What is a Laboratory Glass Reactor and How Does It Work?

A laboratory glass reactor is a piece of equipment widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and materials research fields. It provides a controlled environment for mixing, reaction, distillation, crystallization, and extraction processes.

Structure of Glass Reactor

A typical glass reactor consists of:

1. Reaction Vessel – Made of high borosilicate glass, resistant to high temperature, corrosion, and chemical erosion.

2. Jacket Layer – A double-wall structure where heating or cooling media (such as water, oil, or glycol) circulate to control the reaction temperature.

3. Agitator – Driven by a motor to stir materials uniformly and promote reaction efficiency.

4. Sealing System – Prevents air leakage and ensures a stable vacuum environment when needed.

5. Supporting Frame & Control System – Provides mechanical stability and allows precise control of parameters like speed, temperature, and pressure.

Working Principle

The double-layer design is the core of a glass reactor’s operation:

• Hot water, steam, or oil circulates through the jacket to heat the materials.

• Cooling water or antifreeze can be used to lower the reaction temperature.

• The built-in stirring mechanism ensures even mixing, avoiding local overheating or precipitation.

• When combined with a vacuum pump, the reactor can operate under reduced pressure, which lowers boiling points and improves reaction safety and efficiency.

  
  

Applications

• Pharmaceuticals – drug synthesis, intermediate preparation.

• Chemistry – catalytic reactions, polymerization, extraction.

• Food & Agriculture – additive development, natural product extraction.

• Material Science – nanomaterials, coatings, resins.

Advantages

• Transparent design for easy observation.

• Strong corrosion resistance and durability.

• Flexible operation with precise temperature and pressure control.

• Easy cleaning and maintenance.

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