Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Question about microscale condenser joints

ScienceHideout - 1-11-2014 at 16:09

I made a recent acquisition of a microscale chemistry kit (with a few parts missing, but still functional). It included four vials (two different sizes, conical interior bottoms, cylindrical exterior bottoms) distillation head, claisen head, thermometer adapter, 2 condensers, a take off adapter and a whole bunch of those screw-together joints.

Here is the part that has me puzzled- the water inlet and outlet on both condensers have the same screw-on joints as the other joints where chemistry happens. Even more confusing- they are the same size- so not even my biggest hoses will fit on these. Am I missing something simple, or missing a part, or is there some sort of trick to this?

Here is a picture:

The one on the right is the one in question.

Thanks in advance!

chemrox - 1-11-2014 at 17:05

They aren't hose nipples they are joints and what appear to be missing are the threaded female parts-sort of like bottle caps with big holes. If you can figure out the joint system and find missing parts you might salvage a possibly unwise purchase.

careysub - 1-11-2014 at 17:53

I just acquired a complete Corning microscale kit, and have been researcing microscale equipment and techniques.

I'll help you figure out what you've got, and how to get the parts you need (assuming that that is possible - but I am betting that it is).

Do you have calipers to make accurate measurements of the joint/thread dimensions?

What are the exact markings on the pieces in question?

ScienceHideout - 3-11-2014 at 17:15

I just came up with a genius idea-

I took extra caps for vials, drilled holes in them, and superglued in a hose coupler with a barb that was cut in half. It works great! Success! I will have to post a pic when I get a chance.