Reviewing the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830: Beyond Marketing
The Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 isn’t exactly the kind of tactical gear I usually review. However, reliable lab equipment is crucial for various outdoor research and preparedness scenarios, making this small vial a vital component in certain specialized kits. Manufactured by Kimble/Kontes, these clear borosilicate glass vials with polyethylene needle closures offer a secure and contaminant-free solution for sample storage and transport. They represent the intersection of scientific precision and the practical demands of field research.
My interest in this product stemmed from a need for secure and compact sample containers during a remote environmental survey I was assisting with. I was searching for vials that could withstand temperature fluctuations and rough handling without compromising sample integrity. The listed specifications for the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830, particularly the borosilicate glass and tight-sealing closures, caught my eye.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the glass and the snug fit of the polyethylene closures. Each vial felt robust and well-made. They were significantly lighter than the thicker glass vials I had previously used. My initial thought was these could drastically reduce pack weight for future field expeditions.
Compared to similar vials from other brands, like Wheaton or DWK Life Sciences, the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 seemed to offer a better balance of price, volume, and closure design. I chose this product because of Kimble/Kontes’ reputation for laboratory-grade glassware and the specific need for a needle closure. I was looking for something I could potentially puncture with a needle for sampling without fully opening the vial.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The vials appeared promising, but their true test would be in the field. The crucial factor would be how well the closures maintained a seal under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 during a week-long water quality assessment in a remote river valley. I used the vials to collect and store water samples for later analysis. The vials were subjected to varying temperatures, humidity, and the jostling inherent in backpacking through rugged terrain.
The vials performed surprisingly well. Even when exposed to direct sunlight and temperatures exceeding 90°F (32°C), the borosilicate glass remained stable, and the samples showed no signs of degradation due to heat exposure. The closures held tight, preventing any leakage even when the vials were turned upside down or subjected to minor impacts. It took no time to incorporate the vials into the sample collection process; their ease of use was a welcome change from previous, more cumbersome methods.
My initial surprise stemmed from the robustness of such a small and lightweight vial. I had expected some breakage or leakage, especially considering the demanding conditions, but the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 exceeded my expectations.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of intermittent use in various field projects, the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 vials have proven remarkably durable. There have been no instances of glass shattering or closure failure. Some of the polyethylene closures have developed minor scratches and scuffs, but this hasn’t affected their sealing ability.
Cleaning the vials is simple. A quick rinse with distilled water and a mild detergent is usually sufficient. The smooth interior surface of the borosilicate glass prevents contaminants from adhering, making it easy to ensure the vials are thoroughly cleaned between uses. Compared to my previous experience with plastic vials, the glass construction of the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 offers superior chemical resistance and prevents the leaching of potentially harmful compounds into the samples.
In terms of outperforming expectations, these vials have delivered beyond what I had anticipated. The combination of robust construction, reliable closures, and ease of use makes them an indispensable part of my field kit.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830
Specifications
- Material: Clear N-51 borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass provides excellent chemical resistance and thermal stability. This ensures the integrity of the sample is maintained across a wide range of environmental conditions.
- Closure: Plug-style polyethylene needle closures. The polyethylene closures create a tight seal to prevent leakage and contamination. They also allow for needle access to the sample without fully opening the vial.
- Capacity: 0.75ml. The small volume is ideal for applications where only a small sample size is required. This minimizes waste and reduces the overall storage space needed.
- Dimensions: 8mm OD x 30mm Length. The compact size makes the vials easy to transport and store in the field.
- Packaging: Shrink-wrapped trays of 200 vials; caps are bulk-packed in plastic bags. The individual packaging keeps the vials clean and organized, minimizing the risk of contamination during storage and handling.
These specifications translate to a highly practical and reliable solution for sample collection and storage in various field environments. The choice of materials and the design of the closures contribute to the overall durability and performance of the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 performs its job admirably. The borosilicate glass ensures that samples remain uncontaminated, and the polyethylene closures provide a secure seal that prevents leakage, even under challenging conditions.
The main strength of these vials lies in their combination of durability, ease of use, and reliable sealing capabilities. A potential area for improvement could be the addition of a small labeling area on the vial itself. This would allow for easier sample identification in the field. Overall, the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 is simple yet functional. The vials are lightweight and easy to handle, even with gloves.
The user-friendliness is excellent. There is no learning curve associated with using these vials. The straightforward design and secure closures make them easy to incorporate into any sample collection process.
Durability & Maintenance
The borosilicate glass construction ensures that the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 is built to last. With proper care, these vials can withstand repeated use without showing signs of significant wear and tear.
Maintenance is minimal. A thorough cleaning after each use is all that’s required to keep the vials in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 does not come with a wide range of accessories. However, the vials are compatible with standard laboratory equipment.
The lack of customization options is not a significant drawback. These vials are designed for a specific purpose, and their core functionality is excellent.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830
Pros
- Robust Construction: The borosilicate glass provides excellent durability and chemical resistance.
- Reliable Seal: The polyethylene needle closures offer a tight and secure seal to prevent leakage and contamination.
- Compact and Lightweight: The small size and lightweight design make the vials easy to transport and store in the field.
- Easy to Clean: The smooth interior surface of the glass makes the vials easy to clean and maintain.
- Needle Access: Closures allow for sample extraction/injection via needle without full opening.
Cons
- Small Size: The 0.75ml capacity may be limiting for applications requiring larger sample volumes.
- Lack of Labeling Area: The absence of a dedicated labeling area on the vial makes sample identification more challenging.
Who Should Buy Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830?
The Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 is perfect for environmental scientists, researchers, and anyone involved in sample collection and storage. They are particularly well-suited for field applications where portability and sample integrity are critical.
This product may not be necessary for individuals who only need to store large volumes of liquid or those who don’t require the chemical resistance of borosilicate glass. A must-have accessory for these vials is a waterproof marker for labeling. Also, consider a small, crush-proof container for transporting the vials in the field.
Conclusion on Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830
In summary, the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 is a reliable and well-designed product that excels in its intended purpose. The price is justified by the quality of the materials and the overall performance of the vials.
I would personally recommend the Kimble/kontes Vial Chrom Clear .75ml Pk200 60831D 830 to anyone who needs a secure and contaminant-free solution for sample storage and transport. If you value reliability and durability in your field equipment, these vials are an excellent investment. Consider adding these to your lab or field kit; you won’t be disappointed!