Laboratory Scientific Glassblowing

The following sections are included:

• Acknowledgements
• Foreword
• Introduction
• Contents

The figures should be used for reference only. Data for design and product application should be taken from the respective Company’s technical data.

Scientific glassblowing can be dangerous. In a studio, busy workshop or production facility, there are large and small naked flames as well as hot and cold glass everywhere so before setting up a new workspace, it is wise to spend a few moments considering location and safety of both the glassblower and potential visitors.

Be aware that there are both national and local statutory bodies that set and monitor all regulations covering the health and safety standards within the workplace.

The aim of the Scientific Glassblower is to “enable” those who are laboratorybased to conduct small-scale chemical reactions using equipment that is transparent which enables one to see a colour change for example, or crystals coming out of solution, liquid–liquid separation etc. The observation of change indicates that some form of chemical reaction has taken place.

The following sections are included:

• Cutting of Glass — Tubing, Rod and Flat
• Spear Points
• Straight Joins
• Unequal Joins
• T Pieces
• Y Pieces
• 90º Bends
• U Bends
• Button Seal
• Supported Internal Seal
• Items 1–9 Repeated in Progressive Larger Diameters
• Bulb Blowing
• Spiral Winding
• Liebig Condenser
• Spiral Condenser
• Capillary Joins
• Repeat — Alternative Techniques
• Cones, Sockets, Spherical Joints, Screw Joints, Flat Flanges and Buttress Joints — Their Application — The Use of Mechanical Aids Such as Lathes, Cut-Off Machines, Linisher Belts Diamond and Carborundum Lapping Machines
• Flange Making — Dewar Seals, Sinters
• Safe Working Pressures (Positive) — Vacuum
• Glass to Metal Seals, Recrystallised Alumina to Glass Seals Graded Seals
• Various Techniques

There was a time not so long ago when every laboratory had bunsen burners, naked flames and even glassblowing benches. PhD students were expected to construct their own vacuum lines as part of their thesis (sometimes with the assistance of the resident Scientific Glassblower) which fostered good relationships that lasted for years.

What is vacuum? A dictionary definition may well say a space completely devoid of matter, a space or vessel from which the air has been exhausted to the furthest possible extent by a pump or such means below atmospheric pressure.

The following sections are included:

• Strip Silvering

Many years before the development of fractional distillation columns, simple distillation took place in glass retorts which consisted of a flask with a jointed entry port and an air condenser protruding from the flask at an angle. Simple separation of mixtures using heat where the lowest boiling point fraction vaporises first then as the vapours pass along the air condenser returns to the liquid phase as a purer distillate (Fig. 9.1).

To begin, I will describe the method that I was taught many years ago as to how to attach a variety of necks to a flask at the bench followed by the production line techniques using a vertical jig and hand torch and finally the use of a lathe to hold and attach joints to larger flasks.

The definition of a standard is as follows:

A measure of extent, quality, value etc. established by law or custom as an example or criterion for others — the degree of excellence required for a particular purpose and recognised as a standard for imitation or comparison.

The standards expected of a student have many facets, from the mentor or trainer, the employer, the individual him or herself, the customer and standards imposed externally by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and professional bodies.

The standards attained through recognised exams which are set and graduated by Glassblowing Societies and the constant assessment by one’s mentor or trainer through pre-set expected attainment levels will reassure and guide the students’ expectation.

For example, as a guide only, adapting the following to suit individual circumstances, a training schedule for a full time trainee Scientific Glassblower is given below.

The following sections are included:

• The Manufacture of a Quartz UV High Temperature Coil Photoreactor
• Laser Cutting Quartz Glass
• Fit, Form and Function
• Combining Artistic Glass Working Techniques within a Scientific Glassware Context
• The Foster Cell
• The Design and Construction of his Masterpiece
• Variable Temperature Gas Inlet for Surface Science Ultra-High Vacuum Molecular Beam System
• Former Apprentice of Seven Years

The following section is included:

• Index