
( Brand: Pyrex ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 5640-500 ), ( Part Type: Stopper ), ( Country Of Origin: United States )
The **Corning Pyrex Volumetric Flask (Part Number 5640-500, 500 mL, ST19 Stopper)** is a precision-engineered glassware essential for laboratories requiring uncompromising accuracy in volumetric measurements. Crafted from **borosilicate glass (Type 3.3, Pyrex brand)**, this flask is renowned for its exceptional thermal and chemical resistance, making it ideal for a wide range of analytical, pharmaceutical, and scientific applications. The **500 mL capacity** strikes a balance between practicality and precision, allowing for reliable dilutions, titrations, and standard solution preparations without the risk of evaporation or contamination. The **ST19 ground-glass stopper**, designed with a standard taper, ensures a secure, leak-proof seal while maintaining ease of use, preventing spills during handling and storage. The flask s **calibrated markings** engraved with high precision adhere to strict international standards, guaranteeing consistency in measurements critical for experiments requiring exact stoichiometry or concentration control. Beyond its functional excellence, the durable borosilicate construction resists thermal shock, allowing for safe use across a broad temperature range, from cryogenic conditions to high-heat applications. Whether used in routine laboratory procedures or advanced research, this volumetric flask exemplifies reliability, durability, and precision, making it a cornerstone of any well-equipped analytical workspace.
**Pros and Cons of buying a Pyrex 5640-500 Volumetric Flask (500 mL, ST19 Stopper, Lab Glass)**
### **Pros**
1. **Precision and Accuracy** Volumetric flasks are designed for precise liquid measurements, making them ideal for laboratory work requiring exact volumes (e.g., titrations, dilutions, or standard solutions). The 500 mL size is versatile for medium-scale experiments.
2. **Durability and Chemical Resistance** Pyrex glass is known for its high thermal shock resistance and chemical inertness, meaning it can withstand extreme temperatures (from freezing to boiling) and resist corrosion from most acids, bases, and organic solvents. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including heating, cooling, and storage of reactive substances.
3. **Long Lifespan** High-quality borosilicate glass (like Pyrex) is less prone to cracking or degradation over time compared to lower-grade glassware. With proper care, it can last for decades, making it a cost-effective investment for laboratories.
4. **Compatibility with Standard Laboratory Equipment** The ST19 stopper (a standard ground-glass joint) ensures a secure, airtight seal, preventing evaporation or contamination. This compatibility also allows for easy integration with other glassware (e.g., funnels, condensers) in setups like reflux systems.
5. **Temperature Resistance** Pyrex can withstand autoclaving (steam sterilization) and sudden temperature changes, which is useful for microbiological or chemical processes requiring sterilization or rapid heating/cooling.
6. **Brand Reputation** Corning (the manufacturer of Pyrex) is a trusted name in laboratory glassware, known for reliability and adherence to strict quality standards. This reduces the risk of defects or inconsistencies in performance.
7. **Reusability and Sustainability** Unlike disposable plasticware, volumetric flasks can be reused countless times, reducing waste and aligning with laboratory sustainability practices.
8. **Calibration and Traceability** High-quality volumetric flasks are often calibrated to meet international standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM), ensuring traceability and consistency in experimental results.
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### **Cons**
1. **Fragility Compared to Plastic** While durable, glass is still brittle. Dropping or mishandling can cause shattering, leading to potential injuries or loss of expensive reagents. This requires careful handling and storage.
2. **Weight and Bulk** Glass flasks are heavier than plastic alternatives, which can be cumbersome for frequent use, especially in large quantities or fieldwork settings.
3. **Cost** High-quality Pyrex volumetric flasks are more expensive upfront than basic plastic or lower-grade glassware. However, their longevity often justifies the cost in the long run.
4. **Maintenance and Cleaning** Glassware requires thorough cleaning to remove residues, stains, or organic material. Some contaminants (e.g., proteins, oils) may require harsh detergents or ultrasonic cleaners, adding time and effort to the workflow.
5. **Limited Flexibility in Use** Unlike plastic, glass cannot be autoclaved indefinitely without risking thermal stress. Additionally, some highly corrosive substances (e.g., hydrofluoric acid) may eventually etch or weaken the glass over time.
6. **Potential for Contamination** If not cleaned properly, glassware can harbor residues from previous experiments, leading to cross-contamination. This is particularly critical in fields like microbiology or analytical chemistry.
7. **Replacement Parts** While common, ground-glass stoppers (like ST19) may wear out over time and require replacement. Losing or breaking a stopper can temporarily halt experiments until a new one is sourced.
8. **Not Ideal for High-Pressure Applications** Glass is not suitable for high-pressure environments (e.g., some types of chromatography or pressurized reactions), where plastic or metal alternatives are preferred.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Pyrex 5640-500 volumetric flask** is an excellent investment for laboratories requiring **high precision, chemical resistance, and durability**. Its borosilicate glass construction ensures reliability across a wide range of applications, from routine titrations to more demanding experiments involving temperature variations or aggressive chemicals. The ST19 stopper adds functionality for sealed systems, while the brand s reputation guarantees consistency in performance.
However, the **fragility, weight, and maintenance requirements** of glassware mean it may not be the best choice for settings where **convenience, portability, or disposable use** is prioritized. For most academic, industrial, or clinical laboratories, the trade-offs are justified by the flask s **accuracy, longevity, and compatibility with standard laboratory practices**.
### **Recommendation**
**Buy this flask if:**- You need **precise volumetric measurements** for titrations, dilutions, or standard solutions.
- Your work involves **heating, cooling, or autoclaving** (e.g., microbiology, chemistry, or analytical labs).
- You require **chemical resistance** to acids, bases, or organic solvents.
- You prioritize **long-term durability** and sustainability over disposability.
**Avoid or consider alternatives if:**- You frequently handle **highly corrosive substances** (e.g., hydrofluoric acid) that may degrade glass over time.
- Your workflow demands **portability or ease of use** (e.g., fieldwork, high-throughput screening), where plastic or polycarbonate flasks may be more practical.
- Budget constraints are critical, and you can compromise slightly on precision (though this is not recommended for critical applications).
**Final Verdict:** For most standard laboratory applications, this Pyrex volumetric flask is a **high-quality, cost-effective choice** that will serve reliably for years with proper care. If your lab operates under conditions where glassware is unsuitable, explore alternatives like **borosilicate plastic (e.g., Nalgene) or high-performance glass (e.g., Kimble-Kontes)** while weighing the pros and cons of each.
Many chemical and laboratory processes are dangerous.: height w/ Stopper, 290mm. However, all glassware should be carefully cleaned before use. Please feel free to request a quotation for any combined shipping costs, be sure include your zip code.
Our previously used glassware is cleaned before sale. Note that if the item was sealed, it cannot be opened or tampered with. Combined Shipping: When quantities greater than one are entered into a listings shipping calculator, it will likely display charge that is higher what actually be charged. The tolerance is /- 0.20mL.
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Even brand-new glassware should be cleaned as it is typically slightly alkaline from manufacture. Class A Pyrex Volumetric Flask, 500mL / TC 20 C. Please see the shipping calculator for cost to send this item alone. The body features large, easily visible block characters.
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