Proper operation and regular maintenance can not only extend the service life of glass reactors but also ensure the smooth progress of experiments or production. Below are some basic maintenance procedures:
Safe Operation of Glass Reactors
- Comply with operating procedures: Operate strictly in accordance with the guidelines in the operation manual. In particular, the heating and cooling processes should be slow and uniform to avoid excessive temperature differences that may cause glass breakage.
- Control pressure and temperature: Ensure that the pressure and temperature during the reaction do not exceed the maximum limits allowed by the equipment, so as to prevent safety accidents caused by overpressure or overtemperature.
Daily Cleaning
- After each experiment, clean the reactor immediately to prevent residual substances from hardening or corroding the glass surface.
- Select an appropriate solvent for cleaning according to the nature of the residues, and wipe gently with a soft cloth or sponge (avoid using strong acids or alkalis that may damage the glass, or hard objects for scraping, to prevent damage to the glass surface).
- After cleaning, ensure that the inside and outside of the reactor are dry to avoid water stains or spots on the glass surface caused by prolonged moisture retention.
Regular Inspection of Glass Reactors
- Regularly check the tightness of the reactor lid, whether the interfaces are loose or worn, and whether the lubrication parts need to be filled with lubricating oil. If necessary, fasten or replace them in a timely manner.
- Regularly check the working status of transmission components such as stirring paddles and motors, as well as accessories such as thermometers, to ensure they are in good working condition.
- Sealing rings are key components to ensure the sealing performance of the reactor. It is necessary to regularly check their aging degree and sealing effect, replace them with new ones when necessary, and clean the sealing rings regularly.
Storage and Preservation
- When not in use for a long time, drain all liquids in the reactor, remove all interfaces, wipe all vessels clean with dry paper towels, then put each component into a sealed bag and store it in a dry and well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight or humid environments to prevent glass aging.
- Handle with care during transportation and avoid collision with hard objects to prevent damage.
Troubleshooting
Before conducting any maintenance or inspection, the power supply and water supply must be cut off first. Then, identify the cause based on the fault phenomenon. For problems that cannot be solved independently, contact professional technicians for maintenance in a timely manner. (Warm reminder: Purchase genuine original accessories as much as possible; random use of other accessories may cause fatal damage to the equipment.)
Record Maintenance of Glass Reactors
Establish detailed maintenance records, including the time and specific content of each cleaning, inspection, and maintenance. This helps track the equipment status, detect potential problems in a timely manner, and take preventive measures.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Sealing issues: If leakage is found, use soap bubbles to locate the leak points in the pipes and nozzles. After locating, tighten the connections, conduct a pressure retention test again, and ensure the vacuum degree is normal before starting normal operation.
- Moisture in electrical parts: Electrical parts must not come into contact with water or moisture; moisture intrusion is strictly prohibited. (Reminder: Be sure to cut off the power supply and water supply first before conducting any maintenance or inspection.)
In the maintenance work of glass reactors, strict and detailed operating specifications and regular inspection and maintenance are the keys to ensuring long-term stable operation of the equipment and extending its service life. Every cleaning, every sealing inspection, and every performance test is a concrete manifestation of being responsible for experimental safety and scientific research results.