Function Of Crucible Tongs And Their Types
Crucible tongs are necessary accessories in laboratories and can be found in many branches of science like chemistry, metallurgy, materials science, and many more. They provide the means for operating with crucibles- heat-resistant small-size containers used for melting reactions carried out at elevated temperatures. Since crucibles are often associated with heat, burning metal, and other toxic materials, exposing human skin is dangerous and thus the crucible tongs provide protective aid to laboratory personnel.
In this guide, we shall cover comprehensively the types of crucible tongs types, where they are used, and the prospects of safe handling of the tongs as well as the considerations to make for the best selection of tongs during your laboratory work.
What Are Crucible Tongs?
Crucible tongs are strong metal tools usually made of high-quality stainless steel used to hold hot crucibles and other hot containers or laboratory equipment. Thanks to the ergonomics and the heat-resistant materials from which they are made, crucible tongs can be used to carry out hot crucibles, to take them off the heating medium or even to pour melted materials. The main purpose of using crucible tongs is to eliminate the risk of burns or injury by directly handling the hot or toxic material such as chemical exposure.
Some Types of Crucible Tongs
Though there are many types of crucible tongs, they are designed differently to meet specific needs. Below are some of the most common types:
A Little Tongs Flate Jaw Crucible Tongs
Design: These sets of tongs come with flat solid straight jaws and are made for the rough handling of flat or circular-shaped crucibles.
Applications: Suitable mostly in laboratory spaces with small to medium crucibles as it is for labor general purpose use and also for the heating and cooling process of the crucible because a flat surface flattens the surface eases turning over the crucible.
Curved Jaw Crucible Tongs
Design: These tongs consist of a pair of jaws in the shape of a bow made to fit in the round figures of the hailing crucibles.
Applications: The design is effective on rounded bottom crucibles as used in most chemistry work and metal-using provisions.
Offset Crucible Tongs
Design: In these types of tongs, the handles are bent or offset. This design improves speed and control, particularly for narrow working conditions such as furnaces and small ovens.
Applications: Offset tongs are best used for practical work or experiments yielding one crucible or for very deep furnaces where a straight tong application can’t give enough reach and control.
Long Handled Crucible Tongs
Design: Elongated handles are incorporated into the etiquette of these tongs a variety built as a measure when handling extremely high temperatures or working on huge furnaces.
Applications: Long-handled tongs are made for industrial tasks where the operator has to work away from the heat source.
Graphite Crucible Tongs
Design: These tongs are made for the sole purpose of gripping heat-treated graphite crucibles during the melting or refining of metals processes.
Applications: Mostly used in the smelting of metals and foundries, such tongs are heat-resistant as well as strong enough to support the weight of a crucible full of melted metals.
Crucible Tongs Use in Materials
There is a wider usage of crucible tongs at high-heat locations and due to the corrosive reasons; the materials of construction are very critical. The standard materials include:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a very common material for the manufacture of crushing tongs. It is heat tolerant, suited for corrosion, and well able to withstand a long period of usage. Stainless steel tongs are safe for use under temperatures of 600 degrees which are tolerable by laboratories.
Nickel and Alloy Steel
Heavier and larger tongs are made of nickel steel alloy or other alloy steels for the more demanding applications especially the industrial applications of about 1000 degrees C. Such materials are superior in heat and corrosion resistance to stainless steel.
Tungsten
Tungsten crucible tongs are comparatively fewer but are employed for extremely unique purposes to tolerate high temperatures. Tungsten tools can handle melting points that exceed 3400 degrees bringing such for very individualised manufacturing methods.
Carbon Steel
Though also corrosion-resistant carbon steel tongs tend not to be as proof of rusting. They are made of sturdy materials and can be used in high-temperature applications, for which they are common in general lab work, although, they have to undergo routine processes to prevent corrosion.
Applications of Crucible Tongs
Crucible tongs are multipurpose hand-held implements and they find usage in science and various industries. Here are some common uses:
Using in High Temperature Crucible Tongs Chemistry Laboratories
Jewelry making is one of the notable examples of chemical processes that tend to use high-temperature crucibles as the only implements. The tongs allow persons working in laboratories to pick up very hot crucibles in a safe manner with very little contact with the skin to avoid burns or to prevent contact with especially hazardous chemicals.
Metallurgical Processes
Crucibles are integral when it comes to metals wearying and searching processes. Some of these factors include the welding of small tongs which change the bias of the process and make pouring of molten metal into crucibles quite a challenge. Having tongs for crucibles containing molten metals made from gold, silver, aluminum, iron, etc are lifers as they help transfer heated molten metals without switching off the furnace.
Ashing in Analytical Chemistry
The method of ashing is broadly used for removing all or b mostly volatile components of a sample by heating it. Stubby crucible tongs play a critical role in pulling and pushing crucibles into and out of furnaces during ashing procedures.
Material Science Experiments
Crucibles are useful in materials science for performing experiments such as techniques requiring the heating and possibly melting of certain materials inclusive of ceramics, polymers, and metals. The use of crucible tongs is to help handle and facilitate the working of these materials during the experiment.
Pouring Molten Substances
In industries, crucible tongs find applications where there are molten substances and such rods make it possible to hold and pour the molten substance without spilling it.
Exercises In The Use Of Crucible Tongs Function
The application of the crucible tongs would be based on certain conditions such as the type of crucible you are using, the temperature of the experiment, and the size of the crucible. Many considerations are made when selecting crucible tongs.
Material Compatibility
A handle of tongs made from a different material may not survive at that temperature and hence greater care should be exercised when using it with a crucible. For example, not every tongs that you work with will be constant, if you are using a graphite crucible then the tongs are required to work at temperatures perennial when melting metals.
Size and Shape
Make sure that you have a matching size and shape of the tongs with the crucible in question. For example, round-bottom crucibles are better when using curved tongs while flat-bottom crucibles are more efficient with flat jaw tongs.
Handle Length
The length of the handle is important for safety. For high-temperature applications or large crucibles, long-handled tongs can be used to maintain a respectable distance from the heat source.
Grip Design
Accidental slipping of the area could be avoided with the tongs handles firmly designed. Tongs with serrated or textured jaws hold the crucible in a more secure manner which minimizes chances of slippage.
Safety Tips in Handling Crucible Tongs
Nevertheless, even used with caution, the use of hot crucibles also has its share of threats. Here are several tips for the proper usage of crucible tongs:
Always Preheat Tongs: The Crucible should be tended without crushing them so it is necessary to heat the tongs before inserting the crucible into the hot furnace.
Wear Protective Equipment: Other people’s hands and splashes from the heat, as well as the heat itself, risk the use of working with hot crucibles. These can be prevented by the use of goggles and wearing gloves.
Check for Damage: It is advisable to check crucible tongs and crucibles not only for presence but also for their condition. In particular, if they are bent or their tips are damaged, they pose a safety hazard and they are likely to make it difficult to secure the crucibles safely.
Use the Right Tongs for the Job: More tongs should be in summary used, varieties should be slightly disregarded or cut short, and only the relevant amount used for each crucible. Tongs that are not suitable for that particular crucible and the experiment should not be used and vice do not use tongs that are not appropriate as they cause some harm or use the crucible in a damaging manner.
Heat-resistant crucibles are constructed from either clay or graphite: Always proceed with caution when moving warmer crucibles around to prevent accidents or spilling of contents. These precautions are pertinent for dangerous materials and molten metal as well.
Conclusion
Along with most safety equipment, crucible tongs will be an economical tool in situations demanding a very high-temperature experiment. They provide a safe and hygienic way of dealing with crucibles and molten media thereby reducing chances of body harm or contamination. With the right type of tongs and safety measures, it is possible to have a pleasant experience in handling such hot crucibles without getting hurt.
