Parr Instrument Series 5100 - Manual (Page 6)

P a r r I n s t r u m e n t C o m p a n y
5100 Low Pressure Reactors
6
Installation
Pressure and Temperature Limits
The maximum working conditions for Parr vessels
are stamped on the cylinder. No attempt should
be made to increase these limits by making altera-
tions or by substituting components which are not
recommended by the Parr Instrument Company. It
must also be understood that lower pressure and
temperature limits may be required for modified
reactors and for vessels made of special alloys.
Limits for such vessels will be determined by the
physical characteristics of the vessel material and
will be prescribed on an individual basis.
Working temperatures up to 225 °C are permissible
in reactors equipped with fluoroelastomer (FKM)
O-ring seals, such as Viton®. The higher the operat-
ing temperature above 200 °C, the shorter the life of
the O-ring will be. Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) O-ring
seals such as Kalrez® have a broad chemical resis-
tance. Unfortunately, they are very expensive and
will generally be reserved for unique applications.
Ethylene propylene (EP) O-rings can be used to 170
°C and are recommended for applications where
solvents such as ammonia and amines which will
rapidly destroy fluoroelastomer O-rings.
The maximum working pressure and temperature
for any vessel is governed by the design of the
vessel and the strength of the material from which
it is constructed. There is also a close relationship
between working pressure and temperature since
the strength of any material will normally fall off
as the temperature is increased. Temperature and
pressure limits are also affected by the physical
properties and temperature limits of the gaskets and
seals used in the vessel, and by any valves, gages
or other fittings attached to the vessel. Obviously,
the safe operating pressure of any system can be no
higher than that of its lowest rated component.
All Parr reactors show the maximum safe operating
pressure and temperature imprinted on the cylinder.
The working pressure and temperature in these 160
mL to 1.5 L reactors must not exceed the following
maximum limits:
Pressure and Temperature Limits
Vessel
Material Maximum
Pressure Maximum
Temperature
Glass 150 psi 225 °C
T316 SS 1000 psi 225 °C
Assemble the Reactor
These reactors require at least 10 inches of work-
space from walls or flammable materials on a
sturdy bench, table, or floor in a well ventilated area
with convenient access to an electric outlet, running
water, and a drain. If the tabletop is not heat resis-
tant it would be ideal to provide an insulated pad on
which to set the vessel when it is hot.
Review the following instructions first, prior to as-
sembling the reactor.
1. Set the stand in the workspace.
Bolt the stand to a workbench or to the
floor using the holes in the base plate.
Place the head assembly in the stand. Make sure
the O-ring that seals the head and the cylinder
together is installed in the head groove.
Two types of glass cylinders can be used with
this apparatus (jacketed and non-jacketed) If
a jacketed cylinder is being used, remove the
jacket connection hoses, if present. A pair of
split rings, with thumbscrews, is used to join the
head and the cylinder flanges. The split rings are
lined at the bottom with plastic cushions that
eliminate metal against glass contact that could
result in dangerous point loading on the glass.
Examine the plastic cushions carefully. If they
are cracked or otherwise appear damaged, they
should be replaced.
CAUTION! Take care when handling the
glass cylinder. If any of the pressure or
load bearing surfaces become chipped
or scratched, the pressure rating of the
cylinder will be compromised.
If a metal cylinder is also being used with this
apparatus, note that the split rings differ from
those provided for a glass cylinder. Split rings
intended for sealing a metal cylinder to a metal
head should not be used with glass cylinders.
A clasp system on both ends of the split rings
is used to ensure proper alignment when as-
sembled. Before using the split rings to mate
the head and the cylinder, make sure the three
thumbscrews on each half ring are backed off so
that the end of the screw is flush with the inside
of the split ring. Both sets of split rings feature
thumb screws to be installed finger-tight.