Category Archives: Glass Reactor

Everything You Need to Know about Random Column Packing

In order to maximise the efficiency of chemical separation, separation columns, like a distillation column, typically employ a random packing method to maximise the surface area at the time of contact of liquid or vapour. A distillation column’s compact, randomly packed sections create a vast surface area for reactants to interact with while keeping column complexity to a minimum. The goal of random packing is to increase the surface area to volume ratio while minimising pressure loss.

Random column packing manufactured by one of the most trusted as well as distinct column packing manufacturers in India – Ablaze Glass Works is effective as it maximises efficiency, minimises pressure drop, and meets capacity requirements. In most cases, the trade-off between higher capacity and decreased efficiency occurs when using a high degree of random packing. On the flip side, efficiency increases at the expense of capacity when the random column packing is tiny. Because a significant pressure drop reduces performance and efficiency, a low-pressure drop is preferable.

At first, ceramics were used as random packing materials. Ceramic’s brittleness has led to its fall in popularity, but it is nevertheless put to use in places where high corrosion resistance is required. Metal and plastic are commonplace in today’s random packing materials, with other materials utilised for more niche purposes.

Types:

The capacity of large random packing is greater, but the efficiency is poor, whereas the capacity of small packing is smaller, but the efficiency is high. Consider both efficiency and capacity while deciding on the most cost-effective packaging method. Here are 5 types of Random column packing listed by one of the most distinguished column packing manufacturers in Gujarat – Ablaze Glass Works.

1.   Raschig Rings:

In Raschig ring packing, the packing bed is made from tiny bits of the tube. These little tubes typically measure around the same in length and width. Raschig rings were a predecessor to more modern packing materials. There are no bumps, divots, or ridges to be found on them. Comparatively, they are expensive and inefficient, with poor capacity and efficiency. For this reason, the range of possible uses for Raschig rings is narrow.

2.   Pall Rings:

If you’re familiar with Raschig rings, you’ll find that Pall rings are very similar but with a more refined aesthetic. Extra internal framework and external coating are also features of pall rings. The roughness of the ring’s inner walls creates dripping points that greatly improve the packing’s capacity and efficiency. Distillation and absorption are ideal uses for pall rings.

3.   Saddle Rings:

There are primarily two kinds of saddle rings: Intalox saddles as well as Berl saddles. Their name comes from the fact that they resemble miniature saddles. The length of these rings is greater than their width, setting them apart from Pall and Raschig rings. Traditional in shape, and typically shorter in length, Berl saddles are the most common type. Intalox saddles are much longer and look like macaroni that has been cut in half lengthwise to create two elongated, curving pieces. They have minute perforations and grooves that provide contact as well as a little extra surface area for better performance. Saddle rings are more efficient and effective because of the larger area they provide for vapour as well as the liquid to make contact. They work wonderfully for distillation, stripping, and absorption in the chemical industry.

4.   Lessing Rings:

Ceramic is used to make lessening rings. They’re separated internally to maximise efficiency and floor space. Their resistance to heat and corrosion is unparalleled, as is the case with all ceramic packing parts. Their properties are perfect for uses like regenerating oxide systems.

5.   Tri-Packs:

Since their introduction in the late 1970s, Tri-Packs have seen widespread use. When compared to traditional packaging methods, Tri-Packs have many benefits. Given their round form, they have little propensity to build nests or permanently set down roots. Wetting and surface area characteristics are both increased by the internal ribs. Tri-Packs are a wonderful option when you need a low-pressure drop and a high mass transfer rate. Tri-Packs can be purchased in a number of polymers, each of which has its own level of temperature as well as corrosion resistance.

Some points to think about when picking a random packing:

Before deciding on a random packing, it’s important to keep in mind the following general properties:

  • Check if it complies with the standards set by the process.
  • Check if it is a drop-in replacement for an existing packing.
  • Know how much are you familiar with the packaging as well as performance.
  • Knowledge about a certain packing type and how to use it for a given task.
  • Check if you can use it in a legal or licensing process.

You should verify these broad criteria before settling on a random column packing listed by one of the excellent column packing manufacturers in India, Ablaze Glass Works. In order to find the ideal Random column packing for your individual operation, you must be more specific in your inspection of its features, including measurement, density, surface area as well as wetting rate.

What are the various types of Batch Reactor and their Applications?

In the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, a common vessel type is called a batch reactor. This sort of jar is employed for many different processes despite its misleading name, including dissolving solids, mixing products, undergoing chemical reactions, distilling in batches, crystallising substances, extracting liquids from other liquids, and polymerizing substances. They may not always go by the title “realtor,” but rather a term that better describes their work.

As a rule, a batch reactor is indeed a storage tank that comes with an agitator and a built-in heating/cooling system. Their capacity ranges from a few ounces to over fifteen thousand gallons. Glass-lined steel, stainless steel, glass, steel, as well as unusual alloy are the most common materials used in their construction. The reactor’s top cover often has ports for charging liquids and solids. Connections at the top allow gases and vapours to be released. When discharging liquids, they often go out the bottom.

The flexibility of a robust batch reactor manufactured by an excellent batch reactor manufacturer in India is where its greatest strength lies. Multiple operations can be performed in succession within a single vessel without compromising containment. This is especially helpful when working with extremely powerful or dangerous chemicals.

Agitation:

A driveshaft in the middle of the agitator and a motor installed on top of the agitator is the standard setup. The blades of the impeller are attached to the shaft. There are many different blade designs, but generally speaking, the blades will cover around two-thirds of the reactor’s diameter. Anchor-shaped paddles, with minimal space between the vessel walls and the blade, are commonly employed for transporting and manipulating viscous goods.

Baffles are a common component of reactors that operate in a batch mode. These are fixed blades that disrupt the flow generated by the agitator’s rotation. These can be attached to the inside of the vessel’s walls or to the vessel’s outside cover.

Although advancements in agitator baffle and blade design have helped, the amount of energy available remains the limiting factor when it comes to mixing in big batch reactors. If the mixing energy is higher than 5 W/l, the cooling system may struggle to keep up with the load on a large vessel. Problems with shaft stability can also be caused by excessive loads on the agitator. In cases where thorough mixing is essential, a batch reactor is not the best choice. The use of high-speed agitators, ultrasonic mixing, or static mixers in conjunction with reduced-scale, flowing systems allows for significantly greater mixing rates than is possible with conventional methods.

Cooling as well as Heating systems:

During processing, the products within a batch reactor may either release or absorb heat. Stirring heated liquids around in storage containers is a waste of energy. It is necessary to either supply heat to or remove heat from the reactor’s contents via a cooling jacket or pipe in order to maintain the proper temperature. Batch reactors can be heated and cooled using either internal coils or external jackets. To either add or remove heat, fluid is circulated through the jacket and coils. External cooling jackets are typically chosen in the pharmaceutical as well as chemical sectors due to their convenience when cleaning the vessel.

The coefficient of heat transfer is a variable that may be considered crucial. However, it is important to remember that large batch reactors equipped with external cooling jackets are subject to severe heat transmission restrictions due to their unique architectural configuration. Even with perfect heat transfer, it is challenging to go above 100 Watts/litre. A cooling capacity of more than 10,000 W/litre can be produced by continuous reactors. However, batch reactors are not the best option for procedures that generate a lot of heat.

When working with a temperature-sensitive product, such as during crystallisation, a quick response time from the temperature control system and uniform heating and cooling from the jacket is crucial. It is possible to choose from a variety of batch reactor cooling jackets mentioned below by Ablaze Glass Works – the most reliable Batch reactor manufacturer and supplier in Gujarat.

1.  Single external jacket:

The exterior shell of the vessel is protected by a single jacket in this configuration. High-velocity heat transfer fluid is sprayed from nozzles at high pressure all the way around the jacket. The jacket’s interior temperature can be set to either warm or cool the wearer.

A single jacket is the most conventional form of outer layer for temperature regulation. However, there are still some drawbacks to this tried and true approach. Adjusting the fluid temperature in a large ship’s cooling jacket can take several minutes. This leads to a lack of responsiveness in regulating temperature. Heating or cooling can be inconsistent around the dish’s sides and bottom because of poor heat transfer fluid distribution. Heat transfer fluid input temperature can vary widely, leading to hot and cold spots at the jacket inlet sites.

2.  Half coil jacket:

To build the half coil jacket, a half-pipe is welded around the vessel’s outside to provide a semicircular flow channel. Plug flow characterises the movement of the heat transfer fluid through the channel. To transport the heat transfer fluid, a big reactor may employ more than one coil. Similarly to how one may adjust the heating or cooling in a single jacket, this system allows for individual jackets to have their own individual temperature settings.

Faster heat transfer fluid displacement is possible in a half coil jacket due to its plug flow properties. Good temperature regulation requires this. As a bonus, the even supply of heat transfer fluid between the dish’s walls and its base solves the issue of temperature differences between the two. To the same extent as the input heat transfer fluid is susceptible to large temperature swings, the single jacket design is as well.

3.  Constant flux cooling jacket:

Constant flux cooling jackets have only been around for a short amount of time. It’s not just one jacket, but rather a collection of twenty or more separate ones. The valve’s ability to regulate temperatures is based on the ability to open and close these passageways. The process temperature can be controlled without affecting the jacket temperature by adjusting the heat transfer area in this way.

The heat transfer fluid’s high velocity as well as the small length of the flow channels provide the constant flux jacket with an extremely fast temperature control response (usually less than 5 seconds). The cooling /heating flux is also consistent, much like the half coil jacket. However, unlike other jackets, this one maintains a very stable inlet temperature throughout operation. This jacket is unique in that it allows for precise measurement of process heat. By keeping tabs on the reaction rate, the user can keep tabs on addition rates, regulate crystallisation, and find the endpoints of reactions.

Applications:

The process sector frequently makes use of batch reactors. There are a wide variety of uses for batch reactors in the lab, including pilot-scale manufacturing and inducing fermentation in beverages. In addition, they have extensive application in the pharmaceutical industry. Running batch reactors can be costly and their reliability in producing consistent results is often questioned. Moreover, they are put to use in studies of reaction kinetics, volatiles, and thermodynamics. Wastewater treatment is another common application for batch reactors. They effectively decrease the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of raw water being used as an input (influent).

Why is Borosilicate Glass better than the Regular Glass?

Silicon dioxide and boron trioxide combine to form borosilicate glass. It is sturdy and can tolerate hot conditions. It retains its integrity when subjected to temperature swings that would shatter other glasses. Because of this, it finds widespread application as both kitchen and laboratory tools.

The uses of borosilicate glass:

Cookware made of borosilicate glass was the norm prior to 1980. From 1915 until the 1980s, the popular dishware brand Pyrex was produced using borosilicate glass. However, in the 1980s, Corning Glass Works, the maker of Pyrex, began replacing borosilicate glass with soda-lime glass.

Borosilicate glass is more expensive to produce than other varieties of glass, hence it is not widely utilised in the United States. Boro silicate glass is still widely used for cookware in Europe, despite the fact that many American manufacturers have shifted to utilising soda-lime glass, which is not as durable at high temperatures. Using borosilicate glass in the kitchen or the lab poses no health risks.

Due of its high chemical resistance and low toxicity, borosilicate is frequently employed in research and medical facilities, despite its higher cost. Glass of this sort is commonly used to create laboratory equipment such beakers, rods, pipettes, test tubes, graduated cylinders, as well as stopper adapters. Borosilicate glasses manufactured by Ablaze Glass Works the most prominent supplier of borosilicate glass reactors in India are standard in laboratories around the world.

Manufacturing the Borosilicate Glass:

Borosilicate glass is a little difficult as well as expensive to manufacture othe than conventional glass because it needs to be heated to extremely high temperatures. Some manufacturers have switched from utilising more expensive borosilicate glass to more affordable tempered soda-lime glass for cookware.

In the late 1800s, borosilicate glass was developed. It is composed of 80% silica, 13% boric oxide, 4% sodium oxide, and 2%-3% aluminium oxide. Regular glass is made using soda and lime, whereas borosilicate glass uses boron oxide instead. There must be at least 5% boron oxide in borosilicate glass for the sodium oxide, aluminium oxide, silicate as well as to form a cohesive matrix.

What Characteristics Does Borosilicate Glass Possess?

Borosilicate glass is resistant to thermal shock because of its thermal expansion’s low coefficient. The tension of thermal shock results from the differential expansion of various regions of a substance as its temperature rises and falls. It is less probable that a hot borosilicate dish would shatter if it is transferred from the oven to a cool counter.

Borosilicate glass, which does not contain any harmful substances like lead or bisphenol A, is a better choice for drinking glasses. Borosilicate glass, which is used by many manufacturers, is far safer than tempered soda-lime glass.

Is choosing Borosilicate Glass over Jug made from regular glass worth the cost?

There are numerous simple changes we may make to benefit the planet. When there are better alternatives, it’s wasteful to buy single-use plastic water bottles.

To take a positive step toward a healthier lifestyle, the purchase of a reusable water bottle or jug is a good place to start. If you’re trying to better your health, resist the urge to choose the cheapest solution that will do the trick. Always choose for quality over quantity, and remember that investing in durable goods manufactured by Ablaze Glass Works – one of the most popular borosilicate glass manufacturers in India is money well spent.

Final Thoughts:

The best water containers are composed of BPA- and phthalate-free borosilicate glass. It will cost more to replace this type of glass because it is both pricey and less robust than plastics.

Even so, if you take care of your borosilicate glass water jug, it should last forever. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and mug capacity. When shopping for a water jug, keep these characteristics in mind and look for one made of borosilicate glass.

Everything You need to know about Glass Reactor

A glass-lined reactor is widely utilised in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries because of its versatility and resistance to a wide variety of chemicals. The reactor is a vessel equipped with an agitator for controlled chemical mixing. The reactor manufactured by the most remarkable as well as noted glass reactors manufacturers can be operated at various temperatures and under pressure. Chemicals and gases can be introduced and cleaned out by nozzles in the reactor’s head portion. Their capacities vary but commonly sit between 63 and 16000 litres.

“Everything you need to know about Glass Reactors”

Functioning of a glass-lined reactor:

Reactors function by allowing chemicals to be placed in a sealed container and then mixing them with a centrally located agitator. To facilitate chemical mixing and the operation of the reactor, the vessel will often feature baffles to increase internal turbulence. Given the right catalysts, chemicals, pressure, temperature, and contact duration, normal chemical reactions will occur. The final form may be crystallised or liquid.

Main Components present in Glass-lined reactor:

There are many parts that make up a glass-lined reactor. These include the main body, the top portion with connecting nozzles and manway, baffles, dip pipes, agitator with mechanical seal, tank outlet valve, and jacket for thermal transfer. Bursting discs and sight glasses, two examples of smaller components utilised for pressure relief and visibility, are widely employed.

Why are blue and white colours used in Glass-Lined reactors?

The cobalt that was first formulated into glass gave it a bluish tint. When deciding on a paint colour, cleanliness and the possibility of dust buildup are major factors to consider. In cases where consumers are worried about particles of a darker hue being left behind, they will typically choose a white glass for visibility reasons. A blue glass would be used if the particles were translucent. Moreover, white glass is typically easier to see inside of, making it a better choice if you intend to observe the response while it is being run.

Applications of Glass-lined reactors:

The principal usage is chemical mixing and the variants include the pressure, temperature, gases employed (hydrogenation/chlorination) and catalysts. Glass-lined reactors offered by one of the excellent glass reactor suppliers in Gujarat are able to be cleaned to a high degree which prevents batch carryover.

Various types of glass-lined reactors:

Under DIN, there are three different types of reactors that increase in volume as their name implies. The top head part of AE, BE, and CE-style reactors can be permanently attached or removed, while the reactors themselves come in a variety of volume sizes.

Concept of Glass lining:

Powdered glass is applied to the inside of a vessel and fused to the metal using heat and pressure in a kiln to create a glass lining. There is some leeway in thickness, as well as glass type and colour, but as a rule of thumb, 2mm is adequate for most purposes.

Various quality of glasses used:

The qualities of the glass will allow for a few varied performances in the vessel. The range of pH duties spanning acidic/basic situations can also be affected by the type of glass used. The glass can also have diverse colour qualities from transparent to white and bright/dark blue as examples. Ablaze Glass Works ranks among the top borosilicate glass reactor suppliers in Vadodara.

The thickness of glass in glass-lined reactors:

The thickness stays constant at 2mm which allows for deterioration by chemical reactions in the vessel.

Glass-lined reactor Benefits:

The versatility of the chemistry that can be done in a glass reactor is a significant benefit. Stainless reactors can discharge static electricity and work well with a wide variety of solvents. However, they have restrictions in environments with certain salts and acids (Hydrochloric in particular) (Chlorides). In most cases, reactors made of stainless steel will save you money.

Concept of Spark Test in the glass-lined reactor:

Any damage to the glass or cracks in the seal between the glass and the vessel wall will be revealed by this destructive maintenance test. The frequency of inspections is recommended to be once a year but should be adjusted for the vessel’s purpose.

Inspection of Glass-lined vessels:

Spark testing and other conductive tests are the primary types. The vessels get a visual assessment upon entry as well. Once an order has arrived at the facility, the normal turnaround time is between 12 and 14 weeks.

Types of Glasses and their importance

Glass has long been recognised as a reliable means of enhancing the security of buildings of all kinds. But there are spots that need extra protection. The quality of the glass used and the care with which it was installed are crucial factors in ensuring the safety of a building’s occupants. ⁣

Due to the fragility of regular glass in the face of unintentional impacts, there is a growing demand for speciality glassware that includes increased strength, thermal stability, and security.

Types of Glasses:

1.   Toughened glass:⁣

For security reasons, this type of glass is recommended. The production of this product requires the employment of carefully monitored heat or chemical treatment techniques. It is stronger than regular “plate glass” because of the special techniques used to make it.

The exterior surface typically compresses during tempering. At the same time, strain is created on the inner surface, making the glass more durable. Instead of shattering into sharp shards like traditional “annealed” glass, this material simply crumbles to harmless granules. In addition to its obvious use, toughened glass can be found in a wide variety of other places. Ablaze Glass Works is an excellent supplier of the best quality and most durable borosilicate glass reactors.

2.   Laminated Glass:

When this glass is shuttered, it tends to remain put and not fall out of the frame. Polyvinyl butyric acid (PVB) binds it together during breakage so that it doesn’t shatter into tiny pieces. Laminated glass is constructed from two or more sheets of glass that are bonded together by a PVB interlayer for increased strength.

When broken, it shatters into large chunks that stick together in a spider web formation.

●     Laminated Glass Applications:

In hurricane-prone regions, laminated glass is frequently used for skylight glazing, automotive windshields, storefronts, windows, and curtain walls. The PVB interlayer also provides the glass with the capacity to insulate against noise and protect against ultraviolet light.

3.   Plate Glass:

The most easily broken and fragile variety of glass. In order to create flat glass, it is first melted into a solid plate and then rolled out. Liquid glass is spread out on a metal surface while still hot to form a flat sheet for use as plate glass. After it has been spread, rollers are rolled over it as it cools in order to smooth and polish it. The term “float glass” refers to the method by which plate glass is manufactured.

●     ⁣Uses of Plate Glass:⁣

Windows, mirrors, glass tables, and other flat glass applications are just some of the many places you’ll find plate glass. Plate glass has the drawback of being extremely fragile. When broken, the shards can inflict severe injury.

4.   Soda-Lime Glass:

Among the several types of glass, soda-lime is the most prevalent. Silicon dioxide is the major ingredient in this type of glass. The chemical stability and low cost of this type of glass make it a popular option. Additionally, it is quite hard and workable. Glass recycling allows us to soften and remelt this glass multiple times. This means it has multiple applications.

The raw material can then be put to use in a glass furnace for the manufacturing process. Local temperatures in the furnace should reach up to 1675 C. The raw material we utilise greatly affects the final hue of the glass. Raw material, which consists of iron oxide, can be used to make bottles of various colours, including green and brown.

Soda-lime glass, due to its chemical and physical features, can rise in viscosity steadily upon cooling. When the viscosity of the glass is high enough, it can be easily shaped into the appropriate forms. Soda-lime glass can be divided into two categories: container glass and flat glass.

5.   Borosilicate Glass:

Borosilicate glass’ excellent chemical resistance and great resilience to temperature changes have led to its widespread use. The melting behaviour and all other qualities of the glass are profoundly affected by the amount of boron oxide present in the batch. Since its chemical composition may be varied, borosilicate glass can be used to create a wide variety of products. Ablaze Glass Works is one of the most prominent as well as remarkable borosilicate glass manufacturers in India and offers the highest quality products made from borosilicate glass.

–       Borosilicate glass 3.3 – DIN 7080:

Due to its high silica content and big boron oxide dopant, this glass can withstand strong chemicals. Milling, drilling, grinding, and toughening are all possible on it. This type of glass is best suited for use in steady temperature environments because of its low coefficient of thermal expansion, strong thermal shock resistance, and extended usage at temperatures up to 450 ° C. Therefore, the designation “heat resistance glass” can also be applied to borosilicate glass of the 3.3 kinds.

Is able to function well even when the temperature drops. Has a temperature tolerance of around -196 degrees Celsius (is suitable for use in contact with liquid nitrogen). Be sure the temperature differential during thawing doesn’t go above 100 K. We propose using it down to temperatures of -70 degrees Celsius.

This glass is unaffected by moisture, acids, alkalis, or organic compounds.

–       Borosilicate glass 4.3:

We provide borosilicate glass 4.3 for use in steam and hydrostatic applications. The glass’s excellent thermal shock resistance quality results from the combination of its low thermal expansion and chemical resistance. Can function well even when temperatures are low. Can function in temperatures as low as -196 degrees Celsius. Be sure the temperature differential during thawing doesn’t go above 100 K. We propose using it down to temperatures of -70 degrees Celsius.

Soda Lime Glass v/s Borosilicate Glass:

Most glasses are made of soda-lime glass, which is composed primarily of silicon dioxide, while borosilicate glass is made up of silicon dioxide and boron trioxide. Their unique chemical makeup sets them apart from one another. Therefore, borosilicate glass consists primarily of silica and boron trioxide, while soda-lime glass consists primarily of silica. Soda-lime glass and borosilicate glass differ greatly in this respect.

Lime, aluminium oxide, silicon dioxide, dolomite, sodium carbonate, etc. are used in the manufacturing of soda-lime glass, while boric oxide, silica sand, soda ash, and alumina go into the making of borosilicate glass. The thermal resistance is another key distinction between soda-lime and borosilicate glass. Because of its low coefficient of thermal expansion, soda-lime glass can withstand temperature changes without breaking. As a result, the temperature resistance of various glasses is what ultimately decides their usefulness.

Is Borosilicate Glass better than Normal Glass?

Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that has boron trioxide and a very low thermal expansion coefficient. This means that it will not crack when exposed to high-temperature changes, unlike normal glass. It has become the most preferred choice of glass for all the laboratories, restaurants, as well as vineyards because of its endurance.

Borosilicate glass is made up of a magical component, 15% boron trioxide, that completely modifies the behaviour of glass and makes it thermal shock resistant. This makes it possible for the glass to tolerate rapid temperature changes. Only the best and leading borosilicate glass manufacturer, Ablaze Glass Works can fulfil all of your borosilicate glass needs.

Difference:

Many businesses prefer to utilise soda-lime glass for their glass goods since it is a little cheap and highly accessible. It can be used in drinking glasses, vases, furniture, and windows, and also it accounts for 90% of all manufactured glass worldwide. Glass made of soda-lime is susceptible to shock and cannot resist drastic temperature changes.

The superiority of Borosilicate Glass:

In terms of temperature, borosilicate glass has a maximum thermal shock range of 170°C (about 340°F). This is why borosilicate glass can be taken out of the kiln and placed in cold water without shattering.

Ablaze Glass Works is a leading manufacturer and seller of borosilicate glass reactors and other borosilicate glass goods. Ablaze Glass Works is the finest place to go for all of your industrial glass requirements.

Because of its chemical resistance, borosilicate glass is even used to store nuclear waste. Because boron makes the glass less soluble, it prevents undesired components from leaking into it or vice versa. In terms of overall performance, borosilicate glass exceeds regular glass.

Why choose Borosilicate Glass?

Ablaze Glass Works is one of the excellent as well as the most recognised borosilicate glass manufacturers in India.

–      It’s better for you.

You need not worry about anything that is leaching into your water because borosilicate glass is resistant to acid and chemical damage. Drinking from it is never dangerous. You also won’t have to bother about the bottle being hot and releasing harmful pollutants into the liquid you’re drinking, as is the case with plastic water bottles and their less expensive stainless steel counterparts.

–      It’s better for the environment.

Plastic bottles do severe environmental damage. They are petroleum-based and almost always end up in a lake or the ocean. Approximately 9% of all plastic is recycled. Despite this, the process of dismantling and recycling plastics does leave a considerable carbon footprint. Because it is made from naturally abundant materials that are less expensive to produce than oil, borosilicate glass has a lesser environmental impact. Borosilicate glass, when handled properly, can last a lifetime.

–      It makes things taste better.

Have you at any point drunk from plastic or stainless steel bottle and tasted like the plastic or metallic flavour you were drinking from? Due to the solvency of plastic and steel, it really saturates your water. This is both undesirable and horrendous for your wellbeing. The fluid inside stays unadulterated while utilizing borosilicate glass, and on the grounds that borosilicate glass has low solvency, it keeps your drink liberated from foreign substances.

Jacketed Glass Reactors, Heart of Chemical Process System

Jacketed Glass Reactors

In this article, we are going to discuss a Scientific Glass Equipment known as Jacketed Glass Reactor.

Scientific Glass Equipment is widely used in laboratories and industrial research labs, chemical labs, and process plants, where pilot plants are used for capturing process data.

It is a crucial stage in scale-up from laboratory to full-scale production plants. A reactor is an essential part of almost all chemical process units.

It is rightly termed as the ‘heart’ of the system since it is the most critical component. 

A Borosilicate glass reactor offers a distinctive advantage of reaction visibility, which is impossible in other construction materials.

However, traditional eating methods the contents of the glass reactor forced the users to compromise on the visibility advantage.

This triggered the development of Glass Jacketed Reactor Vessels. 

Other advantages of borosilicate glass as a process media include its non-reactive nature with practically most chemicals.

Also, it is highly corrosion resistant and hence lends itself for use with a varied range of chemical reactions with different reactants and solvents.

What is a Jacketed Glass Reactor

Jacketed Glass Reactor

A Jacketed Glass Reactor vessel is used to control the temperature of its contents, with the help of an additional glass jacket that surrounds the inner container in which the reactants are placed.

By design, a Glass Jacketed Reactor is a vessel that is enclosed by a jacket of glass where the heating/cooling fluid circulates to control the reaction temperature within the vessel. 

Heat transfer takes place through the borosilicate glass wall. The jacket is an isolated compartment around the inner vessel, and the contents of the vessel and the jacket do not come in direct contact.

The reaction media is being stirred continuously during the process of heating.

This improves the homogeneity of the reaction mass, avoids localized heating along the walls of the reactor, and ensures uniform heat throughout the reaction mass. 

The jacket is provided with a separate inlet and outlet for the heating/cooling media circulation.

Depending on the requirement, a nozzle for venting may also be provided in the jacket part. 

At times, an additional jacket is required for insulation purposes over the jacket used for heating/cooling fluid circulation.

In such cases, the double jacketed reactors (also known as triple wall reactors).

This new jacket is vacuum sealed, and hence eliminates heat loss to the atmosphere.

This allows for the process to be monitored without any frost formation on the jacket’s outer surface, thus ensuring visibility even in cryogenic reactions. 

These reactors are provided with the usual accessories of a reaction unit such as stirrer assembly with drive, valves and supporting structure.

The further reaction assembly to be connected to a vapor nozzle can also be additionally provided, if required.

Types of Jacketed Glass Reactor

These are highly customized reaction units and are designed as per customer’s requirements.

There are different capacities of Jacketed Glass reactors that are available.

The different sizes can be chosen depending on the process’s requirement, the batch size, and the solvent requirements in the batch.

Standard units are available for general reactions up to a capacity of 50 liters and are designed to fulfill the chemical and pharma industry’s actual needs.

Ablaze glass reactors are built for batch and semi-batch operation mode, with perfectly matched components and quality materials.

They conform to GMP / FDA Guidelines, and Explosion-proof installations can also be done if required. 

Ablaze is a global Scientific Borosilicate glass equipment manufacturer located at Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

These Jacketed Glass Reactors are widely used in various industries like chemical, food, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, APIs, dyes, aromatics, etc. 

Jacketed Glass Reactors Features and usage

Do you know what a jacketed glass reactor and its features and usages are? We will enlist the key elements in this section. 

A jacketed glass reactor is essentially a reactor where a glass jacket has replaced the traditional heating oil bath.

This new, improved design offers distinctive advantages during operation. 

The heating media flow can be controlled and monitored with the help of vales placed at the inlet.

A valve is not placed at the outlet of the jacket to avoid accidents.

If a valve was placed at the outlet, and it was closed by mistake, the pressure may build-up in the reactor jacket.

These design considerations from an operational point of view make Ablaze units sturdy and easy to operate. 

Heat transfer takes place across the glass wall between the inner vessel and the jacket, and the vessel is so manufactured that the jacket area always covers the nominal volume of the reactor.

The nozzles are provided with universal M16/M30 connections so that the reactor can be connected to any International reputed Temperature Control Unit (TCU).

The jacketed reactor’s jacket also acts as a cooling jacket.

A cooling jacket has the ability to stop the upward spiral of hotter temperatures increasing the rate of reaction that produces even more heat;

and cooling liquids flow through the jacket resulting in collecting heat energy from the outer surface of the reactor. 

Salient Features:

  • Complete visibility of reaction
  • Minimized heat loss to the atmosphere
  • Ease of cleaning
  • Reduced frost formation in cryogenic reactions
  • Higher heat transfer efficiency
  • Compact construction