vacuümvials

Vacuümvials are sealed containers from which air has been evacuated to create a low-pressure environment inside. They are used to store, transport, or prepare samples in which exposure to air, moisture, or volatile components could cause loss, degradation, or reaction. By reducing headspace, they help minimize evaporation and oxidation of sensitive liquids or gases.

Construction and materials commonly include borosilicate glass or high-strength plastics. Closures are typically screw caps or crimp seals with vacuum-compatible gaskets or septa, designed to maintain the vacuum after sealing. Some models are amber or otherwise colored to protect light-sensitive contents. Smaller variants may be glass ampoules that are evacuated and sealed.

Size range and varieties vary widely. Common volumes span from about 0.5 mL to 60 mL. For analytical chemistry, microvials around 2 to 5 mL are used for headspace sampling and gas chromatography analyses, while larger vials serve storage purposes. Vacuum-sealed versions can be pre-evacuated and then sealed or evacuated in place during production.

Applications include analytical laboratories for gas sampling, headspace analysis, or storage of volatile standards and reagents. They are also used in chemical synthesis and formulation work to minimize loss of volatile solvents. In environmental testing, evacuated vials enable controlled collection of air samples. They are generally unsuitable for living biological samples unless appropriate containment and handling protocols are followed.

Handling and safety considerations include avoiding mechanical shock to prevent implosion of glass components, using appropriate PPE, and following manufacturer instructions for sealing and venting. Avoid exposure to high temperatures and dispose of broken glass according to local hazardous-waste regulations.

See also: Vacuum seal, headspace sampling, cryovials, ampoules, gas-tight containers.