Analytical Funnel, Plastic

Quick Answer: A plastic analytical funnel is a filter funnel moulded in plastic for gravity filtration through folded paper, normally with the standard 60 degree cone and a stem shaped for a steady flow. It is used to filter solutions and precipitates in teaching and routine laboratories where glass breakage is a concern.

What Makes a Funnel Analytical

The term analytical funnel is used for filter funnels made to give quick, clean gravity filtration in quantitative work. A 60 degree cone matches a filter paper folded into quarters, so the paper lies flat against the wall. Many plastic analytical funnels also have ribs on the inside of the cone or along the stem, which leave small channels between paper and wall so air escapes and the filtrate runs faster; whether this listing has ribs is not stated.

Plastic funnels of this kind are usually moulded in polypropylene, which is light, does not shatter and resists most aqueous acids, alkalis and salt solutions at room temperature. It is less suitable for hot concentrated oxidising acids and for some organic solvents that soften or swell it. Polypropylene is also generally autoclavable. The listing does not name the plastic, so check the material before using the funnel with hot liquids or solvents.

For pouring into narrow-necked vessels rather than filtering, the long stem plastic funnel is the better match. Where heat or organic solvents are involved, a glass plain 60 degree funnel is the alternative.

Specifications

Applications

• Gravity filtration of chalk suspensions or the blue copper(II) hydroxide precipitate in school practicals
• Filtering soil extracts and water samples before colour tests in environmental work
• Removing excess copper(II) oxide before crystallising copper(II) sulfate in salt preparations
• General filtration in rooms where glass funnels are frequently broken

Care & Handling

• Fold the paper into quarters, open it into a cone and wet it with the solvent so it seals against the funnel wall.
• Keep the liquid level below the top edge of the paper so the mixture cannot bypass it.
• Wash with warm water and detergent using a soft brush; scratches from abrasive pads hold residues.
• Keep plastic funnels away from direct flames and hot plates.

Why Choose LabEquip

Schools and routine testing labs that do a lot of gravity filtration choose a plastic analytical funnel to cut breakage without slowing filtration. These funnels are listed in LabEquip’s chemistry lab equipment; send the diameters needed through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an analytical funnel and an ordinary funnel?

An analytical funnel is shaped for filtration, with a cone angle that matches folded filter paper and a stem that promotes steady flow. An ordinary or powder funnel is designed for pouring and transfer, often with a short, wide stem.

Why are some plastic funnels ribbed inside?

Ribs hold the paper slightly away from the wall in places, letting displaced air escape and filtrate run down freely. This speeds filtration compared with paper pressed flat against a smooth cone.

Can a plastic funnel be used for hot filtration?

Polypropylene tolerates hot water, but it softens as the temperature rises and should not be used with boiling organic solvents or near a flame. For hot filtrations during recrystallisation, a pre-warmed glass funnel is more suitable.

Which solvents should be avoided?

Polypropylene is generally unaffected by alcohols, dilute acids and alkalis, but aromatic and chlorinated solvents can make it swell, and strong oxidising acids attack it when hot. Check the compatibility of the plastic supplied before regular solvent work.

How do I fold filter paper for this funnel?

Fold the circle in half and then into a quarter, and open it into a cone that is three layers thick on one half and a single layer on the other. Tearing a tiny piece from the outermost corner on the thick side lets the paper sit tightly against the cone.

Can the funnel be sterilised?

Polypropylene funnels are generally autoclavable. Place them loosely so they do not deform, let them cool before use, and confirm the plastic type if it is not polypropylene.

Last Updated: September 2026