Let’s Dive into VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500
The VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500, manufactured by VWR, is an 8-ounce polypropylene container designed for holding and transporting samples, primarily in laboratory settings. While it might not seem like a piece of tactical gear, the ability to safely and reliably store and transport samples is crucial in various outdoor and field research scenarios. This container promises to be a cost-effective solution for sample management.
My work often involves collecting soil and water samples in remote locations for environmental analysis. The need for durable, leak-proof, and contamination-free containers is paramount. Previously, I relied on a mishmash of Ziploc bags and repurposed food containers, a system that was both unreliable and unprofessional.
Upon receiving the VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of its design. The polypropylene material felt sturdy yet lightweight, and the absence of a lid raised concerns about spillage, which I’ll address later. The containers are very basic, but there is a clean and functional feel.
I considered several other options, including screw-top vials and specialized sample containers from scientific supply companies like Fisher Scientific. However, the VWR container’s attractive price point and the promise of bulk availability made it worth exploring as a potential solution for my needs. The other containers were either too expensive or difficult to obtain in the quantities I needed.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The lack of a lid seemed like a major oversight, but the product description touted its reliability. Whether my cautious hope would be upheld remained to be seen, making me slightly skeptical.
Real-World Testing: Putting VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test involved using the VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500 to collect soil samples from a recent site survey in a local forest. I placed the containers inside a larger, sealable bag to mitigate the risk of spillage during transport. The process of filling the containers was straightforward, and the wide mouth made it easy to scoop in the soil samples.
I also tested them in simulated wet conditions by splashing water onto the filled containers and observing for any leaks. While the containers themselves didn’t leak, the lack of a lid meant that water could easily contaminate the samples. This clearly limited their usability for holding liquids without additional securing measures.
Using them was as simple as filling and storing. The absence of moving parts also provided a sense of robustness. The main issue, however, remained the absent lid, making transport somewhat precarious.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500 for various sampling tasks, the containers have held up surprisingly well. Despite being made of relatively thin polypropylene, they have shown no signs of cracking or deformation. Cleaning them is very easy, requiring just soap and water.
There have been no durability concerns as yet. However, I still prefer using them only for solid samples, as liquid samples would require me to take extra precautionary measures.
The VWR containers outperform repurposed food containers in terms of durability and cleanliness, although it disappoints due to the absence of a lid. Screw-top vials offer better security, but they’re far more expensive. The price of screw-top vials is not feasible for large scale sampling.
Breaking Down the Features of VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500
Specifications
- Description: VWR CONATINER SAM NO LID CS500; an 8-ounce polypropylene container for holding and transporting samples.
- Material: Polypropylene, a lightweight and chemically resistant plastic. Polypropylene is known for its ability to withstand various chemicals, making it suitable for laboratory use.
- Capacity: 8 ounces (approximately 237 milliliters). This is a good size for collecting representative samples without being overly bulky.
- Lid: None included, necessitating the use of additional sealing methods for secure transport, particularly for liquids. Without a lid, the container is better suited for solid samples.
- Application: Designed for general-purpose sample collection and transport in laboratory and field settings. It can also be used for general storage.
These specifications are significant because they dictate the container’s suitability for different types of samples and environments. The polypropylene material ensures that the container won’t react with most samples, while the absence of a lid limits its versatility. The low cost makes it advantageous in some laboratory contexts.
Performance & Functionality
The VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500 performs its primary job of holding and transporting solid samples adequately. The wide mouth facilitates easy filling, and the polypropylene material is easy to clean. However, the lack of a lid significantly limits its functionality.
Its strengths include its affordability and simplicity. The weakness is the potential for contamination or spillage, especially when handling liquids.
For solid samples, the VWR container meets expectations, but the absence of a lid hinders its overall performance. Its cost is also a major factor in this assessment. It is an affordable and replaceable container.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. The polypropylene material is lightweight, making it easy to carry multiple containers.
There’s no learning curve. Simply fill the container and transport the samples.
Durability & Maintenance
The polypropylene material is reasonably durable and can withstand repeated use. Cracking has not been an issue for my samples.
The containers are very easy to clean with just soap and water. Due to the disposable nature of the product, there is no concern for significant maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories are included with the VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500. Being a very basic sample container, there are no customization options for this product.
While there aren’t specific VWR accessories, the containers are compatible with standard laboratory labeling systems. It is also readily stackable in most laboratory environments. It’s also compatible with standard secondary containment bags and containers, which are highly recommended due to the lack of a lid.
Pros and Cons of VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500
Pros
- Affordable: The low cost makes it suitable for large-scale sampling projects.
- Durable: The polypropylene material is relatively durable and resistant to cracking.
- Easy to clean: Simple design makes it easy to wash and reuse.
- Lightweight: The container’s low weight makes it easy to transport multiple samples.
- Chemically Resistant: Safe for storing a wide variety of materials.
Cons
- No Lid: The absence of a lid increases the risk of spillage and contamination.
- Limited use for Liquids: Primarily suitable for solid samples unless additional precautions are taken.
Who Should Buy VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500?
This product is perfect for researchers, field technicians, and environmental scientists who need to collect and transport solid samples in bulk and are budget-conscious. It is ideal for soil sampling, sediment collection, and similar applications where contamination is less of a concern. Laboratories and educational institutions will find this a cost-effective solution for general use.
Those who require airtight or leak-proof containers, or who are transporting hazardous liquids, should skip this product. Anyone needing to guarantee sample integrity should consider a container with a secure lid.
Secondary containment bags or containers are a must-have accessory. Labels and markers for proper sample identification are also necessary. For liquid samples, consider using parafilm or tape to seal the top of the container inside a secondary container.
Conclusion on VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500
The VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500 is a basic but functional sample container that offers excellent value for the price. Its affordability and durability make it a viable option for large-scale sampling projects. The lack of a lid is a significant drawback, limiting its versatility, however.
The price is justified for its intended use as a disposable or semi-disposable container for solid samples. The product presents itself as a good value for bulk use.
I would recommend this product to those who understand its limitations and are willing to take extra precautions to prevent spillage and contamination. If you require a secure, leak-proof container, look elsewhere. But if you need a cheap and reliable container for solid samples, the VWR Conatiner Sam No Lid CS500 PC7935-500 is a worthwhile option. Consider adding this to your collection of laboratory materials!