ChilfosBlue - 19-12-2013 at 13:53
I just got some second hand glassware that was given to me by one of my friends who works in electroplating. The glassware was filthy and some of it
was broken, when I asked about the state of it he said it had been lying outside for a while and that they had finally decided to get rid of it.
The unbroken equipment includes:
2 1litre boiling flasks
1 glass funnel
2 500ml volumetric flasks
2 100ml volumetric flasks
2 200ml conical flasks
2 250ml conical flasks
1 500ml conical flask
1 500ml filter flask
2 250ml beakers
I have checked the equipment there appears to be no scratches or cracks in the glassware but I am still unsure wether the equipment is usable e.g.
suitable for heating. I am also concerned about a greyish film that seems stuck to the insides of some of the glassware. Should I be worried about any
of this or has anybody else had experience with second hand glassware like this?
Metacelsus - 19-12-2013 at 13:59
Please post pictures, so we can actually see the state of the glassware.
ChilfosBlue - 19-12-2013 at 14:32
Here's an example of the grey film. I think it may be lime scale but I have no idea what would have caused it to form on it if it was. This was taken
after I had cleaned it. Apart from this there isn't any visible damage on any of the other glassware.
[Edited on 19-12-2013 by ChilfosBlue]
bfesser - 19-12-2013 at 14:43
Try a limescale remover. Just be sure you do it in a well ventilated space and avoid skin exposure to the solution, in case of toxic metal residues
(Cr, Pb, Hg, etc.).
Fantasma4500 - 20-12-2013 at 09:29
well even 10% HCl works pretty well on limescale.. you should however try to dissolve some of it with a drop of HCl or similar, then add excess NaHCO3
solution.. if theres any toxic stuff in it it pretty well should make an unclear solution.. if not then just smear it all in HCl, supposing HCl isnt
much of a threat in ultra short exposure in 10% concentration
for the glassware i think just filling it 30% with water and putting to a boil somewhat slowly on hotplate should tell you if it works.. good idea
indeed.. theres a thread in energetics section where an older guy with alot of knowledge had both hands removed by ETN + methanol and 2 huge fake
beakers which quite didnt last heat..