DeIonizedPlasma
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Ampoule construction!
I'm sure most of you have run into some instance during your activities in which an ampoule was required to store something lovely and reactive. I
have not yet had to make any, but after seeing some of the work done on periodic table displays I thought I would have a go at making a nice and
presentable periodic table featuring samples from as many elements as possible.
This would probably not include things that one would truly need an ampoule for without alternatives (Fluorine?), but I like the neatness and
presentation of ampoules to store elements long-term. Since a lot of you have experience making/using ampoules, is there any advice on what to use
when making them? I have heard of using test tubes (These seem to have very large necks for this to be easy, although I am probably wrong about this)
or pasteur pipettes which seem like the best option. Buying nice ampoules is also technically an option, but I have been unable to find ampoules that
aren't sold in bulk. Having searched for recommended methods on the forum and finding nothing, I was wondering what your suggestions are. Thanks!
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Chemosynthesis
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You can use glass tubing as well. Shaping the neck can be a little tricky. I used to carefully roll the hot glass on a spatula or something metal to
get that indention.
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Zombie
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As for the test tube, it's easy to reshape.
I just found the coolest little Vid on Utube that will help you out. My brain is swimming w/ new ideas because of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNVGge-D74I
They tried to have me "put to sleep" so I came back to return the favor.
Zom.
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vmelkon
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Quote: Originally posted by DeIonizedPlasma  | | I have heard of using test tubes (These seem to have very large necks for this to be easy, although I am probably wrong about this) or pasteur
pipettes which seem like the best option. Buying nice ampoules is also technically an option, but I have been unable to find ampoules that aren't sold
in bulk. Having searched for recommended methods on the forum and finding nothing, I was wondering what your suggestions are. Thanks!
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Yes, I have a a bunch of ampouled elements and also solutions in ampoule of interesting things like copper sulfate and amino-copper sulfate.
I used glass tubing from neons because I found them for free. I don't recommend them. They contain lead. It is toxic and the other aspect is that when
you melt the glass, it becomes brown.
Test tubes is a good idea but if it is borosilicate glass, you better have a powerful torch to melt it since its glass transition temperature is in
the 850 °C range while soda glass is 600 °C.
[Edited on 4-2-2015 by vmelkon]
[Edited on 4-2-2015 by vmelkon]
Signature ==== Is this my youtube page? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA5PYtul5aU
We must attach the electrodes of knowledge to the nipples of ignorance and give a few good jolts.
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Mailinmypocket
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I often make small ampoules with glass tubing, it is quite easy to make a bunch in advance and have them hanging around when needed.
http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=26485
Note to self: Tare the damned flask.
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DeIonizedPlasma
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Is there any reason besides price that pasteur pipettes are worse than glass tubing? Just curious.
Also, what about thick-walled ampoules? I have heard of people using ampoules for samples of things like liquid chlorine or liquid NOx, but these
obviously need to withstand some pressure that I doubt a regular bit of glass tubing is built for.
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Mailinmypocket
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Not really, the glass is thinner and hence easier to seal but likely can't handle as much pressure. Pasteur pipettes have a wider diameter (compared
to the tubing I have anyways) but price-wise it's better to just buy a box of glass tube and then you can make as many ampoules as you like.
Note to self: Tare the damned flask.
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Loptr
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Where do you get a dual-burner torch that can be attached to a lab stand, such as the one in the video? Very nice!
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Zombie
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That seems to be a pretty rare bird. There are a few dual inlet burners on FleaBay, and Humboldt has some nice dual rigs as well... http://www.humboldtmfg.com/bunsen_burners.html
The one you're asking about has obvious draw backs, and that may be why it is so difficult to find. There may be something in Glass blowing that is
similar.
They tried to have me "put to sleep" so I came back to return the favor.
Zom.
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careysub
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I think I need to get into laboratory glass working if only to make my own ampoules*.
Currently my only flames are a Tirill burner, and a typical propane torch. I think the Tirill will suffice for soda lime tube small work, but I figure
I might as well step up and equip to do borosilicate and get an oxygen torch. I want to be economical, but I also want a good tool.
I've done a little Googling and I have identified the National Torch Model 3 Hand Torch, which retails for $115. It looks like a solid no-nonsense
design, and it appears that this exact torch has been in production for over 60 years. Some really beat up ones appear on eBay that look like they
have been through a war, but probably still work fine. I'm thinking this is a winner, but wondered if anyone had other recommendations on what torch
to buy.
*The spell checker says this is a misspelling, but I prefer this spelling, I see others here do also.
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Zombie
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If you want to avoid all the drama... A simple Mapp gas torch from Ace or the Home centers is around 20 bucks, and will work a charm on ampules / test
tubes / glass tube.
You can easily form a small wire rack to hold the torch, and not worry about it falling or rolling a round
They tried to have me "put to sleep" so I came back to return the favor.
Zom.
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j_sum1
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My ampoule sealing torch is (ok, was) one of those refillable butane cigarette lighters. Unfortunately it hasn't lasted well. I just a few moments
ago purchased a butane torch to fit on a standard butane cylinder.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Butane-Gas-Blow-Torch-Burner-Weld...
I think it will do the trick and if it doesn't, it is no huge expense.
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careysub
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My propane Tirill burner is unable to even flame polish the ends of the borosilicate glass tubing that I have, so clearly higher temperatures are
needed.
Is a simple MAPP torch sufficient?
Or should I go with an oxygen/MAPP set-up?
I have read that oxygen torches are recommended for borosilicate.
The local Big Box has the Bernzomatic OX2550KC Oxy/Map-Pro Torch Kit for $60, and a MAPP only torch kit for $43. Would the MAPP only be sufficient.
I'm thinking if I just use the local Big Box offerings, that I should go for the Oxy/Map-Pro kit.
As an aside I notice that American Science & Surplus has glass ampoules for sale (the suggestions of the Wiki). It has apparently been the go-to
site for this for years - disappointing.
If I have to roll my own I am definitely going to need to work borosilicate since that is what I use in my lab for everything.
eBay does have ampoules (ampules) for sale, about $60 for 144 for the ~1 mL size range, but 10 mL is $137.
[Edited on 22-2-2015 by careysub]
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