Parr Instrument Series 5500 - Manual (Page 12)

Compact Micro Reactors
P a r r I n s t r u m e n t C o m p a n y 12
Periodic Pressure Tests
Each cylinder used in a Parr stirred reactor is tested
under hydrostatic pressure to 1.3 times its maxi-
mum rating before it is released from the factory.
Micrometer caliper measurements are taken during
this test to check the deflection of the walls under
pressure. Excessive deflection or failure of the
metal to resume its original dimensions after pres-
sure is released indicates that a cylinder is poten-
tially unsafe and it will be rejected. Similar tests
should be made at regular intervals during the life
of each cylinder, and particularly whenever the user
suspects that the equipment has been over-stressed
or damaged.
Some laboratories maintain hydraulic test facilities
and make it a rule that all pressure vessels must
be tested at regular intervals. Records are kept of
deflections at specific test pressures so that any
increase in deflection becomes a warning that the
metal has lost strength. Any cylinder that fails to
return to its original dimensions after application of
the prescribed hydrostatic test should be discarded
as unsafe for further use.
Users who do not have pressure test facilities can
return any Parr pressure vessel to the factory for hy-
drostatic testing and overhaul. This should be done
whenever the metal shows excessive damage from
corrosion or whenever an over-pressure or other
unusual occurrence raises any safety questions. To
return a vessel for repair contact Parr Instrument
Company for a return authorization number. Ap-
paratus returned for testing and overhaul should be
shipped prepaid to the Parr Instrument Company,
211-53rd Street, Moline, Illinois 61265. An order or
letter of instructions should be mailed to the same
address, as no repair work will be started without
specific instructions and a Health & Safety Assur-
ance Certification form (F0042) signed by a respon-
sible user.
Customer Service
Please contact the Parr Customer Service
Department for an RMA#:
1-309-762-7716 • 1-800-872-7720
Fax: 1-309-762-9453
E-mail: [email protected]
General Maintenance Notes
1. Periodically inspect all electrical wiring and pres-
sure connections for excessive corrosion. Sus-
pect parts should be replaced by components
only supplied by Parr Instrument Company.
2. Always use appropriate wrenches on all fittings
and valves. Never use pliers or pipe wrenches.
3. Head and cylinder service fixtures are available
for convenience and protection of components
during maintenance of your reactor.
4. NPT (National Pipe Taper) threads should not
be disassembled any more than necessary. It
will become increasingly difficult to maintain a
tight seal with these tapered threads if the joint
is made and broken repeatedly. Grafoil tape or
PTFE tape (if temp allows) should be used on all
NPT threads.
5. Do not use oil or anti-seize lubricant on threads
or fittings if the vessel is to be used with oxygen.
6. If your vessel is equipped with a loose compres-
sion ring be sure that it is in place on the head
before attaching any head fittings. The compres-
sion ring cannot be installed after fittings have
been screwed into the head.
7. Clean all threads and gas passages thoroughly
and remove all tape fragments when overhaul-
ing a vessel.
An ultrasonic bath is excellent for cleaning metal
parts, but do not place a thermocouple probe,
pressure gage, face seals or ball bearings in an
ultrasonic bath. Periodic cleaning may be per-
formed on the exterior surfaces of the reactor
stand with a lightly dampened cloth containing
mild soap solution. All electrical power should
be disconnected when cleaning.
8. Routinely inspect cap screws on split ring clo-
sure for lubrication and cleanliness. These
screws should not be allowed to dry because
the threads will seize. Regularly apply Parr
High Temperature Anti-Seize Lubricant (Parr No.
424HC2) before this happens.
9. If servicing assistance is needed, contact Parr
Instrument Company directly at the address
shown on the back of these instructions.