Let’s Dive into BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack
The BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack represents a crucial piece of equipment for any laboratory dealing with volatile solvents and demanding applications. These flasks, manufactured by BrandTech, are designed for use with rotary evaporators and distillation setups, offering exceptional chemical resistance and temperature stability. They promise to deliver consistent performance in critical processes.
My journey to these flasks began with a persistent problem: inconsistent solvent recovery in trace analysis work. My previous glassware, while functional, exhibited slight leaching issues when working with particularly aggressive solvents, skewing results and demanding repeat runs. I needed a solution that guaranteed purity and reliability, and the promise of PFA construction piqued my interest.
The pack arrived well-protected, each flask nestled securely in custom-fitted foam. My initial impression was of quality; the PFA material felt robust yet surprisingly lightweight. The translucent surface allowed for easy visual monitoring of the solvent level during evaporation, a feature I immediately appreciated.
I considered flasks from Corning and Kimble Chase. However, the BrandTech flasks’ superior temperature range (-200 to 260°C) and the claim of exceptional chemical inertness tilted my decision in their favor. I was excited by the potential for increased efficiency and accuracy in my work.
I was initially excited and relieved. The build quality looked promising and potentially a game changer for my lab work.
Real-World Testing: Putting BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack in our analytical chemistry lab, specifically with a Heidolph rotary evaporator during the concentration of pesticide residues from environmental samples. I ran multiple evaporations using different solvents, including hexane, acetone, and dichloromethane.
The flasks performed flawlessly across all solvent types. Their chemical resistance was immediately apparent, with no signs of degradation or leaching even after prolonged exposure to aggressive solvents. The smooth PFA surface also minimized solvent clinging, optimizing recovery.
The 29/32 ground socket fit perfectly onto the rotary evaporator, creating an airtight seal. The translucent material made it easy to monitor the evaporation process, allowing for precise control over the evaporation rate and preventing bumping.
After the first few runs, I noticed a significant improvement in solvent recovery compared to my previous glassware. I was thrilled with the improved efficiency and reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of regular use, the BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear and tear, such as cracking or discoloration, despite repeated exposure to a wide range of solvents and temperature fluctuations.
Cleaning these flasks is remarkably easy. The smooth PFA surface resists contamination and allows for effortless removal of residues with standard laboratory detergents. The flasks have also been autoclaved multiple times without any degradation in performance.
Compared to my previous experience with borosilicate glassware, the BrandTech flasks offer a significant improvement in durability and chemical resistance. They consistently outperform borosilicate in terms of solvent recovery and overall lifespan. The BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack exceeded all my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack
Specifications
Capacity: 100 mL. This is ideal for small-to-medium scale evaporations.
Dimensions: 65 mm diameter x 117 mm height. This allows it to fit into standard rotary evaporators.
Material: PFA (perfluoroalkoxy copolymer). PFA offers exceptional chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and is virtually inert, preventing contamination of samples.
Temperature Range: -200 to 260°C (-328 to 500°F). This wide temperature range makes the flask suitable for a variety of applications, including high-temperature distillation and low-temperature solvent evaporation.
Ground Socket: 29/32. This standard size ensures compatibility with most rotary evaporators and distillation setups.
BrandTech No.: V107797. This allows for easy identification and reordering.
These specifications translate directly to enhanced performance and reliability in the lab. The BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack ensures purity, chemical resistance, and compatibility with standard equipment.
Performance & Functionality
The BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It provides consistent and reliable solvent evaporation, minimizing sample loss and contamination. Its chemical inertness ensures accurate results in trace analysis.
The primary strength lies in its material. The PFA construction provides unparalleled chemical resistance and temperature stability. A possible weakness is its cost, since PFA is more expensive than other materials.
The BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack exceeded my expectations by a longshot. The consistent performance and durability far surpassed what I was using before.
Design & Ergonomics
The BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack features a well-designed, simple construction. The PFA material is lightweight, which makes it easy to handle. The translucent surface provides excellent visibility of the solvent.
The flask is very user-friendly. Its standard ground socket ensures seamless integration with existing laboratory equipment, requiring no special adaptors or modifications.
Durability & Maintenance
The PFA material is incredibly durable and resistant to cracking or breaking under normal laboratory conditions. The flasks are expected to last for years with proper care.
Maintenance is simple: wash the flasks with standard laboratory detergents and autoclave when necessary. The chemical resistance of PFA prevents any long-term damage from harsh cleaning agents.
Accessories and Customization Options
The pack includes one 100 mL round-bottom evaporating flask with a 29/32 ground socket. While there are no specific customization options for the flask itself, its standard ground socket allows for seamless integration with various accessories.
These include different sized condensers, receiving flasks, and vacuum adaptors from various brands. The BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack is compatible with most rotary evaporator systems and distillation setups, making it a versatile addition to any laboratory.
Pros and Cons of BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack
Pros
- Exceptional chemical resistance thanks to its PFA construction.
- Wide temperature range (-200 to 260°C) making it suitable for various applications.
- Easy to clean and maintain due to the smooth, non-stick surface.
- Standard 29/32 ground socket ensures compatibility with most rotary evaporators.
- Translucent material allows for easy monitoring of solvent levels during evaporation.
Cons
- The PFA material makes it more expensive than borosilicate glassware.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack?
The BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack is perfect for analytical chemists. It is great for organic chemists, and researchers who require high-purity solvents and reliable evaporation processes. It is ideally for laboratories dealing with trace analysis, environmental monitoring, or pharmaceutical research.
Those who primarily work with non-aggressive solvents or require only basic distillation setups might find lower-cost borosilicate glassware sufficient. A lab that only does teaching experiments will not need this.
A vacuum pump is a must-have. Also, one may want to invest in a high-quality rotary evaporator to take full advantage of the flask’s capabilities.
Conclusion on BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack
The BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack delivers exceptional performance and reliability in demanding laboratory applications. The superior chemical resistance and temperature stability of PFA make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified considering the improved accuracy, efficiency, and durability compared to traditional glassware. I would recommend these flasks to any laboratory seeking to optimize its solvent evaporation processes.
In conclusion, the BrandTech Round-Bottom Evaporating Flasks, PFA, BrandTech V107797, Pack is a high-quality, reliable product that significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of solvent evaporation in the lab. If you value precision and durability, this is a must-have.