How to clean the AGE reaction tubes for reusing purposes

Owned by Diego Galván
Last updated: Mar 19, 2024
2 min read

  1. Fill the borosilicate reactor tubes with hydrochloric acid solution (≈25%) using a pipette.

  2. Put the tubes vertically in a glass beaker with enough water (see Figure 1). Beware of water overspilling inside the tubes.

  3. Place the beaker with the tubes in an ultrasonic bath, with a frequency of approx. 35 KHz and run for 15 minutes at room temperature.

  4. Discard the hydrochloric acid from the tubes and rinse them with water.

  5. Let the tubes dry off horizontally for approximately one hour.

  6. Place the tubes in a glass beaker. Avoid the tube openings facing upwards in order to prevent any substance getting by gravity into the tubes volume.

  7. Heat the beaker and tubes in an oven during 3 hours at 500°C.

  8. Once cooled down, close tightly the beaker with tubes using aluminium foil and store in a clean and safe place in your lab.

Figure 1. Reaction tubes filled with hydrochloric acid and placed vertically in a glass beaker with water.

WARNING
Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid. It can cause severe skin burns and eye damage.

Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.

 

Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

 

WARNING
Hydrochloric acid will produce flammable and explosive hydrogen gas when in contact with iron. Furhtermore, adding water to hydrochloric acid produces a violent, exothermic reaction. Be sure to work in a vented fume hood and do not cover the reaction with a lid.

 

Reacts violently with water.

 

CAUTION

Use gloves and safety goggles when working with hydrochloric acid.