HDPE Carboys

Nalgene high density polyethylene carboys are time-tested workhorses of the lab, offering durable construction. Excellent for storing and dispensing DI water and other lab solutions, they are compatible with a wide range of lab reagents, remain shatterproof to -100°C and cost less than many other materials—making them a good choice for many labs. Rectangular body style provides space efficiency; arrange multiple carboys side-by-side to create a neatly organized lab reagent bank. Round body style facilitates efficient mixing.

High density polyethylene carboys provide very good chemical compatibility with a wide variety of lab reagents including most acids, bases, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, and aliphatic hydrocarbons.

For chemical compatibility ratings by specific chemical and application temperature, consult the  Nalgene Chemical Resistance Guide, or request a copy of the printed wall chart. High density polyethylene carboys are made only from high-quality laboratory-grade resin materials that comply with a number of regulatory specifications including: USP Class VI, EP monographs, EU food-contact directives, CONEG, RoHS, CA Prop 65, SARA Title III Sec. 313, and 21 CFR pt 177.15201 for food contact. For regulatory claims  and certifications applicable to specific Nalgene carboys, please contact  Nalgene Regulatory Support.

For help selecting the Thermo Scientific Nalgene carboy that's perfect for your lab applications, use our online selection guide or for personal assistance, contact the  Nalgene technical support team.


Rectangular Carboy with Spigot
(2320-series)
Rectangular Carboy
(2211-series)
Amber Carboy
(2256-7020)
Single-Use Sterile Carboy (342289-series)Heavy-Duty Rectangular Carboy
(2214-0050)
Rectangular Carboy with Tubulation
(2303-series)
Dispensing lab water and reagents.  Excellent choice for space-efficient reagent banks.Space-efficient storage  for large volume lab solutions. Storing and transporting large volume light sensitive solutionsSupplied sterile for one-time use, ideal for storing sterile fluids and pharmaceutical/biotech products.Space-saving, extra durable design for storing and shipping large volume lab reagents and other liquids. Dispensing media, DI water and other lab reagents by gravity feed. Rectangular design optimizes shelf space
HDPE with PP spigot and white PP closureHDPE with white PP  closureAmber HDPE with amber PP closureHDPE with white PP  closureHDPE with white PP closureHDPE with white PP  closure
Rectangular Rectangular RoundRoundRectangular Rectangular 
Milky white translucentMilky white translucentOpaque amberMilky white translucentMilky white translucentMilky white translucent
9L (2ga) - 20L (5ga) 9L (2ga) - 20L (5ga) 10L (2.5ga)20L (5ga) - 33L (8.7ga)20L (5ga)20L (5ga)
Wide mouthWide mouthNarrow mouth Narrow mouth Narrow mouth Wide mouth
SpigotNo drainNo drainNo drainNo drainTubing adapter port
Leakproof*Leakproof*Leakproof*Leakproof*Leakproof*Leakproof*
Temp range -100°C to 120°CTemp range -100°C to 120°CTemp range -100°C to 120°CTemp range -100°C to 120°CTemp range -100°C to 120°CTemp range -100°C to 120°C
Not autoclavableNot autoclavableNot autoclavableNot autoclavableNot autoclavableNot autoclavable
Non-sterileNon-sterileNon-sterileSterileNon-sterileNon-sterile
Graduated in liters and gallonsGraduated in liters and gallonsNo graduationsNo graduationsGraduated in liters and gallonsGraduated in liters and gallons
Stainless steel handleStainless steel handle and 20L w/molded-in gripMolded-in shoulder handlesStainless steel handle sold separately/molded-in shoulder handleMolded-in handleStainless steel handle and molded-in grip
Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1Complies with Part 21 CFR 177.1520 for food use1
BPA-freeBPA-freeBPA-freeBPA-freeBPA-freeBPA-free
Phthalate-freePhthalate-freePhthalate-freePhthalate-freePhthalate-freePhthalate-free

General chemical compatibility

 Rectangular Carboy with Spigot 
(2320-series)
Rectangular Carboy 
(2211-series)
Amber Carboy
(2256-7020)
Single-Use Sterile Carboy (342289-series)Heavy-Duty Rectangular Carboy 
(2214-0050)
Rectangular Carboy with Tubulation
(2303-series)
Acids, dilute or weakEEEEEE
Acids^ strong, concentratedGGGGGG
Alcohols, aliphaticEEEEEE
AldehydesGGGGGG
Bases/alkaliEEEEEE
EstersGGGGGG
Hydrocarbons, aliphaticGGGGGG
Hydrocarbons, aromaticNNNNNN
Hydrocarbons, halogenated NNNNNN
Ketones, aromaticNNNNNN
Oxidizing agents, strongFFFFFF

For a more detailed chemical resistance guide by chemical and application temperature, please refer to  Chemical resistance guide or request a printed poster for your lab or contact Nalgene Technical Support.

 E No damage after 30 days constant exposure at 20oC. 
 G Little or no damage after 30 days constant exposure at 20oC.
 F Some effect after 7 days constant exposure at 20oC.
 N Not recommended. Immediate damage may occur.

Footnote:
1. HDPE and LDPE are acceptable for: Nonacid, aqueous products; may contain salt, sugar or both (pH above 5.0). Dairy products and modifications; oil-in-water emulsions, high or low fat. Moist bakery products with surface containing no free fat or oil. Dry solids with the surfaces containing no free fat or oil (no end-test required) and under all conditions as described in Table 2 of FDA Regulation 177.1520 except condition A - high temperature sterilization (e.g., over 100°C / 212°F)

*The term “leakproof” applies to Thermo Scientific Nalgene products that meet the following criteria: a) Bottle/flask/funnel closure systems with closures smaller than 100mm, after they are filled with water, inverted, withstand air pressure of 2psig for 2 minutes, and no water escapes;. b) Bottle/funnel/flask closure systems of larger than 100mm after they are filled with water, inverted for 15 minutes, and no water escapes. Note: these tests, using other liquids, may not yield the same results. To ensure safe usage, customers are advised to test Thermo Scientific Nalgene bottles and closures under conditions of their planned applications. Thermo Scientific Nalgene products are leakproof at ambient temperature and pressure when used with their Nalgene closures.

^Except for oxidizing acids, see "Oxidizing acids, strong."


Other Nalgene large-capacity HDPE storage containers 


Resources

Additional resources
  • Break the Glass Habit Brochure
  • Bottle and Carboy Selection Guide
  • Plastic Properties Reference Magnet
  • Plastic Labware Chemical Resistance Wall Poster

Request resources

California Proposition 65 Warning: Products manufactured with polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) or polystyrene (PS) contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.