Nalgene high density polyethylene carboys are time-tested workhorses of the lab, offering durable construction. Excellent for storing and dispensing DI water and other lab solutions, they are compatible with a wide range of lab reagents, remain shatterproof to -100°C and cost less than many other materials—making them a good choice for many labs. Rectangular body style provides space efficiency; arrange multiple carboys side-by-side to create a neatly organized lab reagent bank. Round body style facilitates efficient mixing.
High density polyethylene carboys provide very good chemical compatibility with a wide variety of lab reagents including most acids, bases, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
For chemical compatibility ratings by specific chemical and application temperature, consult the Nalgene Chemical Resistance Guide, or request a copy of the printed wall chart. High density polyethylene carboys are made only from high-quality laboratory-grade resin materials that comply with a number of regulatory specifications including: USP Class VI, EP monographs, EU food-contact directives, CONEG, RoHS, CA Prop 65, SARA Title III Sec. 313, and 21 CFR pt 177.15201 for food contact. For regulatory claims and certifications applicable to specific Nalgene carboys, please contact Nalgene Regulatory Support.
For help selecting the Thermo Scientific Nalgene carboy that's perfect for your lab applications, use our online selection guide or for personal assistance, contact the Nalgene technical support team.
| Rectangular Carboy with Spigot (2320-series) | Rectangular Carboy (2211-series) | Amber Carboy (2256-7020) | Single-Use Sterile Carboy (342289-series) | Heavy-Duty Rectangular Carboy (2214-0050) | Rectangular Carboy with Tubulation (2303-series) |
| Dispensing lab water and reagents. Excellent choice for space-efficient reagent banks. | Space-efficient storage for large volume lab solutions. | Storing and transporting large volume light sensitive solutions | Supplied sterile for one-time use, ideal for storing sterile fluids and pharmaceutical/biotech products. | Space-saving, extra durable design for storing and shipping large volume lab reagents and other liquids. | Dispensing media, DI water and other lab reagents by gravity feed. Rectangular design optimizes shelf space |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| HDPE with PP spigot and white PP closure | HDPE with white PP closure | Amber HDPE with amber PP closure | HDPE with white PP closure | HDPE with white PP closure | HDPE with white PP closure |
| Rectangular | Rectangular | Round | Round | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Milky white translucent | Milky white translucent | Opaque amber | Milky white translucent | Milky white translucent | Milky white translucent |
| 9L (2ga) - 20L (5ga) | 9L (2ga) - 20L (5ga) | 10L (2.5ga) | 20L (5ga) - 33L (8.7ga) | 20L (5ga) | 20L (5ga) |
| Wide mouth | Wide mouth | Narrow mouth | Narrow mouth | Narrow mouth | Wide mouth |
| Spigot | No drain | No drain | No drain | No drain | Tubing adapter port |
| Leakproof* | Leakproof* | Leakproof* | Leakproof* | Leakproof* | Leakproof* |
| Temp range -100°C to 120°C | Temp range -100°C to 120°C | Temp range -100°C to 120°C | Temp range -100°C to 120°C | Temp range -100°C to 120°C | Temp range -100°C to 120°C |
| Not autoclavable | Not autoclavable | Not autoclavable | Not autoclavable | Not autoclavable | Not autoclavable |
| Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Sterile | Non-sterile | Non-sterile |
| Graduated in liters and gallons | Graduated in liters and gallons | No graduations | No graduations | Graduated in liters and gallons | Graduated in liters and gallons |
| Stainless steel handle | Stainless steel handle and 20L w/molded-in grip | Molded-in shoulder handles | Stainless steel handle sold separately/molded-in shoulder handle | Molded-in handle | Stainless steel handle and molded-in grip |
| Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1 | Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1 | Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1 | Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1 | Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1 | Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1 |
| BPA-free | BPA-free | BPA-free | BPA-free | BPA-free | BPA-free |
| Phthalate-free | Phthalate-free | Phthalate-free | Phthalate-free | Phthalate-free | Phthalate-free |
General chemical compatibility
| Rectangular Carboy with Spigot (2320-series) | Rectangular Carboy (2211-series) | Amber Carboy (2256-7020) | Single-Use Sterile Carboy (342289-series) | Heavy-Duty Rectangular Carboy (2214-0050) | Rectangular Carboy with Tubulation (2303-series) | |
| Acids, dilute or weak | E | E | E | E | E | E |
| Acids^ strong, concentrated | G | G | G | G | G | G |
| Alcohols, aliphatic | E | E | E | E | E | E |
| Aldehydes | G | G | G | G | G | G |
| Bases/alkali | E | E | E | E | E | E |
| Esters | G | G | G | G | G | G |
| Hydrocarbons, aliphatic | G | G | G | G | G | G |
| Hydrocarbons, aromatic | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Hydrocarbons, halogenated | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Ketones, aromatic | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Oxidizing agents, strong | F | F | F | F | F | F |
For a more detailed chemical resistance guide by chemical and application temperature, please refer to Chemical resistance guide or request a printed poster for your lab or contact Nalgene Technical Support.
| E | No damage after 30 days constant exposure at 20oC. |
| G | Little or no damage after 30 days constant exposure at 20oC. |
| F | Some effect after 7 days constant exposure at 20oC. |
| N | Not recommended. Immediate damage may occur. |
Footnote:
1. HDPE and LDPE are acceptable for: Nonacid, aqueous products; may contain salt, sugar or both (pH above 5.0). Dairy products and modifications; oil-in-water emulsions, high or low fat. Moist bakery products with surface containing no free fat or oil. Dry solids with the surfaces containing no free fat or oil (no end-test required) and under all conditions as described in Table 2 of FDA Regulation 177.1520 except condition A - high temperature sterilization (e.g., over 100°C / 212°F)
*The term “leakproof” applies to Thermo Scientific Nalgene products that meet the following criteria: a) Bottle/flask/funnel closure systems with closures smaller than 100mm, after they are filled with water, inverted, withstand air pressure of 2psig for 2 minutes, and no water escapes;. b) Bottle/funnel/flask closure systems of larger than 100mm after they are filled with water, inverted for 15 minutes, and no water escapes. Note: these tests, using other liquids, may not yield the same results. To ensure safe usage, customers are advised to test Thermo Scientific Nalgene bottles and closures under conditions of their planned applications. Thermo Scientific Nalgene products are leakproof at ambient temperature and pressure when used with their Nalgene closures.
^Except for oxidizing acids, see "Oxidizing acids, strong."
Other Nalgene large-capacity HDPE storage containers
Resources
- Break the Glass Habit Brochure
- Bottle and Carboy Selection Guide
- Plastic Properties Reference Magnet
- Plastic Labware Chemical Resistance Wall Poster