Laboratory Equipment

Heating devices are essential to any laboratory. They play a crucial role when it comes to solutions and chemicals. A common and frequent process that takes place in labs is heating solutions and chemicals with these heating devices. Devices often used for this process are the heating mantle and hot plate. What are the differences between the two and which one should you use?

What is the Purpose of a Heating Mantle?

Heating mantles are an essential piece of equipment in laboratories. They are mainly used with solutions that need to undergo extraction, distillation, and evaporation. They are also used with solutions and chemicals to help maintain temperature at a constant value.

Are Heating Mantles Safe?

Heating mantles are a very safe way to heat flammable liquids. They are designed so that the container does not go directly on the heating element. This separation acts as a barrier since the heating element is insulated from the container. This reduces the chance of glass shattering and prevents the chance for a fire. Heating mantles reduce the chance of damage due to spills and are less prone to wear and tear.

Heating Mantle Temperature?

Heating mantles provide a wide range of temperatures. The temperature typically ranges from 45℉ to 100℉ with 80% relative humidity. The maximum operating temperature for heating mantles is 400°C.

What Beakers Can I Use

Both beakers and flasks with round flat bottoms can be used with heating mantles. These should be made of borosilicate glass which is made of boron trioxide and silica. Borosilicate glass is more resistant to thermal shock than any other glass and can withstand high temperatures.

What is a Hot Plate?

A hot plate is another device used in the lab for heating solutions and chemicals. It consists of a heating element that is located underneath the surface of the plate. These heating devices are typically manufactured out of aluminum, ceramic, polypropylene, or stainless steel and connected to an analog or digital controller.

What is the Function of a Hot Plate?

Hot plates are used in research, production, and clinical labs. They function as a heating source that slowly heats reagents, samples, and chemicals. Hot plates provide a safe method for heating since there are no open flames.

Some hot plates come with a stirring apparatus that mixes the solution during the heating process. This ensures that the temperature remains constant and uniform.

Hot Plate Temperature?

A hot plate uses electricity to produce heat. Standard hot plates reach a temperature of 250°C to 350°C while high-temperature hot plates can reach a maximum temperature of 540°C.

Can You Use a Beaker on a Hot Plate?

Due to the high temperature capabilities of hot plates, you need to be careful of what kind of material is placed on the hot plate. Flasks, test tubes, and beakers made from Pyrex are safe to use with hot plates.

Heating Mantle vs Hot Plate

While heating mantles and hot plates are both used in the lab for heating solutions, heating mantles are only used when the sample is an organic liquid. When organic liquid is exposed to direct heat, there exists the possibility that it could burst into flames. Heating mantles have enclosed heating systems that serve as a barrier since the heating element is insulated from the vessel containing the sample. This is why heating mantles are preferred over hot plates when heating flammable solutions.

When it comes to heating large capacities, a hot plate is a better choice. The capacity for heating mantles is usually around 1,000 ml while hotplate stirrers can handle heating from 5,000 ml to 20,000 ml. Hotplates can heat significantly larger volumes than heating mantles.

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.

When trying to determine whether you should buy a hot plate or a hot plate magnetic stirrer, take the time to evaluate your process. Also, keep safety in mind when looking at the different options. Hot plates can be purchased at a reasonable price, but digital temperature readouts, built in off switches that turn off when the temperature max is exceeded, and timers can be worth the added cost. Preventing injury and promoting quality lab procedures are well worth investing in. The efficiency of having two pieces of equipment in one is well worth investing in.

Lab Pro offers a large variety of heating mantles and hot plates 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.