ASTM E287 Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Graduated Burets

    ASTM E287 Introduction

    Graduated burets are basic equipment in analytical analyses where precise measurement of liquid volume is required. ASTM E287 supplies a standard specification for the manufacture, calibration, and performance characteristics of their production. Borosilicate glass is often used to make these burets, offering chemical resistance and stability under a broad spectrum of laboratory conditions. The standard includes graduation intervals, allowable errors, stopcock configuration, and performance in repeated use. By complying with ASTM E287, laboratories ensure that volumetric measurements conform to international standards of accuracy. The standard is especially critical in titrimetric techniques, quality control processes, and research where small measurement deviations can result in large errors in outcomes.

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    ASTM E287 Test Method

    Graduation AccuracyThe maximum permissible error is ±0.05 mL for 50 mL burets and ±0.03 mL for 25 mL burets.
    Delivery TimeA 50 mL buret must deliver its full capacity within 100–120 seconds at 20°C.
    Calibration TemperatureAll volumetric calibrations are performed at 20°C to ensure consistency.

    ASTM E287 Equipment and Sample Preparation

    Specimen PreparationBurets must be cleaned with dilute acid, rinsed with distilled water, and dried before calibration testing.
    Specimen DimensionsFor a 50 mL buret, the overall length is approximately 600 mm, with an internal bore diameter ranging from 0.8 to 1.0 mm.
    Stopcock DesignA glass or PTFE stopcock with a leakage tolerance below 0.01 mL after closure is required.

    ASTM E287 Test Results and Interpretation

    ASTM E287 test results verify if a graduated buret is within tolerable permissible limits for calibration and delivery. Consistency over multiple test cycles is a major indicator of compliance. A buret that provides volumes with errors within the specified limits is compliant with ASTM E287. Where discrepancies are outside tolerances, the buret is not appropriate for laboratory use, as small errors interfere with titration accuracy.

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    ASTM E694 specifies volumetric flasks used for solution preparation, while ASTM E542 provides general practices for calibration of volumetric apparatus. ASTM E288 covers graduated pipets, ensuring accuracy in smaller volume transfers.

    Materials Commonly Tested with ASTM E287 

    ASTM E287 burets are used to make accurate measurements of the volumes of aqueous solutions, acids, and bases, and neutralization reactions in titrations. They can also be used for reagent standardization and quantitative chemical analysis in pharmaceutical, food, and water laboratory testing. The resistance of borosilicate glass to corrosive chemicals makes the burets suitable for a broad spectrum of laboratory applications.

    Applications of ASTM E287 in Industry

    The specification finds widespread applications in quality control, environmental water testing, food and beverage chemistry, petrochemical laboratories, and educational research. Industries that rely on titration, such as water treatment plants and pharmaceutical formulation units, benefit from the accuracy and recurrence ensured by E287.

    Safety and Best Practices in ASTM E287 

    ASTM E287 emphasizes proper handling to break down and prevent contamination. Users should avoid sudden temperature changes, the buret should be handled vertically, and they should check the stopcocks to ensure they are not too tight before use. Proper cleaning is recommended with non-abrasive agents to prevent graduation. The calibration must be regularly verified to maintain compliance with the specification.

    Importance of ASTM E287  

    The value of ASTM E287 is in its guarantee of accuracy and dependability in volumetric measurements that are essential in quantitative chemical analysis. By providing dimensional and performance standards, it reduces measurement errors, improves reproducibility of results, and promotes international consistency in laboratory practices. This makes ASTM E287 an essential component in driving scientific research, industrial quality control, and regulatory compliance.

    Updated on September 17, 2026

    Davis Scott
    About Author
    Davis Scott is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer specializing in multidisciplinary validation, quality assurance, and comprehensive electro-mechanical testing.
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