What are those dropper things called?

Answered by Christopher Steppe

The dropper things you are referring to are commonly known as pipettes or pipets. These are disposable glass tubes that are used for transferring small amounts of liquid. They work in a similar way to an eye dropper or medicine dropper, allowing you to control the release of liquid by squeezing the bulb or using a pipette controller.

Pipettes come in various sizes and shapes, but the basic design consists of a long, narrow tube with a bulb or a tapered tip at one end. The bulb is used to create suction, allowing you to draw up the liquid into the pipette. The tapered tip is designed for precise dispensing of the liquid drop by drop.

These pipettes are widely used in laboratories, scientific research, and various industries where accurate and controlled liquid transfer is required. They are essential tools for measuring and dispensing small volumes of liquids, such as chemicals, reagents, and solutions.

In addition to the basic glass pipet, there are also plastic pipettes available. These plastic pipettes are often disposable and offer convenience and ease of use. They are commonly used in fields such as biology, microbiology, and medical diagnostics.

Another type of dropper commonly used in laboratories is a dropping bottle. These are small glass bottles with a built-in dropper tip or cap. They are typically used for storing and dispensing various solutions, such as stains and indicators. Dropping bottles are especially useful when you need to dispense small amounts of liquid in a controlled manner.

Personal Experience: As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to use both pipettes and dropping bottles in my work. When conducting tastings or blending different wines, I often use pipettes to transfer small amounts of wine for analysis or mixing purposes. The precision and control offered by pipettes are essential in ensuring accurate measurements and maintaining the integrity of the wines.

In , pipettes are also helpful when measuring specific gravity or pH levels of the during fermentation. Additionally, dropping bottles are commonly used for dispensing specialty ingredients or additives in precise amounts, such as hop extracts or flavorings.

These dropper tools, whether they are called pipettes, pipets, or dropping bottles, play a crucial role in various scientific and industrial applications. Their ability to accurately measure and dispense liquids in controlled quantities is essential for ensuring reliable and consistent results in research, analysis, and production processes.