Quick Answer:The Nessler Cylinder is a tall, narrow borosilicate glass tube with an optically flat base for comparing the colour of liquid samples against standards, made in 50 ml and 100 ml capacities.
Last updated: 18 October 2026
Key Features
Tall, narrow profile with uniform walls.
Precision-ground, optically flat clear base for vertical light transmission.
Permanent white enamel graduation markings.
50 ml and 100 ml capacities; matched sets available.
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Material
Borosilicate glass 3.3
Capacities
50 ml, 100 ml
Base
Optically flat, clear
Graduation
White enamel
Sets
Matched sets available
How It Is Used
Sample and standard solutions are filled to the same mark in matched cylinders and viewed down through the flat bases, so the depth of colour is compared over equal light paths. It is used in water quality testing, environmental monitoring and clinical biochemistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Nessler Cylinder have a flat bottom?
The optically flat base and uniform walls give a consistent light path, so the colours of samples and standards can be compared fairly.
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