Conical flask uses within the laboratory are numerous and varied. Beaker chemistry is an integral element of testing and manufacture within the field of medical science and many other sectors. So ubiquitous are they, that a scientist without a conical flask is like a carpenter without a saw. Flasks are produced in different materials and in different sizes, dependent on the function they are required to fulfil. They are often used in conjunction with probes and sensors in the testing of liquid chemicals.
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The team here at Sentek are specialists in the manufacture and supply of electrochemical sensors for use in science and industry. Read on to find out more about conical flask uses in relation to chemical/liquid testing.
For those involved in chemical research for medical science or industry, conical flasks are a basic tool of the trade. Generally, they are made of pyrex or other borosilicate glass. This type of glass is less susceptible to cracking when subjected to extreme temperature changes. This is a fundamental requirement as many liquids will be heated and cooled during testing processes.
Mixing liquids, or solids and liquids, is an essential element of many tasks. Often a magnetic stirrer is used to keep the mixture swirling. A conical flask has a wide body but a narrow neck, reducing the likelihood of spills during this essential swirling process. This is especially important when strong acids are present. The narrow neck also makes a conical flask easier to pick up, while the flat base allows it to be placed on any surface.
Typically, conical flask uses include mixing and heating solutions, short term storage and for research involving testing accessories such as chemical probes and sensors. A chemical probe is a small molecule used in the study and manipulation of biological systems like cells or organisms. The way the function of a biological target is altered by the probe is studied. Through these observations, the function of the protein with which it interacts can be determined. A serological pipette is frequently used to transfer small amounts of liquid between flasks.
Sentek has been specialising in the field of scientific equipment since 1991. Our range of sensors and temperature probes now represent essential equipment for all types of chemical testing applications involving conical flasks. Though our products are essentially scientific in nature, they are commonly used in a variety of everyday processes, from food to education.
We keep a range of pH, conductivity and other electrochemical sensors in stock, which are created by highly skilled glass blowers. Available directly from our website, they can be dispatched within 2-3 working days. We are also happy to provide custom sensors for specific projects.
To help you choose the correct probe for a specific application, please take a look at the electrode selection chart on our website. Our aim at Sentek is to provide our customers with the perfect high quality equipment for the right process. To find out more, give our friendly team of experts a call.
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For the episode of The X-Files, see The Erlenmeyer Flask
Erlenmeyer flaskAn Erlenmeyer flask, also known as a conical flask (British English)[1] or a titration flask, is a type of laboratory flask which features a flat bottom, a conical body, and a cylindrical neck. It is most often used in a laboratory. It is named after the German chemist Emil Erlenmeyer (1825–1909), who created it in 1860.[2]
Erlenmeyer flasks have wide bases and narrow necks.[3] They may be graduated, and often spots of ground glass or enamel are used where they can be labeled with a pencil. It differs from the beaker in its tapered body and narrow neck.[4] Depending on the application, they may be constructed from glass or plastic,[5] in a wide range of volumes.[6]
The mouth of the Erlenmeyer flask may have a beaded lip that can be stoppered or covered. Alternatively, the neck may be fitted with ground glass or other connector for use with more specialized stoppers or attachment to other apparatus. A Büchner flask is a common design modification for filtration under vacuum.
Uses
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In chemistry
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Method of swirling an Erlenmeyer flask during titrationThe slanted sides and narrow neck of this flask allow the contents of the flask to be mixed by swirling, without risk of spillage, making them suitable for titrations by placing it under the buret and adding solvent and the indicator in the Erlenmeyer flask.[7] Such features similarly make the flask suitable for boiling liquids. Hot vapour condenses on the upper section of the Erlenmeyer flask, reducing solvent loss. Erlenmeyer flasks' narrow necks can also support filter funnels.
The final two attributes of Erlenmeyer flasks make them especially appropriate for recrystallization. The sample to be purified is heated to a boil, and sufficient solvent is added for complete dissolution. The receiving flask is filled with a small amount of solvent, and heated to a boil. The hot solution is filtered through a fluted filter paper into the receiving flask. Hot vapors from the boiling solvent keep the filter funnel warm, avoiding the premature crystallization.
Like beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks are not normally suitable for accurate volumetric measurements. Their stamped volumes are approximate within about 5% accuracy.[8]
In biology
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Microcystis floating colonies in an Erlenmeyer flask.Erlenmeyer flasks are also used in microbiology for the preparation of microbial cultures. Erlenmeyer flasks used in cell culture are sterilized and may feature vented closures to enhance gas exchange during incubation and shaking. The use of minimal liquid volumes, typically no more than one fifth of the total flask volume, and baffles molded into the flask's internal surface both serve to maximize gas transfer and promote chaotic mixing when the flasks are orbitally shaken. The oxygen transfer rate in Erlenmeyer flasks depends on the agitation speed, the liquid volume, and the shake-flask design.[9] The shaking frequency has the most significant impact on oxygen transfer.[10]
Oxygenation and mixing of liquid cultures further depend on rotation of the liquid "in-phase", meaning the synchronous movement of the liquid with the shaker table. Under certain conditions the shaking process leads to a breakdown of liquid motion – called "out-of-phase phenomenon". This phenomenon has been intensively characterized for shake flask bioreactors. Out-of-phase conditions are associated with a strong decrease in mixing performance, oxygen transfer, and power input. Main factor for out-of-phase operation is the viscosity of the culture medium, but also the vessel diameter, low filling levels and/or a high number of baffles.[11][12][13]
Legal restriction
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To impede illicit drug manufacturers, the state of Texas previously restricted the sale of Erlenmeyer flasks to those who have the requisite permits.[14] On September 1, 2019, SB 616 amended the law so that permits are no longer required, but accurate inventory of this and certain other pieces of lab equipment must still be maintained, loss or theft must still be reported, and the owner must still allow audits of their records and equipment to be made.[15]
See also
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Additional images
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Original drawing of the Erlenmeyer flask
Different styles Erlenmeyer flasks
Different sizes of Erlenmeyer flask
Autoclaved sterile Erlenmeyer flasks covered with aluminium foil
References
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