What You Should Know About the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case represents a cornerstone of accurate liquid dispensing in any laboratory setting. Manufactured by Kimble/Kontes, a name synonymous with quality labware, these burets boast a Schellbach design for enhanced meniscus reading and a PTFE stopcock for smooth, precise control. This Class B buret provides a balance of accuracy and affordability, making it a staple for educational institutions, research facilities, and quality control labs alike. I was looking for a reliable and consistent way to perform titrations in my new quality control lab, and precision was paramount.
I stumbled upon the Kimble/Kontes burets after researching various brands and models. The Schellbach design, which I’d used previously in university, was a key feature I sought, as it significantly reduces parallax errors. The initial unboxing revealed meticulously packaged burets, each individually wrapped to prevent damage. The glass felt robust, and the PTFE stopcocks moved with a satisfying smoothness, indicating high-quality construction.
I considered other brands like BrandTech and Wheaton, but the Kimble/Kontes offering seemed to strike the best balance between price and the specific features I required. The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case was chosen for its reputation and features. I was excited to get these into the lab to enhance accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case to the Test
First Use Experience
My first hands-on experience with the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case was within the controlled environment of my quality control lab. I used them for a series of acid-base titrations, meticulously dispensing titrant against known standards. The burets performed flawlessly, delivering consistent and accurate volumes with each titration.
The lab environment is usually climate-controlled, but variations in humidity can affect the meniscus. The Schellbach stripe was an advantage here, allowing for precise meniscus reading even under slightly varying lighting. The PTFE stopcock required no initial lubrication and offered incredibly fine control, allowing me to add titrant dropwise near the endpoint of each titration. There were no observable leaks or unexpected flow issues during the initial tests.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case continues to perform reliably. There have been no noticeable signs of wear or degradation in the glass or the stopcocks. Cleaning the burets is straightforward; a simple rinse with distilled water and a mild detergent is usually sufficient to remove any residue.
Periodic cleaning with a dedicated buret brush ensures the interior remains spotless. These burets outperformed the older, less precise burets I inherited when starting the lab. Their consistent performance and ease of use have significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of our titration processes.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case
Specifications
- Cap.,mL: 50. This capacity is ideal for a broad range of titrations, offering a good balance between volume and readability.
- Grads.,ml: 0.10. The 0.10 mL graduations allow for reasonably precise volume measurements, adequate for Class B accuracy.
- Length,mm: 738. The 738mm length provides a substantial scale for easy reading and minimizes parallax error, especially with the Schellbach band.
- Cap Size,mm: 16. This likely refers to the upper diameter of the buret, accommodating standard funnels and accessories.
- Kimble* No.: 17150F-50. This is the unique identifier for this specific product within the Kimble/Kontes catalog.
- Unit: Case. The units come in a case for storage and protection.
The specifications matter because they directly influence the precision and ease of use. The Schellbach band dramatically improves meniscus visibility, which is critical for accurate readings. The PTFE stopcock ensures leak-free operation and fine flow control, essential for titrations near the endpoint.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case excels in delivering consistent and accurate liquid volumes. The stopcock provides a smooth and precise flow rate, allowing for dropwise addition of titrant. The Schellbach stripe significantly enhances the visibility of the meniscus, minimizing reading errors.
The main strength lies in its reliable performance and user-friendly design. There is room for improvement in the graduation markings as Class A burets may have finer markings. It meets expectations for a Class B buret.
Design & Ergonomics
The KIMAX borosilicate glass construction ensures chemical resistance and durability. The buret feels well-balanced and comfortable to handle, reducing fatigue during extended use. The PTFE stopcock requires minimal force to operate and provides a secure seal, preventing leaks.
There’s a slight learning curve associated with any buret, mainly in mastering the stopcock control for precise flow. Once familiar, these burets are very easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The KIMAX glass is known for its resistance to thermal shock and chemical attack, ensuring a long service life. Proper cleaning and storage are essential to prevent contamination and damage. The PTFE stopcock requires minimal maintenance, but occasional cleaning with a suitable solvent may be necessary to remove any buildup.
With proper care, these burets should last for many years in a laboratory setting. They are relatively easy to clean and maintain, contributing to their long-term reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case comes complete with the buret body, PTFE stopcock, and a KIM-KAP dust cap. While there are limited customization options directly associated with the buret itself, you can pair it with various titration stands and flask holders. These burets are compatible with standard buret clamps and stands from most lab equipment suppliers.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case
Pros
- Schellbach stripe enhances meniscus visibility, significantly reducing reading errors.
- PTFE stopcock provides smooth, precise, and leak-free control over liquid flow.
- Durable KIMAX borosilicate glass ensures chemical resistance and longevity.
- Easy to clean and maintain, contributing to long-term reliability.
- Cost-effective Class B accuracy makes it a great value for many applications.
Cons
- Class B accuracy is not as precise as Class A, which might be insufficient for some highly sensitive applications.
- Graduation markings may be less detailed than on higher-end burets.
Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case?
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case is perfect for educational institutions, quality control labs, and research facilities requiring reliable and accurate liquid dispensing. It’s also suitable for anyone performing routine titrations where Class B accuracy is sufficient. Anyone starting out in the field is an ideal candidate for this product.
This product may not be the best choice for applications demanding the highest possible accuracy, such as pharmaceutical research or high-precision analytical chemistry. Consider a Class A buret for those applications. A buret stand and appropriate titration flasks are must-have accessories to use with the buret.
Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Brand Schellbach Burets, Class B, Straight Bore PTFE Stopcock 17150F-50, Case is a reliable and well-designed tool for precise liquid dispensing. The combination of the Schellbach stripe, PTFE stopcock, and durable KIMAX glass makes it a great addition to any lab.
The price is justified given its performance, durability, and ease of use. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone seeking a dependable Class B buret. Invest in a case of these Kimble/Kontes burets, you won’t be disappointed!