The Vespiary

The Hive => Newbee Forum => Topic started by: neopharmaphobia on October 20, 2003, 02:42:00 PM

Title: Drying a heating mantle
Post by: neopharmaphobia on October 20, 2003, 02:42:00 PM

Hi. Due to some circumstances a heating mantle, 1L in size, has become soaking wet. It will not dry, haning or leaving upside-down for a few days. A hair dryer doesn't help. I was pondering about putting it in the clothes dryer, but decided that would probably melt the power cord. I don't want to plug it in to dry it because I'm afraid it may short out or something. Is it safe to dry the mantle by turning it on (with a flask in it ofcourse)? Else, how else may I be able to dry it?

Thank you.

Title: Do NOT turn it on!
Post by: Rhodium on October 20, 2003, 02:50:00 PM

Is it safe to dry the mantle by turning it on (with a flask in it ofcourse)?

It is not okay... I learned that in a way which cost me $200 in a 1000 mL power-regulated mantle...

I'd suggest that you place it on a radiator, or in the oven on 40-50°C (measured with a thermometer!). Or maybe inside a plastic bag together with 250g anhydrous CaCl₂ (to mimick a desiccator).

Title: what
Post by: RoundBottom on October 20, 2003, 03:32:00 PM

became wet with what?  water is one thing, oils, acids and bases are another thing entirely.

Title: -
Post by: pHarmacist on October 20, 2003, 03:41:00 PM

acids and bases are another thing entirely.

You mean electrolytes perhaps... (spellcheck)

Title: I dried a 500 mL mantle no problem by just...
Post by: archivist on October 20, 2003, 06:14:00 PM

I dried a 500 mL mantle no problem by just plugging it in and leaving it on high for a few days.  It gave a few really good zaps though when I toughed it to see how hot it was.  It will take forever, but eventually the thing will dry.