Desiccator vs. Evaporating Dish

Attribute	Desiccator	Evaporating Dish
Usage	Used to remove moisture from substances	Used to evaporate liquids
Material	Glass or plastic	Glass or porcelain
Shape	Cylindrical with a lid	Shallow dish
Function	Preserves moisture-sensitive items	Concentrates solutions by evaporation

Introduction

Desiccators and evaporating dishes are both commonly used in laboratory settings for different purposes. While they may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct attributes that make them suitable for specific tasks. In this article, we will compare the attributes of desiccators and evaporating dishes to understand their differences and similarities.

Material

Desiccators are typically made of glass or plastic and are designed to be airtight to create a dry environment for storing moisture-sensitive substances. On the other hand, evaporating dishes are usually made of porcelain or borosilicate glass, which can withstand high temperatures without cracking. The choice of material for each item depends on the intended use and the substances they will come into contact with.

Function

Desiccators are used to store moisture-sensitive substances and maintain a dry environment to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the air. They are commonly used in chemistry labs to store hygroscopic chemicals or to dry samples before weighing. Evaporating dishes, on the other hand, are used for heating and evaporating liquids to concentrate solutions or isolate solids. They are often placed on a hot plate or in an oven for this purpose.

Design

Desiccators have a lid that can be sealed to create an airtight environment, with a desiccant such as silica gel placed at the bottom to absorb any moisture present. They may also have a vacuum pump attachment to remove air from the chamber. Evaporating dishes, on the other hand, have a shallow, flat bottom with a spout for easy pouring of liquids. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and are usually used in conjunction with a Bunsen burner or hot plate.

Usage

Desiccators are primarily used for storing and protecting moisture-sensitive substances, as well as for drying samples in a controlled environment. They are commonly used in analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical research, and other scientific fields where precise moisture control is essential. Evaporating dishes, on the other hand, are used for heating and evaporating liquids in chemical reactions, crystallization processes, and other applications that require the concentration of solutions or isolation of solids.

Maintenance

Desiccators require regular maintenance to ensure they remain airtight and effective at removing moisture from the stored substances. The desiccant inside the desiccator needs to be replaced periodically to maintain its drying capacity. Evaporating dishes, on the other hand, need to be cleaned after each use to remove any residue or contaminants that may affect future experiments. They should also be handled carefully to prevent breakage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, desiccators and evaporating dishes serve different purposes in laboratory settings and have distinct attributes that make them suitable for specific tasks. While desiccators are used for storing moisture-sensitive substances and maintaining a dry environment, evaporating dishes are used for heating and evaporating liquids to concentrate solutions or isolate solids. Understanding the differences between these two items is essential for choosing the right tool for the job in a laboratory setting.