Laboratory Equipment

Heating devices are standard equipment found in laboratories. Equipment used in the lab for heating purposes includes hot plates, Bunsen burners, and heating mantles. A heating mantle, also known as an isomantle, is a piece of equipment that applies heat to a container.

Why is a Heating Mantle Used For in Chemistry?

Heating mantles heat or temper organic liquids. The organic liquid sample may be in a round-bottomed flask, a reaction kettle, or any device used for evaporation, boiling, extraction, or distillation. The time it takes for the liquid to heat up using a heating mantle is short, and the heat distributes evenly so that it does not create condensation. The advantage of using a heating mantle is that it provides controllable & consistent heating, does not produce flames, and is safe for heating above 100°C.

The Design of a Heating Mantle

Some heating mantles are made out of all fiberglass, and others have an aluminum outer shell. They are also available in many different sizes. Heating mantles are available with and without the stirring feature and come with or without controllers.

These mantles are also designed with different ranges of temperature. The heating mantle’s heating element is insulated from the container so that glassware containers can directly contact the heating mantle without the glassware shattering from the heat.

These heating devices are either rigid or made from fabric, providing flexibility so that they can mold to the size of the flask. The rigid mantles fit a specific flask size. However, you can add sand to accommodate different sizes, which will also help aid in the uniform heating of the liquid.

There are also metal-housed heating mantles. The design of the metal housed heating mantle fits 50 ml to 6000 ml flasks. Their high-temperature capabilities reach up to 450°C. They come in the form of a tabletop design and have built-in controllers.

Heating mantles do come in various styles depending on the different needs. Some of these styles include the following:

• Spherical. Spherical heating mantles are used for round bottom flasks or reaction kettles.
• Cylindrical. The cylindrical mantles are featured with and without drain openings in the bottom for kettles and reaction vessels.
• Elliptical. Elliptical heating mantles prevent condensation from developing on the upper section of the vessel during distillation.
• Upper hemispherical. The upper hemispherical heating mantle is designed for the heating of the upper portion of the vessel.
• Lower hemispherical. The lower hemispherical is intended for round flasks. The advantage to this one is that you can actually view the liquid if desired.

How Do Mantles Work?

When exposed to direct heat, organic liquid can burst into flames. The enclosed heating systems of mantles help prevent these types of dangers. AC voltage produces the energy that is used in heating the mantles. Remove the flask from the heating mantle for the cool-down process.

Safety Precautions

Heating mantles are one of the safest ways to heat a reaction mixture. However, there are still precautions to keep in mind when working with this heating device. These include the following:

1. As mentioned before, never plug the heating mantle directly into the outlet due to the risk of blowing a fuse or melting a socket.
2. Always plug the heating mantle into a transformer and start with the lowest power setting.
3. Clean up any spills. Fabric mantles are very susceptible to damage from spills. 
4. Discard the heating mantle if the exterior is cracked or any wires are exposed, leading to a fire hazard.
5. Never immerse a heating mantle in water.
6. Remove flasks to cool since the heating mantle stays warm even after it is turned off.

Where to Buy Heating Mantles

Lab Pro offers heating mantles that range from 50 ml to 5,000 ml and from 80 watts to 600 watts. The exterior of their mantles is made with polyurethane-coated aluminum and with a glass fiber underlay for a uniform distribution of heat. The mantles are designed to hold a single flask or multiple flasks (combo). Their design is either with or without stirrers and with or without controllers. Their maximum operating temperature is 400°C.

Lab Pro offers a large variety of heating mantles for all types of laboratories. For over 40 years, Lab Pro Inc. has been committed to delivering the highest quality chemicals, lab equipment, distance learning kits, lab supplies, and cleanroom PPE apparel to medical device companies and laboratories worldwide. To learn more, visit the biggest Lab Supply showroom in California, or contact us online or at 888-452-2776.