Chloroform Bellow with Cotton Atomizer Bulb

Quick Answer: The chloroform bellow with cotton atomizer bulb is a double rubber hand bellows: a squeeze bulb pumps air into a second reservoir bulb enclosed in cotton netting, which releases it as a steadier stream. In the laboratory it supplies air to automatic burettes and atomisers.

Two Bulbs for an Even Air Supply

A single rubber bulb gives air in separate puffs. In a double bellows, one-way valves in the squeeze bulb send air into a thin-walled reservoir bulb, which swells and then pushes air out continuously while the hand refills the first bulb. The cotton net around the reservoir stops it from over-expanding and bursting. The result is a smoother flow, which is useful for a steady spray from an atomiser or for pressurising a bottle.

One common use is on an automatic zero burette fitted to a reservoir bottle. Pumping air into the bottle forces the titrant up the feed tube into the burette until it fills and the excess drains back, setting the level at zero. The same steady supply suits glass reagent sprayers; for a simple puff-per-squeeze version, see the single atomizer bulb.

The name comes from early anaesthetic inhalers, which used a similar bellows to blow air over liquid chloroform. This item is a laboratory air-supply part only and is not for administering anaesthetic; chloroform itself is toxic and must be handled in a fume cupboard under proper controls.

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Pump gently; forcing the reservoir hard against the net strains the rubber.
• Replace the net if it tears, as the reservoir can then over-expand.
• Keep the bellows away from solvents and sunlight, which weaken rubber.
• Check the valves by squeezing with the outlet blocked; air should not escape backward.

Applications

• Filling automatic burettes from a reservoir bottle by air pressure
• Driving glass atomisers for an even spray of chromatography reagents
• Replacing a perished bellows on existing burette assemblies
• Supplying gentle air flow for bubbling or aeration demonstrations

Why Choose LabEquip

Chemistry labs using automatic burettes and technicians who maintain reagent sprayers buy spare bellows so equipment stays in service. LabEquip lists this item in the General Lab Products range; send your connection size through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a net around the second bulb?

The net stops the thin reservoir bulb from over-expanding and bursting, and lets it store air and release it as a steady stream.

How does it fill an automatic burette?

Air pumped into the sealed reservoir bottle pushes titrant up the feed tube into the burette. When the burette is full, the excess drains back and the level settles at zero.

Is this used for anaesthesia?

No. The name comes from early chloroform inhalers, but this item is a laboratory air-supply part and is not for administering anaesthetic.

What is the difference from a single atomizer bulb?

A single bulb gives one puff per squeeze. This double version has a reservoir that smooths the flow into a continuous stream.

How do I know the valves are working?

Squeeze the first bulb: the reservoir should fill and air should not escape back through the inlet. If the reservoir does not fill, a valve is sticking.

How should the bellows be stored?

Store it clean, dry and uncompressed in a cool, dark place. Rubber cracks faster in sunlight, heat and near solvents.

Last Updated: September 2026