Care & Maintenance
When treated with proper care Global Labware apparatus will give a long and satisfactory service. The following prepared notes are to assist users in obtaining the maximum life and performance from their apparatus. Our sales department will be happy to advise on any aspect concerning the safe use of our products.
 
HEATING AND COOLING
Glass may suffer damage in three ways:
It may break under thermal stress in the steady state, that is when there is established constant thermal gradient through the glass.
It may break under the transient stress of a 'thermal shock', that is sudden heating or cooling.
It may, if heated beyond certain temperature, acquire a permanent stress on cooling which could cause subsequent failure.
 
The following precautionary measures will assist in avoiding failures during heating and cooling procedures.
 
1.
Never leave vessel unattended when evaporation work is being carried out. The vessel may crack or explode as dryness condition is approached if the heat source is not adjusted correctly. Lower the temperature gradually as the liquid level drops.
2.
Always use caution when removing glassware from a heat source and avoid placing on a cold or damp surface. Although the ware can withstand extreme temperatures, sudden temperature changes may cause the vessel to break.
3.
Always cool vessels slowly to prevent thermal breakage.
4.
Never apply heat to badly scratched or etched vessel as the thermal strength will have been greatly reduced.
5.
Never apply point source heating to a vessel as this will greatly increase the chance of breakage.
6.
Always diffuse the heat source by using a metal gauze or air/water bath. Alternatively ensure even heating of the vessel by slow movement of the vessel in relation to the heat source.
7.
Adjust Bunsen burner to get a large soft flame. It will heat slowly but also more uniformly. Uniform heat is critical factor for some chemical reactions.
8.
Ensure that the flame contacts the vessel below the liquid level. Heating above that level will invite breakage of the vessels.
9.
Always use anti-bumping devices in the vessel, such as powered pumice or glass wool rapid heating of the vessel and contents is required.
10.
Never use material with sharp edges such as broken porcelain as an anti-bumping device. This will cause internal abrasions and reduce the mechanical and thermal strength of the vessel.
11.
Thick walled glassware should not be subjected to direct flame or other localised heat source. Vessels of this type are best heated with the use of an electric immersion heater.
12.
Avoid heating glassware over electric heaters with open elements. Uneven heat of this type can include localised stress and increase the chance of breakage.
13.
Remember that the hot plate will retain heat long after the appliance has been switched off.
14.
Always ensure that the surface of the hot plate is larger in area than the base of the vessel being heated. An under-sized plate of the job in hand will invite uneven heating and promote breakage of glassware.
15. Always ensure that manufacturer's instructions are Bollowed when electrical heat sources.
 
Mixing and Stirring
1.
Always use a policemen's or similar device on stirring rods to prevent scratching the inside of a vessel.
2.
When using a glass vessel with a magnetic stirrer always use a covered follower to prevent abrading the inside of the vessel.
3.
When using glass or metal mechanical stirrer in a glass vessel always predetermine the height of the stirrer before use to ensure there is no contact between the stirrer blade and the bottom or sides of the vessel.
4.
Never mix sulphuric acid and water inside a glass measuring cylinder. The heat of reaction can break the base of the cylinder.
 
Vacuum and Pressure
1.
Never use a glassware beyond the recommended safe limit.
2.
Always use a safety screen when working with glassware subjected to pressure of vacuum,
3.
Never subject glassware to sudden pressure changes. Always apply and release positive and negative pressures gradually.