## Common ground
All are receivers used in distillation apparatus to collect condensed vapors.
## Options at a glance
**3926.90 – Plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from plastic, typically resistant to chemicals and lightweight.
- **Typical examples:** Polyethylene or PTFE receiver flasks.
- **Best fit when:** Handling corrosive liquids or needing low weight and cost.
**6903 – Refractory ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from high-temperature-resistant ceramic, used in extreme heat conditions.
- **Typical examples:** Ceramic condensation receivers for industrial distillation.
- **Best fit when:** Operating at very high temperatures or with aggressive thermal cycling.
**6909.1X – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** General ceramic material, often less heat-resistant than refractory types.
- **Typical examples:** Lab-grade ceramic receivers for moderate use.
- **Best fit when:** Moderate temperature and chemical resistance needed, but not extreme conditions.
**7017 – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Made from borosilicate or soda-lime glass; transparent and chemically inert.
- **Typical examples:** Standard glass Erlenmeyer flasks used in labs.
- **Best fit when:** Visibility of process, moderate temperatures, and chemical purity are essential.
## Key differences
| Feature | 3926.90 (Plastic) | 6903 (Refractory ceramic) | 6909.1X (Ceramic) | 7017 (Glass) |
|---------------------|-------------------|----------------------------|-------------------|--------------|
| Heat resistance | Low to moderate | Very high | Moderate | Moderate |
| Chemical resistance | High (plastic-specific) | Very high | Moderate | Very high |
| Visibility | No | No | No | Yes |
| Fragility | Low | High | High | High |
## How to choose
- Is the receiver exposed to high temperatures (>500°C)? → 6903
- Do you need to see the process inside? → 7017
- Is chemical resistance and low weight key, with no heat stress? → 3926.90
- Is it for moderate lab use, non-transparent, and durable? → 6909.1X
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- Glass (7017) and ceramic (6909.1X) both offer good chemical resistance but differ in visibility and heat tolerance.
- Refractory ceramic (6903) is a subset of ceramic; use 6903 only for high-temp applications.
- Plastic may be mistaken for glass if not clearly labeled—check material specs.
- No clear priority: choose based on the **main function** (e.g., visibility vs. heat resistance)