GB785052A - Improvements in or relating to pressure vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0785052/III/1> A small pressure vessel for carrying out chemical reactions or tests at elevated temperature and pressure comprises a hollow cylindrical body 11, a cap 18, and a retainer 28, the body and the cap being made of metal of thermal conductivity between room temperature and about 300 DEG C. of at least 0.1 calories per cm.2 per sec. per DEG C. per cm. and the interior surface of the vessel being provided with a metal coating resistant to chemical attack or having catalytic properties. Sealing between the vessel 11 and cap 18 is effected by a gasket provided in groove 36. A tubular stem 38 made of metal of lower thermal conductivity is screwed into the cap 18 and passes through a bore in the retainer 28. Passages 43, 44 are used for introducing gaseous reactants or for attachment of a pressure gauge. The vessel may be heated by immersion in an oil bath and may be rotated by projections 14 in order to agitate the contents. In a modification, Fig. 4 (not shown), the groove for the gasket is arranged in the cap and holes are provided to drain off heating fluid from between the steam and the retainer. Suitable metals for the body and cap are mild steel, aluminium and aluminium alloys, magnesium alloys, brass, phosphor bronze, and cast iron. The resistant coating may be nickel or chromium and the catalytic coating copper. The stem 38 may be made of stainless steel. Catalytic hydrogenation, chlorination, or oxidation of organic compounds may be carried out in the vessel.