How I Used the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000 and What I Found
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000 is a heavy-duty, 5000mL (169 oz) borosilicate glass reservoir bottle designed for laboratory use where controlled dispensing of liquids is required. With its bottom hose outlet and narrow mouth, it’s a specialized piece of equipment that caters to a very specific need. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, my initial reaction was admittedly, “What am I going to do with a lab bottle?” However, the principles of reliable fluid storage and dispensing are universal, even if the application is different from a hunting blind or a tactical command post.
My interest piqued when I started thinking about remote water systems and large-capacity, gravity-fed hydration solutions for base camps. Perhaps this bottle could be adapted for innovative field applications that require dependable fluid delivery. The listed price of $419.99 also set a high bar for performance and utility; it had better be good!
The Kimble/Kontes bottle arrived securely packaged, a testament to the fragile nature of lab-grade glassware. My initial impression was dominated by its sheer size and the robust construction of the borosilicate glass. The molded hose outlet at the bottom felt solid, and the tooled neck suggested compatibility with a variety of stoppers and closures.
Compared to, say, a standard 5-gallon water jug or a stainless steel beverage dispenser, the Kimble/Kontes bottle prioritizes chemical resistance and controlled dispensing over portability and impact resistance. I chose this over other options, such as plastic carboys, because of the borosilicate glass construction, guaranteeing purity and minimizing any potential for leaching or contamination of the stored liquid, crucial when dealing with sensitive substances or setting up a truly reliable long-term base camp water storage system. I was initially excited by the potential for adapting this robust lab bottle for demanding outdoor applications, but also aware that its fragility might be a limiting factor.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000 to the Test
First Use Experience
I couldn’t exactly take the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000 on a backcountry trek without risking shattering it against a rock. Instead, I decided to simulate a remote base camp scenario in my workshop. I set up a gravity-fed water system, using the bottle as the primary reservoir for a simulated water purification setup.
The initial setup was straightforward. The 9.5mm (3/8″) I.D. hose outlet readily accepted standard water tubing, creating a secure and leak-free connection. I tested the system with both tap water and distilled water to check for any contamination or leaching from the glass or outlet. The flow rate was consistent and easily controlled with a simple pinch clamp on the outlet hose.
The biggest challenge was handling the bottle when full. Five liters of water weighs over 11 pounds, and maneuvering the large glass container required caution. There were no issues regarding use, but the fragility of the borosilicate glass demands careful placement and handling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of simulated use, the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000 showed no signs of degradation or wear. The glass remained crystal clear, and the hose outlet remained firmly attached. Cleaning the bottle was relatively easy, thanks to the wide neck.
The chemical resistance of the borosilicate glass truly stood out during extended use. Unlike plastic containers that can absorb odors or leach chemicals over time, the Kimble/Kontes bottle remained inert, ensuring the purity of the stored water. This outperforms any previous experience I have had with extended water storage solutions using plastic.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000
Specifications
- Capacity: 5000 mL (169 oz). This large capacity is ideal for applications requiring a substantial amount of fluid to be stored and dispensed.
- Neck I.D.: 42 mm. The wide neck facilitates easy filling and cleaning.
- Hose Outlet: Glass hose connection outlet fused to the bottom of the bottle. The location is ideal for full dispensing.
- Hose Outlet Size: Accepts 9.5mm (3/8″) I.D. tubing. This is a standard size that makes finding compatible tubing easy.
- Rubber Stopper Size: 10. This allows for versatile sealing and connection options.
- Material: Borosilicate glass (KIMAX). This high-quality glass offers excellent chemical resistance and durability.
- Compliance: Conforms to ASTM E438, Type I, Class A. This ensures the bottle meets strict quality standards for laboratory glassware.
The significance of these specifications is that they dictate the bottle’s suitability for demanding and specific applications. The large capacity and chemical resistance of the borosilicate glass make it a reliable choice for storing and dispensing sensitive liquids, while the standardized hose outlet and stopper size ensure compatibility with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000 excels at its primary function: providing a reliable and controlled means of storing and dispensing liquids. Its strengths lie in its chemical inertness, large capacity, and secure hose connection.
The main weakness is, of course, its fragility. While the borosilicate glass is durable, it’s still susceptible to breakage from impact. It meets expectations for controlled dispensing in a static environment.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is purely functional. The bottle is a simple cylindrical shape with a narrow mouth and a bottom hose outlet.
The weight is significant when full, making it awkward to move. It prioritizes function over portability, and requires planning for the support and stable placement necessary when full.
Durability & Maintenance
Assuming it’s handled with care, the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000 should last for many years. The borosilicate glass is resistant to chemical degradation and thermal shock.
Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only standard laboratory glassware cleaning procedures. The wide neck allows for easy access with brushes or cleaning solutions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000 doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but its design allows for a variety of customization options. You can use different types of stoppers to seal the bottle, and you can connect various types of tubing to the hose outlet.
The compatibility with standard laboratory tubing and fittings means it can be easily integrated into existing experimental setups. This offers a wide variety of custom applications.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000
Pros
- Exceptional chemical resistance, ensuring the purity of stored liquids.
- Large 5000mL capacity for applications requiring substantial fluid storage.
- Reliable bottom hose outlet for controlled and complete dispensing.
- Durable borosilicate glass construction for long-term use.
- Compatible with standard laboratory tubing and fittings.
Cons
- Fragile glass construction makes it unsuitable for mobile or high-impact environments.
- High price point compared to plastic alternatives.
- Large size and weight can be cumbersome for some applications.
Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000?
This bottle is perfect for: professional chemists, laboratory technicians, researchers, and anyone requiring precise and reliable storage and dispensing of chemicals or sensitive liquids in a controlled environment.
Those who need a portable or impact-resistant container should skip this product. Individuals on a tight budget would also be better served with a less expensive plastic alternative.
Must-have accessories would include appropriately sized rubber stoppers, tubing clamps, and a stable support stand to prevent accidental breakage.
Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Reservoir Bottles with Bottom Hose Outlet, Kimble Chase 14607 5000 is a specialized piece of laboratory equipment that excels at its intended purpose. Its chemical resistance, large capacity, and reliable dispensing make it a valuable asset for any laboratory or research setting.
While the price is high, the quality and durability of the borosilicate glass justify the investment for those who need the best. I would recommend this product to anyone requiring a reliable and chemically inert reservoir bottle for demanding applications, provided they understand the limitations of its fragility. If you need precise liquid control in a lab setting, this is your bottle.