Pressure-release vessel with rigid proportional liner and associated microwave-assisted chemistry methods

Abstract

A structural improvement for microwave-assisted high temperature high-pressure chemistry vessel systems is disclosed that among other advantages offers dynamic venting and resealing while a reaction proceeds and eliminates the risk of cross contamination associated with systems that use a common pressurized chamber. The improvement includes a relatively thin-walled disposable liner cylinder that includes one closed end and one open end defining a mouth, and a liner cap positioned in the mouth of the rigid liner cylinder for closing the rigid liner cylinder. The liner cap includes a depending column that engages the inside diameter of the rigid liner cylinder, and a disk at one end of the depending column having a diameter sufficient to rest upon the rigid liner cylinder without falling into the rigid cylinder liner so that the cylindrical liner cap can rest in the rigid liner cylinder at the mouth of the rigid liner cylinder. The depending column, includes a passage to provide a gas venting space, and a dynamic venting action, between the liner cap and the rigid liner cylinder.