Types of Flasks Used in Laboratory

What are the laboratory flasks?

Laboratory flasks are science equipment with a wide base and narrow, tubular neck. These flasks are used for mixing, measuring & heating chemicals, samples and solutions. These flasks come in a range of sizes, materials & are used for varied purposes. A chemistry lab is incomplete without certain laboratory glassware & chemistry flasks are one of them.

These laboratory flasks can be differentiated on the basis of its usage. These are:

1. Reaction Flask

   This laboratory apparatus is usually spherical in shape with a neck at the top. At the end are ground glass joints for tightly connecting the rest of the apparatus. Since these flasks are made of thick material, they can easily withstand differences in pressure level.

2. Reagent or E-Flask

   This flask is the most commonly used scientific equipment in a laboratory. The flask has a conical base which extends into a small cylindrical neck. The flask is convenient to use as it can be sealed with bung for heating purposes & it also gives a researcher the freedom to stir the mixture without spilling it.

3. Retort or Distillation Flask

   A retort flask is designed particularly for the purpose of distillation. The flask resembles an exaggerated teardrop with the middle portion bent at an approx 90-degree angle. The round portion contains the liquid or chemical solution which is heated to the point of condensation. The condensed liquid gets collected on the roof of the retort & as it begins to perspire, it runs down the angle of the tear & the liquid gets collected in another container.

4. Boiling or Florence Flask

   These large, round-shaped flasks are used for boiling purposes. The flask has a long, thin neck & is slightly flared at the rim opening. The round bottom design helps to easily heat the solution inside with a Bunsen burner. While some Florence flasks are manufactured with round bottoms & need support to stand still, we also have flat-bottom Florence flasks that can balance alone.

5. Schlenk Flask

   This laboratory apparatus can be found in round, pear or tubular shape that stretches vertically into a long, thin neck with side-arm. The side-arm enables the release of any pressure or gas from the flask.

6. Volumetric Flask

   These scientific equipment are typically found in round or pear-shaped bulb with a long thin neck. The neck of the flask is topped by a stopper or a rubber bung. These flasks are used for measuring the volume of specific liquids or substances. They are usually graduated with metric markings on the side for measuring the volume of material in the container. Since these flasks generally are only used for measuring volumes of liquids, and no heating is involved, they can be made of plastic or glass, unlike other flasks.

Also read: All that you need to know about a heating mantle

We hope this article helped you understand the various types of flasks commonly used in laboratories. If you are looking for assistance for all your scientific laboratory needs, do contact us today!