Description
The Conical Flask, universally known as the Erlenmeyer Flask, is one of the most essential pieces of laboratory glassware. Its iconic design features a flat, circular base and a cylindrical neck that tapers toward the body. This geometry is specifically engineered for mixing, heating, and storage, making it a staple in chemistry, biology, and clinical research.
Key Design Features
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Tapered Body: The sloped sides are designed to reduce the risk of liquid splashing or spiraling out during manual swirling or mechanical agitation.
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Narrow Neck: The reduced opening minimizes evaporative loss and makes it easy to seal with a rubber stopper, cotton wool, or specialized caps.
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Stable Flat Base: The wide, flat bottom provides excellent stability on lab benches, heating mantles, and hotplates.
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Borosilicate 3.3 Glass: Built to withstand direct heating (up to 500°C) and rapid temperature changes without cracking.
Types of Conical Flasks
| Type | Features | Best Use |
| Standard Narrow Neck | Reinforced beaded rim for durability. | General mixing, heating, and titration. |
| Wide Neck | Larger opening for easier filling/cleaning. | Growing cultures or adding solid reagents. |
| Ground Glass Joint | Features a frosted joint (e.g., 24/29). | Connecting to condensers or distillation setups. |
| Screw Cap | Includes a GL45 or similar threaded cap. | Sterile storage and culture incubation. |
Technical Specifications
| Capacity (ml) | Base Diameter (mm) | Height (mm) | Approx. Graduation Range |
| 50 | 51 | 90 | 10 – 40ml |
| 100 | 64 | 105 | 20 – 80ml |
| 250 | 85 | 145 | 50 – 200ml |
| 500 | 105 | 180 | 100 – 400ml |
| 1000 (1L) | 131 | 220 | 200 – 800ml |
| 2000 (2L) | 166 | 280 | 400 – 1600ml |
Conical Flask (Erlenmeyer Flask) – Borosilicate Glass 3.3
The Conical Flask, universally known as the Erlenmeyer Flask, is one of the most essential pieces of laboratory glassware. Its iconic design features a flat, circular base and a cylindrical neck that tapers toward the body. This geometry is specifically engineered for mixing, heating, and storage, making it a staple in chemistry, biology, and clinical research.
Key Design Features
-
Tapered Body: The sloped sides are designed to reduce the risk of liquid splashing or spiraling out during manual swirling or mechanical agitation.
-
Narrow Neck: The reduced opening minimizes evaporative loss and makes it easy to seal with a rubber stopper, cotton wool, or specialized caps.
-
Stable Flat Base: The wide, flat bottom provides excellent stability on lab benches, heating mantles, and hotplates.
-
Borosilicate 3.3 Glass: Built to withstand direct heating (up to 500°C) and rapid temperature changes without cracking.
Types of Conical Flasks
| Type | Features | Best Use |
| Standard Narrow Neck | Reinforced beaded rim for durability. | General mixing, heating, and titration. |
| Wide Neck | Larger opening for easier filling/cleaning. | Growing cultures or adding solid reagents. |
| Ground Glass Joint | Features a frosted joint (e.g., 24/29). | Connecting to condensers or distillation setups. |
| Screw Cap | Includes a GL45 or similar threaded cap. | Sterile storage and culture incubation. |
Technical Specifications
| Capacity (ml) | Base Diameter (mm) | Height (mm) | Approx. Graduation Range |
| 50 | 51 | 90 | 10 – 40ml |
| 100 | 64 | 105 | 20 – 80ml |
| 250 | 85 | 145 | 50 – 200ml |
| 500 | 105 | 180 | 100 – 400ml |
| 1000 (1L) | 131 | 220 | 200 – 800ml |
| 2000 (2L) | 166 | 280 | 400 – 1600ml |
Primary Applications
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Titrations: The narrow neck and tapered body allow for vigorous swirling of the sample without spilling, which is critical for identifying color-change endpoints.
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Boiling and Recrystallization: Ideal for heating liquids as the tapered sides condense vapors, returning them to the solution.
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Microbial Cultures: Frequently used in microbiology for the incubation of cell cultures, as the shape allows for excellent aeration when used on a shaker table.
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Temporary Storage: A versatile vessel for holding prepared reagents or samples during an experiment.
Safety & Maintenance
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Heating: When heating over a flame, always use a wire gauze to ensure even heat distribution.
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Volume Accuracy: Note that the graduated scale on a conical flask is for approximate volume only (usually ±5%). Use a volumetric flask or pipette for high-precision measurements.
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Cleaning: The tapered shape can make the bottom edges difficult to reach; use a specialized “Erlenmeyer brush” or an ultrasonic cleaner for stubborn residues.
Why Choose This Design?
The Erlenmeyer flask is the “all-rounder” of the lab. Its unique shape offers a safer alternative to beakers for heating and mixing, while its structural integrity makes it capable of handling everything from high-heat reactions to delicate biological fermentations.
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