Radleys Reactor-Ready Flex Instructions Manual
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Radleys Reactor-Ready Flex Instructions Manual

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Reactor-Ready Flex
Instructions
February 2024
Issue 1
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Summary of Contents for Radleys Reactor-Ready Flex

  • Page 1 Reactor-Ready Flex Instructions February 2024 Issue 1...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    6.1.6 Adding the T-Beam Support Brace ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13 6.1.7 Adding the Stirrer Support ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14 6.1.8 Reactor-Ready Flex core system – assembled framework ……………………………………………………………. 15 6.1.9 Locating the Vessel into the framework ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 15 6.1.10 Assembling the Vessel Lid, Stirrer Guide and Stirrer …………………………………………………………………… 17 6.1.11 Clamping the Vessel Lid and Stirrer Assembly to the Vessel ………………………………………………………..

  • Page 3: Introduction

    AVA Lab Control Software. Warranty Reactor-Ready Flex includes a one-year full parts and labour warranty from the date of the original purchase. Warranty will only be valid if a Warranty form is completed and returned within one month of the date of purchase (see Warranty form at the back of this manual).

  • Page 4: Safety Guide

    Safety guide Please read this safety guide completely before using Reactor-Ready Flex. • Reactor-Ready Flex should only be • Before starting your operation, ensure all operated by trained and competent fittings to the thermoregulator are fully personnel. As with all chemistries, a full...

  • Page 5: Component Guide

    Component guide Aluminium Base Plate Drip Tray Draindown Manifolds U-Shaped Base Rectangular Base Upper Return Manifold Lower Supply Manifold Vessel Support with T-Beam Support Brace Stirrer Support Integrated Clamp ssssStirrer Support I-Beam Stirrer Support Boss Vessel Support Vessel Support Standalone Clamps Filter Support Plate Metal Vessel Clamp PTFE Vessel Clamp...
  • Page 6 PEEK Vessel Sidearm Hose Tidies Hose Supports Connector Support Rods with bosses + Locking Rod* Quick-Release Insulated Hoses *Standard Support Rods for the Reactor-Ready Flex core system are 1080 mm long. Filter Vessels require Extended Support Rods, which are 1180 mm long.

  • Page 7: Reaction And Filter Vessel Guide

    PTFE Temperature Probe Adapter PTFE Temperature Probe Adapter Sidearm Couplings (connecting cap + connecting clip) Sidearm Couplings (connecting cap + connecting clip) For use with the Reactor-Ready Flex filter core system Filter Vessel Kits Filter Plate Assembly Glass Filter Vessel...

  • Page 8: Set-Up And Operation

    Set-up and operation Setting up Reactor-Ready Flex 6.1.1 Requirements • Access to two mains power sockets – one for the thermoregulator and one for the overhead stirrer. • Access to additional mains power sockets if pumps or vacuum pumps are required.
  • Page 9 If using the Rectangular Base Place a Drip Tray onto the base if required. Step 2 Screw the three Support Rods into the base. The shortest rod should be positioned in the centre, and the two longer rods on either side. If using the T-Beam Support Brace* Do not tighten the Support Rod bosses (locking knobs) at this stage.

  • Page 10: Assembling The Filter Support Plate

    Step 3 Lower the T-Beam Support Brace onto the Support Rods, and slide it down until it is resting on the Support Rod bosses. Now fully tighten the Support Rod bosses using the Locking Rod (supplied). Remove the T-Beam Support Brace from the framework and place it to one side (it will be needed again later to stabilise the framework).

  • Page 11: Assembling The Draindown Manifolds

    If the Draindown Manifolds are not being used, go to 6.1.5 – Assembling the Vessel Support Useful notes v Reactor-Ready Flex features independent Supply and Return Draindown Manifolds to simplify the connection between the thermoregulator and Reaction or Filter Vessel.

  • Page 12: Assembling The Vessel Support

    Step 1 With the drain valve pointing downwards, slide the Lower Supply Manifold onto the left-hand Support Rod. Ensure there is enough space below the Manifold to allow the thermoregulator hose to be attached. When the Manifold is in the correct position, hand- tighten the locking knob.

  • Page 13: Adding The T-Beam Support Brace

    Useful notes v The Safety Stop Collars are optional. They limit the downward movement of the Vessel Support. v In some circumstances, it may be preferable to locate the Vessel Support between the Lower Supply and Upper Return Manifolds, rather than above them, to give optimal spatial alignment of system components.

  • Page 14: Adding The Stirrer Support

    6.1.7 Adding the Stirrer Support Step 1 If using the Stirrer Support I-Beam Slide a Safety Stop Collar onto each of the outer Support Rods. These will support the Stirrer Support I-Beam. When they are in approximately the correct position, hand-tighten both locking knobs.

  • Page 15: Reactor-Ready Flex Core System - Assembled Framework

    Locating the Vessel into the framework Warning! ¨ Only Radleys vessels should be used with Reactor-Ready Flex as they have been specifically engineered to ensure a safe fit and leak-tight seal. Never use vessels from other manufacturers. For further information about Radleys vessels, see Section 7 – Jacketed glass Reaction and Filter Vessels.
  • Page 16 Step 2 Adjust the position of the Vessel Support Collar so that the distance from the bottom of the Vessel neck (with Vessel inverted) to the top of the protruding lugs on the Vessel Support Collar is between 40–41 mm. Use the Vessel Support Collar Alignment Tool (supplied), or a ruler if the Alignment Tool is not available, to ensure the Collar is correctly positioned.

  • Page 17: Assembling The Vessel Lid, Stirrer Guide And Stirrer

    Step 4 If using the Vessel Support without integrated clamp OR the Vessel Support with Integrated Clamp manufactured before mid-2010 The Vessel Support features two extra locking knobs on either side at the front. To further secure the Vessel, hand-tighten these locking knobs until they lightly grip the side lugs on the Vessel Support Collar.

  • Page 18: Clamping The Vessel Lid And Stirrer Assembly To The Vessel

    Step 2 If using the Stirrer Guide with drop-in coupling Loosen the metal locking cap on top of the Stirrer Guide (but do not unscrew fully). Feed the shaft of the Stirrer up through the underside of the Vessel Lid and into the Stirrer Guide.
  • Page 19 Step 2 Take the Lid and Stirrer Assembly and guide the Stirrer shaft through the neck of the Vessel. Then lower the Lid onto the Vessel O-Ring, ensuring that the Lid flange, O-Ring and Vessel flange are all aligned and sitting flush, and that the ports are in the correct position.
  • Page 20 If using the Vessel Support standalone Metal or PTFE Clamp Place the Clamp over the Vessel Lid assembly, ensuring that it fits around the join where the Vessel Lid flange and the Vessel flange meet. When the Clamp is properly aligned, gently close the jaws.

  • Page 21: Attaching The Temperature Probe To The Vessel

    6.1.12 Attaching the Temperature Probe to the Vessel Step 1 Insert the PTFE Temperature Probe Adapter into the B19 port on the Lid. Hand-tighten the red Rodaviss screw cap to secure the Adapter in place. Partially unscrew the blue locking cap on the top of the Probe Adapter.

  • Page 22: Attaching Hoses To The Vessel

    Step 3 Attach any additional components required (e.g. dropping funnels, solids addition funnels, etc.) to the remaining ports on the Lid, and secure by hand- tightening the red Rodaviss screw caps. Note: Any ports on the Lid that are not in use should be sealed off with a red Rodaviss Sealing Cap (supplied x4).
  • Page 23 Once the Connector is fully engaged on the sidearm, screw the red Rodaviss screw cap (located on the sidearm) onto the Hose connector. Repeat for the upper Hose. Note: Before attaching the Connectors to the sidearms, check that the two Viton O-Rings are properly located in the grooves of each coupling.

  • Page 24: Assembling The Overhead Stirrer

    Important information ® Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen overhead stirrer before using it with Reactor-Ready Flex to be sure of any limitations or safety restrictions. Step 1 Ensure that the Stirrer Support (the Stirrer Support I-...
  • Page 25 Step 2 If using the Stirrer Support I-Beam Locate the rod on the back of the overhead stirrer into the hole in the sliding boss on the Stirrer Support I-Beam. Adjust the position of the sliding boss and the overhead stirrer so that the chuck of the overhead stirrer is aligned with the Stirrer Guide below.
  • Page 27 Retighten the locking knobs on the I-beam. Important information ® Reactor-Ready Flex features a unique patented rapid stirrer coupling which allows quick and easy alignment of the overhead stirrer with the Stirrer Guide. However, care should still be taken to ensure alignment is correct.
  • Page 28 If it does not operate smoothly, the position of the overhead stirrer will need to be adjusted. v The maximum stirring speed for Reactor-Ready Flex is 500 rpm for continuous operation and 800 rpm for short periods.

  • Page 29: Set-Up Instructions For Filter Vessels Only

    Set-up instructions for Filter Vessels only 6.2.1 Assembling the Filter Plate Important information ® Before starting assembly, ensure the Filter Plate is clean, and that the recess is free of any residues or solid materials. Useful notes v Both PEEK and PTFE Filter Plates are available for different applications. See page 46 for more details. Step 1 Slot the Filter Plate into the aluminium Filter Plate Support Cup, ensuring that the lugs on the Filter Plate...
  • Page 30 Step 3 Insert the Filter Vessel Piston into the open end of the BOV glass body. Screw the Piston cap onto the thread of the BOV glass body. Important information ® Filter Vessel Pistons are designed specifically for use with Filter Vessels and are not interchangeable with Reaction Vessel Pistons.
  • Page 31 Important information ® Radleys supplies Filter Membranes suitable for this application (see page 46 for more details). However, if you are using your own filter membrane, ensure it is the correct size and that it fits the Filter Plate exactly.

  • Page 32: Attaching The Filter Plate Clamp

    6.2.2 Attaching the Filter Plate Clamp Step 1 Screw the pin for the Filter Plate Clamp into the inner hole at the rear of the Filter Support Plate. Step 2 Loosen the locking knobs on the Filter Support Plate and gently pivot it until the Filter Plate is aligned under the Filter Vessel.
  • Page 33 Useful notes v Each of the two parts of the Filter Vessel Support Clamp can be positioned on either the left or the right (depending on whether you are left- or right-handed), but whichever part you attach first must always go on the left-hand side of the Support Plate. Step 6 To clamp the Filter Vessel and Filter Plate together, gently close the jaws of the Vessel Support Clamp...

  • Page 34: Attaching A Collection Vessel

    6.2.3 Attaching a collection vessel Step 1 Attach a length of PTFE tubing to the BOV connector (supplied). To do this, remove the black cap and compression fittings on the BOV connector. Push the PTFE tubing through the cap and slide the compression fittings onto the tubing in the correct order and orientation.
  • Page 35 Important information ® To minimise splashing, the PTFE tubing extending from the bottom of the bung should be long enough for the end to sit below the level of the sidearm of the collection flask. Step 4 Remove the hose barb connector from the collection flask, fit a length of vacuum tubing onto the hose barb, and secure with a hose tie.

  • Page 36: Converting Reactor-Ready Flex Core To Filter Core

    Begin by screwing the three Support Rod bosses onto each of the Extended Support Rods, as far as they will go. Now assemble the framework as described in Section 6.1 – Setting Up Reactor-Ready Flex – using the Reactor-Ready Flex upgrade components in conjunction with the original Reactor-Ready Flex core...

  • Page 37: Operating Reactor-Ready Flex

    Operating Reactor-Ready Flex Before operating Reactor-Ready Flex, ensure you have read the safety guide on page 4 of this manual. Important information ® Reactor-Ready Flex should only be operated by trained and competent personnel. ® As with all chemistries, a full risk assessment should be performed prior to starting, and care should be taken to monitor reactions at all stages.

  • Page 38: Choosing A Thermoregulator (Circulator)

    Important information ® Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and operating instructions for your thermoregulator and thermofluid before using them with Reactor-Ready Flex to be sure of any limitations or safety restrictions. For technical assistance on selecting a thermoregulator, thermofluid and accessories for your application, please email sales@radleys.com...

  • Page 39: Connecting A Thermoregulator To Reactor-Ready Flex

    6.4.6 Connecting a thermoregulator to Reactor-Ready Flex If using Quick-Release Insulated Hoses and Draindown Manifolds Screw the thermofluid hoses directly onto the right- angled connectors on the Lower Supply and Upper Return Manifolds, ensuring they are fully tightened with a wrench.

  • Page 40: Charging Reactor-Ready Flex With Thermofluid

    Expansion of the fluid caused by temperature change could result in glassware failure/breakage. Important information ® We do not recommend the use of isolating valves with Reactor-Ready Flex due to the possibility of over-pressurising the vessel jacket if they are accidentally closed off during operation or sealing the vessel in the jacket.

  • Page 41: Draining Thermofluid From Reactor-Ready Flex

    6.4.8 Draining thermofluid from Reactor-Ready Flex If the Reaction or Filter Vessel needs to be removed from the Reactor-Ready Flex framework for cleaning, or to replace it with another Vessel, the thermofluid in the jacket must first be drained. Step 1 Ensure the thermoregulator is switched off and allow the thermofluid to cool to a safe temperature.
  • Page 42 Reaction Vessel. Ideally the thermoregulator should be positioned below the Reactor-Ready Flex assembly. If this is not possible, it may be necessary to raise the Vessel Support on the frame until the Vessel is higher than the thermoregulator. Alternatively, the Vessel can be drained to an external reservoir.

  • Page 43: Disconnecting The Thermoregulator

    If the Quick-Release Insulated Hoses and Draindown Manifolds are not being used, go to 6.4.11 – Static Reactor-Ready Flex is supplied with two Hose Tidies which attach to the side Support Rods of the framework and allow the Quick-Release Insulated Hoses to be conveniently sealed and secured when not in use, preventing them interfering with further work.
  • Page 44 Step 1 To attach the Hose Tidies to the framework, place the bracketed end of each Hose Tidy around the side Support Rod and hand-tighten the locking knob to secure. Note: The two Hose Tidies should be added to the same Support Rod as the Draindown Manifolds.

  • Page 45: Static

    6.4.11 Static Static can be generated in any circulating fluid system. This is not a fault with the equipment, but an unfortunate and accepted occasional side effect of the methodology. The following is provided for your information only and is not intended to be a definitive guide as to what action to take in the case of static build up.

  • Page 46: Filtration

    6.4.12 Filtration If using a Filter Vessel in your Reactor-Ready Flex system, the following points should be noted: • Filter Vessels are designed for optimum use in filtration operations to separate a solid from a liquid. The temperature-controlled jacket allows this process to be done under either hot or cold conditions.
  • Page 47 If necessary, you can use your own filter membrane material, but it must be cut to the correct size to fit the Reactor-Ready Flex Filter Plate. This is best achieved by using the Filter Plate Gasket as a template. Installing a cold trap...

  • Page 48: Filter Vessel Accessories And Instructions

    6.4.13 Filter Vessel accessories and instructions The following range of accessories are available for use with Reactor-Ready Flex Filter Vessels. Spray Lance for Reactor-Ready Flex Vessels Step 1 Remove the fully assembled Spray Lance from the box. Check all components are firmly screwed together, and hand tighten if necessary.
  • Page 49 Filter Cake Catcher Step 1 Ensure that the Filter Plate assembly is securely clamped to the Filter Vessel as described in Section 6.2.2. The Filter Cake Catcher can now be added. Step 2 Place both halves of the Filter Cake Catcher around the Filter Plate, lining up the bottom flaps and the top clips.
  • Page 50 Step 2 Step 3 Clamp the Filter Plate Benchtop Support to a Place the retort stand with the Filter Plate suitable retort stand using the stainless-steel Benchtop Support on a flat and stable surface rod. Adjust the height and position of the The Filter Plate Benchtop Support is now ready Filter Plate Benchtop Support as required.

  • Page 51: Jacketed Glass Reaction And Filter Vessels

    Jacketed glass Reaction and Filter Vessels Radleys supplies a range of Reaction Vessels and Filter Vessels specifically for use with Reactor-Ready Flex. • Reaction Vessels are available as single or vacuum jacketed, and range in size from 100ml to 5L.
  • Page 52 (ΔT), should not exceed 50 K to avoid the Vessel breaking. Temperature range Standard jacketed Vessels with the Radleys V4 zero dead space stopcock (see page 52) are suitable for use from -70 °C to +230 °C.
  • Page 53 Warning! ¨ The Reactor-Ready Flex V4 ZDS stopcock should only be operated by hand and not with the use of tools. If the piston cannot be inserted or removed easily, do not force it. If the piston becomes stuck, please contact your local distributor or email sales@radleys.co.uk for technical advice.
  • Page 54 Important information ® Reactor-Ready Flex Filter Vessels feature the same V4 ZDS stopcock design as Reaction Vessels, however, the piston assembly is longer to allow the Filter Vessel to accommodate the additional length of the outlet of the Filter Vessel base.
  • Page 55 Replacement pistons and O-Rings Replacement pistons and O-Rings for Reaction Vessels V4 15 mm piston for single jacketed Reaction Vessel V4 25 mm piston for single jacketed Reaction Vessel RR161100 RR166070 V4 15 mm piston for vacuum jacketed Reaction Vessel V4 25 mm piston for vacuum jacketed Reaction Vessel RR166055 RR166075...

  • Page 56: General Specifications

    General specifications Reactor-Ready Flex core system St r Specifications Weight (framework only – with U-Shaped Base Plate) 27 kg Weight (framework only – with Rectangular Base Plate) 26.5 kg Thermoregulator hose connector fittings -70 °C to +230 °C Jacket temperature range...

  • Page 57: Reactor-Ready Flex Filter Core System

    Reactor-Ready Flex filter core system Specifications Weight (framework only) 30.7 kg Thermoregulator hose connector fittings Jacket temperature range -30 °C to +180 °C Vessel max Delta-T 50 K (temperature difference between vessel jacket and vessel contents) 500 rpm continuous Stirrer speed...

  • Page 58: Materials Of Construction

    Aluminium 6082 HE30 Safety Stop Collar Aluminium 6082-HE30, PTFE, Stainless steel 316 1.4401, Nylon Vessel Support Collar Stainless steel 316 1.4401, Viton Reactor-Ready Flex 5 Neck Lid DN100 – 1xB19 2xB24 1xB29 Borosilicate glass 3.3 1xB34 DN100 PTFE 5 Neck Lid –...
  • Page 59 Lower Supply and Upper Aluminium 6082 HE30, Stainless steel 316 1.4401, PTFE Return Manifolds Quick-Release Insulated Hoses PTFE, PEEK, Viton, Stainless steel 316 1.4401 Hose Tidy Aluminium 6082-HE30, PTFE, Stainless steel 316 1.4401, Nylon M16 Sidearm Connector PEEK M24 Sidearm Connector PEEK NW12 Sidearm Connector PEEK...

  • Page 60: Routine Maintenance

    Routine maintenance • To maintain your Reactor-Ready Flex system in prime condition, check all moving parts and seals regularly. • Moving parts should be kept clean and free from any obstructions or surface contamination. Parts relying on sliding motion may benefit from regular application of a thin surface coating of lubricating oil.

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