Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110 Review

Testing the Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110: What You Need to Know

For over a decade, I’ve trusted Bel-Art products in the field, from simple beakers to complex filtration systems. So, when our lab needed a reliable, easy-to-use buret for field titrations, the Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110 seemed like a perfect fit. Its automatic self-zeroing feature and polyethylene stopcock promised accuracy and convenience, crucial when working in less-than-ideal conditions.

My work often takes me to remote locations where precision and portability are paramount. We needed a buret that could withstand the rigors of transport and provide reliable measurements for water quality testing.

The Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110 arrived well-packaged, and the initial impression was positive; the borosilicate glass buret felt sturdy, and the polyethylene components seemed durable. Compared to traditional glass burets with glass stopcocks, which are prone to breakage and leaks, this Bel-Art design appeared significantly more robust and field-friendly. I had considered a digital buret for increased precision, but the power dependency and cost made it impractical for our needs.

Compared to a standard glass buret from Kimax and a digital buret from BrandTech, the Bel-Art offered a middle ground of simplicity and reliability. The Bel-Art promised a blend of traditional accuracy with modern convenience, which addressed our specific needs perfectly.

Initially, I was excited about the potential for increased efficiency in our field tests. The self-zeroing feature and supposedly precise drop control were enticing, promising to speed up the titration process and reduce errors.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110 to the Test

First Use Experience

The first field test took place along the banks of the Rio Grande River, where we were assessing agricultural runoff. The buret was used to perform alkalinity titrations directly on-site.

Despite a somewhat windy environment, the Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110 performed adequately; the polyethylene base provided a stable platform on uneven ground. Getting accustomed to the push-button stopcock took a few minutes, but the drop-by-drop delivery proved to be impressively consistent. However, the initial self-zeroing took a little longer than expected and required some practice to get a perfect zero every time.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of weekly use in various field locations, the Bel-Art buret has proven to be surprisingly resilient. Despite being transported in the back of a truck and exposed to varying temperatures, it hasn’t shown any signs of cracking or significant wear.

The blue silk-screened graduations remain sharp and easy to read, even after repeated exposure to sunlight. Cleaning is straightforward, although the polyethylene stopcock requires careful disassembly to remove any accumulated residues. While the Bel-Art hasn’t quite replaced our high-precision lab burets, it has become an invaluable tool for quick and reliable field analysis, surpassing our previous experiences with more fragile glass alternatives.

Breaking Down the Features of Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110

Specifications

• Capacity: 15 mL. This is suitable for smaller titrations and reduces reagent waste when dealing with limited sample volumes.
• Graduations: 0.10 mL. While not the highest precision, it’s acceptable for Class B accuracy and most field testing applications.
• Reservoir: 500 mL. A decent volume that allows for multiple titrations before needing to refill, important in remote locations.
• Stopcock: Polyethylene. Offers chemical resistance and durability, vital for withstanding various reagents.
• Class B Accuracy: Provides acceptable accuracy for routine analyses, although not as precise as Class A burets.
• Automatic Self-Zeroing: Simplifies the filling process and helps ensure accurate starting points.
• Borosilicate Glass Buret: Offers good chemical resistance and visibility of the titrant.

These specifications are essential because they directly affect the accuracy and ease of use in field conditions. The polyethylene stopcock and base, along with the borosilicate glass, contribute to the overall ruggedness required for outdoor applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110 performs its intended function adequately, providing reasonably accurate titrations in the field. The drop-by-drop delivery from the polyethylene stopcock allows for fine-tuning of the titration endpoint.

The self-zeroing feature streamlines the filling process, but occasional air bubbles can disrupt the accuracy. It largely meets expectations for a portable field buret, although not as precise as lab-grade alternatives.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bel-Art buret features a simple, functional design. The polyethylene base provides a stable platform.

The borosilicate glass buret offers good visibility of the titrant, but the push-button stopcock can feel slightly awkward at first. There is a slight learning curve to achieve consistent drop control.

Durability & Maintenance

The combination of borosilicate glass and polyethylene components suggests good durability. The buret has withstood several months of field use without any signs of cracking or significant wear.

Cleaning is straightforward, although the stopcock requires occasional disassembly and cleaning to prevent blockage. Proper maintenance should ensure a long lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110 comes complete with the buret, plastic stopcock assembly, polyethylene bottle, filling tube, bottle base, and screw cap. There aren’t many customization options available for this specific model.

It’s compatible with standard titration reagents and solutions. The polyethylene bottle can be replaced if needed, but there are no readily available aftermarket upgrades for the buret itself.

Pros and Cons of Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110

Who Should Buy Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110?

• Perfect for: Field researchers, environmental scientists, and water quality technicians who need a portable and reasonably accurate buret for on-site titrations.
• Who should skip this product? Those requiring extremely high precision in a controlled laboratory environment would be better served with a Class A buret. Those on a tight budget may find cheaper, though less durable, alternatives.
• Must-have accessories or modifications? A sturdy carrying case to protect the buret during transport is essential. A small bubble level can also help ensure the buret is perfectly vertical for optimal accuracy.

Conclusion on Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110

The Bel-Art Burets, Automatic Self-Zeroing, Class B, Polyethylene Stopcock, SCIENCEWARE H379180110 offers a compelling blend of portability, durability, and ease of use for field titration applications. While not as precise as a Class A buret, its Class B accuracy is sufficient for many routine analyses.

The price is a significant consideration, but the added convenience and robustness justify the investment for those who frequently perform titrations in challenging environments. The automatic self-zeroing feature and polyethylene components are invaluable for streamlining the process and minimizing the risk of breakage.

I would recommend this buret to anyone who needs a reliable and portable solution for field titrations. If you’re tired of broken glass and inaccurate measurements, the Bel-Art buret is a worthwhile investment. Add it to your cart and experience the difference today!