product. If precise volume measurements are paramount, users might consider purchasing graduated tubes or using separate measuring devices.
A must-have modification would be the addition of pre-printed labels or using a labeling machine to clearly identify samples and track experimental data.
Conclusion on Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes, Kimble Chase 73785 50
The Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes, Kimble Chase 73785 50 are a reliable and essential component of any laboratory setting. Their high-quality construction, consistent performance, and disposable nature make them a valuable investment for anyone requiring accurate and efficient sample processing. The price is justified by the quality and reliability.
I would absolutely recommend these tubes to anyone seeking a dependable solution for centrifugation applications. Don’t compromise on quality; invest in the Kimble/kontes Disposable Plain Centrifuge Tubes and ensure the integrity of your research.