Pipe Clay Triangle Explained: Its Function in Laboratory Settings

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When talking about laboratory consumables, you cannot miss pipe clay triangle apparatuses.

Heating samples is common in chemistry lab activities. Among the ideal devices used is a pipe clay triangle which offers support for items being heated.

The apparatus is an equilateral triangle-shape, but how does it work? Learn the function and significance of this triangular holder here!

What Is a Clay Pipe Triangle?

A clay pipe triangle is a laboratory tool used to heat substances. It is also called a clay triangle and is commonly used with a Bunsen Burner to create a stable setup.

The clay pipe triangle has three sections of galvanized wire that form a triangle. Each edge of the triangle has a porcelain tube, and the wires twist and project from each corner of the triangle.

This laboratory equipment is typically placed on a tripod or iron ring. The porcelain sleeves on the edges of the triangle can withstand high temperatures over the direct flame of a Bunsen burner.

The clay material is useful as a mat or holder for hot glass because it can absorb heat without cracking or breaking.

The overall structure of the clay pipe triangle is helpful in containing crucibles when they are heated to high temperatures. It is an excellent tool for performing experiments in a classroom, working lab, or home laboratory.

In most laboratory setups, the clay pipe triangle is often paired with other instruments, such as Bunsen burners, beakers, pipettes, and large round or triangular glass jars.

Wire Gauze

A tubular clay triangle is often designed from wires with ceramic or catlinite tubes. This provides support for heat-resistant crucible vessels while providing direct heat.

The alternative is wire gauze. It is more suitable with glass containers that need indirect exposure.

Either way, both are widely used in laboratories conducting chemical experiments.

Function and Use

Generally, clay pipe triangles are used in the heating assembly of a substance. A metal ring attached to a universal holder holds the triangle.

To use one, clamp an iron ring to a ring stand. This creates a framework to hold a crucible above a Bunsen burner or similar open flame heat source.

Place the clay pipe triangle on the iron ring and position the Bunsen burner underneath it. Then put the ceramic or glass container on the tripod.

You are ready to conduct heat experiments!

Significance

The pipeclay triangle supports a crucible and allows the flame to heat it directly. This is different to wire gauze, which holds glassware such as beakers and provides indirect heat.

The triangular shape allows rounded crucibles of various sizes to rest stably. But over time, its use has decreased in modern laboratories—enter hot plates.

Crucibles, flasks and beakers, to name a few, can now be heated directly on a hotplate. Still, Clay pipe triangles make a great tool and cost-effective option.

Clay Pipe Triangle Sizes

Various sizes are available, and thus it is important to use the correct sizing. Triangles that are too small or damaged may allow the crucible to slip through.

We stock three sizes for you to choose from: 50 mm, 60 mm and 70 mm.

The DIY Method

You can make a simple clay triangle using three thick metal wires. Then, insert them through three ceramic tubes and twist the wire ends using pliers.

Alternatively, you can make a simple triangle with “tails” at its tips from steel of SS wire. Wrap the inner triangle with ceramic fibre tape or sheets.

Note: Alumina tubes can also handle direct flame well, making them a great option.

Get Your Pipe Clay Triangle Here!

Complete your heating experiment essentials with these lab consumables below:

Pipe Clay Triangle

Product code: LH0090

Ideal for heating things in chemistry experiments in science labs, by supporting a crucible. Available in sizes of 50mm, 60mm and 75mm.

Bunsen Burner

Product code: LH00x0

Inexpensive and designed to be long-lasting for classroom/lab use. Available in LPG and Natural Gas versions and with slide or screw adjustment.

Met-App Bunsen Burner

Product code: LH0050-xMA

A high-quality Met-App Bunsen burner ideal for classroom use. Features a wide, flat base for stability. Available in LPG and also natural gas versions.

Tripod for Bunsen Burner

Product code: LH008x

This tripod works best in conjunction with our LH0086 wire gauze mats.

The Bottom Line

A heating laboratory setup is not complete without a pipe clay triangle. This triangular, heat-resistant clay device can hold crucibles heated by a Bunsen burner.

Using one allows for even heat distribution over the surface of objects it holds. It is also ideal for other open heat sources like alcohol burners or candles.