Windows

Windows can be installed in Parr stirred reactors and pressure vessels for visual observations, light transmission and other purposes. They usually are installed in pairs so that light can be introduced through one window while the other is used for viewing. Our standard material for these windows is fused silica. Sapphire is also available for small diameter windows. Alternative window materials (with coatings if requested) are available for specific transmission requirements. Windows can be mounted in several different ways.

Screw-in Circular Windows

The simplest window is a screw-in type with a 1/2″ diameter viewing area. The windows in these assemblies are sealed in a fitting which screws into the vessel using a standard 1/2″ NPT male pipe thread. Obviously, the vessel wall must be thick enough to provide full engagement for this thread. O-ring seals restrict the maximum operating temperature to 225 °C or less, depending upon the O-ring material. Alternatively, a Grafoil^® gasket seal option is available to increase temperature rating up to 350°C. Pressure ratings range from 1900 to 5000 psi, depending upon the window material and its thickness. Although these windows are rather small for straight optical viewing, they work well for small video systems and for laser and other analytical beams. A limitation of this design is that there is a dead space approximately 1.25″ long between the inner face of the window and the inside wall of the vessel.

Integral Windows

Parr has developed designs for installing windows in the wall of the vessel so that the inside face of the window is very close to the inside wall of the vessel. This eliminates the large dead space associated with screw-in windows. These windows are offered in the two styles described below. The maximum size of the window will depend on the size of the cylinder in which it will be installed.

Round Windows with a 1/2″ diameter viewing area are the standard. Round windows are available in a variety of materials including sapphire for very high pressures (up to 5000 psi). Both O-ring and Grafoil^® seals are available in this design. This type of window is generally used for visual, photographic or optical sensor observations.

Oblong Windows with a viewing area 3.50” long and 0.62” wide are the standard size and can be installed on 4590/4790 vessels of 100 mL volume or 4560/4760 vessels of 450 mL volume and larger. Only O-ring seals are available in this design. Both Fused Silica and sapphire windows are available – maximum rating for these windows are limited to 1900 psi @ 225°C with FKM or FFKM seals. These windows are commonly used for visual observations of both the vapor and liquid phases or for observing the liquid level in the vessel. Multiple windows can be stacked on larger vessels.

The windows described above as standard are maintained in our inventory for readily available replacements. Custom windows in both the round and oblong styles can be furnished in larger sizes upon request

All reactors and pressure vessels equipped with windows require custom designed heaters and supports. Flexible heating mantles, integral cartridge heaters, and attached circulating jackets (600mL mini and larger) are the most commonly used heaters for window vessels.

Externally Welded/Flange Mounted Larger Windows

Large round windows that are either externally welded or flange mounted to the vessel can be installed. These will provide a viewing area of 1 3/4″ to 7 1/4″ depending on the size of the window ordered and the size of the vessel. Externally welded windows greatly reduce the maximum working pressure of the vessel to 600 psi or less, although custom configurations rated higher are available.

Certification

The windows described above are considered “proprietary fittings” and as such are excluded from the scope of ASME Section VIII Division 1.

Most of the standard windows furnished by Parr can be installed on vessels bearing the CE mark. The windows furnished on these vessels are subjected to various tests on a per lot basis in order to satisfy requirements of 2014/68/EU (Pressure Equipment Directive). Please contact Parr Instrument Company for further information.