Wire gauze
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A wire gauze is a sheet of wire mesh with a fireproof fabric in the center, used to support beakers when heated with an open flame.
Contents
General
A wire gauze consists of a square wire mesh, made of steel, stainless steel or some other refractory alloy (Nichrome e.g.), with a circular ceramic or asbestos fabric sandwiched in the middle of the wire mesh. During use, the wire gauze is placed on a tripod or support ring that is attached to the retort stand between the Bunsen burner and the beakers in order to support the beakers or other glassware or flasks during heating.
Availability
Wire gauzes can be purchased from lab suppliers or online.
Asbestos-containing wire gauzes have largely being phased out, and instead a ceramic fiber cloth is used.
DIY wire mesh
A circular sheet of heat-resistant material, like mineral wool or asbestos, is sandwiched between two square-shaped pieces of stainless steel or nichrome mesh.
Safety
Wire gauzes containing asbestos fabric pose a health hazard if the fibers are inhaled.
