Laboratory porcelain ware refers to various porcelain-based equipment used in laboratories for chemical and heat-related experiments. Porcelain is preferred in labs because it is resistant to high temperatures, corrosion, and chemical reactions.

Types of Laboratory Porcelain:

Laboratory porcelain ware is widely used due to its excellent resistance to heat, corrosion, and chemical reactions. Below is a detailed explanation of the most common types of porcelain ware found in laboratories:

Crucibles

Purpose: Used for heating substances at high temperatures.

Details:

• • Made from high-quality, heat-resistant porcelain.

• • Typically comes with a lid to control heat exposure.

• • Commonly used in ashing, calcination, and melting experiments.

• • Withstands temperatures up to 1,200°C without breaking.

Variants:

• • High-form crucibles (deep and narrow)

• • Low-form crucibles (shallow and wide)

Example Use: Heating magnesium ribbon to form magnesium oxide.

Evaporating Dishes

Purpose: Used to evaporate excess solvents from solutions.

Details:

• • Shallow, bowl-shaped with a curved lip for easy pouring.

• • Resistant to acids, bases, and high temperatures.

• • Used in crystallization processes and concentrating solutions.

 Example Use: Evaporating water from salt solutions to obtain pure salt.

Mortar and Pestle

 Purpose: Used for grinding, mixing, and crushing solid substances into powders.

Details:

• • Made of glazed or unglazed porcelain.

• • Mortar (bowl) and pestle (grinding tool) work together to crush substances.

• • Resistant to chemical reactions and does not contaminate samples.

Example Use: Grinding solid potassium permanganate crystals before dissolving in water.

Buchner Funnels

Purpose: Used for vacuum filtration to separate solids from liquids.

Details:

• • Wide, funnel-shaped with a perforated base.

• • Requires filter paper to trap solid particles.

• • Used in conjunction with a vacuum flask and pump for faster filtration.

Example Use: Separating precipitate from a reaction mixture in qualitative analysis.

Spot Plates (Porcelain Reaction Plates)

Purpose: Used for conducting small-scale chemical reactions.

Details:

• • Flat porcelain plate with multiple small wells or depressions.

• • Allows multiple tests to be conducted simultaneously.

• • Non-reactive surface ensures purity of the experiment.

 Example Use: Testing pH levels using different indicators in micro-reactions.

Combustion Boats

Purpose: Used for combustion experiments, especially in organic chemistry.

Details:

• • Small, elongated porcelain dish with raised edges.

• • Heat-resistant and does not interfere with combustion products.

• • Used in carbon and sulphur determination experiments.

Example Use: Combusting coal samples to analyse carbon content.

Porcelain Tiles

Purpose: Used as heat-resistant surfaces for experiments.

Details:

• • Flat, thick porcelain slabs.

• • Prevents damage to laboratory benches from heat or chemical spills.

• • Used as a base for heating apparatus or conducting flame tests.

Example Use: Holding a hot crucible during heating or using it as a reaction surface.

Casseroles (Porcelain Beakers with Handles)

Purpose: Used for boiling and heating solutions, similar to a beaker.

Details:

• • Porcelain beaker with a handle and spout for easy pouring.

• • Used in applications requiring heating and stirring of solutions.

• • Resistant to high temperatures and sudden temperature changes.

Example Use: Boiling acids in small-scale chemical synthesis.

Why is Porcelain Used in Laboratories?

High Heat Resistance: Can endure high temperatures without cracking.

Chemical Stability: Does not react with acids, bases, or other chemicals.

Durability: Long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear.

Non-Porous Surface: Prevents contamination and easy to clean.

General Benefits of Porcelain Ware in Healthcare

Non-Toxic & Chemically Inert: Does not react with medical substances.

Heat Resistance: Withstands autoclaving and sterilization.

Durability: Long-lasting and resistant to chemical corrosion.

Hygienic & Easy to Clean: Ideal for maintaining sterile environments.