Chemical bottles: plastic vs. glass battle

There have been a few questions here in the past on this subject, and I have usually been on pro-plastic for people who pay a bit attention

to what they do. I finally made a short note collecting information

on how to identify the plastic material used, and which bottles are suitable for what purpose, with a few useful links.

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<a href="http://rs.cncdsl.com/Photo-Tech/plastic.html">

Plastic Bottles

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I realized that my ascorbic acid developers die much quicker in HDPE bottles compared to PET (PETE) bottles, and in search for a better container I reviewed this topic recently, which lead to me to make a note for myself, as I forget things very quickly.

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On the other hand, D-76H, Microphen, etc. in PET bottles are still as active and vigorous as years ago. I am replacing bottles containing developing reagents with PET bottles with PVC or other lining sheet under the cap.

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As always, I make small updates to the page incrementally.

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Just FYI,

I was wondering if you have tried the accordion-like air evacuation

bottles for storing photo chemistry. If so, I would be grateful to

know how you evaluate them.

I don't have an accordion bottle any more. Based on what I recall from

how it felt like in my hand, I think it's made of PP, HDPE or

something similar, and it was not PET or PVC. If my guess on PP or

HDPE are indeed correct, these materials are good acid-resistant and

moisture barrier but not a good gas barrier therefore not suited for

storing developers. My experience with HDPE bottle and ascorbic acid

formulae is like the bottle wall is as if nonexistent when it comes to

the aerial oxidation killing my chicken soup. I'd never store my wine

in HDPE bottles.

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One point I made in that page is to make sure that <i>the bottle is

made from PET (PETE)</i> before storing developer in it. For storing

fixer, stop bath, toning bath, and almost everything else, you can use

either PET or HDPE bottles. For concentrated acid stop baths, use

HDPE.

Type PETE PLASTIC on Google.com and see why it works for developers.

I clicked on your link to your website about plastic bottles but for

some reason cannot read your webpage with IE 5.5 svpk 2 web

broweser. It seems to be that the font you used doesn't make sense

to my browser. I've never seen this anywhere else, but if you can

suggest what I need to change I would very much like to see your info

on plastic bottles.

 

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Paul

I have been noticing some Sunsweet prune bottles recently. Very dark

plastic. I started saving them as possible chem bottles. I read this

thread tonight and took out one of thesae bottles and looked it over.

Gress what, on the bottom is loud and clear "PETE". These bottles come

in quart size and a larger size. I dont have one of those on hand at

this time to check for size. These are very rigged with good seal in

top. Lets have some opinions.

Paul,

 

 

 

 

 

In my book, microsoft is an adjective, not a proper noun, so I don't know what you mean :-)

 

 

 

 

 

I have tested my homepage with netscape, Opera 5, and some other text based browser like w3m with no problem. If you still have the same problem with my home page, I can send you a plain ASCII version - just email me directly. If others also have similar problem with my home page, please let me know and I'll also send you an ASCII version.

 

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Thanks,

Ryuji, took your advice and used PET bottles to hold some D-76 I

mixed last night :)

Hello everyone. Unless you are mixing up something that belongs at Hanford, Wa., or soon to be, Yucca Mtn, Nevada, the recycling of #1 and #2 plastics will generally work fine. The #1 plastics are used where human consumption is a potential (sodas, juices, booze, etc) and image is a sales point (its clear so its good,,,,right??). Great bulk containers and mixing bowls can be made from empty laundry detergent jugs. Just use the no dye-no perfume brands. Almost all liquid photo chemistry is now shipped in #2 plastic bottles. Hey, if my Rodinal can sit for 20 years in that bottle.... Enjoy, Bill