Borosilicate glass reactor

Introduction

A borosilicate glass reactor is a laboratory reactor with a borosilicate glass vessel, used for the chemical reactions, the synthesis, the extraction, and the distillation under the controlled conditions, and it is used in the chemistry, the pharmaceutical, the chemical engineering, and the research laboratories. The borosilicate glass reactor consists of a borosilicate glass vessel, which provides the chemical resistance and the transparency, a stirring system, a heating and a cooling system, a reflux condenser, and the inlets and the outlets for the addition and the sampling, and it provides the controlled conditions for the reactions, such as the temperature, the stirring, and the reflux, with features such as the adjustable stirring speed, the temperature control, and the vacuum connection; the borosilicate glass reactor is used for the chemical synthesis, for the reactions at the controlled temperature, for the distillation and the reflux, for the extraction, for the crystallization, for the reactions under the vacuum, and for many other applications, and it is available in various capacities, from the small laboratory models to the larger models, with the various configurations, such as the single layer and the jacketed reactors; the borosilicate glass reactor is an essential instrument for the reactions in the laboratory, and the borosilicate glass provides the excellent chemical resistance and the visibility of the reaction. Borosilicate glass reactors are used in the chemistry laboratories, in the pharmaceutical industry, in the chemical engineering, in the research institutions, and for many other applications. With their borosilicate glass vessel, borosilicate glass reactors are essential for the laboratory reactions.

Borosilicate Glass Reactor LBGR-T2010

Borosilicate Glass Reactor offers a 100 reactions without frequent batch changes. The double-layer glass design supports stable heat exchange for controlled thermal performance. Its stir...

Send Inquiry View more

Standards

ISO 3585:1998-Borosilicate glass 3.3-Properties

Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.

Features

1. Borosilicate glass reactor for chemical synthesis, distillation and process development with high chemical resistance.

2. Single or jacketed glass vessel made of borosilicate glass 3.3 with overhead stirrer, condenser and temperature control.

3. Suitable for chemical, pharmaceutical, biotech, food, cosmetic and research laboratories for synthesis and scale-up.

4. Includes glass vessel, overhead stirrer, condenser, feed tank, temperature probe, stand and operation manual.

5. Supports batch reactions, distillation, reflux, extraction, crystallization and heating/cooling with borosilicate glass transparency.

FAQ

Q1: What testing scenarios is this reactor mainly applied to?

A: The borosilicate glass reactor is used in chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, cosmetic, and research laboratories for controlled chemical reactions, synthesis, distillation, and process development, where borosilicate glass 3.3 provides excellent chemical resistance (to acids, solvents, water) and thermal shock resistance, while transparency allows visual monitoring of the reaction. It supports chemical synthesis (organic synthesis, polymerization, condensation, oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, esterification, Grignard reactions - controlled temperature, stirring, reagent addition under inert atmosphere; glass is inert to most chemicals), pharmaceutical (API synthesis and scale-up, crystallization, salt formation, solvent recovery, process development (lab to pilot), cGMP production; glass is cleanable, non-contaminating, suitable for pharma), biotechnology (cell culture (if suitable), fermentation, enzyme reactions, protein precipitation, bioconversion), food and beverage (flavor extraction, essential oil distillation, reaction of food-grade ingredients, crystallization of sugars/sweeteners; borosilicate is food-safe), cosmetic and personal care (emulsion preparation, cream/lotion synthesis, fragrance extraction, surfactant reactions), chemical process development (optimization of reaction parameters, scale-up from lab (1-5 L) to pilot (10-100 L), kinetic studies), and academic/research (teaching, research, method development). Borosilicate glass 3.3 (e.g., Pyrex, Duran, Schott) is the standard material for lab glass reactors: high chemical resistance (hydrolytic class 1, acid resistance class 1, alkali resistance class 2), low thermal expansion coefficient (3.3 x 10^-6/K) giving good thermal shock resistance, transparent (visible monitoring), and smooth non-porous surface (easy to clean, no contamination). Can be single-wall (heated via mantle/oil bath) or jacketed (heating/cooling fluid circulates through jacket for precise temp control). This is similar to 3296 (jacketed glass reactor) but specified as borosilicate glass (material emphasis) - may include both jacketed and single-wall configurations. See 3296 for detailed reactor application, standards, operation, and safety - this entry focuses on borosilicate glass properties.

Q2: What standards does the reactor comply with?

A: The borosilicate glass reactor follows relevant ISO, ASTM, IEC, FDA and GB/T standards including ISO 3585 (borosilicate glass 3.3 - properties), ISO 1778 (laboratory glassware - general purpose), ASTM E438 (standard specification for glasses in laboratory apparatus - type I class A (borosilicate 3.3)), IEC 61010 (laboratory electrical equipment safety - for stirrer/temperature controller), FDA 21 CFR (if pharmaceutical/food contact - borosilicate glass is generally recognized as safe (GRAS)), and GB/T standards for laboratory glassware and glass reactors. The hardware complies with glass quality (borosilicate 3.3 per ISO 3585/ASTM E438 - hydrolytic class 1, acid class 1, alkali class 2, thermal expansion 3.3 x 10^-6/K), pressure/vacuum ratings (glass vessels have specific limits - typically full vacuum to slight positive pressure; do not exceed), and electrical safety (stirrer, controller per IEC 61010). For pharmaceutical use, follow cGMP (21 CFR Part 211), equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), and material traceability (glass certificates (DIN/ISO 3585), stirrer material certificates (PTFE, 316L stainless steel)). For food use, follow FDA food contact regulations and applicable food-grade standards. For pressure operation, follow pressure vessel safety (glass is typically not for high pressure - use autoclave). For solvent use, follow fire/explosion safety. For regulated industries, maintain calibration records (temperature probe, stirrer speed) and equipment logs. Borosilicate glass 3.3 is the specified material - verify with manufacturer certificate (not all glass reactors use true borosilicate 3.3; some use soda-lime or lower borosilicate).

Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole reactor and key components?

A: The whole borosilicate glass reactor is covered by a 12-24 month warranty (lab equipment often 1-2 years; glass may have shorter warranty due to fragility). The stand, overhead stirrer motor, temperature controller, and metal fittings are covered, while glass vessel (wear/breakable - borosilicate is durable but can crack from thermal shock, impact, overpressure; handle carefully; some warranty excludes glass breakage), seals/gaskets (PTFE, silicone - wear from chemical attack/heat, replace periodically), stirrer shaft/blade (wear, especially PTFE coating), and hoses (for jacket fluid - wear from heat/chemicals) are consumables/accessories. Damage from improper use, thermal shock (rapid temperature change - hot glass + cold coolant = crack; always heat/cool gradually), overpressure (exceeding glass rating - can implode/explode), dropping/impact (glass is fragile), using incompatible chemicals (HF attacks glass; strong bases at high temp etch borosilicate; verify compatibility), dry heating (jacket must have fluid when heating - cracks glass), or unauthorized repair is excluded. Extended warranty and service contracts (preventive maintenance, calibration) may be available. Borosilicate glass vessel lifespan: 3-10 years with proper care (thermal shock resistance is better than soda-lime but still breakable); stirrer motor 5-10 years; seals 1-3 years. See 3296 for detailed warranty.

Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?

A: Operation requires trained chemistry/lab personnel (familiar with chemical reactions, glassware, hazardous materials, temperature control). We provide operation manuals, installation, and training (typically 1-3 days). Proper setup (place reactor on stable, level bench or floor stand, assemble glass components with proper clamps/supports (glass must not be under stress - leave room for thermal expansion), connect jacket hoses (if jacketed) to heating/circulator, connect overhead stirrer (secure shaft, ensure blade does not touch vessel), connect temperature probe, connect vacuum/inert gas, connect cooling water to condenser, verify all connections tight), pre-operation checks (inspect borosilicate glass for cracks/stars (do not use cracked glass - can fail catastrophically; borosilicate is more thermally resistant but still cracks from impact/thermal shock), verify jacket fluid level, ensure stirrer rotates freely, check seals/gaskets), operation (add reactants/solvent (do not fill >2/3 volume), start stirrer (low speed, increase gradually), start jacket circulation (set temperature - heat/cool gradually to avoid thermal shock; borosilicate handles thermal gradients better than soda-lime but still avoid extreme rapid changes), add reagents via addition funnel, maintain inert atmosphere if needed, monitor reaction (visually through glass - key advantage of glass), post-operation (stop heating, allow gradual cooling, stop stirrer, release vacuum/gas, discharge product, clean reactor (rinse with solvent, then water/detergent; do not use abrasive brushes on glass (scratches weaken borosilicate; scratches become stress concentration points), dry thoroughly), maintenance (daily: wipe exterior, check jacket fluid, inspect glass; weekly: inspect seals, check stirrer alignment; monthly: verify temperature calibration, inspect hoses; semi-annually/annually: professional maintenance, pressure/vacuum test of glass vessel), troubleshooting (temperature not reaching (jacket fluid low, air lock, circulator failure, insulation poor - check, bleed air), stirrer not rotating (motor failure, shaft binding, overload - reduce speed, check), seal leak (seal worn, over-tightened, misaligned - replace), glass crack/leak (thermal shock, impact, overpressure, chemical attack (HF, hot base) - STOP, do not use cracked glass, replace), jacket leak (hose loose/cracked, glass jacket cracked - check), and safety (GLASS HAZARD (borosilicate glass can break/implode/explode - wear safety glasses/face shield, lab coat, gloves; do not use cracked glass; never exceed pressure/vacuum rating; use blast shield; thermal shock is main risk - heat/cool gradually (<5 C/min); borosilicate has better thermal shock resistance than soda-lime but not immune), CHEMICAL HAZARD (reactions may involve flammable, corrosive, toxic chemicals - fume hood, PPE, know SDS; exothermic reactions can runaway - cooling, controlled addition; borosilicate is resistant to most acids and solvents but NOT hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hot strong bases (NaOH/KOH >100 C) which etch/attack glass; verify chemical compatibility), PRESSURE/VACUUM (glass for atmospheric/mild vacuum only; do NOT pressurize unless rated; under vacuum beware implosion), THERMAL SHOCK (do not add cold coolant to hot jacket or hot fluid to cold glass; borosilicate 3.3 has low expansion (3.3e-6/K) but still cracks from extreme rapid changes; gradual heating/cooling), OVERFILLING (max 2/3 volume), STIRRER (do not start high speed; ensure blade does not touch glass (scratches/cracks borosilicate), do not run dry), ELECTRICAL (proper grounding, keep away from solvent vapors), do not leave reaction unattended (especially exothermic or distillation), for pharma/food: follow cGMP (cleaning validation, batch records), handle glass carefully (support all joints, do not stress, use proper clamps; borosilicate is stronger than soda-lime but still brittle)) are critical. See 3296 for detailed reactor operation and safety.

Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?

A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.

Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?

A: Calibration/performance verification recommended every 6-12 months: temperature probe calibration (with certified thermometer at multiple points; accuracy +/- 0.5 C), stirrer speed calibration (with tachometer), and temperature uniformity. Routine checks: temperature probe verification before critical reactions, stirrer speed check, glass inspection (cracks) before each use. For GMP/pharma labs, follow applicable schedules and maintain records (calibration certificates, as-found/as-left data, probe ID, equipment logs). Glass vessel integrity: pressure/vacuum leak test annually or after any impact/repair. Heating/cooling circulator calibrated separately. For pharma cGMP, equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) initially and re-qualification periodically. Borosilicate glass does not degrade chemically under normal use, but scratches and thermal stress can accumulate - inspect regularly. See 3296 for detailed calibration.

Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?

A: Seals/gaskets (PTFE, silicone, Viton - specific to reactor joint size (standard ground glass joints NS 24/40, 29/42; use appropriate size/material for chemical compatibility), stirrer shaft/blade (specific to reactor size/stirrer; PTFE or 316L), hoses (for jacket fluid - standard rubber/silicone, heat-resistant), glass components (condenser, addition funnel, adapters - standard ground glass joints are somewhat universal (ISO/ASTM joint sizes), but use manufacturer-compatible for proper fit), temperature probe (specific to controller), and cleaning supplies are available from lab supply companies (Chemglass, Ace Glass, VWR, Sigma), though seals and stirrers are often reactor-specific (use OEM or certified compatible with correct dimensions/materials). Long-term consumable cost includes seal/gasket replacement (periodic), stirrer blade (if worn/broken), and occasional glass replacement (if broken - expensive). Borosilicate glass components (condensers, flasks) are universal if standard joint sizes. See 3296 for detailed consumables.

Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?

A: Customization includes volume (1 L, 2 L, 5 L, 10 L, 20 L, 50 L, 100 L, 200 L), vessel design (single wall (heated via mantle/oil bath) or jacketed (heating/cooling circulation; more precise temp control), cylindrical or spherical bottom, bottom discharge valve), glass material (borosilicate glass 3.3 (standard, specified) - verify with certificate; not soda-lime or low-borosilicate), number/type of ports (4-neck, 6-neck lid; ports for stirrer, condenser, addition funnel, thermometer, vacuum, inert gas, sampling, pH probe), stirrer (overhead stirrer with PTFE or 316L shaft; blade type (anchor, paddle, turbine, PTFE); speed range; explosion-proof motor (ATEX) for flammable solvents), temperature control (ambient to 200-250 C heating; -20 to -80 C cooling (with chiller); precision +/- 0.1-0.5 C; digital PID controller with ramp/soak), pressure/vacuum (full vacuum to slight positive pressure (typically -1 to +0.5 bar); do not exceed glass rating), materials (borosilicate glass 3.3 vessel; PTFE seals/stirrers (chemical resistance); 316L stainless steel (for parts); silicone/Viton gaskets), accessories (reflux condenser, addition funnel (pressure-equalizing), distillation head, receiver flask, vacuum pump, heating/cooling circulator (oil/water), chiller, inert gas (N2/Ar) setup, pH probe, data logging/software, explosion-proof (ATEX) for hazardous areas, validation package (IQ/OQ/PQ for pharma), certifications (CE, ISO, FDA food contact, ATEX, ISO 3585 glass certificate), language and accessories. Additional glassware, circulator, and accessories can be ordered separately. See 3296 for detailed customization.

Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?

A: Standard delivery includes borosilicate glass reactor (vessel, lid, stirrer, basic accessories), stand, temperature controller, and instruction manual. On-site installation, commissioning, and operator training ARE typically included or strongly recommended for glass reactors (glass assembly requires proper setup (clamping, alignment, seal installation), heating/cooling circulator integration, leak testing, and user training on safe operation (thermal shock, pressure/vacuum, chemical handling, borosilicate glass care); installation by manufacturer or certified technician is standard, especially for >10 L or automated systems). For small lab reactors (1-5 L): self-assembly is possible with manual guidance, but initial training on safe operation is recommended. Always inspect glass for damage, test for leaks, and verify temperature/stirrer before first use. See 3296 for detailed installation.

Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?

A: The borosilicate glass reactor handles various chemical reactions and materials including organic chemicals (solvents, reagents, monomers, polymers - synthesis, polymerization, distillation, crystallization), pharmaceutical intermediates and APIs (synthesis, crystallization, salt formation, solvent recovery), food-grade ingredients (flavors, fragrances, essential oils, extracts, sugars - distillation, extraction, reaction; use food-grade materials), cosmetics/personal care (emulsions, creams, surfactants, fragrances), and aqueous/organic solutions. Borosilicate glass 3.3 is compatible with: most acids (HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, acetic acid - excellent resistance), organic solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetone, toluene, hexane, THF, DMF - excellent), water/salt solutions, and mild bases at room temp. NOT compatible with: Hydrofluoric acid (HF) - etches/attacks borosilicate glass rapidly (use PTFE or plastic vessels), strong bases (NaOH, KOH) at high temperature (>100 C) and high concentration - etches borosilicate over time (use PTFE-lined or limit exposure; at room temp dilute bases are OK for short periods), phosphoric acid at high temp (can attack), very high pressure (>0.5-1 bar positive pressure) - glass not rated (use metal autoclave), extremely rapid temperature changes (thermal shock cracks glass - heat/cool gradually; borosilicate 3.3 is more resistant than soda-lime but not immune), dry heating (jacket must have circulating fluid when heating; dry heat cracks glass), samples that foam/boil over (do not overfill; use anti-foam, larger vessel), highly exothermic reactions without proper cooling/capacity (can runaway - ensure circulator capacity and controlled addition), and materials that attack PTFE/stirrers (some molten alkali metals, certain fluorinated compounds at high temp - verify compatibility). Also not for: high-temperature molten metals/salts (>250 C, beyond glass/circulator rating), reactions requiring high pressure (use autoclave), and large-scale production (>200 L, use pilot plant glass-lined steel reactors). IMPORTANT: Borosilicate glass reactor fundamentals: (1) What is borosilicate glass 3.3? A type of glass with ~80% SiO2, 12-13% B2O3, 4% Na2O/K2O, 2-3% Al2O3. Key properties: - Low thermal expansion coefficient: 3.3 x 10^-6/K (vs soda-lime ~9 x 10^-6/K) -> good thermal shock resistance (can withstand ~150 C sudden temp difference vs ~50 C for soda-lime). - High chemical resistance: Hydrolytic class 1 (ISO 719), acid resistance class 1 (ISO 1776), alkali resistance class 2 (ISO 695). - Transparent (visible light), smooth non-porous surface. - Max continuous use temp: ~500 C (short term 560 C); annealing point ~560 C. - Brands: Pyrex (Corning), Duran (Schott), Simax, Borofloat. - Standard for laboratory glassware (beakers, flasks, reactors). (2) Borosilicate vs other glass: - Soda-lime glass: Cheaper, lower chemical/thermal resistance, used for bottles/windows, not for reactors. - Quartz (fused silica): Higher temp (>1000 C), UV transparent, more expensive, for high-temp/UV applications. - PTFE/Teflon: For HF, strong bases, but opaque, lower temp (<260 C). - Glass-lined steel: For industrial scale (>1000 L), high pressure, but not transparent, expensive. (3) Chemical compatibility of borosilicate 3.3: - Excellent: Water, most acids (HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, H3PO4 at room temp), organic solvents, salts, oxidizing agents. - Good: Dilute bases at room temp. - Poor/attack: Hydrofluoric acid (HF) at any concentration, hot concentrated bases (NaOH/KOH >100 C), hot phosphoric acid (>100 C), strong alkali solutions over time. - Note: Even resistant chemicals can cause slow leaching at high temp/long exposure. For critical applications, verify with manufacturer compatibility chart. (4) Jacketed vs single-wall: - Jacketed: Double-walled, fluid circulates between walls for precise heating/cooling. Best for controlled reactions, distillation, crystallization. More expensive, requires circulator. - Single-wall: One wall, heated via heating mantle or oil bath. Simpler, cheaper, but less precise temp control, slower heating/cooling. For basic reflux/distillation. (5) Safety with borosilicate glass: - Thermal shock: #1 risk. Even borosilicate cracks from rapid temp changes. Heat/cool gradually (<5 C/min). Do not put cold coolant in hot jacket. - Impact: Glass is brittle. Do not bump, use proper clamps, support all joints. - Pressure: Glass reactors are for atmospheric or mild vacuum. Do NOT pressurize. If pressure needed, use metal autoclave. - Vacuum: Implosion risk. Use blast shield, face shield. Inspect for cracks before use. - HF/base: Do not use with HF or hot concentrated bases (etches glass, weakens, can fail). - Scratches: Scratches are stress concentration points. Do not use abrasive brushes. Inspect for scratches (deep scratches can cause failure). (6) Common reactor setups: - Reflux: Reactor + condenser (cooling water) - heat reaction, condense vapors back. Prevents solvent loss. - Distillation: Reactor + distillation head + condenser + receiver - separate components by boiling point. - Vacuum distillation: Add vacuum pump - lower boiling points for heat-sensitive materials. - Addition: Addition funnel (pressure-equalizing) - controlled reagent addition for exothermic reactions. - Inert atmosphere: N2/Ar inlet + bubbler - for air/moisture sensitive reactions (Grignard, organometallics). - Crystallization: Jacketed reactor with slow cooling - controlled crystal formation. (7) Choosing the right glass reactor: - Material: Verify borosilicate 3.3 (ask for certificate ISO 3585). Avoid cheap soda-lime reactors. - Volume: 1-5 L lab, 10-50 L pilot, 100-200 L scale-up. - Jacketed: For temp control (most synthesis). Single-wall: For simple reflux/distillation. - Temp range: Ambient-200 C standard; low temp (-80 C) needs chiller. - Pressure: Atmospheric/vacuum standard; high pressure needs autoclave. - Automation: Manual (basic) vs automated (software, data logging, recipe control) for GMP/scale-up. - Hazardous location: Explosion-proof (ATEX) for flammable solvents. (8) This vs 3296 (jacketed glass reactor): Both are glass reactors. 3296 emphasizes jacketed design; 3284 emphasizes borosilicate glass material. In practice, most jacketed glass reactors ARE made of borosilicate 3.3. The content is complementary - 3296 covers jacketed operation in detail; 3284 covers borosilicate glass properties and compatibility. For a user choosing, the key is: ensure the reactor is true borosilicate 3.3 (not soda-lime), and choose jacketed if precise temp control is needed.