Heating mantle
Encyclopedia
Heating mantle or isomantle is a term for certain pieces of laboratory equipment
used to apply heat to containers, as an alternative to other forms of heated bath
. In contrast to other heating devices, such as hotplates or bunsen burner
s, glassware
containers may be placed in direct contact with the heating mantle without substantially increasing the risk of the glassware shattering, because the heating element of a heating mantle is insulated from the container so as to prevent excessive temperature gradients. Manufacturers of laboratory heating mantles include Glas-Col and Barnstead.
Heating mantles may have various forms. In a common arrangement, electric wires are embedded within a strip of fabric that can be wrapped around a flask. The current supplied to the device, and hence the temperature achieved, is regulated by a rheostat. This type of heating mantle is quite useful for maintaining an intended temperature within a separatory funnel, for example, after the contents of a reaction have been removed from a primary heat source.
Another variety of heating mantle may resemble a paint can, and is constructed as a "basket" within a cylindrical canister (often made of plastic
or metal such as aluminum). The rigid metal exterior supports a "basket" made of fabric, and includes heating elements within the body of the heating mantle. To heat an object, it is placed within the basket of the heating mantle.
In further contrast to other methods of applying heat to a flask, such as an oil bath
or water bath
, using a heating mantle generates no liquid residue to drip off of the flask. Also, heating mantles generally distribute heat evenly over the surface of the flask and exhibit less tendency to generate harmful hotspots.
Laboratory equipment
Laboratory equipment refers to the various tools and equipment used by scientists working in a laboratory. These include tools such as Bunsen burners, and microscopes as well as speciality equipment such as operant conditioning chambers, spectrophotometers and calorimeters...
used to apply heat to containers, as an alternative to other forms of heated bath
Heated bath
A heated bath is used in the laboratory to allow a chemical reaction to occur at an elevated temperature.The heated bath is a fluid placed in an open pot. Water and silicone oil are the most commonly used fluids. A water bath is used for temperatures up to 100 °C...
. In contrast to other heating devices, such as hotplates or bunsen burner
Bunsen burner
A Bunsen burner, named after Robert Bunsen, is a common piece of laboratory equipment that produces a single open gas flame, which is used for heating, sterilization, and combustion.- Operation:...
s, glassware
Glassware
This list of glassware includes drinking vessels , tableware, such as dishes, and flatware used to set a table for eating a meal, general glass items such as vases, and glasses used in the catering industry whether made of glass or plastics such as polystyrene and...
containers may be placed in direct contact with the heating mantle without substantially increasing the risk of the glassware shattering, because the heating element of a heating mantle is insulated from the container so as to prevent excessive temperature gradients. Manufacturers of laboratory heating mantles include Glas-Col and Barnstead.
Heating mantles may have various forms. In a common arrangement, electric wires are embedded within a strip of fabric that can be wrapped around a flask. The current supplied to the device, and hence the temperature achieved, is regulated by a rheostat. This type of heating mantle is quite useful for maintaining an intended temperature within a separatory funnel, for example, after the contents of a reaction have been removed from a primary heat source.
Another variety of heating mantle may resemble a paint can, and is constructed as a "basket" within a cylindrical canister (often made of plastic
Plastic
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
or metal such as aluminum). The rigid metal exterior supports a "basket" made of fabric, and includes heating elements within the body of the heating mantle. To heat an object, it is placed within the basket of the heating mantle.
In further contrast to other methods of applying heat to a flask, such as an oil bath
Oil bath
An oil bath is a laboratory heating device which uses boiling oil as the temperature regulator. Since different oils have different boiling points it is possible to obtain a temperature near to the desired temperature by selecting an oil with a boiling point as close as possible to the desired...
or water bath
Water bath
A water bath can refer to:* A Bain-marie* A heated bath* A Laboratory water bath...
, using a heating mantle generates no liquid residue to drip off of the flask. Also, heating mantles generally distribute heat evenly over the surface of the flask and exhibit less tendency to generate harmful hotspots.
