Laboratory Carboys

Nalgene low density polyethylene carboys are time-tested workhorses of the lab, offering rugged long-lasting construction. Excellent for storing and dispensing DI water and other lab solutions, they are compatible with a wide range of lab reagents, remain shatterproof down to -75°C and cost less than many other materials—making them a good choice for many labs. Low density polyethylene is naturally low in trace metal content making these carboys an excellent choice for use in trace metals analysis applications. Round body style facilitates homogeneous mixing.

Low 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. Low 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.


Narrow-Mouth Round Carboy with Spigot (2318-series,  8318-series in APAC)Narrow-Mouth Round Carboy (2210-series, 8210-series in APAC)Narrow-Mouth Round Carboy with Tubulation Port (2302-series)Wide-Mouth Round Carboy (2234-series)
Classic DI water and lab reagent dispenserClassic DI water and reagent reservoirFor gravity-fed liquid dispensing through tubingWide mouth reagent reservoir provides easy access and cleaning
LDPE carboy with white PP closure and PP spigotLDPE carboy with white PP closureLDPE carboy with white PP closureLDPE carboy with white PP closure
RoundRoundRoundRound
Milky white translucentMilky white translucentMilky white translucentMilky white translucent
4L (1ga) - 50L (13ga) 10L (2.5ga) - 50L (13ga)10L (2.5ga) - 20L (5ga)10L (2.5ga) - 20L (5ga)
Narrow mouth Narrow mouth Narrow mouth Wide mouth
SpigotNo drainTubing adapter portNo drain
Leakproof*Leakproof*Leakproof*Leakproof*
Temp range
-76°C to 70°C
Temp range
-76°C to 70°C
Temp range
-76°C to 70°C
Temp range
-76°C to 70°C
Not autoclavableNot autoclavableNot autoclavableNot autoclavable
Graduated in liters and gallonsGraduated in liters and gallonsGraduated in liters and gallonsGraduated in liters and gallons
Molded-in shoulder handlesMolded-in shoulder handlesMolded-in shoulder handlesMolded-in shoulder handles
Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1
BPA-freeBPA-freeBPA-freeBPA-free
Phthalate-freePhthalate-freePhthalate-freePhthalate-free

General chemical compatibility

 Narrow-Mouth Round Carboy with Spigot (2318-series,  8318-series in APAC)Narrow-Mouth Round Carboy (2210-series, 8210-series in APAC)Narrow-Mouth Round Carboy with Tubulation Port (2302-series)Wide-Mouth Round Carboy (2234-series)
Acids, dilute or weakEEEE
Acids^ strong, concentratedGGGG
Alcohols, aliphaticEEEE
AldehydesGGGG
Bases/alkaliEEEE
EstersGGGG
Hydrocarbons, aliphaticGGGG
Hydrocarbons, aromaticNNNN
Hydrocarbons, halogenated NNNN
Ketones, aromaticNNNN
Oxidizing agents, strongFFFF

For a more detailed chemical resistance guide by chemical and application temperature, please refer to  Nalgene 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 LDPE containers


Resource

Additional resources
  • Break the Glass Habit Brochure
  • Bottle and Carboy Selection Guide
  • Plastic Properties Reference Magnet
  • Plastic Labware Chemical Resistance Wall Poster

Request resources

California Proposition 65 Warning: Products manufactured with polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) or polystyrene (PS) contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.