Important things you should know about glassware

[Anonymous]

When choosing glassware and plastics for your backyard refinery make your choices wisely each type has a purpose.

Some of our more experienced chemists may wish to add to this list.

Borosilicate glass http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borosilicate_glass

Coffee carafe prone to breakage, glass type unknown in most

Fused quartz http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fused_quartz

Laboratory Glassware http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laboratory_glassware

Nalge Nunc International - Plastic Labware http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalge_Nunc_International

Pyrex http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrex_glass

Vycore http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vycor

Silicon dioxide http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_dioxide

Soda Lime Glass http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soda_lime_glass

 

[goldsilverpro]

Coffee carafe prone to breakage, glass type unknown in most

Beakers are also prone to breakage and I've broken my share of them. I've used glass coffee carafes for years and don't ever remember one breaking from the heat. In my experience, they're as reliable as beakers. If you bang either of them they will break. As when using beakers, though, I always put it inside of a 5 quart, white, square, Corning Ware baking dish. This is especially important when using a hotplate. The CW dish I prefer is pictured here - the deeper one on the right sitting in the wider, shallower dish. I still see them in flea markets. If you buy them used, make sure the glaze on the inside is smooth and intact.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corning_ware

There are basically 2 types of handles on these carafes and I think it's important get the right type.

The type I use is here, except for the Mr. Coffee one in the 2nd row.

http://www.thefind.com/search?query=12+cup+replacement+carafe+regal

The type I don't use is here:

http://www.thefind.com/search?query=12+cup+replacement+carafe+#page=2

Note the difference in the handles. In the first link, the handle is like a hook and is held on by a single stainless band near the top. In the 2nd link, most of the plastic handles extend down near the bottom of the carafe. The problem with these is that the plastic is too close to the hot CW dish surface and it will melt.

The 1st type is harder and harder to find. The easy to find cheap replacement carafes made by Regal used to be of that type. I don't know if they still are, or not. I would suggest buying them new or find used like-new ones without scratches.

 

[Barren Realms 007]

Generally pick them up at the flea market or yard sale for $2-3.00