Minimizing Evaporation from Constant Temperature Water Baths A convenient device for maintaining constant temperatures is the ordinary water bath consisting of s. glass jar and associated heating and regulating applianoes. Egly ["Technique of A.), Interscience Publishers, Inc., (a division of Organic Chemistry," (Editor: WEISSBERGER, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), New York, 1950, vol. 111, p. 761, reports that water is an almost ideal heat transfer medium, but that its vapor pressures are too high for convenient use in an open bath operated above 60PC. This note suggests that a simple and inexpensive approach toward minimizing heat loss through evaporation, and thereby extending the useful temperature range of an open bath, is to float gin. layer of styrofoam chips on the surface of the water. Using this technique it has been possible to increase the maximum controlled temperature from 65' to 80°C, and above, for extended periods without appreciable evaporation.
Volume 44, Number 12, December 1967
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