How Does function of rubber stopper Work?

06 Aug.,2024

 

Rubber Bungs And Stoppers Guide - Hilltop Products

Also known as rubber bungs, rubber stoppers are used to seal bottles, tubes and many other containers. They plug containers from the outside without displacing the volume inside.

Xiangyi are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Some more resistant stoppers can also be used for heavy industrial processes.

Stoppers can be straight-edged, but mainly they have tapered sides. The bungs are partially inserted into a vessel acting as a seal.

The stoppers are often used in laboratories and other scientific settings, primarily to seal test tubes and other flasks. Scientists can connect these flasks to other apparatus using tubes which are inserted into small holes in the bungs.

Slightly elastic bungs are perfect for preventing gases and liquids from escaping. They can also help protect important products against contamination.

There are different types of rubber stopper:

They have different properties. This guide explains the benefits of each material and shows what should be used for each purpose.

Choosing The Right Size Bung

The following bungs are all tapered, meaning they have wider tops than bottoms. This means the bungs fit more securely on a wider range of containers.

Rubber bungs need to fit tightly in their container opening so you need to pay close attention to the size of your bungs.

Ensure that the diameter of your container opening fits between the top and bottom diameters, so you can be sure of a tight fit for your bung.

Red Rubber Bungs

Red rubber stoppers are mainly used in chemical laboratories in flasks and test tubes, but they can also be used in fermentation processes, for example in wineries.

Made from natural rubber, it uses polymers of the organic compound isoprene and is classified as an elastomer meaning it has a high stretch ration and high resilience. It is also extremely waterproof.

All the bungs are available with or without drilled holes, except the 3mm and 4mm red rubber bungs, which are too small to be drilled.

Other equipment such as glass tubes &#; connected to other lab apparatus - can be plugged into the rubber stopper holes.

Bungs with a bottom diameter between 5mm and 8mm are available with one hole of 3mm. Any bung with a bottom diameter over 9mm can have one hole of 5mm and any bung over 15mm can have two 5mm holes.

To help identify a bung&#;s size, each stopper has a moulded number which corresponds to the bottom diameter of the bung.

This product is manufactured to standard: BS: ().

Red Rubber Bung Size Guide

Product Code

Bottom Diameter (mm)

Top Diameter (mm)

Length (mm)

RB003

3

4.5

12

RB004

4

5.8

14

RB005

5

7

16

RB006

6

8

16

RB007

7

9

16

RB008

8

10.5

20

RB009

9

11.5

20

RB010

10

12.5

20

RB011

11

14

24

RB013

13

16

24

RB015

15

18

24

RB017

17

20.3

26

RB019

19

22.5

28

RB021

21

24.5

28

RB023

23

26.5

28

RB025

25

28.5

28

RB027

27

31

32

RB029

29

33

32

RB031

31

36

35

Neoprene Rubber Bungs

Grey neoprene rubber stoppers can be used in tubes and bottles in the same way as the red rubber bungs.

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber with better chemical stability and heat resistance over a broad range of temperatures. It is used in a lot of processes &#; it can be used as electrical insulation and in other hostile environments.

The solid version of neoprene can be used as a bung because it has good resistance to petroleum based oils and other chemicals as well as ozone. It can also be used across temperatures ranging from -30°C to 100°C.

Bungs with a bottom diameter between 5mm and 8mm are available with one hole of 3mm. Any bung with a bottom diameter over 9mm can have one hole of 5mm and any bung over 15mm can have two 5mm holes.

To help identify a bung&#;s size, each stopper has a moulded number which corresponds to the bottom diameter of the bung.

This product is manufactured to standard: BS: ().

Neoprene Rubber Size Guide

Product Code

Bottom Diameter (mm)

Top Diameter (mm)

Length (mm)

NB005

5

7

16

NB008

8

10.5

20

NB010

10

12.5

20

NB011

11

14

24

NB013

13

16

24

NB015

15

18

24

NB019

19

22.5

28

NB021

21

24.5

28

Translucent Silicone Stoppers

Manufactured from high-grade silicone, these plugs can be used at a huge range of temperatures &#; from -70°C to +250°C.

This means they can be used for heavy industrial processes and in environments where they will be exposed to extremes of temperature. They are also good resistant properties against acids, alkali solutions and weathering.

Hilltop Products stocks a huge range of sizes, so you can be sure to find one that fits your needs.

Bungs with a bottom diameter between 5mm and 8mm are available with one hole of 3mm. Any bung with a bottom diameter over 9mm can have one hole of 5mm and any bung over 15mm can have two 5mm holes.

To help identify a bung&#;s size, each stopper has a moulded number which corresponds to the bottom diameter of the bung.

This product is manufactured to standard BS: ().

Translucent Silicone Stopper Size Guide

Product Code

Bottom Diameter (mm)

Top Diameter (mm)

Length (mm)

SB003

3

4.5

12

SB004

The company is the world’s best function of rubber stopper supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

4

5.8

14

SB005

5

7

16

SB006

6

8

16

SB007

7

9

16

SB008

8

10.5

20

SB009

9

11.5

20

SB010

10

12.5

20

SB011

11

14

24

SB013

13

16

24

SB015

15

18

24

SB017

17

20.3

26

SB019

19

22.5

28

SB021

21

24.5

28

SB023

23

26.5

28

SB025

25

28.5

28

SB027

27

32

SB029

29

33

32

SB031

31

36

35

SB033

33

38.5

38.5

SB035

35

40.5

38.5

SB037

37

42.5

38.5

SB039

39

44.5

38.5

SB041

41

47

42

SB043

43

49

42

SB045

45

51

42

SB049

49

55

42

SB053

53

59.5

45.5

SB057

57

64

49

SB062

62

69

49

SB067

67

74

49

SB071

71

78

49

SB075

75

85

54

 

For more information about any stopper product, speak to a member of our knowledgeable sales team. Call: 723 101. 

Small but Mighty: The Function of Rubber Stoppers

Rubber stoppers. You have probably encountered them countless times without giving them much thought. These small yet mighty objects play a significant role in our lives. From the laboratory to the kitchen, their versatile functionality says it all.

Even so, these essential components often go unnoticed &#; but not anymore! This blog will unveil the diverse functions and applications of rubber stoppers. Get ready to see these humble but powerful objects in a whole new light!

Rubber Stoppers

When you think about it, rubber stoppers are everywhere. They seal the openings of test tubes in the lab for accurate results.  Or secure the freshness and flavour of your favourite beverages. They even safeguard the potency of medications to preserve effectiveness, and &#; overall:

  • maintain airtight seals
  • prevent leaks and spills
  • protect the contents they enclose

But what are they, really?

Rubber stoppers can create a tight and secure seal in various applications. They are typically small, cylindrical plugs made from rubber or elastomeric materials. Their size is designed to fit into the openings of containers, tubes, or other objects.

The structure can vary depending on their specific purpose. Generally, they consist of a solid, dense core with a tapered or cylindrical shape. This allows them to fit securely into the opening they are intended for. The outer surface of the stopper is often smooth for easy insertion and removal. The inner surface, in contrast, may be ribbed or fluted to enhance the sealing ability.

As for the materials, the stoppers are usually made of:

  • natural rubber (latex)
  • synthetic rubber (silicone, neoprene, or butyl rubber)
  • a combination of both

The choice of material depends on the specific application requirements. Also, factors like chemical resistance, temperature resistance, flexibility, and durability.

The working principle

Rubber stoppers create a tight seal when inserted into an opening. They work by forming a physical barrier that blocks the passage in and out of a container. When pressed or inserted into a container or tube, it exerts an outward pressure. This effectively seals the space against the walls of the opening. And this pressure helps to create an airtight or liquid-tight seal.

This sealing ability is crucial in a wide range of applications. In medical settings, the stoppers maintain the sterility and integrity of medications. In industrial settings, they help prevent leaks, spills, and so on.

The Top Uses of Rubber Stoppers

Rubber stoppers have a wide range of applications across various industries and settings. Their versatility and sealing properties make up for this. Here are some examples of their uses, from laboratory to household settings:

1. Laboratory use

Rubber stoppers play a crucial role in laboratories. Their function is to create airtight seals for various equipment, including:

  • Test tubes. Rubber stoppers fit securely into the openings of test tubes. They ensure a tight seal that prevents leaks during experiments or storage.
  • Erlenmeyer flasks. Paired with a stopper, scientists can safely mix, heat, or store substances. They can do so effectively without the risk of contamination or evaporation.
  • Separatory funnels. Such stoppers with tapered ends are employed to seal separatory funnels. This allows for controlled liquid extraction and separation processes.

If you are looking for one, check out these chemical-resistant rubber stoppers!
They come in with 1 or 2 holes ranging in size from 16 to 32mm and are suitable for almost all general laboratory uses.

2. Medical and pharmaceutical use

In these fields, stoppers maintain the integrity and sterility of containers. Examples include the following:

  • Medication bottles. The tiny stoppers prevent air and moisture from entering the bottles. This ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the enclosed medications.
  • Vaccine vials. For maintaining a sterile environment and protecting the vaccines from contamination. The stoppers also safeguard their potency and safety.

3. Industrial use

Rubber stoppers find applications in industrial settings where sealing and containment are crucial.

  • Bottling industry. The stoppers seal bottles containing beverages or liquids. This helps prevent leakage, preserve carbonation, and maintain freshness.
  • Chemical industry. For sealing containers to ensure a secure barrier against spills, leaks, or evaporation.
  • Manufacturing processes. It may be employed in machinery to seal access points or create airtight connections. This prevents the escape of gases or fluids.

4. Household use

Rubber stoppers also have practical applications in everyday household items, such as:

  • Kitchenware. Rubber stoppers seal containers such as food storage jars or bottles. They help to preserve the freshness and quality of ingredients or leftovers.
  • Bathtub or sink stoppers. For blocking the drain openings in bathtubs or sinks.
  • Furniture floor protectors. Usually with protective pads and attached to furniture legs. This helps prevent scratches on floors and provides stability

Different Types of Rubber Stoppers

There are different types of rubber stoppers available on the market. Each type meets specific requirements and applications, and these are:

These stoppers are made of solid rubber and are used for general sealing purposes. They provide a tight seal and are available in various sizes to fit different openings.

As the name suggests, these stoppers have two holes drilled through them. They come in handy in lab use, where tubes or probes need to be inserted through the stopper while maintaining a seal. The holes allow for the passage of instruments or tubing.

Similar to two-hole stoppers, these stoppers have a single hole drilled through them. They are used when only one tube or probe needs to be inserted through the stopper while maintaining a seal.

Self-sealing rubber stoppers

These stoppers are have a special valve or slit. This feature enables the insertion of syringes, needles, or tubing. The self-sealing mechanism helps maintain a seal around the inserted object.

Lyophilisation stoppers

Lyophilisation is a process used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. For this type of stopper, it is specially designed to withstand extreme temperatures. Moreover, it holds out the vacuum conditions of the freeze-drying process. They ensure a secure seal and maintain the integrity of the lyophilised product.

Tapered rubber stoppers

Tapered stoppers have a cone-shaped design, gradually narrowing towards the bottom. This shape allows them to fit into various-sized openings, providing a tight seal. They are ideal in lab glassware or other containers with conical or tapered necks.

Specialised rubber stoppers

There are rubber stoppers with unique features or materials tailored for particular industries. For example, high-temperature-resistant stoppers. They are used in applications where elevated temperatures are involved. Another is the chemical-resistant ones designed to withstand exposure to corrosive substances.

The choice of the appropriate type of stopper depends on factors such as:

  • the application
  • container size and shape
  • sealing requirements
  • and any specialised needs related to temperature, chemicals, or insertion of instruments

The availability may also vary depending on the supplier, industry, or specific requirements.

The Bottom Lines

Rubber stoppers have proven themselves again, serving as barriers against contamination and leakage. They may be small in size, but their impact and functionality are mighty. They are an unsung hero in our quest for precision, reliability, and safety. So, the next time you encounter a rubber stopper, take a moment to appreciate its role and impact!

Are you interested in learning more about Pharmaceutical Packing Material supplier? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!