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Laboratory bottles, flasks and carboys: what are they used for in storage, transfer, sampling and dispensing?

Everyday essentials, laboratory bottles, flasks and jerrycans provide safe storage, transfer, sampling and dispensing of liquids, powders and solvents while protecting samples and users. Borosilicate glass, engineering plastics (HDPE, LDPE, PP, PET, FEP/PFA) or metal: each material offers a different balance of chemical inertness, permeability, strength and sterilisation capability. Standardised closures (e.g. GL45), caps with PTFE seals, vented caps, adapters and pumps/dispensers complete solutions designed for the bench, cleanroom, quality control or solvent-waste management.

What are the different types of laboratory bottles, flasks and jerrycans?

Selection starts with the material and closure. Borosilicate glass containers provide excellent inertness and low permeability, with amber versions for light protection and standardised necks (GL45). Plastics cover most requirements: HDPE for jerrycans and large volumes (robust, low cost), LDPE for flexible wash bottles, PP/PPCO for light autoclaving, PET for transparency, and FEP/PFA for maximum inertness. Metal versions (stainless steel, aluminium) are preferred for certain solvents, propellant gases or ATEX environments.

By application:
• Centrifuge bottles (PP, PPCO, PC) designed for high RCF, with leak-tight caps and thick walls; follow the manufacturer's speed/temperature limits.
• Wash bottles in LDPE/PP with directional spouts and safety markings for controlled rinsing and dispensing.
• Dropper bottles (glass or plastic) with dropper inserts for titration, indicators and oils.
• Scintillation vials (clear/amber glass or HDPE) with PTFE-lined caps for compatibility with scintillation cocktails and low background noise.
• Bottles/flasks with pumps or dispensers (bottle-top dispensers) for repeatable dispensing, aerosol protection and vapour recovery.
• Sprays/atomisers for cleaning, disinfection and surface preparation.
• Bottle adapters (safety caps, tubing ports, septa) for sampling, purging and instrument supply (e.g. HPLC).
• HDPE jerrycans for transport and storage, with optional tap, vent and UN approvals depending on contents.
• Weighing bottles / weighing dishes in ground glass for gravimetry and handling in desiccators.

In which fields are these laboratory containers used?

• Life sciences: preparation/storage of media, buffers and culture solutions; aseptic dispensing using bottle-top dispensers.
• Pharmaceutical/biotech: raw materials, samples, cleaning validation; compliant, traceable packaging and standardised necks.
• Food industry: sampling, titration reagents, calibration solutions; amber bottles for photosensitive analytes.
• Environmental: water/effluent collection, waste jerrycans, bottles with safety caps for solvents.
• Chemistry: solvents, acids, bases; PTFE caps and tubing adapters for instruments (HPLC/GC).
• Cosmetics: sprays/atomisers for prototypes, dropper bottles for sensory testing.
• Quality control/R&D: centrifuge bottles for separations, weighing dishes for gravimetry.
• Health & safety: closed systems with safety caps to reduce VOCs and operator exposure.

The different types of bottles, flasks and jerrycans available

Frequently asked questions about laboratory bottles, flasks and jerrycans

Which material should be chosen for aggressive organic solvents?
Choose borosilicate glass or fluoropolymers (FEP/PFA) with PTFE-sealed caps.

Are centrifuge bottles autoclavable?
Some PP/PPCO models are. Check the manufacturer's data sheet and comply with the specified RCF and temperature.

When should an amber bottle be used?
To protect photosensitive reagents (vitamins, dyes, analytes) from light degradation.

Is an HDPE jerrycan suitable for concentrated nitric acid?
Generally yes, but check detailed chemical compatibility and the intended contact time.

How can exposure to solvent vapours be reduced?
Use vented safety caps and bottle-top dispensers, with leak-tight connections to the instrument.

Which neck standard is the most versatile?
GL45 is very common and offers a wide choice of compatible caps, adapters and pumps.

Can wash bottles be cleaned in a washer-disinfector?
LDPE/PP withstand gentle washing. Avoid prolonged high temperatures and check the manufacturer's compatibility guidance.