Applications of Laboratory Reactors

Laboratory reactors are primarily used in sectors such as petroleum, chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, scientific research, and universities for conducting high-temperature and high-pressure chemical reaction experiments, enabling processes like hydrolysis, neutralization, crystallization, and distillation. Now, let’s take a closer look at the various applications of laboratory reactors!

　　The main structural feature of the laboratory reactor is a clamp-ring flange connection between the reactor vessel and the reactor lid, which allows for quick opening of the lid. The lid can be lifted using screws, and rotating the reactor vessel handle enables the vessel to rotate by 120 degrees. The design is simple, convenient to operate, and structurally sound.

　　When carrying out reaction processes involving different media, the first step is to determine whether the medium will corrode the main material. Special orders should be placed for chemical reactions that involve rapid, intense reactions, large amounts of gas, or high temperatures and are highly flammable or explosive, as well as for reactions conducted under high pressure or high temperature, or in media containing chloride ions, fluoride ions, or other substances that can cause severe corrosion of stainless steel.

　　The laboratory reactors are housed in a high-pressure operating room that meets explosion-proof requirements. When multiple reactors are installed, they must be placed separately. Additionally, a safety explosion-proof wall should be provided between any two reactors. Each operating room should have a passage and an exit leading to the outdoors. When handling flammable or explosive media, the equipment must be well-ventilated.

　　The laboratory reactor is a piece of chemical equipment that requires careful attention not only during use but also in the laboratory setting. Below, our editor will provide specific guidelines on daily maintenance precautions for laboratory reactors.

　　1. When cleaning the autoclave, be careful not to allow water or other liquids to enter the heating furnace, as this could cause the heating element to break. When using thermal oil for heating, take care not to mix water or other liquids into the thermal oil, and check the thermal oil level regularly. If you notice any unusual noises inside the baffle during operation, stop the equipment immediately, relieve the pressure, and inspect the stirring system for any abnormalities. Regularly check the swing amplitude of the stirring shaft; if the swing amplitude becomes excessive, promptly replace the bearing or sliding sleeve.

　　2. The time display is provided by the internal microcontroller 8031. It counts by accumulating partial cycles internally; each time the power is turned off, the accumulated data inside is lost. During operation, please note that the displayed action time is measured in minutes, and the maximum action time is 9,999 minutes. The correct detection position for the rotational speed display is crucial for ensuring a stable reading of the rotational speed. This position has been adjusted at the factory—please do not adjust it arbitrarily.

　　3. Connect the controller to the appropriate voltage according to its rated operating voltage: 220V single-phase or 380V three-phase. The live and neutral wires of the controller must not be connected in reverse. To prevent electric shock, do not perform wiring operations while power is on! To ensure proper operation of the control equipment and the safety of personnel, it is essential to connect the grounding wire. The controller itself is not explosion-proof; therefore, avoid using it in environments where flammable and explosive substances such as oil and gas are present!

　　4. When carrying out reactions in a reactor using different media, the first step is to check whether the media will corrode the main materials. For chemical reactions that are highly exothermic, involve large amounts of gas, or are highly flammable and explosive at high temperatures—as well as for reactions involving stainless steel that are severely corrosive under high pressure, high temperature, or in media containing chloride ions, fluoride ions, etc.—special orders are required. When adding the reaction medium, do not exceed two-thirds of the liquid level in the reactor vessel! During operation or upon completion of the experiment, it is strictly forbidden to remove the belt pressure! The reactor must never be operated under conditions exceeding its specified pressure or temperature limits!

　　5. Once the reaction temperature has been set, to prevent excessive overshoot due to high temperatures, you must not change the temperature setpoint during the heating process! Even if the power supply is connected but switches such as the heating and stirring switches remain off, the output terminals on the back panel of the control unit will still be energized. During operation, never unplug the power cord or touch these terminals!

　　6. During the installation of the laboratory reactor, the burst-release port must be connected to the outdoors via a pipeline! When the laboratory reactor is shut down for an extended period, both the inside and outside of the reactor should be thoroughly cleaned and wiped dry, ensuring there is no water or other materials remaining. The reactor should then be stored in a clean, dry, and non-corrosive environment.

　　The above is an introduction to the uses of laboratory reactors. If you’d like to learn more, feel free to contact us anytime!