Distillation Set-Up Insulation

jsumner · Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:59 pm

Can anyone recommend cheap, easy to find, not glass wool based insulation to use for wrapping both flask and inlet fitting to condensor. I hate glass wool as I do not like gloves and without gloves, even with sometimes, you are itching for days after even getting with 10 feet of this stuff. I am sure there must be something that is say 2" wide and very pliable so you can wrap it easily. It also needs a decent R value and should withstand temps to 300C without smoking.

Any tips??? Thanks.

monkichi · Fri Apr 01, 2005 3:09 am

rockwool

Vitriodor · Fri Apr 01, 2005 4:21 am

I sometimes wrap my inlet to the condensor with heavy duty cotton-wool and aluminum foil. This will stay in place but if necessary you can put some metal wire or rubber band around it to fixate it.

Vit

ApprenticeCook · DILLIGAF

I have on all my glassware from neck of the flask to the end of the condenser thermal insulation made from aluminium foil (several layers wrapped around the surface) followed by a wrap of the pvc pipe insulation jackets you buy in hardware stores (black foamy/plasticy crap) sold in long tubes, slice down to open them up and cut to the length. I suecure it in place with lengths of twist ties tightly round the insulation... works incredibly well.

-AC

bio · Working Bee

.
........................ I am sure there must be something that is say 2" wide and very pliable so you can wrap it easily. It also needs a decent R value and should withstand temps to 300C without smoking....................

It's called fiberglass cloth found at marine stores. Available in rolls and different widths. Get the type with the edges sewn or use a little silicone RTV
on the edges as it unravels otherwise. Ceramic blanket is better though.

IndoleAmine · Dreamreader Deluxe

Marine glassfiber cloth sounds GOOD!
(most otc is aluminium foil, several layers and slightly crumbled, attached with wire to keep it in place)

i_a

jsumner · Fri Apr 01, 2005 10:47 pm

I appreciate teh feedback. I just can't stand glass wool amd was sure there is somethng new out there. You all are great.

Very Happy

icecool · Insistent Chemist

There is this foamy tube which can be clicked into eachother.
It is to isolate tubes which become warm.
It does withstand very hot temperatures don't know for sure if it can with stand 300*C but anyway it works fine up to 270*C (tested by SWIM).
And Al foil of course a lot of layers works fine...

DjTime · Chemical Dj

This is what i do. I take the heavy duty alu foil and roll out about 2 feet. Cut it in half. I then roll out about 4 feet of heavy duty paper towl like Viva. And the make a sandwhich of the two and use electrical tape to seal it. It works great. And very cheap.

IndoleAmine · Dreamreader Deluxe

The heating tube insulation - yes sure, why did nobody have this idea several years ago already?? Where SWIA lives, these foamy pipe protections are everywhere.... Cool

(layering aluminum foil and kitchen paper cloth is not good; what if the temp. rises to more than 140°C? The paper will start to burn....

i_a

ApprenticeCook · DILLIGAF

you talking bout my idea i_a?

ive been doing this for ages.. thought it was common practice, insulation tubes for hot water pipes. But just be careful cause i doubt they would put up with my direct heat, i only use it on my vigurex --> distill head --> condenser, no where else..
i use just alu foil on the top of my flasks although i am trying to make some kind of cap, a stiff cap of alu foil and fibreglass then i can just slot it over the top of the flask necks instead of fidly wrapping it each time... Evil or Very Mad

-AC

DjTime · Chemical Dj

aluminum foil works well for me, ive never had it catch on fire, and ive had it well above 140...,.... Like I said it's cheap.

IndoleAmine · Dreamreader Deluxe

What bothers me is the use of

ApprenticeCook · DILLIGAF

thanks i_a
Might get the camera out so i can take a snap shot of my vigurex column, it looks like a strapped ham.... haha

-AC

jsumner · Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:01 pm

I would also say that an old sweatshirt is not a good idea either. I plan to have a little look see around the hardware store for that hot water pipe insulation. Thanks everyone.