DURAN
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about DURAN from 3G Electric.
What is the difference between DURAN clear and amber glass lab bottles?
DURAN clear (colorless) bottles are made from transparent borosilicate glass 3.3, allowing visual inspection of contents. Amber bottles are made from the same base glass but colored to block transmission of ultraviolet and short-wavelength visible light, which helps protect light-sensitive chemicals and reagents from photodegradation. Both types are available in wide mouth round forms with graduated markings and screw closures. The choice depends on whether the stored material is sensitive to light; for general storage, clear bottles are often used, while amber is specified for photosensitive compounds. Both versions are available with or without safety coating.
What does the safety coating on DURAN bottles do?
The safety coating on DURAN bottles is a plastic layer applied to the exterior of the glass. If the bottle is dropped or impacted and the glass breaks, the coating helps contain the fragments, reducing the risk of injury and preventing glass shards from spreading. This is particularly relevant in busy laboratories, on production floors, or in mobile applications where breakage could cause contamination or personnel injury. The coating does not affect the chemical resistance of the borosilicate glass or the ability to autoclave the bottle, although users should verify temperature limits for the coating itself. Safety-coated bottles are available in both clear and amber versions and in capacities from 100 mL to 5 L.
Are DURAN GL45 screw caps autoclavable?
Yes, the blue polypropylene GL45 screw caps supplied for DURAN bottles are autoclavable. Polypropylene is resistant to steam sterilization at typical autoclave temperatures (121 °C). The caps are unlined, meaning they do not have a separate liner or seal; the seal is formed by the cap's contact with the bottle neck. This design avoids liner compatibility issues with solvents or chemicals. For sterile applications, the caps can be autoclaved separately or with the bottle, depending on the protocol. Note that repeated autoclaving may gradually affect the appearance or flexibility of the plastic, but the caps remain functional for many cycles.
What is the temperature range for DURAN borosilicate glass bottles?
DURAN bottles are made from borosilicate glass 3.3, which has a low coefficient of thermal expansion (approximately 3.3 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ between 20 °C and 300 °C). This makes the glass resistant to thermal shock. The recommended working temperature for short-term use is up to 500 °C, but continuous service is typically limited to lower temperatures, and the actual limit depends on the specific product and whether it has a safety coating. For safety-coated bottles, the plastic coating may have a lower temperature limit, often around 135 °C for autoclaving. Users should avoid rapid temperature changes beyond the glass's thermal shock resistance and consult the manufacturer's data for specific applications.
Can DURAN wide mouth bottles be used for storing solvents?
DURAN wide mouth bottles are made from borosilicate glass 3.3, which is resistant to most organic solvents, including acetone, ethanol, methanol, and toluene. The glass does not react with or leach into solvents, making it suitable for storage. However, the choice of closure is important: the standard blue polypropylene caps are resistant to many solvents but may be attacked by certain aggressive chemicals. For solvent storage, verify compatibility of the cap material with the specific solvent. The wide mouth design facilitates filling and cleaning, and the graduated markings allow approximate volume checks. Safety-coated versions add an extra layer of protection against breakage. Always follow local regulations for flammable liquid storage.
What sizes of DURAN wide mouth round glass bottles does 3G Electric supply?
3G Electric supplies DURAN wide mouth round glass bottles in capacities including 100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, and 5 L. Smaller sizes (100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L) are typically supplied in packs of 10, while the 5 L size is available as a single unit. Bottles are offered in clear and amber glass, with or without safety coating. Screw closure sizes are 45 mm for the smaller bottles and 80 mm for the larger ones. Graduated markings are present on most items. For specific SKUs and current availability, buyers can request a quote from 3G Electric, which can also source additional DURAN items not listed in the online catalog.
