What is Glass Reactor?

Because of its compatibility with a wide range of substances, single layer glass reactors are commonly utilized in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. A glass reactor is a vessel equipped with an agitator that allows chemicals to be mixed in a controlled atmosphere.

The 2L jacketed glass reactor may be pressurized and run at various temperatures. The process nozzles that bring in chemicals and gases as needed, as well as cleaning head nozzles, are connected to the top part of the reactor. They come in a variety of sizes, but most are between 63 and 16000 liters.

What is glass reactor?

A single layer glass reactor is made out of a glass vessel with an agitator and a heating/cooling system built in. Sizes range from 50mL to 200L in borosilicate glass jars. Connections at the top cover of the 2L jacketed glass reactor allow liquids or solids to be fed.

The wastes are normally emptied from the bottom and the vapors are discharged via the top connections. The adaptability and visibility of the glass reactor are its advantages. When processing dangerous or very powerful substances, a single vessel system can perform a series of procedures without requiring containment to be broken.

Technically, a glass reactor is just one of several types of reactors, including single layer glass reactors, 2L jacketed glass reactor, hydrothermal synthesis reactors, magnetic stirring reactors, electric heating reactors, and steam reactors, among others.

The glass reactor is, however, the most often utilized. No pollution, high temperature and corrosion resistance, hygienic quick heating, and so on are the advantages of using a 2L jacketed glass reactor.

The glass reactor’s primary premise is to agitate the reaction while controlling the reflux and evaporation of the liquid in a closed container at a specific temperature and ordinary or negative pressure. Single-layer, double-layer, and three-layer glass reactors are the three types of glass reactors.

What is a glass reactor used for?

Glass reactor is used for variety of purposes including high temperature reaction which is done at max temperature of 300°C, low temperature reaction done at max temperature of -80°C, extraction separation reaction, purified reaction, vacuum for negative pressure reaction, solvent synthesis at constant temperature, vacuum distillation reaction, extraction separation reaction, purified reaction, concentration reaction, stirring reaction, distillation, and reflux reaction, and so on.

More About Glass Reactor

Single layer glass reactor is utilized in a variety of chemical processes involving harsh chemicals, such as the manufacturing of medicines, specialized chemicals, agricultural goods, and polymers.

Glass is chemically resistant as well as mixes of caustic elements, which is one of the reasons for its popularity. It also features a non-stick, smooth surface which is simple to clean, and therefore does not introduce contaminants into the process materials.

Preventive maintenance

An inspection and maintenance schedule intended for early identification of deterioration is the key to a long, healthy life for single layer glass reactor. If the equipment is not maintained properly it will cause serious damage to the equipment.

The inspection procedure begins with a comprehensive examination of the single layer glass reactor upon delivery to the plant to ensure that it was not damaged during transportation. Following that, depending on the degree of service, the equipment should be examined at regular maintenance intervals ranging from several times a year to once every two years.

If the working circumstances are very harsh or if damage is suspected, more frequent or even continuous testing may be necessary.

Visual examination of the lining; spark testing for symptoms of glass-lining failure; glass-thickness readings; repair plugs and patches, if fitted; vessel nozzle connections; and vessel jacket connections should all be included on a regular maintenance checklist for single layer glass reactor.

The performance of the motor and drive, as well as the mechanical seal and lubricator, should all be on the list, just as in traditional equipment (if applicable).

Testing for a spark

Electrical testing of glass should be performed after installation and at regular maintenance intervals to discover minor flaws before they become major issues. Spark testers, which apply roughly 6,000 V at extremely low amperage, can be used to conduct a spark test.

The spark tester is made up of a hand-held brush linked to a portable detector via a cable in either scenario. Using a semi-circular motion, the inspector brushes the glass surface until it is completely coated. Current flows when the brush comes into contact with even a pinhole, and arcing ensues.

Permanent d.c. systems are also available, which are placed in a vessel and constantly check the integrity of the glass lining while the vessel is in use. The other end of the circuit is linked to the exterior of the shell, and a conductive glass electrode is put on an internal accessory, such as a flush valve at the bottom of the vessel.

If there is a leak, a few milliamps of current flows between the electrodes via the conductive liquid contents of the vessel, triggering auditory and visual alarms. The need for someone to enter the vessel to undertake an inspection is also eliminated with an online method.

It’s also possible to make a portable instrument based on the same concept. In this scenario, the vessel is filled with a conductive liquid, and a probe is placed in the liquid on a cable. While constant monitoring is not feasible, the test may be repeated as many times as necessary, and the probe can be used in many vessels.

Filling or draining a vessel until the alarm is activated or deactivated can be used with either system to establish the approximate location of a leak.

Monitor the thickness of the glass.

The measuring of glass thickness of 2L jacketed glass reactor, which is crucial to the life of a vessel, is another electrically performed inspection operation. It’s done with a portable magnetic induction or eddy-current equipment with a probe on a cable. When the probe is placed on the glass’s surface, it emits a current that is reflected by the vessel’s steel backing.

Bottom Line

Finally, you have got to know a lot more about the 2L jacketed glass reactor and its uses.

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