Hi guys, gonna be a stupid question I know, but is Borosilicate glass safe to use with high proof alcohol?
It’s commonplace in laboratories, and has a high chemical resistance. i.e acids.
So I’m thinking yes, but double checking with the experts.
I’m going to be using the glass for sg/also readings, and for cutting forshots/heads/tails.
Many thanks again for all your help and good advice.
Simon.
Borosilicate Glassware
Moderator: Site Moderator
- Driver5773
- Site Donor
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2018 1:36 pm
- Location: NZ
Borosilicate Glassware
“If at first you don’t succeed..... make vodka” Turner N. Hooch 1836-1919
“How many moons can a moonshine shine, if a moonshine could shine moons?” Drunken bloke at Turners house.
“How many moons can a moonshine shine, if a moonshine could shine moons?” Drunken bloke at Turners house.
- Yummyrum
- Global moderator
- Posts: 7747
- Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:23 am
- Location: Fraser Coast QLD Aussie
Re: Borosilicate Glassware
Boro glass is just fine for measuring, testing ,storage , windows in stills etc
But we generally discourage using glass as part of a still , say as a boiler or a thumper ......just too risky ...and while Boro glass is great from a thermal shock point of view it's still quite fragile , hence the reason not to use it for boiling etc
But we generally discourage using glass as part of a still , say as a boiler or a thumper ......just too risky ...and while Boro glass is great from a thermal shock point of view it's still quite fragile , hence the reason not to use it for boiling etc
My recommended goto .
https://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.ph ... ion_Theory
https://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.ph ... ion_Theory
Re: Borosilicate Glassware
Glass is very nice material as it is almost non-reactive. It can be etched with HF, but I never distilled that.
I once read an article comparing the leaching of lead from crystal glass, but can not find it again. That is a pity, as some people like to drink strong alcohol from crystal glasses.
I am told, that the our department of customs has a special ruling for glass stills. Normally you have to report every chance in the still, but as glass boilers often break and it is not feasible for laboratories to wait for approval of every replacement, this rule does not apply for glass.
Speaking for myself: I never lost a piece of glass (meters, measuring glasses) during distilling. But of course: success in the past is no guarantee for the future.
I once read an article comparing the leaching of lead from crystal glass, but can not find it again. That is a pity, as some people like to drink strong alcohol from crystal glasses.
I am told, that the our department of customs has a special ruling for glass stills. Normally you have to report every chance in the still, but as glass boilers often break and it is not feasible for laboratories to wait for approval of every replacement, this rule does not apply for glass.
Speaking for myself: I never lost a piece of glass (meters, measuring glasses) during distilling. But of course: success in the past is no guarantee for the future.
- Driver5773
- Site Donor
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2018 1:36 pm
- Location: NZ
Re: Borosilicate Glassware
Thanks guys. No glass in the still, I don’t need to see what’s going on inside, I’m too busy grinning from ear to ear..whilst watch the drips at the outlet. It’s purely for collection, not even storage.
I was just wondering due to the silica in the glass.
Thanks again.
Simon
I was just wondering due to the silica in the glass.
Thanks again.
Simon
“If at first you don’t succeed..... make vodka” Turner N. Hooch 1836-1919
“How many moons can a moonshine shine, if a moonshine could shine moons?” Drunken bloke at Turners house.
“How many moons can a moonshine shine, if a moonshine could shine moons?” Drunken bloke at Turners house.
Re: Borosilicate Glassware
A sight glass is a lotta fun and nothing wrong with itDriver5773 wrote:Thanks guys. No glass in the still, I don’t need to see what’s going on inside, I’m too busy grinning from ear to ear..whilst watch the drips at the outlet. It’s purely for collection, not even storage.
I was just wondering due to the silica in the glass.
Thanks again.
Simon
Re: Borosilicate Glassware
My shotgun condenser was made from Borosilicate glass by Mash Rookie, of course that is at the cooling stage.
Re: Borosilicate Glassware
There are silicates in ALL glasses. Normal glass is a calciumsodiumsilicate. And this is safely used for all kinds of food storage!!Driver5773 wrote:Thanks guys. No glass in the still, I don’t need to see what’s going on inside, I’m too busy grinning from ear to ear..whilst watch the drips at the outlet. It’s purely for collection, not even storage.
I was just wondering due to the silica in the glass.
Thanks again.
Simon
In borosilicate glass borium replaces (part of) the calcium and sodium. Borium can be harmful, but the glass is only attacked by hydrogenfluoride (HF).
For comparison: in crystal glass lead replaces (part of) the calcium and sodium.
- Driver5773
- Site Donor
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2018 1:36 pm
- Location: NZ
Re: Borosilicate Glassware
Well that’s a relief then. Cos I’d already ordered loads of it. Thanks.
“If at first you don’t succeed..... make vodka” Turner N. Hooch 1836-1919
“How many moons can a moonshine shine, if a moonshine could shine moons?” Drunken bloke at Turners house.
“How many moons can a moonshine shine, if a moonshine could shine moons?” Drunken bloke at Turners house.