What Makes the Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 Click?
In the world of scientific research and laboratory work, precision and reliability are paramount. The Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 represent a foundational element, providing a safe and dependable container for sensitive samples in liquid scintillation counting. These aren’t just glass vials; they are vessels of discovery, playing a crucial role in various applications, from environmental monitoring to pharmaceutical research.
My involvement with scintillation vials began over a decade ago, while working on a project involving radioisotope tracing in groundwater samples. The accuracy of our results hinged entirely on the integrity of the vials we used. I needed a vial that could withstand varying temperatures, resist chemical degradation, and most importantly, prevent any leakage of the precious (and often hazardous) contents.
Unboxing the Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 reveals a neatly organized case of 500 vials, each nestled securely in cellular trays. The borosilicate glass has a reassuring heft and clarity, and the unattached white urea caps with cone-shaped liners immediately convey a sense of precision engineering. The manufacturer, Kimble/Kontes, has clearly prioritized maintaining the integrity of each individual vial during shipping and storage.
I had previously used similar scintillation vials from Wheaton and PerkinElmer. While those vials served their purpose, I found the Wheaton vials to be slightly more prone to cracking under pressure, and the PerkinElmer vials were significantly more expensive. I chose the Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 for their balance of quality, price, and the Kimble/Kontes reputation for reliable labware.
My first impression was one of quiet confidence. These vials weren’t flashy or revolutionary, but they felt solid, dependable, and precisely what I needed for the task at hand.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved using the Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 to store and analyze water samples from a local stream, looking for traces of tritium. This meant collecting samples in the field, transporting them back to the lab, and then carefully adding scintillation cocktail to each vial before analysis in the liquid scintillation counter. The vials were exposed to temperature fluctuations during transport and required airtight seals to prevent evaporation of the volatile cocktail.
The vials performed admirably under these conditions. The screw caps sealed tightly, preventing any leaks during transport, even when jostled around in the back of my truck on bumpy roads. Filling the vials and adding the scintillation cocktail was straightforward, and the 20 mL volume proved to be ideal for my specific assay. There were no issues with the glass reacting with the cocktail or the samples, providing a stable and reliable container.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use, the Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 have proven to be remarkably durable. Despite repeated filling, capping, uncapping, and handling, there have been no signs of cracking or degradation of the glass. The screw caps continue to provide a tight, reliable seal, even after multiple uses.
Cleaning the vials after use is simple, requiring only a rinse with distilled water and a brief soak in a mild detergent solution if needed. Compared to some of the cheaper vials I’ve used in the past, these Kimble/Kontes vials are significantly more resistant to etching and clouding after repeated use with solvents. They have outperformed my expectations in terms of durability and reliability, giving me confidence in the integrity of my results.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500
Specifications
The Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 boast several key specifications that contribute to their performance. The 20 mL volume is a standard size for liquid scintillation counting, offering a good balance between sample volume and ease of handling. The borosilicate glass construction provides excellent chemical resistance, minimizing the risk of contamination or reaction with the sample.
The unattached white urea caps with cone-shaped liners ensure a tight, leak-proof seal, preventing evaporation and maintaining sample integrity. The 22-400 GPI thread finish ensures compatibility with a wide range of automated capping and decapping equipment. Finally, the dimensions of 28 O.D. x 61H mm (with cap) are optimized for use in standard liquid scintillation counters. These specifications all contribute to a reliable and user-friendly product.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 perform their primary function – containing and protecting samples for liquid scintillation counting – exceptionally well. The airtight seal prevents evaporation of volatile scintillation cocktails, which is crucial for accurate results. The chemical resistance of the borosilicate glass ensures that the vials do not introduce any contaminants into the sample.
The vials are easy to handle and load into the scintillation counter, thanks to their standard size and shape. The only area for potential improvement would be the cap design; while effective, a slightly larger knurled edge would make them easier to grip, especially when wearing gloves. Overall, the performance and functionality of these vials meet and exceed expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 are designed with practicality and functionality in mind. The borosilicate glass is clear and allows for easy visual inspection of the sample. The vials have a reassuring weight, suggesting durability and quality construction.
The unattached caps, while requiring a separate step for sealing, offer flexibility in terms of liner material and ensure a clean, uncontaminated surface for each use. There is no significant learning curve associated with using these vials; they are straightforward and intuitive to handle.
Durability & Maintenance
The borosilicate glass construction ensures that the Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 are highly durable and resistant to breakage under normal laboratory conditions. With proper care, these vials should last for many years of use.
Maintaining the vials is simple: rinse with distilled water and dry thoroughly. For more stubborn residues, a mild detergent solution can be used. The chemical resistance of the borosilicate glass makes them easy to clean without damaging the vials.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 come with unattached white urea caps with cone-shaped liners. Replacement caps and liners are available separately, offering some degree of customization.
While there are no extensive customization options for the vials themselves, they are compatible with standard liquid scintillation counters and automated sample handling systems. The 22-400 GPI thread finish allows for the use of various aftermarket caps and closures, if desired.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500
Pros
- High-quality borosilicate glass provides excellent chemical resistance and durability.
- Tight-sealing screw caps prevent evaporation of volatile scintillation cocktails.
- Standard 20 mL volume is compatible with most liquid scintillation counters.
- Cellular trays ensure organized storage and prevent breakage during shipping.
- Reliable Kimble/Kontes quality ensures consistent performance.
Cons
- Unattached caps require a separate step for sealing.
- Urea caps may not be suitable for all types of samples or solvents.
Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500?
The Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 are perfect for researchers, laboratory technicians, and environmental scientists who routinely perform liquid scintillation counting. They are ideal for use in a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical research, and nuclear medicine. Anyone who needs a reliable, durable, and leak-proof vial for storing and analyzing radioactive samples will benefit from using these vials.
Those who only occasionally perform liquid scintillation counting, or who require specialized vials with specific coatings or features, may find that other options better suit their needs. If you are working with extremely aggressive solvents that are known to degrade urea, you may want to consider vials with alternative cap materials.
A must-have accessory for these vials is a good-quality scintillation cocktail, appropriate for the specific isotopes being measured. Automated capping and decapping equipment can also significantly improve throughput in high-volume laboratories.
Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500
The Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 are a reliable and cost-effective solution for liquid scintillation counting. The high-quality borosilicate glass, tight-sealing screw caps, and standard 20 mL volume make them an excellent choice for a wide range of applications.
At a price of $629.99 for a case of 500, these vials offer a good value proposition for laboratories that require a dependable and consistent product. While the unattached caps may be a minor inconvenience for some, the overall performance and durability of these vials more than compensate for this minor drawback.
I would personally recommend the Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 to anyone in need of a high-quality and reliable vial for liquid scintillation counting. Invest in the Kimble/Kontes Scintillation Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Screw Cap VW74515 20, Case of 500 today and experience the peace of mind that comes with using top-quality labware.