Was the Kimble/Kontes Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Phenolic Screw Cap VW60910A 3 Short Form Type, Pack of 144 the Right Choice?
The Kimble/Kontes Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Phenolic Screw Cap VW60910A 3 Short Form Type, Pack of 144 are seemingly humble laboratory essentials, yet they represent a cornerstone of reliable containment for critical samples. Kimble/Kontes, a name synonymous with quality in the scientific community, offers these short form vials with phenolic screw caps, designed for general-purpose use. They come in a pack of 144, making them a practical choice for any setting requiring consistent and dependable sample storage.
My line of work often involves fieldwork that requires the collection of water, soil, and sometimes even biological samples. The need for a consistently reliable, chemically inert, and easily sealable container is paramount. I was tired of dealing with flimsy plastic containers that leached chemicals or glass vials with poorly fitting caps, leading to potential contamination or leakage, both being unacceptable in serious sample collection and storage.
Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was one of quality and uniformity. The borosilicate glass felt robust and the phenolic caps screwed on smoothly and securely, offering a stark contrast to the inconsistent closures I had previously encountered. The compact size (19 x 65 mm) made them ideal for packing into field kits without sacrificing sample volume, and the short form design gave them increased stability.
Compared to standard soda-lime glass vials, these Kimble/Kontes vials offered superior chemical resistance, critical for preserving the integrity of collected samples. Alternatives with polypropylene caps were considered, but the solvent resistance and sealing capabilities of the phenolic caps tipped the scale. I was specifically looking for vials capable of securely storing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) collected from contaminated sites, something plastic vials often struggle with due to permeability.
My first impression was excitement. The promise of reliable sample storage and the sheer quantity of vials within the pack indicated that I had found a solution that would improve my workflow and ensure data integrity.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Phenolic Screw Cap VW60910A 3 Short Form Type, Pack of 144 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test involved collecting water samples from a potentially contaminated river during a survey of impacted watersheds. The vials were used to collect grab samples at various points along the river’s course. The borosilicate glass construction allowed me to visually assess the water’s clarity immediately after collection, which was a huge advantage.
The vials performed flawlessly, even under adverse conditions. Working in the field meant exposure to rain, mud, and fluctuating temperatures, but the phenolic caps provided a watertight seal, preventing any sample leakage or contamination. There was no need to baby the vials; I filled them, capped them securely, and tossed them in a cooler.
The vials were incredibly easy to use right out of the box. There was no learning curve; the smooth threading of the phenolic caps made sample containment straightforward and efficient. No initial issues arose during the first use; I had achieved reliable sample containment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kimble/Kontes vials have proven to be exceptionally durable. The glass shows no signs of clouding or etching, even after repeated exposure to a wide range of chemicals. The phenolic caps continue to provide a reliable seal, preventing any sample loss or contamination over time.
Durability has been remarkable; very few vials have been broken or damaged, even with rough handling in the field. The short form design contributes to their stability, reducing the risk of tipping over and breaking. Minimal maintenance is required, simply rinsing the vials with distilled water and allowing them to air dry after use.
These vials significantly outperform previous containers used. Cheaper plastic vials often degraded after only a few uses, and the unreliable seals of other glass vials led to inconsistent sample preservation. With the Kimble/Kontes vials, I have found a solution that offers both reliability and longevity.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Phenolic Screw Cap VW60910A 3 Short Form Type, Pack of 144
Specifications
The Kimble/Kontes Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Phenolic Screw Cap VW60910A 3 Short Form Type, Pack of 144 feature a 3-dram volume, roughly equivalent to 11 ml, providing ample space for small-volume liquid samples. They have an outer diameter (O.D.) of 19 mm and a length of 65 mm, making them compact and easy to store and transport. The GPI thread finish is 15-425, ensuring compatibility with standard laboratory equipment.
The use of borosilicate glass is critical, offering exceptional chemical resistance and thermal stability, crucial for preserving sample integrity. The black phenolic molded screw cap with a polyvinyl-faced pulp liner provides a tight, solvent-resistant seal, preventing leaks and minimizing the risk of contamination. The specifications translate directly into real-world benefits by providing reliable containment, preserving samples, and minimizing errors.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/Kontes Vials excel at their primary job: containing samples securely and reliably. The tight seal of the phenolic cap is particularly noteworthy, preventing leaks and evaporation, even with volatile compounds. The borosilicate glass ensures no leaching occurs, preserving sample integrity.
While the vials are exceptionally reliable, the small volume might be a limitation for certain applications that require larger sample sizes. Some may find the phenolic cap material less aesthetically pleasing than alternatives. Ultimately, these vials meet and exceed expectations for general-purpose sample storage, providing consistent and dependable performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kimble/Kontes Vials feature a simple yet functional design. The borosilicate glass construction ensures chemical inertness. The compact size and short form design make the vials easy to handle and store.
The vials are designed to be incredibly user-friendly. There is no learning curve; the screw caps twist on and off smoothly, providing a tight seal every time. The simplicity of the design contributes to its effectiveness and reliability.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kimble/Kontes Vials are built to last, thanks to the robust borosilicate glass construction. With proper care, these vials can withstand repeated use without showing signs of degradation. They are also easily cleaned and maintained.
Maintaining the vials is straightforward: simply rinse them with distilled water and allow them to air dry. The borosilicate glass is resistant to most common laboratory detergents. This makes them easy to sanitize. Their durability and ease of maintenance contribute to their long-term value.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/Kontes Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Phenolic Screw Cap VW60910A 3 Short Form Type, Pack of 144 do not require any specific accessories beyond what’s included. However, they are compatible with standard laboratory labeling systems for clear sample identification. They can also be used with a variety of racks and storage containers for organized storage.
Given the standardized thread finish, alternative caps (e.g., PTFE-lined caps for enhanced chemical resistance) could potentially be used, if needed. The focus remains on simplicity and reliability. No extensive customization is needed.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Phenolic Screw Cap VW60910A 3 Short Form Type, Pack of 144
Pros
- Exceptional chemical resistance ensures sample integrity.
- Reliable phenolic screw caps provide a tight, leak-proof seal.
- Durable borosilicate glass construction for long-lasting performance.
- Convenient pack of 144 offers excellent value for the price.
- Compact short form design is ideal for field use and storage.
Cons
- The 3-dram volume might be too small for some applications.
- Phenolic caps may not be as aesthetically appealing as other options.
Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Phenolic Screw Cap VW60910A 3 Short Form Type, Pack of 144?
The Kimble/Kontes Vials are perfect for environmental scientists, chemists, and laboratory technicians who require reliable sample storage. They’re ideal for anyone working with volatile or corrosive substances where sample integrity is crucial. The vials particularly benefit those in field-based research and environmental monitoring programs.
These vials might not be the best choice for those needing to store very large sample volumes or demanding exceptionally high aesthetic appeal. Consider alternatives if cost is an absolute barrier, though cheaper vials often sacrifice reliability. For secure storage and accurate results, these are a great choice.
Accessories aren’t essential, but consider investing in racks or storage boxes to keep your vials organized. Labeling systems are also crucial for accurately tracking samples.
Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Phenolic Screw Cap VW60910A 3 Short Form Type, Pack of 144
The Kimble/Kontes Vials, Borosilicate Glass, with Phenolic Screw Cap VW60910A 3 Short Form Type, Pack of 144 are a dependable investment for any professional requiring reliable sample containment. The price of $103.99 for a pack of 144 is justified by the quality of the materials and the assurance of sample integrity. These vials provide peace of mind by minimizing the risk of contamination or leakage.
I would wholeheartedly recommend these vials to anyone needing a dependable and chemically inert storage solution. They are a must-have for any serious laboratory or field research setting. If you value accuracy, reliability, and peace of mind, invest in the Kimble/Kontes Vials.
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