Erlenmeyer Flask - Uses

Uses

Erlenmeyers are used in chemistry labs for titration, e.g. for pH, as they can be held and the contents mixed single-handed leaving the other hand free to add reagent.

Erlenmeyer flasks are suitable for heating liquids, e.g. with a Bunsen burner. The flask is usually placed on a ring held to a ring stand by means of a ring clamp. A wire gauze mesh or pad is usually placed between the rings and the flask to prevent the flames from directly touching the glass in the same manner as for a beaker. When heating (or cooling) in a water bath the flask can be clamped by the neck to a stand or a hooped weight may be placed over the conical part of the flask to prevent it from floating in the bath.

Erlenmeyers are also used in microbiology for the preparation of microbial cultures. Plastic Erlenmeyer flasks used in cell culture are pre-sterilized and feature closures and vented closures to enhance gas exchange during incubation and shaking.