Laboratory funnels in everyday life

In the laboratory, liquid waste is mostly collected via funnels that stand on canisters or bottles. Simple filling funnels made of glass, stainless steel or plastic are often used for this. Colleagues who are particularly safety-conscious sometimes use higher-quality safety containers, but the funnels are mainly simple models without a lid, thread or seal.
Risks and hazards from leaking containers

In this case, the container has to be considered “open”: If the liquid waste contains e.g. solvents, solvent vapors can even escape here in two ways: firstly through the funnel itself if it is not tightly closed. Secondly, past the funnel if it is simply standing in or on the collection container without being fixed in place.

Breathing in these solvent vapors exposes you to unnecessary risks that can lead to long-term health consequences. Explosions and fires are caused by flammable solvent-air mixtures where even a small ignition spark is sufficient. This can be caused by even a small electrostatic discharge if a person who is statically charged, e.g. due to their clothing or footwear, touches the container.
Advantages of safety funnels

The SCAT safety funnels are tightly connected to the container via screw threads and close the container cleanly. They block escaping solvent vapors and, with an additional seal in the lid, ensure that solvent residues do not escape into the ambient air. Funnels with ball valve close automatically after filling if the lid is left open (double security).

The electrically conductive models are made of anti static plastic (e.g. PE-HD) and have an earth connection for safe bonding. They are lighter and easier to handle in everyday laboratory work than heavy stainless steel funnels. At the same time, they offer very good chemical resistance to organic solvents, acids and alkalis.