GB2439527A

GB2439527A - Heat transfer and support device for a flask

Info

Publication number: GB2439527A
Application number: GB0612975A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martyn Fordham
Original assignee: Asynt Ltd
Current assignee: Asynt Ltd
Priority date: 2006-06-30
Filing date: 2006-06-30
Publication date: 2008-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-30
Also published as: GB0612975D0; GB2439527B

Abstract

A heat transfer and support device (100) comprising a flask holder (101) detachably mounted at a base unit (103). The base unit (103) comprises at least one heat-transfer fluid passageway (303) through which a heat-transfer fluid is capable of flowing. As the heat transfer fluid is circulated within the base unit (103) the flask holder (101) may be readily interchanged to accommodate different sized and shaped reaction flasks (102) obviating the need to de-couple connection of the heat-transfer fluid link between the present invention and a remotely positioned heat-transfer fluid temperature control system.

Description

LABORATORY APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a heat-transfer and support device for at least one flask, and in particular although not exclusively, to a device capable of receiving a heat-transfer fluid to either heat or cool a laboratory reaction flask mounted at the device.

Background to the Invention

Most chemical reactions undertaken in a laboratory environment require either heating or cooling of the reactants. A number of different types of heating and cooling apparatus have emerged to impart a heat-transfer effect to a reaction vessel in which the reactants are housed. Glass, in particular borosillicate reaction flasks are typically heated by partial submersion in oil baths or mounting upon an electrical resistance type heating element to provide the necessary heat to drive the reaction. * S. * S * S...

To provide a low temperature environment for the reactants, slightly more sophisticated apparatus is required typically involving the circulation of a cryogenic cooling fluid about the reaction flask. This has led to the implementation of relatively intricate jacketed reaction vessels. A cryogenic fluid, s's typically silicone oil, is cooled to the required temperature by a thermostatically controlled refrigeration unit which is configured to pump and circulate the fluid in the region between the double-walled reaction flask via suitable hoses and seals.

The use of specifically designed double-walled reaction vessels for use in low temperature reaction chemistry is disadvantageous for a number of reasons.

For example, once a reaction has been completed, it is often required to clean extensively the reaction flask, particularly where different reactants are to be used. The cleaning of the reaction vessel between reactions is particularly important to comply with established good manufacturing practice (cGMP) imposed within the clinical trials field where reaction vessels are cleaned and analytically checked for impurities. To thoroughly clean existing low temperature reaction vessels a user must drain the low temperature fluid from the jacket surround, detach the cryogenic fluid hoses, re-connect a clean or replacement jacketed vessel and re-fill the jacket region with the heat-transfer fluid. This process is both time consuming and inconvenient particularly where silicone oil is used as this can be very difficult to clean if spilt. Moreover, specifically designed double-walled reaction vessels are expensive and susceptible to breakage.

Additionally, different sized glassware is often required being appropriate to the volume of reactants used. This is both inconvenient and expensive where specifically designed reaction vessels are required.

What is required therefore is a device that allows a user to conveniently cool or heat a chemical reaction vessel without the above disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

: ** * The present invention provides a device configured for the cooling andlor heating of a laboratory reaction flask. In particular, the present invention is configured for use with conventional laboratory reaction flasks obviating the need for specifically constructed reaction vessels through which a heat-transfer fluid is capable of flowing as found in the art. S..

5... Additionally, due to the modular construction of the present invention, it is S....

* possible to interchange selected modular components to accommodate different sized reaction flasks as desired without having to interfere with the heat-transfer fluid circuit a part of which the present invention forms.

According to a first aspect of the present invention provided a heat-transfer and support device for at least one flask, said device comprising: a base unit; a heat-transfer fluid passageway provided at said base unit, said passageway having a fluid inlet and outlet; and a flask holder detachably mounted at said base unit: wherein a heat-transfer fluid is capable of flowing through said passageway to provide a heating and/or cooling effect to said base unit and said flask holder.

Preferably, the base unit comprises at least one hollow region wherein the passageway is formed within the base unit at the hollow region. The heat-transfer fluid is capable of flowing into and out of the device via the internal passageway of the base unit. Alternatively, the passageway may be formed as a separate fluid conduit connected to or mounted at the base unit so as to provide sufficient heat-transfer between conduit and base unit. Preferably, the device comprises a network of heat-transfer fluid passageways so as to increase the fluid flow path through the device, in turn optimising the heat-transfer effect.

Preferably, the device further comprises an 0-ring configured for seating at an uppermost rim of the flask holder. The 0-ring may sit between the flask holder and the outer wall of the reaction flask so as to impede air flow to the region between the flask and the flask holder in turn reducing condensation and : ***, ice formation in this region. Preferably, securing means may be provided to secure the 0-ring in position at the rim of the flask holder and increase the air-tight seal between flask holder and reaction flask. Preferably, the securing means comprises a detachable collar configured for positioning over and about the 0-ring and the rim of the flask holder.

The device may further comprise a shroud configured for positioning over * and about a portion of the flask holder and the base unit. The shroud is configured for impeding air flow in the region between the flask holder and the flask to reduce condensation and ice formation in this region.

Preferably, the device further comprises a raised locating region provided at the base unit configured for locating the flask holder in position at the base unit.

A recess may be formed at the flask holder configured to receive the raised locating region of the base unit to locate the flask holder in position.

Preferably, the base unit comprises a condensation reservoir configured to collect condensation generated at the device. Preferably, the condensation reservoir is formed as an annular channel provided at a perimeter region of the base unit.

Preferably, the device further comprises drainage means configured to allow collected liquid to drain from the condensation reservoir. Preferably, the base unit further comprises a plurality of locating feet for locating the device securely at a surface such as a hotplate or laboratory bench. Preferably, the io base unit comprises a cylindrical recess configured to mate with a cylindrical hotplate of a conventional hotplate magnetic stirrer device.

Optionally, the base unit may comprise affixing means configured to allow the device to be suspended from a support structure. Preferably, the affixing means comprise a bore and in particular a screw-thread bore configured to receive a support rod or the like. Via the affixing means, the device may be suspended from a suitable support structure including for example a retort stand, clamp assembly or scaffold.

The present invention may comprise a flask holder configured to support a single flask or a plurality of flasks simultaneously. Preferably, the flask holder and the base unit are manufactured from aluminium.

* According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for a heat-transfer and support device for at least one flask, said kit of part comprising a base unit; a heat-transfer fluid passageway provided at said base unit, said passageway having a fluid inlet and outlet; and a flask holder detachably mounted at said base unit wherein a heat-transfer fluid is capable of flowing through said passageway to provide a heating and/or cooling effect to said base unit and said flask holder.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reaction flask moulded at the flask holder and base unit according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of figure 1 without the reaction flask; Figure 3 is a cross sectional perspective view of the reaction flask and device of figure 1; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device of figure 2; * .. * S S *SSS

Figure 5 is a cross sectional perspective exploded view of the device of S...

figure 4; p. * 5e* Figure 6 is a perspective exploded view of the base unit of figures 1 to 5; *..

Figure 7 is a perspective view of selected flask holders forming part of the * present invention.

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, welt known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessanly obscure the description.

Referring to figure 1, the heat transfer and support device 100 comprises a flask holder 101 configured to support and partially house a reaction flask 102.

The flask holder 101 is mounted at a base unit 103 capable of seating on a surface such as a hotplate or laboratory bench.

Referring to figure 2, base unit 101 comprises a disc-like configuration having an uppermost face 207 and a lowermost face 208. A recess 202 is formed in uppermost surface 207. The flask holder 101 is mounted substantially centrally upon uppermost surface 207 such that an annular rim 211 extending at the perimeter of uppermost face 207 and a lowermost nm 212 of flask holder 101 define an annular channel 202.

Flask holder 101 comprises an uppermost rim 206 at which is mounted an annular collar 201 of a diameter corresponding to that of uppermost rim 206. A es.. concave recess 200 extends from uppermost rim 206 towards lowermost rim 212 C...

of the flask holder 101 and is shaped to correspond to the curvature of the outermost surface of reaction flask 102.

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In the region between lowermost surface 208 and uppermost surface 207 of *5: base unit 103, a heat transfer fluid inlet 204 and outlet 209 are provided. Inlet S....

* * 204 and outlet 209 are provided in fluid communication with a hollow interior region of the base unit so as to allow a flow of fluid into and from the interior of base unit 103.

A plurality of locating feet 203 extend away from the lowermost surface 208 so as to provide a means by which the device may be mounted upon a surface or hotplate type device. The present invention comprises three locating feet 203.

Drainage means 205, 210 are provided at the base unit to allow a liquid collected at channel 202 to drain from the device. The drainage means comprises an aperture and conduit 210 connected in fluid communication to a drainage spout 205 extending from base unit 103 in the region between lowermost surface 208 and uppermost surface 207.

Refemng to figures 3 and 4, an 0-ring 301 is positioned at uppermost rim 206 of flask holder 101 so as to provide a seal between flask 102 and flask holder 101 thereby impeding the flow of air to the region between recess 200 and flask 102. Annular collar 201 is seated on top of 0-ring 301 and provides a means by which 0-ring 301 is secured in position at uppermost rim 206.

Additional securing means may be provided to assist with the securing in position of 0-ring 301.

Flask holder 101 comprises a lowermost surface 304 into which is formed a cylindrical recess 305. Referring to figure 3 and 4, base unit 103 comprises a : ** raised cylindrical portion 401 extending from uppermost surface 207 and channel S...

202. The diameter of cylindrical recess 305 is slightly larger than the diameter of cylindrical raised portion 401 such that when flask holder 101 is mounted at base unit 103, raised portion 401 sits within recess 305. Contact between base unit 103 and flask holder 101 is provided via the internal walls of cylindrical recess * 305 and the uppermost face 404 and external walls 405 of cylindrical portion 401. *..

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* The interior of the raised cylinder 401 is hollow and divided into a network of passageways 303 provided in fluid communication with the inlet 204 and outlet 209 via at least one connecting conduit 302.

Flask holder 101 comprises bores 400 configured to receive temperature probes, thermometers and the like.

So as to increase the stability of the device when mounted at a surface or a hotplate type device, each of the three locating feet 203 respectively extend from three base unit projections 402. Each projection 402 extends radially outward from the disc-like base unit 103 being spaced apart evenly.

Referring to figure 5, a thermal insulating disc 306 is positioned at the lowermost surface 208. Disc 306 is secured in position by a plurality of securing plugs 307. The cylindrical raised portion 401 is formed non-integrally with base unit 103 and is secured in position at the uppermost surface 207 of base unit 103 by a plurality of like securing plugs 308. An 0-ring 500 provides a fluid tight seal between cylindrical raised portion 401 and uppermost surface 207.

Referring to figure 6, 0-ring 500 comprises a smaller diameter than raised cylindrical portion 401 and is accommodated within a groove 601 formed within raised portion 401 and corresponding to the diameter of 0-ring 500. The plurality of passageways 303 are defined by a plurality of internal walls 602 extending within raised portion 401 within the perimeter of groove 601 accommodating 0-ring 500. The raised portion and 0-ring assembly 401, 500 are secured in : s* position at the uppermost surface 207 of base unit 101 in fluid-type contact via *...

secunng plugs 308.

A cylindrical recess 600 is formed within lowermost surface 208 of base unit + 103. Recess 600 comprises a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of a * conventional cylindrical hotplate found on a typical laboratory magnetic stirrer hotplate. Accordingly, base unit 103 may be secured in position at the hotplate te....

* by seating the hotplate within cylindrical recess 600. Thermal insulating disc 306 is secured in position via plugs 307 within recess 600 in contact with the substantially circular surface 603.

In operation, flask holder 101 is mounted at base unit 103. A flask 102, containing reactants, is housed and supported within recess 200 and is secured in position via 0-ring 301 which abuts the outer surface of the flask in turn providing a fluid tight seal to impede the flow of air to the region between flask 102 and recess 200. 0-ring 301 and flask 102 are further secured in position by collar 201.

The present invention is configured for use with conventional refrigeration units which are capable of supplying and circulating a thermostatically controlled heat-transfer fluid. These refrigeration units, often referred to as chillers' are capable of both cooling and heating the heat-transfer liquid at temperatures in the range 300 to 95 C for example. The heat transfer liquid is then circulated from and to the temperature control system via suitable connecting hoses. These connecting hoses are secured to base unit 103 at inlet 204 and outlet 209 via suitable connecting plugs found in the art. This provides a liquid tight seal between the heat transfer device of the present invention and the remotely positioned temperature controlled circulation system so as to form a fluid transfer circuit. The heat-transfer fluid flows from the temperature control system through inlet 204 and conduit 302 to the network of passageways 303 defined by internal walls 602. When operating in a cooling mode, heat is transferred to the : s.,, cryogenic fluid circulating within internal passageways 303 from base unit 103, *5sS flask holder 101, flask 102 and ultimately the reactants within flask 102. Base 5*55 unit 103 and flask holder 101 are preferably manufactured from aluminum which 2o exhibits the required thermal conductivity to allow the desired amount of heat-transfer between reactants and the heat-transfer fluid. As base unit 103 and flask holder 101 are cooled by the heat-transfer liquid, condensation forms on the m.: exterior surface of flask holder 101 in particular. During low temperature * operation, to reduce ice formation at flask holder 101, flask 200 and base unit 103, the condensate is collected in channel reservoir 202 and drained from the device via drain conduit 209 and drainage spout 205. Optionally, an additional shroud (not shown) may be provided over and about the heat transfer device of the present invention extending from an uppermost region of flask 102, and above rim 206 to a region at or towards base unit 103. Further sealing means may be provided between the shroud and the flask to impede the flow of air to the region between flask 102 and recess 200.

As flask holder 101 is detachably mounted at base unit 103 which is independently coupled, in fluid communication with the remotely positioned fluid temperature control system, the flask holder may be readily interchanged with different sized flask holders without a user being required to decouple or break the fluid circuit. For example, to proceed with a subsequent reaction involving the use of a different sized reaction flask, a user simply separates flask holder 101 from base unit 103 and re-mounts a different sized flask holder 700-704 at base unit 103 together with the appropriately sized flask. The flask and a flask holder in thermal contact with the already cooled base unit 103 are then cooled to io the desired temperature.

Figure 7 illustrates a plurality of different sized flask holders ranging from flask holder 700 configured to support a 1000 ml round bottom flask, flask holder 701 configured to support a 500 ml round bottom flask, holder 702 configured to is support a 200 ml flask, holder 703 configured to support a 100 ml flask and holder 704 configured to support a 50 ml flask. * .* * * *

According to further specific implementations of the present invention, the **** flask holder comprises a plurality of recesses configured to accommodate a plurality of reaction flasks of different shapes and sizes. The present invention is therefore configurable to provide a simultaneous heating or cooling effect to a plurality of reaction vessels. **** * *

Claims

Claims: 1. A heat-transfer and support device for at least one flask,

said device comprising: a base unit; a heat-transfer fluid passageway provided at said base unit, said passageway having a fluid inlet and outlet; and a flask holder detachably mounted at said base unit; wherein a heat-transfer fluid is capable of flowing through said passageway to provide a heating and/or cooling effect to said base unit and said flask holder.

: ***
2. The device as claimed in claim I wherein said passageway is formed by a fluid conduit connected to said base unit.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base unit comprises at least one hollow region wherein said passageway is formed within said base unit at said hollow region.

* 4. The device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said passageway is a network of passageways.

5. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an 0-ring configured for seating at an uppermost rim of said flask holder.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5 further comprising securing means configured to secure said 0-ring in position at said rim of said flask holder.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said securing means comprises a detachable collar configured for positioning over and about said 0-ring at said rim of said flask holder.

8. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a shroud configured for positioning over and about a portion of said flask holder and said base unit, said shroud configured to inhibit the flow of air to the region of said flask holder.

9. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising: a raised locating region provided at said base unit configured to for locating said flask holder in position at said base unit; and a recess fomied at said flask holder configured to receive said raised locating region of said base unit to locate said flask holder in position at said base : unit. S... * .

10. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said base unit comprises a condensation reservoir configured to collect condensation generated at said device.

11. The device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said condensation * reservoir is formed as an annular channel provided at a perimeter region of said base unit.

12. The device as claimed in claims 10 or 11 further comprising drainage means configured to allow collected liquid to drain from said condensation reservoir.

13. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said base unit comprises a plurality of locating feet.

14. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said base unit comprises a cylindrical recess.

15. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said base unit comprises a fixing means configured to allow said device to be suspended from a support structure.

16. the device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said fixing means comprises a bore formed within said base unit.

17. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said flask holder is configured to hold a single flask.

18. The device as claimed in any one of claims I to 14 wherein said flask holder is configured to hold a plurality of flasks. * .e * . U...

*1*SS* 19. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said base unit and said flask holder comprise aluminium.

* ... 20 20. A kit of parts for a heat-transfer and support device for at least one flask, said kit of part comprising: S...

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* abase unit; a heat-transfer fluid passageway provided at said base unit, said passageway having a fluid inlet and outlet; and a flask holder detachably mounted at said base unit; wherein a heat-transfer fluid is capable of flowing through said passageway to provide a heating and/or cooling effect to said base unit and said flask holder.

21. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 20 further comprising an 0-ring configured for seating at an uppermost rim of said flask holder.

22. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 21 further comprising securing means configured to secure said 0-ring in position at said rim of said flask holder.

23. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 22 wherein said securing means comprises a detachable collar configured for positioning over and about said 0-ring at said rim of said flask holder.

24. The kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23 further comprising a shroud configured for positioning over and about a portion of said flask holder and said base unit, said shroud configured to inhibit the flow of air to the region of said flask holder.

: *, 25. The kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24 wherein U...

said flask holder is configured to hold a single flask or a plurality of flasks. * S*S Pr p.

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