ASTM E1096-86(2024)

Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Separatory Funnels

ABSTRACT
This specification provides standard dimensional requirements for glass separatory funnels for general laboratory use. Separatory funnels shall be in the following types: Type 1A; Type 1B; Type 1C; Type 2; Type 3; and Type 4. Separatory funnels shall be made of borosilicate glass conforming to the requirement specified. The design of each separatory funnels shall comply with the dimensions given in each requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification provides standard dimensional requirements for glass separatory funnels for general laboratory use.  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2024
• ICS: 71.040.20 - Laboratory ware and related apparatus
• Technical Committee: E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
• Drafting Committee: E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1096-86(2018) - Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Separatory Funnels
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E438-92(2024) - Standard Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E694-18(2024) - Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E438-92(2018) - Standard Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM E694-18 - Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018

Overview

ASTM E1096-86(2024): Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Separatory Funnels establishes internationally recognized dimensional and material requirements for glass separatory funnels used in laboratory settings. Developed by ASTM, this standard helps laboratories ensure consistent quality, safety, and performance in separatory funnels used for liquid-liquid extraction, reagent addition, and related procedures. The specification covers various funnel types and sizes, along with requirements for glass material, stopper compatibility, joint finishes, and marking practices.

Key Topics

• Standard Types and Sizes: The specification classifies separatory funnels into multiple types based on shape, closure, and special features, including:
  • Type 1A: Cylindrical, open top
  • Type 1B: Cylindrical, stopper finish top
  • Type 1C: Cylindrical, stopper finish top, graduated
  • Type 2: Globe shape, stopper finish top
  • Type 3: Globe shape ("French"), stopper finish top
  • Type 4: Pear-shaped (Squibb), stopper finish top
• Material Requirements: All separatory funnels must be made of borosilicate glass that meets the requirements of ASTM E438 for laboratory apparatus glass.
• Dimensional Consistency: Each funnel type must adhere to strict dimensional requirements for capacity, body diameter, wall thickness, stem length, and joint sizes, ensuring interchangeability and consistent performance across manufacturers.
• Joint and Stopper Specifications: Features such as taper-ground joints and compatible stoppers are required; stoppers may be glass or suitable inert plastic (such as PTFE), complying with ASTM standards E675, E676, and E911.
• Graduation and Marking: Graduated scales, when applicable, must meet specific guidelines for readability and placement; every funnel must be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s identification and nominal capacity.

Applications

The specification outlines requirements for separatory funnels essential in:

• Laboratory Liquid-Liquid Extractions: Separatory funnels facilitate the separation of immiscible liquids, such as organic solvents and aqueous solutions, based on density differences.
• Controlled Reagent Addition: Some types are designed for precise addition of reagents to reaction vessels.
• Analytical and Preparative Procedures: Used in chemical, biological, environmental, and pharmaceutical laboratories where accuracy, chemical resistance, and dimensional standardization are critical.
• Industrial and Educational Laboratories: Ensures that equipment meets durability and compatibility standards for repeated use and instruction.

By adhering to ASTM E1096-86(2024), laboratories benefit from reliable and uniform glassware, promoting reproducible results and safe operations.

Related Standards

This specification references several critical ASTM standards for laboratory glassware and components:

• ASTM E438: Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• ASTM E671: Specification for Maximum Permissible Thermal Residual Stress in Annealed Glass Laboratory Apparatus
• ASTM E675: Specification for Interchangeable Taper-Ground Stopcocks and Stoppers
• ASTM E676: Specification for Interchangeable Taper-Ground Joints
• ASTM E694: Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Apparatus
• ASTM E911: Specification for Glass Stopcocks with PTFE Plugs

Practical Value

Implementing the ASTM E1096-86(2024) standard ensures quality assurance for laboratory glass separatory funnels by:

• Promoting global compatibility and procurement through internationally harmonized requirements
• Enhancing user safety and operational reliability
• Maximizing glassware interchangeability between suppliers
• Providing clear product identification and consistent volumetric performance

By following this specification, laboratories and manufacturers support high standards for laboratory separatory funnels, facilitating efficient and accurate laboratory workflows.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1096 − 86 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Specification for
Laboratory Glass Separatory Funnels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1096; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Separatory funnels are used in laboratories primarily for liquid extractions, and are intended to
facilitate the separation of two immiscible liquids of different densities into separate layers. Some
funnels are used to add reagent solution into a reaction vessel. They are, therefore, often provided with
a tapered ground joint at the bottom of the delivery stem for joining to vessels having similarly tapered
ground necks. They may also be provided with pressure equalizing side arms.
1. Scope 3.1.1 Type 1A—Cylindrical shape with open top.
3.1.1.1 Sizes—60, 125, and 250 cm .
1.1 This specification provides standard dimensional re-
3.1.2 Type 1B—Cylindrical with stopper finish top.
quirements for glass separatory funnels for general laboratory
3.1.2.1 Sizes—60, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 cm .
use.
3.1.3 Type 1C—Cylindrical with stopper finish top, gradu-
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
ated.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.3.1 Sizes—125, 250, 500, and 1000 cm .
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.4 Type 2—Globe shape with stopper finish top.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.4.1 Sizes—60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 cm .
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.5 Type 3—Globe shape, “French,” with stopper finish
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
top.
2. Referenced Documents 3
3.1.5.1 Sizes—125, 250, 500, and 1000 cm .
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.6 Type 4—Pear shape, Squibb, with stopper finish top.
E438 Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
3.1.6.1 Sizes—20, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000
E671 Specification for Maximum Permissible Thermal Re-
cm .
sidual Stress in Annealed Glass Laboratory Apparatus
NOTE 1—The term millilitre (mL) is commonly used as a special name
E675 Specification for Interchangeable Taper-Ground Stop-
for the cubic centimetre (cm ) and similarly the litre (L) for 1000 cubic
cocks And Stoppers
centimetres, in accordance with the International System of Units (SI).
E676 Specification for Interchangeable Taper-Ground Joints
E694 Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Appa-
4. Materials and Annealing
ratus
4.1 Separatory funnels shall be made of borosilicate glass
E911 Specification for Glass Stopcocks with Polytetrafluo-
conforming to the requirement of Type 1, Class A of Specifi-
roethylene (PTFE) Plugs
cation E438.
3. Classification
4.2 Maximum residual thermal stress shall be such as to
3.1 Separatory funnels shall be in the following types and
conform to Specification E671.
sizes:
5. Design
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E41 on
5.1 Type 1 cylindrical separatory funnels shall have straight
Laboratory Apparatus and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E41.01 on
Laboratory Ware and Supplies.
sides and comply with the dimensions given in Table 1. (Type
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2024. Published February 2024. Originally
1A stem length shall comply with Table 2.) See Fig. 1, Type
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E1096 – 86 (2018)
1A; 1B; and 1C.
DOI: 10.1520/E1096-86R24.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.2 Type 2 globe-shaped separatory funnels shall be roughly
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
globular in shape and have dimensions complying with those
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. given in Table 2. See Fig. 2, Type 2.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1096 − 86 (2024)
FIG. 1 Cylindrical Body Funnels
Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
FIG. 2 Globe and Squibb-Pear Shaped Body Funnels
TABLE 1 Cylindrical Body Funnels
5.4 Type 4 Squibb separatory funnels shall be pear-shaped
Nominal Capacity, or conical-shaped and meet the requirements of Table 3. See
mL 60 125 250 500 1000
Fig. 2, Type 4.
Body height, max 135 200 225 290 390
(mm) (see Fig.
5.5 Type 1 and 4 separatory funnels may be supplied with a
1 “L ”)
taper-ground joint below the stopcock, (see Specification E676
Body diameter, 34 44 53 67 79
max (mm) and Fig. 1C. Type 1 funnels with this feature may also have
Body wall thick- 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.3
pressure equalizing tubes placed at the back or opposite side of
ness, min (mm)
the funnel when it is in the position of normal use with the
Stem length, max 100 100 100 100 100
(mm) (see Fig.
handle of the stopcock on the right. See Fig. 1B).
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