Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Dripping wash bottles

sbreheny - 2-3-2014 at 08:18

Hi all,

I find that plastic wash bottles constantly drip whenever they contain volatile liquids like IPA or acetone. This includes ones which are specifically designated as being for these liquids. This happens even if they are not exposed to direct sunlight or large temperature changes. It can be very dangerous as a fire hazard and quite a nuisance. Does anyone know a way to prevent this? I would have thought that these containers could be designed with some kind of valve to vent the vapor automatically.

Sean

Mailinmypocket - 2-3-2014 at 08:31

I have the same problem, the leakage isn't that bad though. Usually I just loosen the cap to equalize the pressure and it doesn't leak for a few days or weeks. You could always get these if you are that concerned though

http://www.buerkle.de/en/shop/_safety-wash-bottle.html

Having a couple bottles shouldn't pose a massive risk... Maybe if you had bins with 15-20 of each solvent bottle dripping but otherwise I've never had problems, home or workplace labs.

bfesser - 2-3-2014 at 08:53

Quote: Originally posted by Mailinmypocket  
Usually I just loosen the cap to equalize the pressure and it doesn't leak for a few days or weeks.
I had the same issue of solvents (acetone, MeOH, EtOH) dripping from wash bottles, simply <em>solved</em> as <strong>Mailinmypocket</strong> suggests, by partially unscrewing the caps when not in use.

BromicAcid - 2-3-2014 at 11:22

Agreed, loosen the cap a little. Sucks to be in the middle of cleaning and grab the bottle with the loose cap and have your other hand in use but that's the way it is.

MrHomeScientist - 3-3-2014 at 08:26

At work we have little white rubber caps that go on the spout to stop drips. Unfortunately I have no idea what they are called or where to buy them.

Mailinmypocket - 3-3-2014 at 13:07

I guess if one was really bothered by it they could take small rubber stoppers and poke holes with nails into them. Then just press that onto the spout....

unionised - 3-3-2014 at 13:38

You can buy non-drip wash bottles.
In my observation they are awful.
They drip anyway when you have used them and they don't let you dispense solvent with any precision.
Here's the sort of thing I mean
http://www.scientificlabs.co.uk/slsContent/promotion/AZLON_P...

I'd strongly recommend not buying them.