1. Page Contents
ii-iii Introduction
1-4 Bibby Sterilin
5-12 Technical
Information
13-16 Care and
Maintenance
of Laboratory
Glassware
17-309 Glassware
Products A-Z
310-311 Special Glassware
312-320 Azlon Laboratory
Plastics
321-336 Science Equipment
337-340 Index by
Product Name
341-352 Index by
Product Code
[i]

2. [ ii ]

3. For more than 70 years Bibby Sterilin has been one of the world’s
leading manufacturers of laboratory glassware. Today, we produce
over 3,000 products branded with some of the most famous names in
science.
• PYREX® borosilicate glassware, including beakers, bottles,
flasks and test tubes
• QUICKFIT® interchangeable glassware with ground glass
joints
• E-Mil® high accuracy volumetric glassware
• MBL® volumetric glassware including burettes, cylinders,
flasks and pipettes
• SPRINGHAM® precision made stopcocks
• ROTAFLO® needle-valve stopcocks
Bibby Sterilin glassware production is based around our UK plant in
Stone, Staffordshire, home to some of the world’s most highly skilled
scientific glassblowers. Their hand-crafted work is complemented
by some of the best modern glass working equipment available.
Product excellence is achieved by the enforcement of strict quality
standards and meticulous quality control. Most products not only
meet but surpass international specifications and requirements.
Bibby Sterilin glassware is designed and manufactured in an ISO 9001
environment. All operations follow documented and traceable
procedures. The result is a quality conscious culture committed to
customer satisfaction.
Our catalogued range of glassware is available to customers through
a worldwide network of distributors. If you require any help with
sourcing, please contact our Customer Service Department for advice.
Advice on the selection of products and their usage is available from
our qualified scientists and glass technologists. Our aim is to provide
the highest level of care – before, during and after the sale.
[ iii ]

4. Some of the most Disposable Plastics
More than 35 years after pioneering the use of single
famous names in science, use laboratory plastics, the Sterilin® brand continues
all part of a single to set standards for quality and reliability in the
increasingly sophisticated field of life science. In
company with an addition to Sterilin’s established range of consumables
unrivalled reputation for medical and research laboratories including Petri
for quality and service.
dishes, sample containers and pipettes, we have
Cell Biology developed new products specifically designed for the
The new range of Bibby Sterilin cell culture products industrial market. Sterilin® is now able to supply most
offers one of the widest ranges of biotechnology of the plastic disposables required by pharmaceutical,
products available today, including tissue culture environmental, food, dairy and water testing
laboratories. Continuous investment in the latest
injection moulding technology means that every
Sterilin® product is made to the highest possible level
plasticware from the leading edge Japanese cell of quality.
biology company Iwaki®. These products are brought
together in a single package to offer an incomparable Reusable Plastics
level of product quality, service and support for cell
Azlon® reusable plastics cover a broad range of
biologists.
applications in the modern laboratory and comprise
more than 1200 products including bottles, wash
[ iv ]

5. bottles, measuring cylinders, jugs and burettes.
Leadership in polymer science and many important ranges of benchtop equipment available, including
innovations have combined to make Azlon one of
®
water purification equipment and ceramic top
the most widely known and respected brands in hotplates and stirrers. Aquatron® and Merit® water
stills are just two of the well established Bibby
brands which maintain a deserved reputation as
market leaders. The Stuart® range comprises over
durable plastic labware. Azlon® is also a growing 100 products including block heaters, blood tube
name in key plastic packaging markets including rotators, colony counters, hotplates, hybridisation
pharmaceuticals, household chemicals and ovens, rockers, shakers, stirrers and water baths.
biochemicals. Azlon products are manufactured in
®
Bibby Sterilin’s South Wales factory, a site that has
Silicone Products
benefited from major investment in blow and
Esco® branded products comprise an extensive range
injection moulding equipment to support the brand’s
of silicone compression and extruded items, includ-
strong growth.
ing specialist custom made parts. Since 1936 Esco
has established an unrivalled reputation for quality
Science Equipment
Bibby Sterilin’s ultra-modern manufacturing facility at
Stone houses a research and development facility
committed to constant product improvement and and service of silicone rubber and mouldings to
innovation. We make one of the most comprehensive healthcare and an increasingly diverse range of
industrial clients.
[1]

6. There are very few products
made so well that the
brand becomes a generic
name for everything similar.
Pyrex® is one of the few.
The name Pyrex® from the latin ‘Fire King’ was given
to a borosilicate glass developed in the early years of
the 20th century to satisfy the demand for a material
with high thermal resistance. This property, coupled
with excellent chemical durability, makes Pyrex®
the ideal material for laboratory products.
Today more than 800 items of glassware carry the
famous Pyrex® name including beakers, bottles,
flasks, dishes and test tubes; all manufactured to the
same exacting quality standards.
You can use Pyrex® products with confidence:
confidence in the material, confidence in the design
and confidence in the manufacture.
Whatever the application –
Springham® and Rotaflo®
have a stopcock to suit.
Springham® and Rotaflo® offer one of the most
comprehensive selections of stopcocks available to
glassblowers and scientists. They are suitable for
general-purpose use, fine flow control and high
vacuum work.
Specify Springham® and Rotaflo® stopcocks for
leak-free, trouble-free performance.
[2] Pyrex® is a registered trade mark. Bibby Sterilin is a registered user.

7. E-Mil® and MBL® - two brands
of volumetric glassware with
international reputations for
quality and performance.
E-Mil® volumetric flasks, pipettes and burettes are the
first choice for scientists who demand the very
highest levels of accuracy, while MBL® glassware is
ideal for general volumetric applications and offers
exceptional value for money. The combined E-Mil®
and MBL® ranges comprise over 500 products –
one of the widest selections available.
E-Mil® and MBL® volumetric glassware for unbeatable
choice, accuracy, performance and value.
Quickfit® pioneered the
concept of interchangeable
joints in 1934. Today, the
Quickfit® name is renowned
throughout the world for
quality and reliability.
Quickfit® ground-glass joints are precision
manufactured with an accurate taper and smooth
finish for leak-free performance and assured
interchangeability.
The Quickfit® range comprises over 1,200 products,
enabling the user to construct the widest choice of
assemblies.
Quickfit® glassware is manufactured exclusively from
borosilicate glass. This type of glass has a very low
co-efficient of expansion, allowing use at both
elevated and sub-zero temperatures.
Quickfit® is the first choice of discerning scientists
who value maximum performance.
[3]

8. Bibby Sterilin - Staffordshire, UK
(Group HQ, Sales office, Glassware and Equipment
manufacturing) Tilling Drive, Stone, Staffordshire ST15
0SA United Kingdom (Sales)
Tel: +44 (0)1785 812121 Fax: +44 (0)1785 813748
e-mail: bsl@www.bibby-sterilin.com
www.bibby-sterilin.com
Bibby Sterilin - Mid Glamorgan, UK
(Plasticware manufacturing) Pengam Road Industrial
Estate, Aberbargoed, Mid Glamorgan, CF81 9FW,
United Kingdom (Sales) Tel: +44 (0)1785 812121
Bibby Sterilin - Fax:+44 (0)1785 813748 www.bibby-sterilin.com
Staffordshire, UK
Afora S.A.- Barcelona, Spain
Calle Aribau 240, 08006 Barcelona, Spain,
Tel: +343 93-306 98 00 Fax: +343 93-306 98 23
e-mail: marketing@afora.com www.afora.com
Bibby Sterilin France - Nemours,
France
BP79, 77793 Nemours Cedex, France
Tel: +33 1 64 45 13 13 Fax: +33 1 64 45 13 00
e-mail: bibby@bibby-sterilin.fr
Bibby Sterilin Italia - Milan, Italy
Via Alcide de Gasperi 56, 20070 Riozzo Di Cerro Al
Lambro, Milano, Italy
Tel: +39 02 98230679 Fax: +39 02 98230211
e-mail: marketing@bibby-sterilin.it www.bibby-sterilin.it
Dynalab Corp - New York, USA
PO Box 30112, Rochester, New York, 14603 USA
Tel: +1 716 334 2060 Fax: +1 716 334 9496
e-mail: info@dynalabcorp.com www.dynalabcorp.com
[4]

9. Technical Information
Pyrex® Borosilicate Glass Poisson’s Ratio (25°C – 400°C)
Young’s Modulus (25°C)
0.2
6400 kg/mm2
Chemical resistance
Pyrex® borosilicate glass has a very high resistance to
attack from water, acids, salt solutions, halogens and
organic solvents. It also has a moderate resistance to
alkaline solutions. Only hydrofluoric acid, hot
concentrated phosphoric acid and strong alkaline solu-
tions cause appreciable corrosion of the glass.
Hydrolytic resistance
For many applications it is important that laboratory
glassware has a high hydrolytical resistance; e.g. during
sterilisation procedures, where repeated exposure to
All Pyrex®, Quickfit®, SVL®, Rotaflo® and Springham®
water vapour at high temperatures can leach out alkali
brand products listed in this catalogue are manufactured
ions. Pyrex® borosilicate glass has a relatively low alkali
from borosilicate glass (unless otherwise specified). A
content and consequently a high resistance to attack by
large proportion of E-Mil® and MBL® volumetric ware is
water. It meets the following standards (determined by
also made from borosilicate glass.
the glass grain method).
Standards Hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 719 (98°C) – class 1
Hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720 (121°C) – class 1
Pyrex is a borosilicate glass which meets the specifica-
®
tions of the following standards: Acid resistance
BS ISO 3585, DIN 12217 Type 3.3 borosilicate glass Glasses rich in silica are less likely to be attacked by acids.
ASTM E-438 Type 1 class A borosilicate glass Pyrex® borosilicate glass has approximately 80% silica
and is exceptionally resistant to acids (except hot con-
US Pharmacopoeia Type 1 borosilicate glass
centrated phosphoric acid and hydrofluoric acid). The
European Pharmacopoeia Type 1 glass acid resistance of Pyrex® borosilicate glass meets the
requirements of ISO 1776 and class 1 requirements of
Chemical composition DIN 12116.
Pyrex® glass has the following typical composition
(perkcentage by weight): Alkali resistance
Alkaline solutions attack all glasses and Pyrex® borosili-
SiO2 = 80.6%
cate glass can be classified as reasonably resistant. The
B2O3 = 13.0% alkali resistance of Pyrex® borosilicate glass meets class 2
Na2O = 4.0% requirements as defined by ISO 695 and DIN 52322.
Al2O3 = 2.3%
Temperature resistance
Pyrex® borosilicate glass has excellent thermal properties
Physical properties
due to its high softening point and low coefficient of
Coefficient of Expansion (20°C – 300°C) 3.3 x 10-6 K-1 expansion (3.3 x 10-6 K-1). The maximum recommended
Density 2.23 g/cm3 working temperature for glassware manufactured from
Refractive index (Sodium D line) 1.474 Pyrex® borosilicate glass is 500°C (for short periods of
time only). Special care should be taken at temperatures
Dielectric Constant (1MHz,20°C) 4.6
above 150°C to ensure that both heating and cooling
Specific heat (20°C) 750J/kg°C
are achieved in a slow and uniform manner (see “Care
Thermal conductivity (20°C) 1.14W/m°C and Maintenance of Laboratory Glassware” section).
[5]

10. Technical Information
Pressure data Note:
Glass is a brittle material and can break when subjected i) The maximum working pressure only applies at 25°C
to strong mechanical forces. As working conditions can and for glass not subject to a temperature gradient.
vary enormously, Bibby Sterilin cannot guarantee glass- ii) Assumes glass is free from scratches, chips or cracks
ware against breakage when used under conditions of iii) Assumes glass is freely supported and not subjected
vacuum or pressure. to clamping forces
The use of positive pressures within glassware is particu- iv) The maximum working pressures do NOT apply to
larly hazardous and should be avoided if at all possible. cylindrical tubes with flat bottoms
If pressure work is unavoidable, the user is advised to v) Safety precautions should always be taken to protect
consult the graph below which indicates the maximum personnel when conducting pressure work
working pressure for Pyrex® borosilicate glass tubing of vi) See the “Care and Maintenance of Laboratory
various diameters and wall thicknesses. Glassware” section for advice.
1000
Optical data
6900
5520 800 100 1-000
2m
90 1-046
80 5m 1-097
4140 600
Percentage Transmission
70 1-155
Optical Density
60 1-222
50 1-301
2760 400
40 1-396
30 1-532
2070 300 20 1-696
Maximum Working Pressure kN/m2
10 1-699
Maximum Working Pressure psi
0 1-000
0. 0.4 0. 0. 0.7 0.8 0. 1 2 3 4 5
1380 200 Wavelength (um)
0.
5m
1m
4m
2m
3m
5m
m
m
m
m
m
m
Pyrex® borosilicate glass has the ability to transmit light
W
A
LL
through the visible range of the spectrum and can be
T
H
IC
690 100
K
N
used effectively in the near ultra-violet range, making it
ES
S
552 80
ideally suitable for work in the field of photochemistry.
414 60
The graph above shows the degree of transmission of
light as a function of wavelength in the ultra-violet,
276 40
visible and infra-red sectors of the spectrum, for the
207 30 thickness of glass generally encountered in laboratory
ware (up to 5mm).
138 20
102 15
Refractive index (Sodium D line) = 1.474
Visible light transmission, 2mm thick glass = 92%
69 10
5 6 7 8 9 10 20 40 60 80 100 Visible light transmission, 5mm thick glass = 91%
Outside Diameter -
Data for Glassblowers
Glassblowers may find the following information useful:
The values shown are based on the formula:
Working point = 1252°C
P = 13790t
D
P = maximum working pressure in kN/m2
Softening point = 821°C
t = wall thickness, mm
D = outside diameter, mm Annealing point = 565°C
The formula incorporates a value of 6895 kN/m2 for the Strain point = 510°C
maximum permissible tensile stress in the glass surface.
[6]

11. Technical Information
Pyrex® Products Centrifuge tubes - calculating RCF
values
This catalogue lists a number of Pyrex®, Quickfit® and
Corex® centrifuge tubes and, against each product entry,
advises the maximum Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF)
they should be subjected to. Before centrifuging, it is
important to calculate the actual RCF values that will be
generated. This can quickly be determined by using the
following nomogram.
RCF Values
25,00
500
20,000 475
450
15,000 425
400
375
10,000 350
30,000 325
20,000 300
6000 275
10,000
250
5000 225
4000
200
3000 2000
175
1000
2000
150
500
140
130
Pyrex® Bottles with plastic coating 200 120
1000 110
100
The Pyrex® range of 1518: media-lab bottles (page 41) 100
have a plastic coating to provide protection against 50 90
80
mechanical impact and to help reduce leakage of the 500 20
contents should the glass break. 10
70
When using these plastic coated bottles please note: 60
3
50
Autoclaving: 200
Radius in mm from centre
Speed of Relative centrifugal
centrifuge force (xg) of centrifuge spindle to point
1. Autoclaving in steam. Max. temp 121°C. along tube or bottle
2. Switch off heating and allow to cool for 20 To calculate the RCF value at any point along the tube,
minutes. measure the radius in mm from the centre of the
3. Aerate autoclave at 100°C and remove water. centrifuge spindle to the particular point.
Do not cool with distilled water or vacuum.
NB: The point chosen is normally the base of the tube
4 . Open autoclave at 80°C.
as this area will experience maximum RCF.
Microwave: Not suitable Note this radius value on the right hand column of the
nomogram and draw a line from this to the appropriate
Freezing: Not suitable centrifuge speed value on the left hand column. The
Pressure work: Not suitable for operations involving RCF value is the point where the line crosses the centre
pressures or vacuum column.
The nomogram is based on the formula:
RCF = (11.17 x 10-7) RN2
R = Radius in mm from centrifuge tube to point on tube
N = speed of spindle in RPM
Values are for tubes in good condition. Do not use
centrifuge tubes which are scratched, abraded or
chipped as the strength will be seriously impaired.
[7]

12. Technical Information
Sintered Discs Quickfit® Products
The Pyrex® range of Sintered Glassware employs filter
Conical Joints
discs manufactured from borosilicate glass.They are
resistant to the majority of corrosive reagents, being
unaffected by ammonia, sulphuric acid and other sol-
vents which can destroy filter paper. The sintered glass-
ware is available in six porosities and guidance for the
selection of the most appropriate grade is detailed in the
following table;
Porosity ISO 4793 Pore Pore Principal
Grade designation index index uses
24/29 cone 24/29 socket
(mic.) > (mic.) ≤ Spherical Joints
0 P250 160 250 Coarse filtration,
gas dispersion
and support for
other filter
material
1 P160 100 160 Course precipitate
filtration, gas
dispersion, coarse
grain material
filtration
S35 ball S35 cup
2 P100 40 100 Medium and
crystalline
precipitate filtra- Flat Flange Screwthread
tion, medium
filtration and
washing of gases
3 P40 16 40 Analytical work
with medium
precipitates
4 P16 10 16 Analytical work
with fine
precipitates
5 P10 4 10 Bacteria filtration
100mm bore flange 28 Screwthread
[8]

13. Technical Information
Conical Joints - size designation Screwcap assembly
When using screwthreads it is important that the PTFE
Size Actual Actual Nominal
washer is fitted carefully and correctly. This is best
designation dia. of wide dia. of length of
end (mm) narrow engagement
achieved by opening out the washer to the correct
end (mm) (mm) diameter using a tapered former. This should be carried
out with the silicone rubber ring and PTFE washer in
5/13 5.0 3.7 13
position in the plastic cap as shown in figure1.
7/16 7.5 5.9 16
Withdraw the tapered former and remove the rubber
10/19 10.0 8.1 19
ring and washer from the cap.
12/21 12.5 10.4 21
14/23 14.5 12.2 23 Fit each component separately to the fitting which is to
19/26 18.8 16.2 26 be held, as shown in figure 2, and screw the cap on to
24/29 24.0 21.1 29 the thread. It is advisable that the ends of all fittings
29/32 29.2 26.0 32 should be slightly tapered or fired in a Bunsen flame to
34/35 34.5 31.0 35 remove sharp edges and produce a slight taper.
40/38 40.0 36.2 38
45/40 45.0 41.0 40 Quickfit® flask dimensions
50/42 50.0 45.8 42
The body diameter of Quickfit® Round Bottomed and
55/44 55.0 50.6 44
Flat Bottomed flasks comply with ISO 1773 (BS 6352).
60/46 60.0 55.4 46
Nominal Approx Approx Nominal Approx Approx
capacity bulb bulb capacity bulb bulb
ml dia. ‘a’ height ‘b’ ml dia. ‘a’ height ‘b’
Quickfit® screwthread joints mm mm mm mm
5 25 - 1000 132 115
10 30 - 2000 166 155
25 40 - 3000 188 -
50 50 40 5000 220 -
100 65 55 10000 279 -
150 75 65 20000 345 -
250 85 75 - - -
500 105 95 - - -
FIG 1 FIG 2
[9]

14. Technical Information
Volumetric Glassware For some measuring cylinders and volumetric flasks,
these ISO specifications are identical to the correspon-
ding German DIN specifications. It should be noted,
however, that the ISO and DIN specifications for pipettes
and burettes can differ.
The liquid run-out time for pipettes and burettes
calibrated to DIN ‘AS’ standards is often much faster
than a similar product calibrated to ISO standards.
The former requires a ‘waiting time’ to allow for
drainage and settlement, before the meniscus is read.
Inscriptions
The highest level of accuracy.
Graduated to very fine tolerances
A
as specified by the standards
authority.
A lower level of accuracy. Usually
B acceptable for most general
purpose volumetric work.
BS 604 The standards to which the
ISO 1042 product conforms.
E-Mil® and MBL® volumetric glassware is manufactured DIN 12697
from two types of glass – soda lime and borosilicate. E-Mil® and MBL® volumetric glass
Soda-lime glass is generally used for Class B products or is graduated in ml (millilitres) in
where long term exposure to chemicals is unlikely, e.g. ml accordance with international
bulb pipettes. standards.
Other volumetric products, however, are made from
borosilicate glass which has a superior chemical IN - Calibrated to contain the
resistance and is suited to glassware which may store IN stated volume.
solutions for long periods, e.g. flasks. EX
EX - Calibrated to deliver the
Use of borosilicate glass means that flasks are likely to
BLOWOUT
stated volume.
retain their accuracy over a longer working life than their
BLOWOUT - Appears on certain
soda-lime equivalents. On average, borosilicate flasks
pipettes in addition to EX indicat-
will last for twice as long as soda-lime flasks before they
ing that the drop of liquid remain-
need to be re-calibrated.
ing in the jet after delivery should
The ASTM 542-94 Standard Practice for Calibration of be blown out.
Laboratory Volumetric Apparatus recommends that volu-
metric flasks are calibrated at the following intervals (or
12345 - All Class A Works-
sooner if chemical corrosion is observed): Borosilicate 12345 Certified apparatus bears a serial
flasks – 10 years: Soda lime flasks – 5 years. 20 sec number for identification and
traceability.
Standards
20 sec - Class A apparatus cali-
Most Bibby Sterilin volumetric glassware is manufactured brated for delivery has the actual
and calibrated in accordance with international ISO outflow time in seconds shown
standards. on the glassware.
E-Mil® and MBL® glassware is
calibrated for use at 20°C.
[ 10 ]

15. Technical Information
Serial numbers and batch codes
For identification and traceability many volumetric
products carry an individual serial number or batch code
Individual serial numbers are a feature of certain Class A
products and all Class A Works Certified apparatus.
They allow individual traceability to National Standards.
Batch codes are printed on all E-Mil® and MBL®
volumetric flasks. The codes, which take the form of
dots, identify the year of manufacture and the specific
production batch.
Graduated Pipettes
Nominal Sub-division Colour code
capacity (ml) bands
0.2 0.01 1 x black
0.5 0.02 2 x red
1.0 0.01 1 x yellow
1.0 0.10 1 x red
2.0 0.02 1 x black
5.0 0.05 1 x red
10.0 0.10 1 x orange
25.0 0.20 1 x green
A second. thinner band of the same colour is used to
Works Certificates identify Type 1 pipettes.
Many E-Mil Class A products are offered with Works
®
Certificates. These items are individually tested for One-mark Pipettes
accuracy in our Balance Room and a certificate issued
Nominal capacity (ml) Colour Code bands
that gives the exact volume contained or delivered.
1 1 x blue
Graduated items such as burettes and pipettes are
measured at 5 points along the scale. The weighing 2 1 x orange
balance and set of weights used for the measurement 3 1 x black
are recorded on the certificate and all are traceable to 4 2 x red
National Standards.
5 1 x white
10 1 x red
Pipettes, colour coding 15 1 x green
All pipettes manufactured by Bibby Sterilin Limited are 20 1 x yellow
colour coded on the suction stem to allow rapid identifi- 25 1 x blue
cation and sorting. The coloured bands conform to the
50 1 x red
recommendations of BS 3996, ISO 1769 and DIN 12621.
100 1 x yellow
[ 11 ]

16. Technical Information
Re-calibration
Re-calibration may be attempted by the user following
recommended guidelines. Alternatively, Bibby Sterilin
offers a re-calibration service; for details please contact:
Customer Services Department
Bibby Sterilin Limited
Tilling Drive
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 0SA
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1785 812121
Normally volumetric glassware only needs re-calibrating Fax: +44 (0)1785 813748
after extensive or demanding usage which may have
e-mail: glass@bibby-sterilin.com
affected the original accuracy. It is usually unnecessary if:
www.bibby-sterilin.com
q the glassware is new but has been stored for a
very long time, even several years. Age alone does
not affect accuracy.
q The glassware is subjected to only modest temper-
atures such as cleaning in an automatic washing
machine or sterilising in an autoclave at 121°C.
q The glassware has been used for less than 5 years
with no regular usage of strong acids or alkalis and
there are no signs of chemical corrosion.
However, re-calibration should definitely be considered
under the following circumstances:
q The glassware is made from soda-lime glass and
has been in use for 5 years.
q The glassware is made from borosilicate glass and
has been in use for 10 years or more.
q The glassware has inadvertently been subjected to
temperatures in excess of 150°C.
q The glassware is regularly used with strong acids
or alkalis.
q There are any signs of chemical corrosion, e.g.
frosting of the internal glass surfaces.
[ 12 ]

17. When treated with proper care,
Bibby Sterilin glassware will give long
Care and and satisfactory service.
Maintenance of To obtain maximum life and
performance from your glassware,
Laboratory correct handling is essential.
The following notes will serve as a
Glassware guide to new users and to remind
more experienced handlers of the
recommended procedures.
General Precautions filter flasks, wash bottle heads etc.
Always lubricate the tubing and ease
x Before using any piece of
on gently whilst wearing protective
glassware, take time to examine
gloves.
it carefully and ensure that it is
in good condition. Do not use (Most Bibby Sterilin glassware avoids
any glassware which is scratched, chipped, cracked this problem with detachable plastic
or etched. Defects like these can seriously weaken hose connectors).
the glass and make it prone to breakage in use.
x When stirring solutions in glass
x Dispose of broken or vessels, such as beakers and flasks,
defective glassware safely. avoid using
Use a purpose-designed stirring rods
disposal bin which is with sharp ends which
puncture resistant and can scratch and weaken
clearly labelled. the glassware.
x Do not lift or carry large
glass flasks, beakers or x Whilst Pyrex® borosilicate glass
bottles etc. by the neck or is highly resistant to chemical
rim. This causes stress and can lead to breakage. attack, the use of hydrofluoric
Support from the base and sides. acid, hot phosphoric acid and
strong hot alkalis can cause
corrosion and should be avoided.
x Never use excessive force to
fit rubber bungs into the neck
of glass aspirators, test tubes, x Do not mix concentrated
conical flasks, etc. Take care sulphuric acid with water inside a
to select the correct size. glass measuring cylinder. The
heat of reaction can break the
seal at the base of the cylinder.
x Never force rubber hoses or
flexible tubing onto the glass side-arms of Buchner
[ 13 ]

18. x Wash glassware
promptly after use to x If using a Bunsen burner,
avoid hard dried residues. employ a soft flame and use
Use a biodegradable, a wire gauze with ceramic
phosphate free detergent centre to diffuse the flame.
specially formulated for
laboratory use.
x Pyrex® borosilicate glass is
microwave safe. However,
x Do not use cleaning as with any microwave
brushes which are badly vessel, be sure it holds a microwave absorbing
worn and where the metal spine may scratch the material, such as water,
glass. before placing in the oven.
Note also that fitments
Heating and Cooling such as plastic screwcaps
may not necessarily be
x The maximum recommended working tempera-
microwave proof.
ture for Pyrex® and Quickfit® glassware is 500°C
(for short periods only). However, once the
temperature exceeds 150°C extra special care x When autoclaving Pyrex®
should be taken to ensure that heating and containers, e.g. bottles, with
cooling is achieved in a slow and uniform manner. screwcaps – always slacken off
the caps. Autoclaving with
tightly screwed caps can result in
x Never heat glassware that is scratched, chipped,
pressure differences and conse-
cracked or etched. Such defects reduce the
quent breakage.
thermal strength, making the glassware more
prone to breakage.
Preparation of Media
x Do heat vessels gently x Take great care when heating liquids that have a
and gradually to avoid HIGH VISCOSITY. Viscous liquids can act as ther-
breakage by thermal shock. mal insulators and can cause ‘hot spots’ or even
Similarly, allow hot thermal breakage of the glassware. This is particu-
glassware to cool gradually larly important with MEDIA SOLUTIONS as the
and in a location away viscosity usually increases considerably during
from cold draughts. preparation.
x If using a hotplate, ensure that the top plate is x Do regularly stir the
larger than the base of solution to assist even
the vessel to be distribution of heat. If
heated. Also, never using a magnetic stirrer
put cold glassware set the speed to ensure
onto a hotplate which adequate agitation of
is already well heated. the whole liquid.
Warm up gradually
from ambient x Check the stirring action regularly to ensure that
temperature. thorough agitation is maintained.
[ 14 ]

19. x Heat vessels gradually and avoid very rapid x Never subject glassware to sudden pressure
boil-up rates. changes. Always apply and release pressure
gradients and vacuums gradually.
x Do not use glass vessels with thick walls e.g.
Pyrex ‘Heavy Duty Ware’ or standard beakers or Ground Glass Joints
flasks which have capacities of 5 litres or greater. x Lubricate the ground surfaces of joints to pre-
vent leakage in use and facilitate separation. Use
x For personal safety, consider sitting the hotplate a silicone-free laboratory grease and apply a light
in a tray. This will help contain the liquid in the coat completely around the upper part of the joint
event of a breakage. Alternatively, consider PTFE joint sleeves which can
be fitted between the cone and socket.
Vacuum and Pressure Use
Because working conditions can vary enormously,
Bibby Sterilin cannot guarantee any glassware
against breakage when used under vacuum or
pressure.
The application of positive pressures inside glass
x If ground glass joints do seize, then the follow-
apparatus is particularly hazardous and should be
ing remedies can be considered;
avoided if at all possible. Safety precautions
should always be taken to protect personnel and a • Always wear thick protective gloves and safety
number of these are listed below: spectacles. Never use force.
• Carefully rock the cone
x Always use an adequate
in its socket to achieve
safety screen and/or protective
separation.
cage.
• If the joint is ‘dry’, try to
x Under no circumstances use provide lubrication. Hold
glassware which is scratched, the joint upright and add
cracked, chipped or etched. penetrating oil to the top
Its strength will be seriously of the cone. Wait until
impaired. the penetrating oil is well
into the joint before try-
ing to separate.
x Do not use flat bottomed
vessels such as Erlenmeyer
• If the use of temperature is permissible, e.g. no
flasks and bottles under
volatile liquids present, then warm the outer
vacuum as they are likely to
socket under a running stream of hot water
implode. Exceptions are
from the tap. Hold under the tap for a few
vessels with specially thick-
minutes before trying to separate.
ened walls such as Buchner
filter flasks and desiccators.
x Avoid stress caused by
over-tightening clamps. Support glassware gently
where possible.
[ 15 ]

20. Sintered Glassware x Never pipette by mouth.
Always use a purpose designed
x New apparatus having
pipette filler.
sintered glass discs should be
washed before use to remove
loose particles of dust etc. x All items should be held in a
Wash through with hot dilute vertical position when reading
hydrochloric acid followed by the meniscus.
a thorough rinse with water. The meniscus should be at eye
level to avoid parallax errors.
x Do ensure that the porosity
of the sintered disc is appro- x If using
priate for the application. strong
Porosity 0 sinters are for corrosive
coarse filtration, whilst higher acids etc.
grades give progressively finer select volumetric ware
filtration. manufactured from
chemically resistant
borosilicate glass.
x Never subject sintered
glassware to differential
pressures exceeding 100kN/m2 x As with all glassware,
(1 bar). scratched or chipped items
should not be used.
x Take extra care when
heating sintered ware as the This information is provided in good faith by
thermal endurance is less than Bibby Sterilin for the safety of its customers.
standard borosilicate glass Please note that the advice given is for
products. Always heat and general laboratory applications and may not
cool very gradually. necessarily apply to all tests or procedures.
If you are in any doubt, contact the Bibby
Sterilin Technical Services Department for
Volumetric Glassware
specific advice.
x Do ensure that all volumetric glassware is kept
Bibby Sterilin Limited
scrupulously clean. Dirt, and especially grease, can
Tilling Drive
distort the shape of the meniscus and also cause
Stone
droplets of liquid to adhere to the vessel walls.
Staffordshire ST15 0SA
Both seriously impair accuracy.
United Kingdom
(Good cleanliness is indicated by uniform wetting
Tel: + 44 (0) 1785 812121
of the glass surface with distilled water).
Fax: + 44 (0) 1785 813748
e-mail: glass@bibby-sterilin.com
x Do not expose volumetric glassware to direct www.bibby-sterilin.com
heat e.g. hotplates, bunsen flame.
Pyrex® is a registered trade mark. Bibby Sterilin
x Autoclaving at 121°C and cleaning in automatic registered user.
dishwashers is acceptable and will not affect the
accuracy of Pyrex®, E-Mil® or MBL® glassware.
[ 16 ]

21. Adapters
Adapters, cone/screwthread QUICKFIT ®
q With screwthread joint complete with plastic cap, silicone rubber ring
and PTFE washer
q Ideal for securing thermometers, gas inlet tubes, etc.
Catalogue Thread Cone Acceptable diameter
number size size through screwcap mm
ST51/13 13 14/23 6.0 – 7.0
ST52/13 13 19/26 6.0 – 7.0
ST53/13 13 24/29 6.0 – 7.0
ST54/13 13 29/32 6.0 – 7.0
ST55/13 13 34/35 6.0 – 7.0
ST51/18 18 14/23 7.0 – 8.5
ST52/18 18 19/26 7.0 – 8.5
ST53/18 18 24/29 7.0 – 8.5
ST54/18 18 29/32 7.0 – 8.5
ST55/18 18 34/35 7.0 – 8.5
ST52/24 24 19/26 10.5 – 11.5
ST53/24 24 24/29 10.5 – 11.5
ST54/24 24 29/32 10.5 – 11.5
ST55/24 24 34/35 10.5 – 11.5
ST54/28 28 29/32 18.0 – 19.0
ST55/28 28 34/35 18.0 – 19.0
For further information on screwthread joints and spare caps etc., please refer to
page 194.
Adapters, expansion QUICKFIT ®
q Useful for the connection of dissimilar sized ground glass joints
q Large sized socket at the top, small sized cone at the base
Catalogue number Socket size Cone size
XA10 14/23 10/19
XA21 19/26 14/23
XA31 24/29 14/23
XA32 24/29 19/26
XA41 29/32 14/23
XA42 29/32 19/26
XA43 29/32 24/29
XA52 34/35 19/26
XA53 34/35 24/29
XA54 34/35 29/32
XA64 40/38 29/32
XA74 45/40 29/32
17

22. Adapters
Adapters, reduction QUICKFIT ®
q Useful for the connection of dissimilar sized ground glass joints
q Small sized socket at the top, large sized cone at the bottom
Catalogue number Socket size Cone size
DA01 10/19 14/23
DA12 14/23 19/26
DA13 14/23 24/29
DA14 14/23 29/32
DA23 19/26 24/29
DA24 19/26 29/32
DA25 19/26 34/35
DA26 19/26 40/38
DA27 19/26 45/40
DA34 24/29 29/32
DA35 24/29 34/35
DA36 24/29 40/38
DA37 24/29 45/40
DA38 24/29 50/42
DA39 24/29 55/44
DA45 29/32 34/35
DA47 29/32 45/40
DA56 34/35 40/38
DA57 34/35 45/40
DA58 34/35 50/42
For information on the care of Quickfit® ground glass joints, please refer to
Care and Maintenance of Laboratory Glassware Section (page 15).
Adapters, conical/spherical QUICKFIT ®
q With socket at the top and spherical ball joint at the bottom
Catalogue number Socket size Ball size
SB3/35 24/29 S35
For choice of retaining clips, see pages 187, 188 and 191.
18

23. Adapters
Adapters, spherical/conical QUICKFIT ®
q With spherical cup joint at the top and cone at the bottom
Catalogue number Cone size Cup size
CC3/35 24/29 S35
For choice of retaining clips, see pages 187, 188 and 191.
Adapters, multiple QUICKFIT ®
q With two necks parallel
Catalogue number Socket size Cone size
MA1/00 10/19 10/19
MA1/11 14/23 14/23
MA1/2 19/26 19/26
MA1/3 19/26 24/29
MA1/5 19/26 34/35
MA1/33 24/29 24/29
MA1/44 29/32 29/32
Adapters, multiple QUICKFIT ®
q With two necks:
– One vertical
– One at 45°
Catalogue number Socket size Cone size
MA2/2 19/26 19/26
MA2/3 19/26 24/29
19

24. Adapters
Adapter, multiple QUICKFIT ®
q With three necks
– Two vertical
– One at 45°
Catalogue Socket size Socket size
number parallel necks angled neck Cone size
MA4/23 19/26 19/26 24/29
Adapters, swan neck QUICKFIT ®
q With screwthread joint to accept thermometers, air leak tubes, etc.
Catalogue Socket Cone Thread
number size size size
MA6/11 14/23 14/23 13
MA6/22 19/26 19/26 13
MA6/23 19/26 24/29 13
MA6/33 24/29 24/29 13
Acceptable diameter of thermometer through the screwcap is 6 – 7mm.
Spare caps and washers are detailed on page 194.
Adapters, receiver QUICKFIT ®
q With short stem
q Useful for feeding distillate from condensers into receiving vessels
Catalogue Socket Approx stem
RA1/03 number size length mm
RA1/01 14/23 65
RA1/02 19/26 65
RA1/03 24/29 65
RA1/04 29/32 65
RA1/13
20

25. Adapters
Adapters, receiver QUICKFIT ®
q With long stem
Catalogue Socket Approx stem
number size length mm
RA1/10 10/19 120 RA1/03
RA1/11 14/23 190
RA1/12 19/26 200
RA1/13 24/29 200
RA1/14 29/32 200
A choice of retaining clips are described on pages 187 and 188.
RA1/13
Adapters, receiver QUICKFIT ®
q Straight type
Catalogue Socket Overall height
number size mm
RA1/22 19/26 180
RA1/23 24/29 180
Adapters, receiver QUICKFIT ®
q With side socket inclined at an angle of 15°
Catalogue Socket Cone Approx overall
number size size height mm
RA4/11 14/23 14/23 120
RA4/22 19/26 19/26 120
RA4/23 19/26 24/29 120
21

26. Adapters
Adapters, receiver QUICKFIT ®
q Plain bend
Catalogue Socket Cone Approx overall
number size size height mm
RA9/11 14/23 14/23 90
RA9/22 19/26 19/26 100
RA9/23 19/26 24/29 110
RA9/33 24/29 24/29 125
RA9/44 29/32 29/32 140
RA9/55 34/35 34/35 155
Adapters, receiver QUICKFIT ®
q Bend with vent
q With side-arm to provide vent to atmosphere
q Avoids the problems of ‘closed systems’
Catalogue Socket Cone Approx overall
number size size height mm
RA2/00 10/19 10/19 75
RA2/11 14/23 14/23 80
RA2/22 19/26 19/26 106
RA2/23 19/26 24/29 120
The side-arm is for venting purposes and not for connection to a vacuum source.
For adapters with vacuum connectors, see RA3: and RA13: series.
Adapters, receiver, vacuum QUICKFIT ®
q With side-arm for connection to a vacuum supply
q Easy connection to flexible tubing via detachable plastic screwthread
connector
Catalogue Socket Cone Approx overall
number size size height mm
RA3/11/SC 14/23 14/23 110
RA3/22/SC 19/26 19/26 140
RA3/23/SC 19/26 24/29 140
RA3/33/SC 24/29 24/29 150
RA3/44/SC 29/32 29/32 165
22

27. Adapters
Adapter, receiver, vacuum QUICKFIT ®
q With side-arm for connection to a vacuum supply
q Easy connection to flexible tubing via detachable plastic screwthread
connector
Catalogue Socket Cone Approx overall
number size size height mm
RA13/33/SC 24/29 24/29 140
Spare plastic screwthread connectors are detailed on page 77.
Adapters, receiver, pig QUICKFIT ®
q Allows up to three flasks* to be connected to a condenser outlet
q Useful for collecting distillate fractions
q By slightly rotating the adapter a new flask is presented to the distillate
q With side-arm for connection to a vacuum supply
Catalogue Socket Cone Approx overall
number size size height mm
RA5/00/SC 10/19 10/13 65
RA5/11/SC 14/23 14/23 110
RA5/21/SC 19/26 14/23 110
* Flasks and retaining clips are detailed on pages 128 and 187 - 188.
It is not dimensionally possible to fit large capacity flasks to these receivers.
Maximum flask capacity is:
RA5/00/SC 10ml flask
RA5/11/SC 50ml flask
RA5/21/SC 100ml flask
23

28. Adapters
Adapters, receiver, vacuum QUICKFIT ®
RA12/2 q Allows four flasks to be connected to a condenser outlet
q Useful for collecting fractions when distilling under vacuum
q Each flask can be progressively filled by rotating the adapter
q Avoids problems of disturbing vacuum conditions when changing
flasks
q Choice of two delivery adapters
– Sloping
– Vertical
RA11/SC
q Choice of collection flasks
RA11/2
Catalogue Socket Cone
number Description size size
RA11/SC Screwthread vacuum 19/26 14/23
receiver adapter
to take four flasks
RA11/2 Vertical delivery 19/26 19/26
adapter
RA12/2 Sloping delivery 19/26 19/26
adapter
FR25/1S 25ml flask 14/23 —
FR50/1S 50ml flask 14/23 —
FR100/1S 100ml flask 14/23 —
A choice of retaining clips to hold the flasks are detailed on pages 187 and 188.
Adapters, receiver, Perkin QUICKFIT ®
q For vacuum distillation work
q Allows receiver flasks to be changed without disturbing the vacuum within
the system
q Fitted with 3 x GP Rotaflo stopcocks with PTFE keys:
– No lubrication required
– No contaminating greases
– No chemical corrosion
q With screwcap system for gentle release of vacuum at conclusion of work
Catalogue Socket Cone Capacity
number size size ml
RA6/11/SC 14/23 14/23 10
RA6/22/SC 19/26 19/26 30
RA6/23/SC 19/26 24/29 30
RA6/33/SC 24/29 24/29 30
Spare Rotaflo® keys are listed on page 235.
24

29. Adapters
Adapters, screwthread QUICKFIT ®
q Double-ended screwthread joints
q Useful for connecting to glass tubing etc.
q Supplied complete with caps, rings and washers
Approx Acceptable
Catalogue Thread length of limbs diameter through
number size mm screwcap mm
SQ4/13 13 85 6.0 – 7.0
SQ4/18 18 85 7.0 – 8.5
SQ4/24 24 100 10.5 – 11.5
GS6/24 24 230 6.0 – 7.0
SQ4/28 28 120 18.0 – 19.0
Spare caps etc. detailed on page 194.
Adapters, screwthread QUICKFIT ®
q ‘T’ shaped connector with screwthread joints
q Supplied complete with caps, rings and washers
Approx Acceptable
Catalogue Thread length of limbs diameter through
number size mm screwcap mm
SQ1/13 13 35 6.0 – 7.0
SQ1/18 18 35 7.0 – 8.5
SQ1/24 24 40 10.5 – 11.5
SQ1/28 28 50 18.0 – 19.0
Spare caps etc. detailed on page 194.
Adapter, splash head, vertical QUICKFIT ®
q Usually inserted between a flask and condenser to prevent ‘carry-over’ of
liquid splashes
Catalogue number Socket size Cone size
SH17/23 19/26 24/29
25