Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets, Class B, Straight Bore Stopcock 17026F 100 Burets With Ptfe Stopcock, Case Review

Testing the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets, Class B, Straight Bore Stopcock 17026F 100 Burets With Ptfe Stopcock, Case: What You Need to Know

The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets, Class B, Straight Bore Stopcock 17026F 100 Burets With Ptfe Stopcock, Case represents a significant investment for any lab, offering a bulk solution for volumetric titrations. These burets, manufactured by Kimble/Kontes, are designed to meet ASTM Specification E287, Class B requirements, ensuring a level of accuracy suitable for a variety of quantitative analyses.

My journey to evaluating these burets started with a very specific need: a complete overhaul of the undergraduate chemistry lab at the university where I consult. Replacing aging, inaccurate equipment was paramount to provide students with a reliable and consistent learning experience. Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the sheer volume – 100 burets meticulously packed. The PTFE stopcocks were a welcome sight, promising smoother operation and reduced maintenance compared to traditional glass stopcocks.

Compared to individual purchases of similar Class B burets from other brands like Pyrex or BrandTech, the Kimble/Kontes case offered a more cost-effective solution for equipping an entire lab. The decision hinged on the combination of quantity, quality (backed by the Kimble/Kontes name), and the convenience of replacing all burets simultaneously, minimizing variability across student workstations. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While the bulk purchase was appealing, I needed to confirm that each buret met the specified tolerances and would withstand the rigors of daily student use.

Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets, Class B, Straight Bore Stopcock 17026F 100 Burets With Ptfe Stopcock, Case to the Test

First Use Experience

The initial testing involved a rigorous quality control check of a representative sample of burets from the case. We set up a series of standardized titrations with known concentrations of potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) against sodium hydroxide (NaOH), employing a diverse group of students with varying skill levels. Performance was consistent across most burets, with students easily able to achieve accurate and reproducible results.

One unexpected benefit was the ease of use of the PTFE stopcocks. Unlike the older glass stopcocks that required frequent greasing and were prone to seizing, the PTFE stopcocks operated smoothly and consistently, even after prolonged use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full semester of use, the Kimble/Kontes burets have proven to be remarkably durable. The black ceramic enamel graduations remain clear and legible, despite repeated washing and exposure to various chemicals. Maintenance is straightforward; a simple rinse with distilled water after each titration is typically sufficient.

Compared to our previous burets, which often suffered from chipped tips and broken stopcocks, the Kimble/Kontes models have demonstrated superior resistance to damage. The consistency in performance and reduced downtime for repairs has significantly improved the efficiency of the lab sessions, making these a worthwhile investment.

Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets, Class B, Straight Bore Stopcock 17026F 100 Burets With Ptfe Stopcock, Case

Specifications

• Capacity: 100 mL. This is a standard volume, suitable for a wide range of titration experiments.

• Graduations: 0.2 mL. This graduation size provides a good balance between precision and ease of reading, adequate for Class B accuracy.

• Tolerance: ±0.20 mL. The tolerance meets the Class B requirement and gives a realistic indication of the potential error in each measurement.

• Length: 765 mm. A longer buret allows for finer control and readability of the meniscus.

• Cap Size: 20 mm. The KIM-KAP dust cap helps to prevent contamination of the buret when not in use.

• Stopcock: Straight bore PTFE. PTFE stopcocks eliminate the need for lubrication, prevent seizing, and are chemically resistant.

• Material: KIMAX borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass offers excellent chemical resistance and thermal stability.

• Quantity: 100 burets per case. This bulk packaging is ideal for equipping or replacing equipment in large laboratories.

These specifications contribute directly to the burets’ performance and user experience by providing a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use tool for volumetric analysis.

Performance & Functionality

The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets perform their job admirably. The PTFE stopcocks provide precise control over the flow rate, enabling accurate titrations. The burets meet, and arguably slightly exceed, expectations for Class B glassware, providing dependable results for both student experiments and routine laboratory procedures.

The only slight weakness is the readability of the 0.2 mL graduations for users with poor eyesight. However, this is a common limitation of all glassware with similar graduation sizes.

Design & Ergonomics

The KIMAX glass provides a sturdy and chemically resistant body. The burets are designed with a traditional straight bore stopcock, which is familiar and comfortable for most users. The KIM-KAP dust caps are a simple but useful addition, protecting the buret from contamination.

The slender design is easy to handle and clamp to a ring stand. The clear markings and visible meniscus make accurate readings achievable with minimal training.

Durability & Maintenance

The KIMAX borosilicate glass is known for its durability. With reasonable care, these burets should last for many years. The PTFE stopcocks require minimal maintenance, further extending the lifespan of the burets.

Simple cleaning with soap and water or a mild detergent is typically sufficient to maintain the cleanliness and accuracy of the burets. For more stubborn residues, a diluted acid wash can be used.

Accessories and Customization Options

The case includes 100 burets, each with a PTFE stopcock and a KIM-KAP dust cap. No other accessories are included. There are limited customization options for burets. However, they are compatible with standard buret clamps and ring stands available from various scientific supply companies.

Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets, Class B, Straight Bore Stopcock 17026F 100 Burets With Ptfe Stopcock, Case

• Durable KIMAX Glass: Provides excellent chemical resistance and longevity, withstanding the rigors of daily use.

• Smooth PTFE Stopcocks: Eliminate the need for lubrication, prevent seizing, and offer precise flow control for accurate titrations.

• Meets ASTM Class B Standards: Ensures reliable accuracy for quantitative analyses, suitable for both educational and research applications.

• Easy to Clean and Maintain: Simplifies laboratory workflow and reduces downtime for maintenance.

• Class B accuracy might not be sufficient for highly demanding analytical applications where Class A glassware is required.

Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets, Class B, Straight Bore Stopcock 17026F 100 Burets With Ptfe Stopcock, Case?

The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets are perfect for:

• Educational laboratories needing to equip multiple student workstations.
• Industrial quality control labs performing routine titrations.
• Research labs requiring a large number of general-purpose burets.

Who should skip this product?

• Labs performing high-precision analyses requiring Class A glassware.
• Individuals needing only a single buret.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• Buret clamps
• Ring stands

Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets, Class B, Straight Bore Stopcock 17026F 100 Burets With Ptfe Stopcock, Case

The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Burets, Class B, Straight Bore Stopcock 17026F 100 Burets With Ptfe Stopcock, Case offers exceptional value for laboratories needing to equip multiple workstations with reliable and accurate burets. The price is justified by the combination of durability, performance, and the convenience of a bulk purchase.

I would personally recommend these burets to any educational or industrial laboratory seeking a cost-effective and dependable solution for volumetric titrations. If your lab needs a glassware refresh, this is a smart and efficient investment.