What are Glass Lined Reactor (MSGLR) (SSGLR)

Reactors are used in industries to perform reactions used in the manufacturing process. There are different types of reactors used in chemical industries and we have discussed in a post various types of reactors. Today, we are going to discuss what are Glass Lined Reactor (MSGLR) (SSGLR) in detail.

Apart from the types of reactors , reactors are classified based on the material of construction. MOC means the material of which the equipment is made up. Reactors of different materials such as Stainless steel and glass-lined reactor.

Today in this article, we are going to discuss glass-lined reactors in detail including parts, application, and selection criteria. So without wasting more time, let’s get into the article

What are the different Chemical Reactors Materials of Construction (MOC)

1. Stainless steel reactors
2. Glass lining reactors
3. Hastelloy
4. Inconel
5. Titanium
6. Tantalum
7. PTFE / PFA lining reactor

These are the types of reactors moc and these have selection criteria to select and use in the process. Today, in this article, we are going to discuss about Glass lined reactors.

What are Glass lined reactors?

Glass-lined reactors also known as MSGLR (Mild steel glass lined reactor), SSGLR (Stainless steel glass-lined reactor) and enameled reactors are reactors made up of carbon steel having a glass lining of uniform thickness. This glass lining (enamel) is there on the inner surface of the reactor which is in contact with the reaction mass. This lining of glass is provided for resistance from the chemical. These reactors are mostly used when the reaction mass is acidic to protect the reactor surface from getting oxidized and corrosion.

Application of Glass lined reactor

Reaction mass can be acidic, basic or neutral. For acidic media, we can’t use stainless steel reactor as it can cause corrosion, hence, in that case, we use a glass-lined reactor in which glass lining is there, which has resistant to chemical and acids hand hence protect the reactor moc.

Glass is a natural and inert element that also protect the reaction mass from contamination. Glass doesn’t react with any element also it had an anti-sticking property, hence it is easy to clean and it prevents contamination.

Glass line reactors are widely used in pharmaceutical industries, chemical industries, and polymer industries.

Selection criteria of glass-lined reactor

Here are some of the points that we need to consider prior to selecting the MOC of the rector

Process safety: Prior to selecting the reactor, it is essential to check whether the selected reactor is safe for the process. There should be no hazard associated with the selection of the MOC of the reactor.

Operating pressure and temperature: Every MOC has an operating range of parameters such as temperature and pressure. It is to be checked if the selection of reactor is under an operating range of pressure and temperature.

Chemical Compatibility: Incompatible chemicals can severely damage the reactor MOC and also cause safety issues. It is recommended to check whether the chemical which is going to be used in the reactors are compatible with each other or not.

Cost: Cost is another factor that we need to take into consideration. The Selected MOC of the reactor should be cost-effective.

As we discussed above, these are the points that we need to take into consideration while selecting reactors.

We had discussed chemical compatibility above in short, let us discuss this point in detail. Selection of reactor of which type of MOC of the reactor is to be selected depends on the reaction mass pH. There are different types of MOC of reactors are available and among those, reactors can be broadly classified as stainless steel reactors (SS) and other is Glass lined reactors.

If the reaction mass media is basic or after dosing of chemical and raw materials, it will remain basic then stainless steel reactors will be suitable for the reaction process. Acidic media can oxidize the MOC and can corrode the stainless steel reactor to some extend, hence for the protection of the reactor, only basic and neutral media of reaction mass is used in stainless steel reactor. If the reaction mass is acidic or after the addition of chemicals the pH will become acidic, then Glass lined reactors are preferred.

Spark Test in Glass lined reactor and in glass-lined equipment

A glass-lined reactor or glass-lined equipment has a lining of glass which over time of use can be damaged. There are multiple factors responsible for the damage of glass lining for glass chipping, cracks, pinholes, or peeled off.

Glass lining is tested electrically through a spark test is a test that is used to detect the defect or damaged part of glass lining and help to mark those locations. In spark test, there are two types of apparatus

1. AC Apparatus
2. DC Apparatus

In spark test, AC or DC apparatus is connected with a broom. The surface of the reactor which has a glass lining is brushed using a broom. If a defect or damaged part comes in contact with the broom, it generates a spark as the damaged part exposes MS or CS material.

As the spark is generated, we can mark those locations as damaged parts. In this way, damages, defects, or peeled-off places of glass lining are detected.

FAQ (Glass lined reactors)

Wrapping up

This is a detailed guide on what is a glass-lined reactor in detail and what are the selection criteria of a glass-lined reactor. If you have any questions regarding the types of reactors MOC or regarding glass-lined reactor vessels then feel free to use the comment section. We will help you with that. Keep yourself updated with our official android app and learn about chemical engineering and industrial safety.