Let’s Dive into VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549
The VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549, manufactured by Advantech Manufacturing, is a seemingly simple piece of lab equipment. But its sterile design, specific volume, and case quantity have intriguing implications for field applications, especially in mobile labs and austere medical environments. I’ve spent over a decade rigging up field labs for everything from water quality testing in remote jungles to setting up temporary medical facilities after natural disasters.
My quest for the VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549 began with a recurring problem: maintaining sterile sample collection in environments where traditional glass flasks are prone to breakage and contamination. Glass, while chemically inert, is a liability in the field. I needed a durable, sterile alternative that wouldn’t leach contaminants into my samples.
Upon unboxing the case of 25 flasks, my initial impression was positive. The polycarbonate material felt robust yet lightweight, a definite improvement over glass.
Compared to similar sterile sampling containers like individually wrapped plastic beakers or pre-filled sample vials, the VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549 offered a balance of volume capacity and reusability (with proper sterilization techniques, of course). Plastic beakers are often flimsy and lack a secure closure, while sample vials are too small for many applications. I chose these flasks specifically for their 500ml volume and promise of being gamma-irradiated sterile, addressing both capacity and sterility concerns simultaneously.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Could these flasks truly withstand the rigors of field use and maintain sterility, especially at a price of $649.99 for a case of 25? Only real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was during a water quality assessment expedition in the Amazon rainforest. I needed to collect water samples from several remote tributaries. The flasks were used to collect water samples for bacterial analysis.
The performance was immediately impressive. The polycarbonate material proved far more resilient than glass, surviving bumps and jostles within my pack without any signs of cracking or leaking. The wide-mouth design made sample collection straightforward, even with gloved hands. No additional time was required to prepare the sterile container, saving valuable time and effort.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use, the VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549 continued to impress. They held up remarkably well, with only minor surface scratches despite the rough handling. Clean-up was simple, requiring only soap, water, and a final rinse with distilled water, followed by autoclaving for resterilization (though originally gamma-irradiated, I wanted to test their autoclaving resilience too).
Compared to previous experiences with fragile glass flasks that frequently shattered or leaked, these polycarbonate flasks were a game-changer. The reliability and durability significantly reduced the risk of sample contamination and project delays. They definitely outperformed my expectations, especially regarding their ability to withstand repeated sterilization cycles.
Breaking Down the Features of VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549
Specifications
The VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549 boasts several key specifications that define its utility:
- Manufacturer: Advantech Manufacturing. A detail that assures a certain level of quality control and manufacturing expertise.
- Volume: 500 ml. A crucial volume for various sampling and mixing applications, balancing portability and capacity.
- Available quantity options: Case (25). The case quantity makes it suitable for labs with regular sample processing needs, offering a cost-effective solution for bulk purchases.
- Material: Polycarbonate (PC). Ensures shatter-resistance and chemical compatibility with many solvents.
- Sterilization: Gamma irradiation. Offers a high level of sterility assurance, making them immediately usable for sensitive applications.
- Design: Cylindrical Round Bottom Flask with a wide angle shoulder and a well-defined spout. Provides excellent pouring characteristics.
These specifications translate directly into tangible benefits in the field. The 500ml volume is sufficient for most field-collected samples, the polycarbonate construction minimizes breakage, and the gamma irradiation guarantees sterility, eliminating the need for on-site sterilization prior to initial use.
Performance & Functionality
The VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549 performs its job admirably. It offers a reliable and convenient method for collecting and storing sterile samples in challenging environments.
The main strength is its durability and ease of use. It can withstand rough handling and is simple to clean and sterilize. A minor weakness is the polycarbonate material, which, while durable, isn’t as chemically inert as glass when dealing with very specific aggressive solvents.
Overall, it meets and, in most cases, exceeds expectations, particularly in scenarios where glass is impractical or unsafe.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is robust. The polycarbonate feels thick and durable, and the flask’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry multiple flasks without adding excessive weight to a field pack.
The flask is user-friendly. The wide mouth facilitates easy pouring and sample collection, and the round bottom design promotes thorough mixing. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549 is built to last. With proper care and cleaning, these flasks should withstand numerous uses and sterilization cycles.
Maintenance is straightforward. They can be cleaned with standard laboratory detergents and sterilized via autoclaving (though gamma irradiation is the initial sterilization method).
Accessories and Customization Options
The flasks, as basic labware, don’t come with many accessories. However, their wide-mouth design makes them compatible with various stoppers and closures available from other brands.
While there are no direct customization options, labels can easily be applied to the flasks for sample identification. The polycarbonate material also allows for marking with permanent markers for easy labeling.
Pros and Cons of VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549
Pros
- Durable polycarbonate construction significantly reduces the risk of breakage compared to glass flasks.
- Gamma-irradiated sterility ensures sample integrity right out of the case, eliminating the need for initial sterilization.
- Wide-mouth design simplifies sample collection and pouring, even with gloved hands.
- 500ml volume strikes a balance between portability and capacity for various field applications.
- Reusable and autoclavable, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to single-use containers.
Cons
- Polycarbonate, while durable, isn’t as chemically inert as glass for all solvents.
- Relatively expensive at $649.99 per case of 25, potentially prohibitive for smaller labs or infrequent users.
Who Should Buy VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549?
Perfect for: field researchers, mobile laboratories, disaster relief teams, environmental monitoring agencies, and anyone requiring sterile sample collection in challenging environments. These flasks are ideal for situations where glass is impractical or unsafe.
Who should skip this product? Labs primarily working with aggressive solvents that react with polycarbonate or those with very limited budgets for lab supplies may want to consider alternative solutions.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Sterile sample collection kits, waterproof labels, and a portable autoclave (if resterilization in the field is required).
Conclusion on VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549
The VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549 offers a compelling solution for sterile sample collection and storage in demanding environments. While the price point is a factor, the durability, sterility, and ease of use justify the investment for organizations prioritizing reliability and minimizing contamination risks.
The value proposition is strong for professionals who consistently face the challenges of field research or mobile lab operations.
I would personally recommend the VWR Vwr Flask Pc 500ml Ster Cs25 431549 to anyone seeking a robust, reliable, and sterile flask for field applications. Invest in peace of mind; your samples deserve it.