Closure mechanism for chemical reaction kettle

Abstract

An improved closure device for a laboratory scale chemical reactor which provides fast and efficient opening and closing of the reaction vessel as well as providing a simple and reliable system for relieving excessive pressure should it build up in the reaction vessel. The reactor is sealed by use of a substantially flat head that is seated against the rim of the reaction vessel by pressure which is generated by a variably adjustable closure means. Since the closure pressure can be adjusted to any value within the design limitations of the closure means, the closure means also operates as a pressure relief valve.

We claim:  
     
         1 ) A closure device for a laboratory chemical reactor comprising: 
 a reaction vessel, wherein the reaction vessel has a rim at the top;    a head, wherein the head is slideably connected to at least one vertically disposed guide shaft, wherein the at least one guide shaft permits vertical travel of the head; and    closure means operatively connected to the head, wherein the closure means comprises: 
 a drive cylinder,  
 a pressure source selected from the group consisting of hydraulic and pneumatic pressure systems; and  
 pressure control means to regulate the amount of force exerted by the closure means to sealably engage the head and the rim of the reaction vessel.  
   
     
     
         2 ) The closure device of  claim 1  wherein the rim comprises an annular channel.  
     
     
         3 ) The closure device of  claim 1  wherein the closure means further comprises a pressure relief means.  
     
     
         4 ) The closure device of  claim 1  wherein the closure means urges the head to travel vertically up or down along the at least one guide shaft.  
     
     
         5 ) A method for sealing a laboratory scale reactor, wherein the reactor comprises a reaction vessel, said reaction vessel having a rim at the top, a head, said head having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a closure means which comprises a drive cylinder and a pressure source selected from the group consisting of hydraulic and pneumatic pressure systems; the improvement comprising: 
 urging the head to sealably engage the rim of the reaction vessel under pressure provided from the pressure source to the closure means; and    applying pressure from the drive cylinder to generate sufficient force to effect a seal between the rim of the reaction vessel and the interior surface of the head.    
     
     
         6 ) The method of  claim 5  wherein the force is infinitely adjustable.  
     
     
         7 ) The method of  claim 5  wherein the pressure is adjustable to apply the amount of force necessary to enable the closure means to function as a pressure relief means.