Erlenmeyer flask

For the episode of The X-Files, see The Erlenmeyer Flask.

Erlenmeyer flask

Different Erlenmeyer flasks

An Erlenmeyer, also known as a conical flask, is a widely used type of laboratory flask which features a flat bottom, a conical body, and a cylindrical neck. ^[1] It is named after the German chemist Emil Erlenmeyer, who created it in 1861. ^{[2] [3]}

The Erlenmeyer is usually marked on the side (graduated) to indicate the approximate volume of contents, and has a spot of ground glass or enamel where it can be labeled with a pencil. It differs from the beaker in its tapered body and narrow neck. ^[4]

Original drawing of the Erlenmeyer flask.

The opening usually has a slight rounded lip so that the Erlenmeyer can be easily stoppered using a piece of cotton wool, rubber bung or similar. Alternatively, the neck may be fitted with a female ground glass joint to accept a glass stopper. The conical shape allows the contents to be swirled or stirred during an experiment, either by hand or by a shaker; the narrow neck keeps the contents from spilling out. The small neck reduces evaporative losses compared to a beaker, while the flat bottom of the conical flask makes it unlikely to tip over and spill.

Uses

Conical flask used in a Titration setup.

Erlenmeyers are used in chemistry labs for titration, e.g. for pH, as they can be held and the contents mixed single-handed leaving the other hand free to add reagent. ^[5]

Erlenmeyer flasks are suitable for heating liquids, e.g. with a Bunsen burner. The flask is usually placed on a ring held to a ring stand by means of a ring clamp. A wire gauze mesh or pad is usually placed between the ring and the flask to prevent the flames from directly touching the glass in the same manner as for a beaker. When heating (or cooling) in a water bath the flask can be clamped by the neck to a stand or a hooped weight may be placed over the conical part of the flask to prevent it from floating in the bath. ^[6]

Erlenmeyers are also used in microbiology for the preparation of microbial cultures. Plastic Erlenmeyer flasks used in cell culture are pre-sterilized and feature closures and vented closures to enhance gas exchange during incubation and shaking.

See also

• Fleaker
• Erlenmeyer flask deformity of bone

External links

References

1. ^ "Flasks, Erlenmeyer Conical Flask with Plain Neck, Flask Volumetric, Flask Volumetric Measuring JSGW with Interchangeable Stopper, Accuracy as per Classes B, Flasks Boiling, Flat Bottom JSGW." IndiaMART - Indian Manufacturers Suppliers Exporters Directory,India B2B Exporter Manufacturer. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://www.indiamart.com/jainscientific/flasks.html>.
2. ^ Erlenmeyer Flask. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://erlenmeyerflask.net/>.
3. ^ "Erlenmeyer Flask | Erlenmeyer Flask." Erlenmeyer Flask|Graduated Cylinder|Triple Beam Balance|Petri Dish|Lab Bench. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://erlenmeyerflask.org/erlenmeyer-flask/>.
4. ^ "Laboratory Glassware,Double Distillation Apparatus,Quartz Distillation Apparatus,Laboratory Condensers,Double Water Still System,Water Still System." Laboratory Glass Equipment,Borosilicate Glass Equipment,Laboratory Glass Equipment Manufacturer,Borosilicate Glass Equipment Manufacturer. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://www.ssgwlab.com/laboratory-glassware.html>.
5. ^ "Erlenmeyer Flask." The Titi Tudorancea Learning Center, English Edition. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://www.tititudorancea.org/z/erlenmeyer_flask.htm>.
6. ^ https://eee.uci.edu/programs/gchem/RDGvolflaskpipet.pdf