[Nhcoll-l] Exploding glass vials

[Steve Halford]

We had the same problem with a box of 1 1/2 dram vials.  Our glassblowers
thought the glass hadn't been properly annealed at the factory.  We dumped
that one box, and the problem never reappeared.

Steve Halford (halford at sfu.ca)
Museum Technician (Retired)
Department of Biological Sciences
Simon Fraser University


On Wed, Jan 11, 2017 at 5:42 AM, Sarah K. Huber <skhuber at vims.edu> wrote:

> We are having some problems with our glass vials (2-dram, 4-dram, and
> 6-dram) cracking, breaking, and in some cases exploding. In one instance
> the top of the vial snapped and shot up a few inches in the air about 5
> minutes after sealing the vial (very exciting). However, most vials that
> break are found during routine (monthly) checks. In some cases, the vials
> have been fine for a year, and then will break. In other cases, they break
> a week or two after fillign. Breakage occurs several ways: a clean break
> along the neck, a clean break along the bottom, or spider cracks along the
> whole vial. Has anyone else had this problem or know of a solution (e.g.,
> do we need higher quality glass vials, are we screwing down the lids too
> tight, etc.)?
>
>
>
> We use Kimble™ Screw-Thread N-51A Borosilicate Glass Sample Vials with
> Closed-Top Black Phenolic Caps with Rubber Liners. Vials are filled with
> ethanol (either 70% or 95%) and larval fishes. Vials are stored in
> cardboard vial trays with dividers between vials, and vial trays are stored
> in wooden drawers in sealed metal cabinets. The room has minimal
> fluctuations in humidity, but can fluctuate in temperature by about 5
> degrees. Once the vials are stored they are relatively undisturbed, so
> there is little to no bumping or moving of the vials.
>
>
>
> Any thoughts or recommendations of other vial manufacturers would be
> appreciated.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sarah
>
>
>
> Sarah K. Huber, Ph.D.
> Curatorial Associate, VIMS Nunnally Ichthyology Collection
> Office 804.684.7104 <(804)%20684-7104> | Collection 804.684.7285
> skhuber at vims.edu | www.vims.edu
> PO Box 1346 | 1375 Greate Rd., Gloucester Pt., VA 23062
>
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