What Is The Function Of Inert Gas in Glass Reactor?

Glass reactor is a kind of reaction equipment commonly used in chemical laboratory, which is usually used in organic synthesis, catalytic reaction, high temperature reaction and so on. Under some specific reaction conditions, inert gas needs to be filled to provide an inert atmosphere, so as to protect the reaction substances from the influence of oxygen and water vapor in the air, and at the same time, the reaction conditions can be controlled to avoid unnecessary side reactions.

Organic synthesis reaction: Many organic synthesis reactions need to be carried out in an inert atmosphere to avoid the influence of oxygen or moisture on the reaction substances. For example, in the hydrogenation reaction, it is necessary to use hydrogen as reducing agent and fill the lab glass reactor with inert gas to ensure the exclusion of oxygen during the reaction, thus ensuring the smooth progress of the reaction.

Catalytic reaction: Some catalytic reactions need to be carried out in an oxygen-free or low-oxygen environment to ensure the activity of the catalyst. By charging inert gas, the oxygen in the reaction system can be effectively eliminated, the toxic effect of oxygen on the catalyst can be reduced, and the reaction efficiency can be improved.

High temperature reaction: Under high temperature reaction conditions, such as pyrolysis, calcination and other reaction processes, inert gas can be used to dilute oxygen and water vapor, reduce the oxygen partial pressure of the reaction system, reduce the possibility of oxidation reaction, and protect the reaction products from oxidation or hydrolysis.

 

Inert gas refers to a kind of gas with very stable chemical properties and difficult to react with other substances.

 

Helium (He)

Characteristics: Helium is the most abundant gas in the universe, and the content in the earth's atmosphere is very small. Helium is a monoatomic gas, the lightest inert gas, colorless, odorless, nontoxic and very low in density. It has high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity.

Reaction type: Because it is very stable, it hardly participates in any reaction, and is mainly used for gas protection, laser technology and balloon inflation.

 

Neon (Ne)

Features: Neon is a colorless, odorless and nontoxic gas, which is a rare gas with low density. It emits orange-red light when discharging, and is widely used in neon lights.

Reaction type: Neon is also a very stable gas and does not participate in most chemical reactions. Because of its high ionization energy, it can be used to manufacture discharge tubes and lasers.

 

Argon (Ar)

• Features: Argon is a colorless, odorless and nontoxic gas with high density. It emits blue light when discharging, and is widely used in light source and welding.
• Reaction type: Argon is also a stable gas, which is not easy to react with other substances. It is often used as inert atmosphere, protective gas and cooling gas in glass reactors to provide protection and control reaction conditions.

 

Nitrogen (N2)

• Features: Nitrogen is one of the most abundant components in the air, so it is relatively easy to obtain and use. Its purity can also reach a high level through proper treatment and purification to ensure a good inert atmosphere. Compared with other inert gases, such as helium, neon, argon and krypton, the cost of nitrogen is lower, which makes it a common choice in large-scale laboratory and industrial applications. In general, it is relatively stable, and there is no obvious interference in most chemical reactions.
• Reaction type: In a glass reactor, nitrogen can be used to remove oxygen and water vapor from the air to establish an oxygen-free or hypoxia environment. This is helpful to protect the reaction substances from oxidation or hydrolysis, and improve the yield and selectivity in some organic synthesis and catalytic reactions. In addition, nitrogen can also be used to control the reaction temperature and adjust the reaction rate by cooling or heating.

 

Krypton (Kr)

• Characteristics: Krypton is a rare gas, colorless, odorless and nontoxic, with high density. It glows yellow-green when it is discharged. It contains trace amounts in the atmosphere and can be separated from liquid air by fractionation. The light bulb injected with krypton is a very bright light source, which is often used to make fluorescent lamps.
• Reaction type: Krypton is also a stable gas, which is not easy to participate in chemical reactions. It is mainly used for filling gas discharge lamps, lasers and optical instruments.

 

Xenon (Xe)

• Features: Xenon is a colorless, odorless and nontoxic gas with high density. It emits blue to green light when it is discharged. It exists in the air (about 0.0087mL xenon per 100L air) and also in the gas of hot springs. Separated from liquid air with krypton.
• Reaction type: Xenon is also a stable gas, which is not easy to react with other substances. It is widely used in gas discharge lamp and laser technology, and can also be used in medical and scientific research.

 

Radon (Rn)

• Characteristics: Radon is a colorless, odorless and toxic gas with high density. It is a radioactive gas, which usually exists in soil, water and air. Because of its radioactivity, it has a short half-life.
• Reaction type: Radon is not suitable for chemical reaction because of its instability and radioactivity. Radon is mainly used for radiotherapy and scientific research.

Safety problems that should be paid attention to when using inert gas as the ambient gas of glass reaction kettle.

 

1. Prevent the oxygen concentration from being too high: The main function of inert gas is to remove oxygen from the air to protect the reaction substances. However, if the inert gas used is insufficient or leaked, the oxygen concentration in the reactor may increase. High oxygen concentration may increase the risk of explosion or fire. Therefore, in the process of operation, we should ensure an adequate supply of inert gas, and regularly check and maintain the gas supply system.

2. Sealing performance and leakage: It is very important to ensure good sealing performance of jacketed glass reactor. Any leakage may lead to the loss of inert gas, thus affecting the reaction process. Check and maintain the sealing device of the reaction kettle regularly to ensure good sealing performance and repair any leakage problems in time.

3. Oxygen removal and ventilation: The use of inert gas in glass reactor aims to remove oxygen from the air. Before using inert gas, ensure that the air in the reactor has been completely removed, and establish an appropriate ventilation system to prevent oxygen from re-entering the reactor. During the operation, ensure the ventilation equipment to work normally to keep the gas composition of the reaction environment stable.

4. Gas pressure control: Both the supply and discharge of inert gas need to control the gas pressure. Too high or too low gas pressure may lead to safety problems or deviation of reaction conditions. Use appropriate pressure regulating devices and monitoring equipment to control the pressure of inert gas and ensure that it is always within the appropriate range.

5. Prevent the accumulation of inert gas: In the process of using inert gas, it is necessary to avoid the accumulation of inert gas in a closed space. The accumulation of inert gas may lead to the danger of hypoxia and suffocation. Therefore, in the process of operation, it is necessary to ensure adequate ventilation and air flow to avoid the accumulation of inert gas.

 

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