ASTM E237-02 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E237-02 (Reapproved 2024) — Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Microvolumetric Vessels (Volumetric Flasks and Centrifuge Tubes). This specification defines design, dimensional and tolerance requirements for microvolumetric glass vessels commonly used in microchemistry, including two styles of volumetric flasks and four types of centrifuge tubes (plain conical, stoppered conical, stoppered & graduated conical, and plain cylindrical bottoms).

Abstract

This standard covers laboratory glass microvolumetric vessels used for precise small-volume measurements. It specifies acceptable designs, dimensional limits, capacity markings, and tolerance classes (including guidance to apply Class A tolerances when appropriate). The document also references related ASTM specifications governing glass type, annealing, and packaging for laboratory ware.

General information

• Status: Reapproved / Active (E237 − 02, reapproved 2024).
• Publication date: Original approval: October 10, 2002; most recent reapproval/issue: January 31, 2024 (effective 01-Feb-2024 / reapproval 2024).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 71.040.20 — Laboratory ware and related apparatus.
• Edition / version: Designation E237 − 02 (Reapproved 2024); commonly cited as ASTM E237-02(2024).
• Number of pages: 5 pages (reapproved 2024 edition); original 2002 document listed as 4 pages in earlier publications.

Scope

The standard covers volumetric flasks and four types of centrifuge tubes used in microchemistry laboratories. It sets out design and dimensional requirements for two illustrated styles of microvolumetric flasks and for centrifuge tubes in the following types: plain conical-bottom; stoppered conical-bottom; stoppered and graduated conical-bottom; and plain cylindrical-bottom. The standard also provides guidance on applying capacity tolerances (including specifying Class A tolerance when an unlisted capacity conforms to the tolerance range of the next smaller listed product).

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and illustrated designs for two styles of microvolumetric flasks and four centrifuge-tube types.
• Dimensional requirements and tolerances for capacities commonly used in microchemistry; guidance to apply Class A tolerances when appropriate.
• Graduation, stoppering and marking requirements for volumetric accuracy and traceability.
• References to glass specification and preparation (e.g., glass type, annealing) and packaging/handling practices to preserve dimensional accuracy and cleanliness.
• Cross-references to related ASTM practices and specifications used to verify materials, dimensions and packaging (see Related standards).

Typical use and users

Microchemistry and analytical chemistry laboratories that require accurate small-volume volumetry; manufacturers and suppliers of laboratory glassware for product design and quality control; purchasing and procurement specialists specifying microvolumetric vessels; regulatory and accreditation bodies assessing equipment conformity; and research groups performing micro-scale quantitative analyses.

Related standards

The standard refers to and is typically used alongside other ASTM standards and practices covering glass composition, annealing, packaging and laboratory ware specifications — for example ASTM E438 (glass types for laboratory apparatus), ASTM E671 (annealing), Practice E1133 (packaging), and related practices/specifications referenced in the historical/reapproved text (references to practices such as E542, E694, and packaging/specification guidance like E920/E921 appear in revision notes and cross-references).

Keywords

microvolumetric, volumetric flask, centrifuge tube, laboratory glassware, microchemistry, Class A tolerance, dimensional requirements, ASTM E237, laboratory vessels.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E237-02 (Reapproved 2024) is a specification that defines design, dimensional and tolerance requirements for laboratory glass microvolumetric vessels (volumetric flasks and centrifuge tubes) used in microchemistry.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two illustrated styles of microvolumetric flasks and four types of centrifuge tubes (plain conical, stoppered conical, stoppered & graduated conical, and plain cylindrical), including capacity markings, tolerances (including guidance for Class A tolerance application), and cross-references to glass and packaging requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical and microchemistry laboratories, glassware manufacturers and quality-control personnel, procurement specialists specifying laboratory apparatus, and regulators or accreditation bodies concerned with equipment conformity and measurement traceability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation is E237 − 02 with a 2024 reapproval (commonly cited as ASTM E237-02(2024)). The 2002 original text was reapproved; users should reference the 2024 reapproval edition for the current reapproved text and check ASTM records for any subsequent revisions or withdrawals before purchase or citation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM’s body of standards for laboratory apparatus (Committee E41) and is commonly used in conjunction with other ASTM specifications and practices governing laboratory glass, annealing, packaging and volumetric apparatus (see Related standards).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: microvolumetric, volumetric flask, centrifuge tube, laboratory glassware, microchemistry, dimensional tolerance, Class A.