Hydrothermal reactors are common equipment in chemical experiments and are widely used in fields such as material synthesis, catalytic reactions, and drug research. Since the use of the reactor involves high temperature and high pressure, and the reaction products may adhere to the container wall, it is particularly important to clean the hydrothermal reactor regularly. Here is how to effectively clean the hydrothermal reactor.
Preparation before cleaning
Make sure the reactor has cooled down
The hydrothermal reactor after use needs to be completely cooled to room temperature before cleaning to avoid burns or damage to the equipment during operation. The outside of the hydrothermal reactor can be touched by hand to determine the temperature to ensure that it is not hot.
Disassembly of accessories
Hydrothermal reactors usually have multiple accessories, such as sealing rings, air valves, temperature sensors, etc. Be careful when disassembling to avoid damage. During the disassembly process, it is recommended to record the disassembly order and installation position of each component so that it can be reassembled after cleaning.
General cleaning steps
Cleaning the external surface
Use warm water and neutral detergent to gently wipe the external surface of the hydrothermal reactor. Avoid using strong acid or strong alkaline detergents to avoid corrosion of the reactor material. Wipe the surface stains with a damp cloth, then wipe with a dry cloth to keep the surface clean.
Clean the inside of the reactor
Depending on the use of the hydrothermal reactor, there may be residual chemicals or reaction products inside. First, pour out the residual substances inside the hydrothermal reactor equipment, and then rinse it repeatedly with deionized water or distilled water several times to remove most of the residues.
For more stubborn reaction products, you can choose to use an acidic solution (such as 10% hydrochloric acid or acetic acid solution) to soak the inside of the reactor, let it stand for a certain period of time, and then brush it. This method has a good effect on removing the accumulation of metal oxides or organic matter.
Use a soft brush or sponge
To avoid scratching the inner wall of the hydrothermal reactor, use a soft brush or sponge for cleaning. It is not recommended to use a wire brush or hard brush. For deposits with more accumulation, it is recommended to use a small brush for detailed cleaning, especially in the corners and gaps of the hydrothermal reactor.
Remove the air valve and seal ring
The air valve and seal ring are prone to accumulate chemical residues. When cleaning, you can use a cotton swab or brush dipped in a detergent to wipe them. For the seal ring, use a neutral detergent and avoid excessive force to prevent damage. After cleaning, check whether the seal ring is intact and replace it if necessary.
Drying and inspection
Drying treatment
After cleaning, the hydrothermal reactor should be wiped dry inside and outside and placed in a ventilated place to dry naturally. Avoid using high-temperature heaters or dryers to avoid thermal damage to the hydrothermal reactor. Make sure that the inside of the reactor is completely dry to prevent corrosion caused by residual moisture.
Check the tightness of the reactor
After drying, reassemble the hydrothermal reactor and check its tightness. Check whether the seal ring, air valve and other components are intact to ensure that there is no air leakage. You can manually tighten the lid of the reactor to confirm whether it can be closed smoothly.
Regular maintenance
It is recommended to thoroughly clean and inspect the hydrothermal reactor every once in a while to avoid problems during long-term use. In addition, for reactors that are used for a long time or special chemicals, replace wearing parts such as seal rings and air valves regularly to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.
Summary
Cleaning the hydrothermal synthesis reactor is an important measure to maintain its performance and extend its service life. The correct cleaning method can effectively remove residual chemicals, avoid cross-contamination, and ensure that the reactor is in good condition for the next use. During the cleaning process, pay attention to operational safety and use appropriate cleaning agents and tools to avoid damage to the reactor. Regular maintenance and inspection can not only ensure the safe operation of the hydrothermal reactor, but also improve the accuracy and reliability of the experiment.