Frequently Asked Questions about Solvents in Hematology & Histology Research
General Information
How do I get specific lot information or CofA for a solvent?
A Certificate of Analysis is available by lot for each of our solvents and can be accessed through our Advanced Search Option.
Who do I contact about larger solvent volume needs?
Email us at labessentials@sial.com.
How do I know what packaging options are available for a solvent?
Our solvent page gives you the ability to review all the specifications associated with our solvent packaging. This includes physical dimensions, closure types, dispensing methods, UN/DOT Rating as well as solvent compatibility.
Who do I contact if I need a solvent blend, which you do not carry?
Email us at labessentials@sial.com.
The dispensing of solvents provides some challenges due to the number of container options available. What dispensing options are available for each container?
Our solvent page provides numerous dispensing options for each container type.
Why on occasion does my Methanol have an unusual odor? Does it affect the product purity or performance?
Industry research has indicated that unusual odors in methanol are a common problem and stem from low-level mercaptans and/or amines found in the natural gas raw materials used in production. Odors from these types of compounds can be noticeable at low part per million (ppm) levels and have not been shown to have any negative impact on product performance at these concentrations.
What are some of the preservatives used in the most common ethers and chlorinated solvents and why are they added?
Certain solvents will degrade over time requiring special handling and storage considerations. In addition, the products of certain degradation processes pose a potential safety risk if present at sufficiently high levels. For these types of materials, small amounts of stabilizing chemicals are added to slow down or stop material degradation.
It is important to understand the stability of materials in use and if unclear, consult our Technical Support.
Why do peroxides form in certain solvents and how do I test for it?
A significant number of laboratory solvents can undergo autoxidation under normal storage conditions to form unstable and potentially dangerous peroxide by-products. Molecular structure is the primary factor relating to a material’s potential for hazardous peroxide formation.
It is important to understand the stability of materials in use and if unclear, consult our Technical Support.
Tax-Paid Ethanol
What is 190 proof and 200 proof ethanol?
All ethanol products have a proof associated with the product description. The proof is a measure of the water content of the ethanol portion of the product. The proof is calculated as two times (2 x) the actual ethanol concentration by volume.
How can I get help with the ATF paperwork for 190 and 200 proof ethanol?
Because these ethanols are federally regulated, an ATF permit is required to purchase 190 and 200 proof ethanol. We take the hassle out of this process for you! There is no ATF paperwork needed or records to be kept on your part. We immediately pay the federal excise tax (200-proof pure alcohol = $27.00/gallon). For more regulatory information regard the tax on ethanol, visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
Physical Properties
What is solvent polarity?
The polarity of a solvent will determine what type of compounds it is able to dissolve and with what other solvent it is miscible. In a broader sense, solvents can be classified as "polar" and "non-polar". Non-polar reactants will dissolve in non-polar solvents while polar reactants will dissolve in polar solvents.
There are three measures of the polarity of a solvent: Dipole moment, Dielectric constant & Miscibility with water. Solvents with a large dipole moments and high dielectric constants are considered polar. Those with low dipole moments and small dielectric constants are classified as non-polar. Solvents that are miscible with water are polar, while those that are not are non-polar.
Why do some solvents arrive as a solid?
Melting points vary from solvent to solvent, so regional temperatures will affect the state in which a solvent arrives.
How has the isomer composition of Hexane changed?
Due to market wide shift, the isomer composition has changed from 85% n-hexane to 60-65%. This affects only our line of Hexane, Mixture of Isomers and does not apply to all of our solvents, which have an n-hexane content of 95% or greater.
Can you explain the different concentration units used with solvents?
A number of different unit of concentrations are often used to equate levels of water or amount of stabilizer in a solvent.
Parts per Million (PPM) - 1 part in 1,000,000. 1 ppm is equal to 1mg/liter and 0.0001% by concentration.
Parts per Billion (PPB) - 1 part in 1,000,000,000. 1 ppb is equal to 0.0000001% by concentration.
Application Notes
What are the options for drying solvents?
We offer a full range of high-purity solvents with extremely low water levels specifically manufactured for moisture sensitive Organic and Biotech applications. We carry various drying agents, which are compatible with organic solvents.
Which condenser should I use for a low-boiling solvent?
Visit our glassware page for more information.
What apparatus do you recommend for HPLC solvent filtration?
Our vacuum filtration assembly gives you all the components you need including: funnel top, fritted glass funnel support, filtration flask, aluminum clamp, and silicone stopper. The Acrodisc Syring Filters offer high quality filtration for analytical samples. Certified for HPLC to ensure low extractables. Available in a broad range of membranes to meet sample compatibility requirements.
How do I trap solvent vapors to prevent damage to my vacuum pump?
Our glassware page offers a number of different options to meet you lab's needs.
Can you recommend a Solvent Extractor for organics from aqueous solution?
For the quantitative extraction of organics from aqueous solutions and separations in immunoassays. The MIXXOR system has been applied successfully in many laboratory solvent extraction operations and is ideal for the rapid screening of alternative solvents for specific extraction problems.
How do I effectively clean the inside and outside of my NMR tubes?
Our Dual-Action NMR Tube Cleaner simultaneously cleans tubes inside and out.
What Vacuum Pumps are solvent resistant?
KNF Laboport vacuum pumps solid PTFE heads, molded PTFE diaphragm and Kalrez® parts which eliminates chemical attack to the pump.
Returnable Containers (US Only)
How many types of returnable containers are available?
We offer solvents in three different types of containers. The container type is determined by what solvent is required and the grade of the material.
- Pure-Pac I
- Pure-Pac II
- Kilo-Lab
What is the difference between the Pure-Pac I and Pure-Pac II?
The Pure-Pac I container has a tube fitting connection for the solvent transfer line and nitrogen inlet. The Pure-Pac I also has a pressure gauge.
The Pure-Pac II container is equipped with a central extractor valve. The extractor valve requires a Micromatic MacroValve coupler for dispensing solvent from the container. The MacroValve is a quick-connect style coupler that has the nitrogen inlet and pressure relief device built into the unit. The Micromatic MacroValve coupler is sold separately. We offer dispensing head kits that include the Micromatic MacroValve for the Pure-Pac II. The kit contains a 3/8 in tube fitting or a 1/2 in tube fitting for connecting to a transfer line.
Z566020 3/8 in tube fitting dispensing kit
Z566039 1/2 in tube fitting dispensing kit
Do I return the Micromatic MacroValve coupler when the Pure-Pac II is empty?
No. The coupler stays with the customer and can be used on the next full Pure-Pac II.
What is the difference between Pure-Pacs and Kilo-Labs?
The Pure-Pac containers are constructed of 304 stainless steel. The Kilo-Lab containers are constructed of carbon steel.
What is the construction of the containers?
Pure-Pac I — 304 stainless steel
Pure-Pac II — 304 stainless steel with Simriz gaskets and seals
Kilo-Lab — Carbon steel with stainless steel valves
What sizes of containers are available?
What are the dimensions for the various sizes of returnable containers?
Pure-Pac I (inches) |
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Pure-Pac II (inches) |
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What are the tare weights for the different types and sizes of returnable containers?
What are the connections for the solvent outlet and nitrogen inlet for the different types of containers?
Are the returnable containers shipped under positive pressure?
Yes. The containers ship with 3–5 psig of nitrogen pressure. This is to ensure that the solvent is not exposed to the atmosphere.
Do the containers have a pressure relief device?
Each returnable container is equipped with a pressure relief device. This device will relieve the excess pressure once the container reaches the relief cracking pressure. The device will reseat itself once the excess pressure is relieved.
What is the pressure relief set at?
What is the maximum recommended working pressure?
Should the returnable containers be grounded before dispensing solvent?
Yes. A proper grounding wire should be connected to the returnable container and an appropriate ground. This will prevent sparking of static electricity generated by transferring flammable liquids. We offer proper grounding wires.
Are the Returnable Containers ASME certified?
The Pure-Pac I container is ASME certified.
Are the Returnable Containers FM Approved?
The Pure-Pac I container is FM Approved.
How do I dispense solvents from the returnable containers?
We provide technical bulletins that describe the transferring procedures for each type of returnable container.
Are level sensors available?
Level Sensors are available for the 200 and 400L Pure-Pac I and the 50L and 200L Pure-Pac II.
Are the containers dedicated to one customer?
Containers are dedicated if a fleet has been set up for your contract. Since containers are dedicated, it is important that the containers are returned as soon as they are empty. This will ensure that service will not be interrupted due to containers not being available for filling. A return procedure and plan will be defined for contract customers.
Are the containers dedicated to one solvent?
In most cases, containers are dedicated to one solvent. If a different solvent is packaged in the returnable container, we have strict guidelines on cleaning and preparing the container for the new solvent. We perform QC analysis on the containers before the new solvent is filled into the container, ensuring there is no cross-contamination.
How is the fleet size determined?
The size of the returnable container fleet is based on which size of the container, the annual solvent usage, the number of dispensing sites, and your location. Your local sales representative will collect this information and we will determine the recommended fleet size.
Do you have local warehousing?
Yes. In some instances, local warehousing is available for servicing returnable containers. Contact your local sales representative to see if this option is available in your area.
What should be done with the containers when they are empty?
Empty containers should be sent back as soon as they are empty. Contact your local sales representative or Technical Service for more details. A return procedure and plan will be defined for contract customers.
How do I return the containers once they are empty?
Customers are responsible for returning the containers if a return procedure has not been defined. Customers with a contract will have a return procedure and plan defined.
What is Unishippers?
Unishippers is a third party that partners with shipping companies to handle customers' shipments. They partner with major carriers to handle nearly one million shipments a month. Based on the combined volume of over 80,000 Unishippers customers, they can offer you deep discounts typically reserved for much larger volume shippers.
How do I get the returnable container process started?
The first step is to contact your local sales representative. They will discuss the basics of the program and collect the necessary information to help you determine which type of container will meet your application. This information will also help us determine how many containers will be required in your fleet.
What is the lead-time for receiving the first containers?
Usually, it takes 3-4 weeks to build the inventory for your solvent usage. After the initial build-up, full containers will be available when you need to place your next order.
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