ASTM E288-10(2017)

Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Flasks

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers requirements for glass volumetric flasks of precision and general-purpose grades suitable for laboratory purposes.  
1.1.1 Class A—Each flask of precision grade shall be marked with the letter “A” to signify compliance with applicable construction and accuracy requirements. Flasks may be marked with an identification number (serial number) at the option of the manufacturer.  
1.1.2 Class B—General purpose flasks are of the same basic design as Class A flasks. However, volumetric tolerances for Class B flasks shall be within twice the specified range allowed for Class A flasks. These flasks need not be marked with their class designation.  
Note 1: Specifications for micro volumetric flasks in sizes from 1 mL to 25 mL, inclusive, are given in Specification E237.
Note 2: The Twelfth General (International) Conference on Weights and Measures redefined the litre as a “special name for the cubic decimetre,” but agreed to permit continuance of the terms litre, millilitre, and mL, except in association with measurements of the highest precision. For volumetric glassware the difference between the old and new meanings of litre is negligible. Therefore, either mL or cm3 may be marked on ware covered by this Specification.  
1.1.3 Special Size Flasks—Precision grade flasks may be manufactured with nominal capacities not listed in this standard. Such flasks shall be considered “Class A” flasks, provided they meet the accuracy tolerance of the next largest “Class A” flask appearing in Table 1 and comply with the marking requirements of 1.1.1.  
1.1.4 Wide-Mouth Flasks—Requirements for insertion of tablets or capsules for assay dilution and to accommodate access of larger diameter pipets require volumetric flasks with larger necks. These flasks appear in Table 2. These flasks shall conform to the marking requirements of 1.1.1. Additionally, the accuracy tolerance shall be marked on each “Class A” wide-mouth flask.  
1.1.5 Special Size Wide-Mouth Flasks—Precision grade wide-mouth flasks may be manufactured with nominal capacities not listed in this standard. Such flasks shall be considered “Class A” flasks provided they meet the accuracy tolerance of the next largest “Class A” wide-mouth flask appearing in Table 2 and the marking requirements of 1.1.4.  
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-Oct-2017
• 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 E288-10 - Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Flasks
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• 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 E237-02(2024) - Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Microvolumetric Vessels (Volumetric Flasks and Centrifuge Tubes)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E920-97(2019) - Standard Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E675-02(2019) - Standard Specification for Interchangeable Taper-Ground Stopcocks And Stoppers
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM E237-02(2019) - Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Microvolumetric Vessels (Volumetric Flasks and Centrifuge Tubes)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM E438-92(2018) - Standard Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM E920-97(2013) - Standard Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E237-02(2012) - Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Microvolumetric Vessels (Volumetric Flasks and Centrifuge Tubes)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM E675-02(2012) - Standard Specification for Interchangeable Taper-Ground Stopcocks And Stoppers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM E1157-87(2011) - Standard Specification for Sampling and Testing of Reusable Laboratory Glassware
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM E438-92(2011) - Standard Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1157-87(2018)e1 - Standard Specification for Sampling and Testing of Reusable Laboratory Glassware
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1133-86(2010) - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Packaged Laboratory Apparatus for United States Government Procurements
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2010

Overview

ASTM E288-10(2017) Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Flasks defines the requirements for glass volumetric flasks used in laboratory settings. Developed by ASTM International, this standard addresses both precision (Class A) and general-purpose (Class B) volumetric flasks, outlining specifications for construction, accuracy, dimensions, markings, and testing procedures. It is designed to ensure consistency and reliability in laboratory measurements, with applicability in research, industrial, clinical, and educational laboratories.

Key Topics

• Flask Classification
  • Class A Flasks: Precision-grade, marked with an "A", and meet rigorous accuracy and construction requirements.
  • Class B Flasks: General-purpose, with tolerances twice those of Class A flasks, and not required to bear a class designation.
• Special Sizes and Wide-Mouth Flasks
  • Allows for production of custom sizes and wide-mouth variants, provided they meet accuracy and marking requirements.
  • Wide-mouth types are suited for cases requiring the insertion of tablets, capsules, or larger pipettes.
• Construction and Design
  • Flasks can feature either straight-neck or intermediate bulb styles.
  • Must be constructed using appropriate glass, with features that allow thorough cleaning and stability on level surfaces.
  • Stoppers may be glass or plastic and must prevent leakage.
• Permanent Markings
  • All capacity and identification marks must be permanent and legible.
  • Class A and wide-mouth Class A flasks require specific accuracy tolerance labeling.
  • Markings can include mL or cm³ units as per current metrological standards.
• Calibration and Testing
  • Calibration must follow ASTM E542, ensuring consistent laboratory volumetric apparatus performance.
  • Sampling and testing procedures must align with ASTM E1157.
• Packaging
  • Flasks are to be packaged in accordance with standardized ASTM packaging specifications for laboratory glassware.

Applications

• Analytical Laboratories: Essential for preparation and measurement of solutions requiring high accuracy and reproducibility.
• Research Institutions: Used in scientific experiments and procedures where precise volumetric measurements are critical.
• Quality Control Laboratories: Standardized flasks facilitate test repeatability and reliability in industrial settings.
• Pharmaceutical and Clinical Use: Wide-mouth flasks support applications needing easy insertion of assay tablets or capsules and the use of large-diameter pipettes.
• Educational Settings: Standardized volumetric flasks are foundational in teaching precise measurement techniques.

Related Standards

• ASTM E237 - Specification for Laboratory Glass Microvolumetric Vessels (for micro flasks, 1 mL to 25 mL)
• ASTM E438 - Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• ASTM E542 - Practice for Calibration of Laboratory Volumetric Apparatus
• ASTM E675 - Specification for Interchangeable Taper-Ground Stopcocks and Stoppers
• ASTM E694 - Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Apparatus
• ASTM E920 - Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
• ASTM E921 - Specification for Export Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
• ASTM E1133 - Practice for Performance Testing of Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
• ASTM E1157 - Specification for Sampling and Testing of Reusable Laboratory Glassware

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Keywords: laboratory glass flasks, volumetric flasks, ASTM E288, glassware standards, precision laboratory equipment, Class A flask, Class B flask, wide-mouth flask, laboratory apparatus, volumetric measurement standard.

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:E288 −10 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Laboratory Glass Volumetric Flasks
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E288; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 1.1.5 Special Size Wide-Mouth Flasks—Precision grade
wide-mouth flasks may be manufactured with nominal capaci-
1.1 This specification covers requirements for glass volu-
ties not listed in this standard. Such flasks shall be considered
metric flasks of precision and general-purpose grades suitable
“Class A” flasks provided they meet the accuracy tolerance of
for laboratory purposes.
the next largest “ClassA” wide-mouth flask appearing in Table
1.1.1 Class A—Each flask of precision grade shall be
2 and the marking requirements of 1.1.4.
marked with the letter “A” to signify compliance with appli-
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
cable construction and accuracy requirements. Flasks may be
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
marked with an identification number (serial number) at the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
option of the manufacturer.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1.2 Class B—General purpose flasks are of the same basic
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
design as Class A flasks. However, volumetric tolerances for
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Class B flasks shall be within twice the specified range allowed
for Class A flasks. These flasks need not be marked with their
2. Referenced Documents
class designation.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
NOTE 1—Specifications for micro volumetric flasks in sizes from 1 mL
E237 Specification for Laboratory Glass Microvolumetric
to 25 mL, inclusive, are given in Specification E237.
NOTE 2—The Twelfth General (International) Conference on Weights Vessels (Volumetric Flasks and Centrifuge Tubes)
and Measures redefined the litre as a “special name for the cubic
E438 Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
decimetre,” but agreed to permit continuance of the terms litre, millilitre,
E542 Practice for Calibration of Laboratory Volumetric
and mL, except in association with measurements of the highest precision.
Apparatus
For volumetric glassware the difference between the old and new
E675 Specification for Interchangeable Taper-Ground Stop-
meanings of litre is negligible. Therefore, either mL or cm may be
marked on ware covered by this Specification.
cocks And Stoppers
E694 Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Appa-
1.1.3 Special Size Flasks—Precision grade flasks may be
ratus
manufactured with nominal capacities not listed in this stan-
E920 Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory
dard. Such flasks shall be considered “Class A” flasks, pro-
Apparatus
vided they meet the accuracy tolerance of the next largest
E921 Specification for Export Packaged Laboratory Appa-
“Class A” flask appearing in Table 1 and comply with the
ratus
marking requirements of 1.1.1.
E1133 Practice for Performance Testing of Packaged Labo-
1.1.4 Wide-Mouth Flasks—Requirements for insertion of
ratory Apparatus for United States Government Procure-
tablets or capsules for assay dilution and to accommodate
ments
access of larger diameter pipets require volumetric flasks with
E1157 Specification for Sampling and Testing of Reusable
larger necks. These flasks appear in Table 2. These flasks shall
Laboratory Glassware
conformtothemarkingrequirementsof1.1.1.Additionally,the
accuracy tolerance shall be marked on each “Class A” wide-
3. General Requirements
mouth flask.
3.1 Calibration—Flasks shall be calibrated in accordance
with the methods outlined in Practice E542.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E41 on
Laboratory Apparatus and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E41.01 on
Laboratory Ware and Supplies. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017. Published December 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E288 – 10. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0288-10R17. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E288−10 (2017)
TABLE 1 Requirements for Volumetric Flasks
Position of Capacity Line
Maximum
Straight-Neck Style— Intermediate Bulb Style—
Class A Class B Inside
Minimum Distance Minimum Distance
Capacity, Capacity Capacity Diameter
from from Stopper Size
mL Tolerance, Tolerance, of Neck at
Top of Mixing
±mL ±mL Capacity Line,
Body, Body,
Neck, Bulb,
mm
mm mm
mm mm
5 0.02 0.04 8.25 22 5 . . 8 or 9
10 0.02 0.04 8.25 28 7 . . 9
25 0.03 0.06 8
...