Choosing the correct laboratory heating equipment is essential for multiple uses in industries that contain laboratories.
These uses include quality assurance, product development, and process control. The type of heating equipment chosen has a direct effect on the efficiency and accuracy of processes. Examples of such processes include measuring moisture content in solids, facilitating chemical reactions, distilling liquids, and refining compounds.
When selecting heaters for these applications, it's important to consider the container type and desired application.
Beakers vs Flasks
Liquids can be heated in either flasks or beakers, depending on the application. Beakers, with their cylindrical shape, are best for heating liquids that will not be stirred. They are used for heating liquids that need to be measured or transferred from one container to another.
In contrast, round or conical flasks allow for easy swirling without spillage, making them suitable for various heating applications.
Beaker Heating Options:
GBH Beaker Heaters
The BriskHeat are designed for maximum efficiency. They provide full coverage around the beaker, so the entire surface is in contact with the heating element. This ensures the contents are heated quickly and efficiently. The heaters have hook and loop fasteners on both ends to secure it against the walls of the beaker.
Application Example: Ideal for heating liquids that will be reacting with one another. They are also used to heat multiple test tubes in a water bath to provide uniform heating.
Flask Heating Options:
HM Lower Hemispherical Cloth Mantles
The is designed to sit on a basket ring stand and often used during distillation where vapors from the flask are transferred to other glass containers. A clamp should be used to ensure the flask does not slip from the stand.
Pro Tip: An can be added to encapsulate the entire bulb with heat.
Application Example: Perfect for distillation processes, this simple heater is designed to sit on a basket ring stand, allowing vapors to transfer from the flask to other glass containers.
Tabletop Cloth Heating Mantles
A is an economical way to heat the bottom half of a flask. The flat bottom securely holds the flask. Insulation protects the surface under the heater from getting too hot.
Application Example: This Mantle is ideal for applications like solvent extraction, where the heated liquid doesn't need to be stirred.
Metal-Housed Heating Mantles
are offered in a wide range of sizes and offer different features. These provide the most security in preventing accidental spills. Some models are available with to facilitate constant mixing of the liquid being heated. An optional Time-Percentage controller turns heat on and off based on time intervals rather than temperature.
Application Example: These mantles are designed to prevent accidental spills and ideal for applications that require constant mixing, such as chemical synthesis.
For Control and Safety
Most beaker and flask heaters require a temperature controller. Add a BriskHeat or with temperature sensor to provide accurate temperature control.
For added safety, consider using an High Limit Safety cut off with a separate thermocouple that can be used to monitor the process control temperature or even surrounding surfaces. The setpoint will trigger the temperature controller to cut power, preventing damage to the process or equipment.
Pro Tip: When using temperature sensors, they should be placed between the heater and glassware to allow for heating to the desired temperature.
