What grade of solvent should a research lab order?

Grade should be matched to the application: ACS or reagent grade for general analytical chemistry, HPLC or spectrophotometric grade where trace impurities or UV absorbance would interfere with the measurement, and technical grade only for cleaning or non-analytical use. Grade is stated on each product page.

What is vacuum grease used for, and how is it different from pump oil?

Vacuum grease seals and lubricates ground-glass joints so they hold vacuum and separate again without seizing. Vacuum pump oil is the working fluid inside a rotary vane pump — it lubricates, seals the pumping chamber, and carries away heat. They are not interchangeable.

Are there shipping restrictions on solvents, acids, and compressed gases?

Yes. Flammable solvents, corrosive acids, and compressed gases are regulated as hazardous materials in transport, which constrains carrier, packaging, and destination. Restrictions are noted per product, and some items can only ship to an institutional receiving address.

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Solvents & Consumables

The restock side of the bench — solvents, acids, cleaning agents, filter media, vacuum oils and greases, and compressed gases.

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Consumables are the categories a lab reorders rather than researches, so this department is organised for fast repeat purchasing rather than deep comparison: solvents split by chemical family (alcohols, alkanes), with acids, chemicals, and cleaning agents alongside them.

Filter paper and adsorbents sit under Consumables, and the oils and greases branch covers the fluids that keep vacuum and thermal equipment running — vacuum pump oil, vacuum grease for ground-glass joints, and heat transfer fluids for circulating baths and chillers.

Gases and dry ice are listed for completeness of the catalogue structure; these are shipping- and handling-restricted items and availability depends on your delivery address and institutional receiving requirements.

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Solvents & Consumables FAQ

What grade of solvent should a research lab order?: Grade should be matched to the application: ACS or reagent grade for general analytical chemistry, HPLC or spectrophotometric grade where trace impurities or UV absorbance would interfere with the measurement, and technical grade only for cleaning or non-analytical use. Grade is stated on each product page.
What is vacuum grease used for, and how is it different from pump oil?: Vacuum grease seals and lubricates ground-glass joints so they hold vacuum and separate again without seizing. Vacuum pump oil is the working fluid inside a rotary vane pump — it lubricates, seals the pumping chamber, and carries away heat. They are not interchangeable.
Are there shipping restrictions on solvents, acids, and compressed gases?: Yes. Flammable solvents, corrosive acids, and compressed gases are regulated as hazardous materials in transport, which constrains carrier, packaging, and destination. Restrictions are noted per product, and some items can only ship to an institutional receiving address.