VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 Review

Let’s Dive into VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05

The VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 might not be the sort of gear that evokes immediate excitement like a new rifle or a high-tech GPS watch, but in certain applications, it’s an indispensable piece of kit. Manufactured by VWR, these funnels are designed for laboratory use, where purity and chemical resistance are paramount. The fact that they’re made from PTFE (Teflon) suggests a focus on durability and resistance to corrosive substances, far beyond what you’d expect from a standard plastic funnel.

My line of work involves a fair amount of field testing, often in remote locations, where precision and reliability are crucial. While I’m not in a formal lab setting, I frequently need to transfer liquids safely and without contamination during on-site sample collection and buffer preparation. I’ve struggled with standard plastic funnels that react with certain chemicals or are simply not robust enough for the rigors of field use.

My first impression upon unboxing the VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 was one of solid construction. The material feels dense and substantial, not flimsy like cheaper plastic alternatives. The smooth, non-stick internal finish is immediately apparent, promising easy cleaning and minimal residue.

Compared to standard polypropylene funnels, which are easily stained and can degrade with certain solvents, the VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 appeared significantly more durable and chemically resistant. I also considered glass funnels, but their fragility made them unsuitable for field use. The VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 seems like the perfect balance of chemical inertness and ruggedness.

I was cautiously optimistic about the VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05. While a funnel may seem like a simple tool, its performance can significantly impact the accuracy and efficiency of my work, potentially saving time and preventing costly errors in the long run.


Real-World Testing: Putting VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 during a recent field expedition to collect water samples from a remote alpine lake. The weather was variable, with periods of rain and strong winds. I used the funnel to transfer water samples into smaller vials for transport, as well as to prepare a dilute buffer solution for pH stabilization.

The VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 performed flawlessly under these conditions. The smooth internal surface ensured quick and complete transfer of the samples, even when dealing with viscous liquids. The funnel also proved easy to handle, even with gloved hands, and its stable design prevented spills.

I didn’t encounter any issues during the initial use, and the funnel cleaned up easily with a simple rinse of distilled water. The PTFE material showed no signs of reaction or degradation, even after prolonged exposure to the lake water and buffer chemicals.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 continues to perform exceptionally well. I’ve used it with a variety of liquids, including acids, bases, and organic solvents, without any signs of degradation or staining. The funnel remains structurally sound and shows no signs of wear or tear.

Cleaning the funnel is incredibly simple, thanks to the non-stick PTFE material. Even sticky or viscous substances are easily removed with a quick rinse, saving significant time and effort compared to cleaning traditional funnels. The chemical inertness of PTFE ensures no cross-contamination between samples.

Previously, I’ve had issues with funnels cracking or deforming under harsh conditions or with exposure to certain chemicals. The VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and chemical resistance, proving to be a reliable and long-lasting tool for field work.

Breaking Down the Features of VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05

Specifications

  • Material: Isostatically molded, FDA-approved pure PTFE. This ensures chemical inertness and prevents contamination, making it ideal for sensitive applications.
  • Volume: 39.05 mL. The volume is suitable for smaller sample volumes and doesn’t impede flow.
  • Top Diameter: 50 mm. This provides a wide opening for easy pouring and reduces the risk of spills.
  • Stem Diameter: 10 mm. The stem diameter ensures a controlled flow rate without being too restrictive.
  • Height: 85 mm. The height offers sufficient capacity while remaining compact and easy to handle.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the funnel’s usability, chemical resistance, and suitability for various applications. The PTFE construction guarantees that the funnel won’t react with or contaminate samples, while the dimensions ensure efficient and controlled fluid transfer.

Performance & Functionality

The VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The smooth, non-stick surface facilitates complete and efficient transfer of liquids, minimizing waste and preventing cross-contamination. The chemical resistance of PTFE ensures that the funnel can be used with a wide range of substances without any degradation or adverse effects.

The primary strength of the VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 lies in its chemical inertness and durability. The design could be improved with a slightly longer stem for use with larger containers.

Overall, the VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 meets and exceeds my expectations. It has proven to be a reliable and essential tool for my field work.

Design & Ergonomics

The VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 features a simple yet functional design. The smooth, heavy-wall construction feels solid and durable.

The funnel is easy to handle and use, even with gloved hands. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The PTFE construction of the VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 ensures long-term durability. It’s resistant to cracking, deformation, and chemical degradation.

Maintenance is simple: a quick rinse with distilled water is usually sufficient to clean the funnel. Its non-stick surface prevents residue buildup, making it easy to maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it is a fairly basic laboratory tool. There are no readily available customization options.

Due to the standardized design of laboratory equipment, the VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 is compatible with a wide range of flasks, beakers, and other containers from various brands.

Pros and Cons of VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05

Pros

  • Exceptional Chemical Resistance: The PTFE construction ensures compatibility with a wide range of chemicals, preventing degradation or contamination.
  • Durable Construction: The isostatically molded PTFE provides a robust and long-lasting tool for demanding applications.
  • Non-Stick Surface: The smooth internal finish facilitates complete and efficient transfer of liquids, minimizing waste and simplifying cleaning.
  • FDA Approved: The FDA approval ensures that the materials are safe and suitable for use with food and pharmaceutical products.
  • Precise Volume: The specified 39.05 mL volume is ideal for transferring smaller sample volumes accurately.

Cons

  • The price of $109.99 might be high for basic use, especially if alternatives work.
  • Limited design options.


Who Should Buy VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05?

The VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 is perfect for:

  • Laboratory technicians who need chemically resistant and non-reactive equipment.
  • Researchers who require precise transfer of liquids for experiments.
  • Anyone working with corrosive or hazardous materials.
  • Field researchers who need durable equipment for sample collection.

Those who should skip this product:

  • Individuals who only need a funnel for basic kitchen use.
  • Anyone working with limited budgets.

A must-have accessory for this funnel is a set of properly sized collection vials or containers.

Conclusion on VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05

The VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 is a high-quality laboratory tool that delivers exceptional performance and durability. Its chemical resistance and non-stick surface make it ideal for a wide range of applications.

The price of $109.99 is justified by the quality of materials and the long-term reliability of the product. It is a worthwhile investment for anyone who needs a durable and chemically inert funnel for demanding applications.

I would personally recommend the VWR Funnels, PTFE 39.05 to anyone looking for a reliable and long-lasting laboratory funnel. If you value precision, durability, and chemical resistance, this funnel is an excellent choice. Invest in quality, and you won’t be disappointed.

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