Parr Instrument 5400 - Manual (Page 10)

5400 Tubular Reactor System
P a r r I n s t r u m e n t C o m p a n y 10
Periodic Pressure Tests
Each cylinder used in a Parr reactor system 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 Parr Instrument Company,
211-53rd Street, Moline, Illinois 61265 USA. 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
Assurance Certification form (F0042) signed by a
responsible user.
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.
Note: Do not use Grafoil ® tape on the straight
thread connections of the coned adapters and
mating bushings. Grafoil ® Tape should only
be used on the (NPT) threads on some needle
valves and reactor fittings. Refer to instruction
manual no. 668M 1358HC Grafoil ® Tape General
Guidelines for use.
5. Do not use oil or anti-seize lubricant on threads
or fittings if the vessel is to be used with oxygen.
6. 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 thermo-
couple probe, pressure gage, face seals or ball
bearings in an ultrasonic bath. Periodic cleaning
may be performed on the exterior surfaces of
the reactor stand with a lightly dampened cloth
containing mild soap solution. All power should
be disconnected when cleaning.
7. 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.
8. If servicing assistance is needed, contact Parr
Instrument Company directly at the address
shown on the back of these instructions.
Customer Service
Please contact the Parr Customer Service
Department for an RMA#:
Phone: 1-309-762-7716
Toll Free: 1-800-872-7720
Fax: 1-309-762-9453
E-mail: [email protected]