How to choose a right waste safety caps?

In laboratory settings, researchers frequently handle a wide variety of solvent bottles from brands such as Waters, Thermo Fisher, Agilent, and Schott. Most of these bottles feature the standardized GL45 thread, which refers to a glass bottle neck with a maximum thread diameter of φ45 mm.

Additionally, brown glass bottles are often used to store solvents or waste liquids. Common sizes include 2.5 L and 4 L bottles, typically used for methanol and acetonitrile. These bottles come in two main thread types: bottles from Merck and Supelco use the GL40 thread (maximum diameter φ40 mm), while bottles from Thermo Fisher, Honeywell, and several other brands adopt the GL38 thread (maximum diameter φ38 mm).

Waste containers are another essential item in the laboratory, available in a wide range of types and thread sizes, typically ranging from 5 L to 25 L in capacity. Most waste containers are made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene), a material that offers good resistance to acids, bases, and many organic solvents, but is not suitable for certain normal-phase solvents. In specialized cases, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) containers are used, as they can withstand virtually all types of acids, bases, and organic solvents.

The most common thread types for waste containers include GL45, S55, and S60, though other thread standards such as S65, S80, and S100 are also found in specific applications.

To ensure compatibility and safety in your laboratory, it is recommended to use a vernier caliper to measure the bottle or container neck thread size before selecting caps or safety lids. This simple step helps prevent leakage and ensures a secure fit for all your solvent and waste management needs.