Heating
Mantles are popularly used in various laboratory experiments for heating
flasks, beakers containing a sample. These heating equipment are often used
in place of Bunsen burner or hot plate when the sample to be heated is an
organic liquid. These liquids burst into flames when exposed to direct heat,
and can also release flammable organic vapors, which can explode on coming
in contact with open flames or heating coils.
Heating Mantle Construction
- Fabric Mantles : These heating equipment are flexible, and
can be molded to heat a wide variety of flask having different shapes
and sizes. These mantles are cheaper than the rigid ones.
- Rigid Mantles : These heating equipment are shaped either for
a particular size flask, or sometimes have a large orifice that may be
filled with sand to hold various size flasks. These sand baths are
helpful in providing more uniform heating of the sample.
Important Configurations to be Considered
A heating mantle should be purchased keeping in mind the individual
requirements. There are certain mantles available with single units and
consist of only a mantle and not a temperature controller. These units are
just simple containers meant to hold flasks and beakers. Other integral
units are sold with a mantle and a controller, hence performing both the
functions.
Use of Heating Mantle
The heating devices finds application in:
- Educational Laboratory
- Clinical Laboratory
- Pathological Laboratory
- Pharmaceuticals
- Chemicals
