An Alternative Low-Cost Splash Arrestor In our laboratories, aspirator splashing could not be stopped using the hottomless plastic bottles deserihed in a recent article.' Due to our high water pressure, spray emerged from the neck of the bottle, even when the aspirator outlet was extended with tubing. I t was also very difficult to maintain the proper placement required to contain spldshing a t the bottom of the bottle. There was some added concern over the esthetic imnact of the olastic bottles. ~ r e v i o u s hthick , rubber tubing was used to direct water flow along the hottom f the trough. Faulty positioning often resulted in an unexpected drenchingof the bench ownstream and frequent readjustment was necessary. Our solution to splashing was found in a %-in. plastic connecting tee available at local hardware stores. The tee was fitted to the aspirator with tubing that reached down, placing the tee in the trough. A modification was made since spray from the ends of the tee was still sufficient to escape the trough. Ten 3-mm slots were cut transversely along the bottom of the tee (see illustration). The slots, which passed about one-third of the way through the diameter, were easily made with a hacksaw or with a heated metal spatula. This device completely controls splashing withdut needing special adjustment. Problems arise only if the tee is oriented exactly perpendicular to the direction of flow of the trough or if it is within one inch of the lip of the trough. Loss of these splash arrestors has not beeh a problem. When the tubing is not connected to the aspirator, the slotted tee calls attention to its intended use. Stiff, large-dlameter plastic tubing (also available locally) can be used. This type of tubing is not likely to be misappropriated for other laboratory uses. A
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' Barret, J. M.,J. CHEM. EDUC., 60,501 (1983). R. K. Widener
COllege of Southern Idaho Twin Falls. ID 83301
926
Journal of Chemical Education
