Heating Mantels

Heating Mantels: Set UP Because of the high temperatures of these reactions; remove all flammable materials, like solvents, from hood where reaction is being performed. Check to make sure fiberglass coating of the heating mantle is not worn or broken, and has no visible water or other chemical spills. Examine glassware for cracks and chips. Match the size of the heating mantle to the size of the flask. A heating mantle that is too big or too small will not provide a good heat transfer. Heating mantles are used with an autotransformer to control the input voltage. Don’t plug a heating mantle into a normal 110 V outlet.

Using Heating Mantels Use a lab jack to easily move sand bath up to your reaction down to cool it (or in case of an emergency) The sand level should be just below the solvent level. Monitor your reaction closely – do not leave high temp (> 100 C) reactions unattended. Cool reaction before introducing additional reagents!

Controlling Hazards Hazard Control  Hot glassware or sand can cause burns.  ear gloves that insulate from hot glassware must be handled. Remember “hot glass looks like cold glass”.  Reaction overheats (“run away”) and is a potential fire hazard. Remove the heating mantel by lowering the lab jack. Never leave your reaction unattended. Always monitor the temperature of your reaction (or sand) with the temperature probe   Fire hazard caused by torn or frayed fabric covering can expose hot liquids or corrosives to the wiring beneath. Examine the heating mantel covering for rips or worn spots, and discard if fabric layer is compromised. Blown fuses or melted socket wiring caused by plugging heating mantle directing into wall AC socket. Plug the heating mantle into the transformer that converts the AC voltage and can safety generate the required energy and heat.