User safety and overheating protection
Table of Contents
User safety
Berghof reactors are designed to ensure the safest possible working conditions. In addition to the design safety mechanisms, some precautions during installation of the reactor and some general precautions during use can help to further increase the safety of the user. The reactors should be installed in a ventilated area that can be separated from the user. This can be realized e.g. by a fume hood, glass walls or a separate room. In case of uncontrolled reactions when opening, emptying or filling the reactor, the user can separate the reactor from himself and other persons in the vicinity.
Before starting an application, check the reactor and all accessories (including O-rings) for damage. If any damage is found, do not start the application.
After closing the reactor and before starting the heating process, the user should check the tightness of the reactor. This can be done by pressurizing the reactor with compressed air, nitrogen or other non-hazardous gases. If no significant pressure drop is detected, the reaction can be continued. For reactors with a PTFE lining, a slight pressure drop can be observed in the first 5 to 10 minutes. This pressure drop is caused by a slight expansion of the lining in its steel vessel. During the time the reactor is pressurized, an adequate hose should connect the rupture disc holder to an exhaust system. Should the rupture disc rupture, this tube can safely discharge the pressurized, hot and potentially hazardous contents into the exhaust system. Before opening a reactor, the contents should have reached room temperature and the pressure must be completely released. Although a safe opening key is built into reactors BR-100 and above, it is strongly recommended that the vent valve be used with sufficient tubing to safely relieve the pressure.
Overheating protection
The electric heating jackets are equipped with a temperature limiter. This regulator sets the maximum temperature of the heater and limits it to 50-300°C.