Lab Bottles

Lab bottles, also known as laboratory bottles or lab storage bottles, are indispensable containers used in a wide range of scientific, research, and industrial environments. These specialised containers serve a multitude of purposes, from the storage and handling of chemicals and reagents to the precise measurement and mixing of liquids. Lab bottles are designed to maintain the integrity of their contents, preventing contamination and ensuring accurate results in experiments and analyses. They come in a wide array of sizes, shapes, and materials, each suited to specific applications.

Types of Lab Bottles

Lab bottles are designed for a variety of purposes, with specific types for different aspects of laboratory work. Here's a breakdown of common lab bottle categories:

Laboratory Storage Bottles

These bottles are designed for the safe and long-term storage of chemicals, reagents, and samples. They often feature airtight seals to prevent contamination and evaporation. These are available in various materials such as glass and plastic.

Laboratory Reagent Bottles

Specifically designed for holding and dispensing reagents, these bottles often have narrow necks for pouring and may include labels for easy identification of contents. They may include graduated markings for approximate volume measurement.

Laboratory Media Bottles

Used for preparing, storing, and dispensing culture media used in biological experiments. These bottles are often made of borosilicate glass or autoclavable plastics to withstand sterilisation.

Laboratory Wash Bottles

These flexible bottles are used for rinsing glassware and equipment, typically filled with deionised water or other solvents. They feature a directional spout for controlled dispensing.

Laboratory Dispensing Bottles

These bottles are designed for easy and controlled dispensing of liquids, often featuring a spigot or pump mechanism for precise dispensing.

Laboratory Carboy Bottles

Large-capacity bottles (typically 5 litres or more) used for storing and dispensing bulk liquids, often featuring a handle for easy transport and a spigot for dispensing.

Laboratory Sample Bottles

Used for collecting and storing samples, these bottles come in various sizes and materials depending on the sample type and storage requirements. Sterile options are available for critical applications.

Laboratory Aspirator Bottles

These bottles are used for creating a vacuum for filtration or other applications, often featuring a side arm for connection to a vacuum source.

Typical Lab Bottle Sizes

Lab bottles are manufactured in a wide range of sizes to accommodate diverse applications and volumes required in laboratory settings. Here’s an overview of typical lab bottle sizes:

Small-Volume Bottles (Under 100 mL)

• Typical Sizes: 5 mL, 10 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, 60 mL
• Ideal for storing and handling small quantities of precious or expensive chemicals, reagents, or samples. Common examples include dropper bottles, vials, and sample bottles, often used when material quantity is limited.

Medium-Volume Bottles (100 mL to 1000 mL)

• Typical Sizes: 100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1000 mL (1 litre)
• Versatile and frequently used for general liquid and chemical storage, preparing and storing culture media, and containing samples for analysis. Reagent bottles, media bottles, and everyday storage bottles fall into this category.

Large-Volume Bottles (Over 1000 mL)

• Typical Sizes: 2000 mL (2 litres), 5000 mL (5 litres), 10000 mL (10 litres), and larger
• Designed for storing and transporting bulk liquids, preparing large-volume solutions, and storing waste liquids. Carboy bottles, aspirator bottles, and large laboratory wash bottles for bulk chemicals are typical examples.

Lab Bottle Materials

The materials used in the construction of lab bottles are crucial for ensuring their suitability for specific applications. Different materials offer varying levels of chemical resistance, durability, temperature tolerance, and light sensitivity. Here's a breakdown of common lab bottle materials:

Glass

Lab glass bottles are valued for their clarity, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures.

• Borosilicate Glass: Borosilicate laboratory glass bottles are widely used in laboratories due to their exceptional resistance to thermal shock and chemical attack. They are highly resistant to most chemicals, except for hydrofluoric acid, strong alkalis, and hot phosphoric acid. Can be used with microwave and are autoclavable.
• Soda-Lime Glass: Soda-lime lab glass bottles are a cost-effective option for general laboratory use. They offer good chemical resistance but are not as resistant to thermal shock as borosilicate glass.
• Amber Glass: Amber lab glass bottles are designed to protect light-sensitive contents from degradation. They are often used for storing chemicals or reagents that are susceptible to photodegradation.

Plastics

Plastic lab bottles are lightweight, durable, and offer good chemical resistance. They are available in various types, each with specific properties:

• Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene lab bottles are known for their low cost, flexibility, and good chemical resistance. They can withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius and are suitable for a wide range of applications.
• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE lab storage bottles are popular for their low cost, leakproof performance, and good chemical compatibility. They are suitable for storing a variety of lab reagents, including acids, bases, and alcohols.
• Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE lab bottles are flexible, squeezable, and can handle rapid temperature changes. They are also recyclable and environmentally friendly.
• Polycarbonate (PC): Polycarbonate lab bottles are highly durable, impact-resistant, and transparent. They offer good chemical resistance and can withstand repeated autoclaving.
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETG): PET and PETG lab bottles are lightweight, shatterproof, and offer good chemical resistance. They are often used for storing and dispensing liquids.
• Fluoropolymers (FEP, PFA): Fluoropolymer lab storage bottles offer exceptional chemical resistance and are ideal for handling highly corrosive substances. They can withstand high temperatures and are often used for long-term storage of aggressive chemicals.

Industrial Applications of Lab Bottles

Lab bottles play a crucial role in various industrial settings, providing reliable and versatile solutions for handling and storing materials. Here are some common industrial applications of lab bottles:

• Storing & Dispensing Chemicals: Laboratory bottles are essential for safely storing and accurately dispensing chemicals in industrial laboratories and production facilities. Laboratory storage bottles with airtight seals protect the quality and purity of chemicals, while laboratory dispensing bottles allow for controlled dispensing, preventing spills and contamination.
• Sampling & Quality Control: Lab bottles are widely used for collecting and storing samples for quality control testing in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and environmental monitoring. They ensure the integrity of samples during transport and storage, facilitating accurate analysis and quality assurance.
• Storing & Preserving Samples: Industries involved in research and development, such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, rely on lab bottles for storing and preserving valuable samples. Lab glass bottles, particularly borosilicate glass bottle containers, provide excellent chemical resistance and inertness, ensuring the long-term stability of sensitive samples.
• Transporting Samples: Lab bottles are designed to safely transport samples between laboratories, testing facilities, and production sites. Durable plastic lab bottles and robust lab glass bottles with secure closures minimise the risk of breakage and leakage during transit.
• Packaging Samples: In industries that require the distribution of samples, such as cosmetics and fragrances, lab bottles serve as convenient and presentable packaging solutions. Small-volume lab bottles, including vials and dropper bottles, provide accurate and controlled dispensing of samples.

Key Considerations When Choosing Lab Bottles

Choosing the right type of lab bottle is crucial for safe and accurate laboratory work. Here’s what to consider:

• Material Compatibility: Ensure the material is chemically compatible with the intended contents to prevent degradation, contamination, or dangerous reactions.
• Temperature Requirements: Select a bottle material that can withstand the temperature range of the application, including potential autoclaving temperatures.
• Volume and Shape: Choose a lab bottle with the appropriate size and shape for the volume of liquid or solid being stored or dispensed, and for ease of handling and storage.
• Closure Type: Select a closure that provides a secure seal to prevent leakage, evaporation, or contamination. Lab bottle closure options include screw caps, stoppers, and specialised dispensing closures.
• Sterility: If sterility is required, choose pre-sterilised bottles or bottles that can be sterilised by autoclaving.
• Light Sensitivity: For light-sensitive materials, select amber glass or opaque plastic laboratory bottles.
• Durability: Consider the durability requirements of the application. Glass lab storage bottles are more fragile than plastic bottles.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the laboratory storage bottle meets relevant regulatory requirements for the intended application.
• Graduations: If accurate volume measurement is required, choose bottles with clear, accurate graduations.

Delivery Information

RS is your trusted supplier and distributor for laboratory bottles in Singapore. From plastic to glass lab bottles for storage, dispensing, or sampling, our RS PRO range carries storage bottles in all sizes to meet your needs. We also provide a variety of laboratory equipmentsuch as jugs and beakers for your lab operations.

Order with us today and enjoy delivery islandwide. For details on delivery services and charges, please visit our Delivery Information page.