In fields such as chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical research, and food processing, reactors are indispensable core equipment in laboratories and industrial production. However, faced with the dazzling array of reactor types on the market, many users often struggle with the choice—between glass reactors and stainless steel reactors—wondering which one better suits their company's needs.

Today, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of reactors to help you find the perfect "lab partner"!

1. Material and Structure:

Glass Reactor:

• High borosilicate glass material: Resistant to acids, alkalis, and corrosion, and can withstand most organic solvents (except hydrofluoric acid).

• Double-layer design: The interlayer can circulate media (water/oil) for precise temperature control, making it ideal for temperature-sensitive reactions.

• Visual operation: Fully transparent, allowing clear observation of reactions, especially suitable for experiments requiring real-time monitoring, such as crystallization or color changes.

✅ Suitable for: Atmospheric or slightly negative pressure reactions, fine chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis, teaching demonstrations, etc.

Stainless Steel Reactor:

• 304/316L stainless steel: High mechanical strength, resistant to high temperatures and pressures, suitable for intense stirring and high-viscosity materials.

• Strong sealing: Metal hard sealing, with pressure resistance up to 10MPa or higher, ideal for high-pressure reactions like hydrogenation and polymerization.

• Long lifespan, low maintenance: Resistant to impact and wear, suitable for continuous industrial production.

✅ Suitable for: High-pressure catalytic reactions, petrochemical processes, food sterilization, high-viscosity material mixing, etc.

2. Performance Comparison:

How to Choose?

(1) Reaction Medium

• Strong acids, alkalis, or organic solvents → Glass reactors are safer.

• Chloride ions (e.g., hydrochloric acid) or high-viscosity materials → Stainless steel reactors are more durable.

(2) Experimental Conditions

• Atmospheric pressure, low temperature, or mild reactions → Glass is more suitable, cost-effective, and easy to observe.

• High pressure, high temperature, or intense stirring → Stainless steel is more reliable, avoiding explosion risks.

(3) Budget and Long-Term Use

• Short-term experiments, teaching, or research → Glass is economical and easy to replace.

• Industrial continuous production → Stainless steel offers a longer lifespan and higher cost-effectiveness.

4. Applicable Industries:

Typical Users of Glass Reactors

• Pharmaceutical companies: For monitoring the synthesis of API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) intermediates.

• University labs: Ideal for chemistry demonstration experiments, allowing students to observe reactions visually.

• Fine chemical industry: Such as the preparation of high-purity products like fragrances and dyes.

 

Typical Users of Stainless Steel Reactors

• Petrochemical industry: High-pressure hydrogenation, catalytic cracking, etc.

• Food and beverage: High-temperature sterilization, fermentation processes.

• New energy materials: High-temperature sintering of lithium battery cathode materials.

Glass reactors and stainless steel reactors each have their strengths. The key to choosing lies in matching your experimental needs. If you prioritize safety, visibility, and ease of operation, a glass reactor is the ideal choice. If you require high strength, high-pressure resistance, and industrial production, a stainless steel reactor is more capable.

Feel free to consult our sales team for a customized reactor solution tailored to your needs!

Hangzhou ROYAL Pharmaceutical Equipment Co., Ltd. specializes in the R&D, design, production, and trade of pharmaceutical equipment, chemical equipment, and laboratory equipment. ROYAL is committed to enhancing product quality and helping global partners seize market opportunities. We warmly welcome friends from around the world to collaborate and share in our development and progress!

Website: https://www.royalpharm-equipment.com/
Tel: 0086-571-85829053
Fax: 0086-571-85829153
Address: Room 1702, 17th Floor, Building 3, Greenland Central Plaza, No. 98 Daguang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China