Looking for a grease/lubricant that is resistant to chloroform

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a grease or lubricant that is resistant to chloroform for use in a sealed experimental apparatus. Participants explore various options and share their experiences with different products, focusing on the challenges of using conventional lubricants that may dissolve in chloroform.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that fluorine-based greases are currently being used but are not sufficient as they disperse into the system, leading to contamination.
  • Another participant suggests Krytox as a potential solution, citing its chemical stability against chloroform.
  • A different participant expresses uncertainty about whether Krytox is resistant enough to repel chloroform and questions its availability in Japan.
  • Apiezon is mentioned as an alternative lubricant that has been used successfully in similar applications, though its long-term performance is questioned.
  • Several participants emphasize the importance of sharing prior research findings to avoid redundancy in searches.
  • One participant proposes using conically ground fittings sealed with Teflon tape as a potential sealing method instead of relying solely on grease.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific lubricant that is strongly resistant to chloroform. Multiple suggestions are made, but uncertainty remains regarding their effectiveness and availability.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the availability of suggested products in certain regions, and the performance of these lubricants over extended periods is not fully established.

HAYAO
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TL;DR
Looking for a grease/lubricant to seal an apparatus to contain chloroform
I'm doing an experiment in a system that I use chloroform, and the apparatus needs to be sealed by a grease so that chloroform won't leak out. I've been using fluorine-based grease/lubricant to seal since conventional silicone-based grease/lubricant will easily be dissolved by chloroform, but it's not enough. What happens is that although chloroform won't leak, the grease/lubricant is dispersed into the system and contaminates it.

Does anyone know of a grease/lubricant that is strongly resistant to chloroform?
 
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I did the same search and that is literally the only relevant hit, but thanks.

I wonder if it's resistant enough that it repels chloroform. Also, I got to see if it's sold in Japan.
 
To be honest @HAYAO, when you said “fluorine based” I immediately thought that you were talking about Krytox, which would have been my suggestion had you not said that.

Maybe Apiezon? I’ve used that in Schlenk lines for as long as I can remember and it seems to work ok (I prefer it to silicone grease for the rather dumb reason that I can see it through the glass). But I’m not doing anything that can’t be fixed by slapping on a little more, so if you need a lubricant to perform for long periods without crapping out, I’m not so sure.
 
HAYAO said:
I did the same search and that is literally the only relevant hit, but thanks.
When, as in this case, you HAVE done some of your own research, PLEASE state what you have found. It is rude to make us re-do a search you've already done, with us thinking that you have overlooked it.
 
Okay, I have never heard of Apiezon. Thanks.

phinds said:
When, as in this case, you HAVE done some of your own research, PLEASE state what you have found. It is rude to make us re-do a search you've already done, with us thinking that you have overlooked it.
Understood
 
phinds said:
When, as in this case, you HAVE done some of your own research, PLEASE state what you have found. It is rude to make us re-do a search you've already done, with us thinking that you have overlooked it.
Good point, but no big deal in this case. I was just proud of myself that I found something! :wink:
 
berkeman said:
Good point, but no big deal in this case. I was just proud of myself that I found something! :wink:
Yeah, but I mean hell, Mike, you're proud of yourself if you remember to brush your teeth :oldlaugh:
 
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Dear Sir or Lady,
have you tried to use conically ground fittings (in some countries called "normed fittings") and seal them with TEFLON-TAPE?

HAYAO said:
Summary: Looking for a grease/lubricant to seal an apparatus to contain chloroform

I'm doing an experiment in a system that I use chloroform, and the apparatus needs to be sealed by a grease so that chloroform won't leak out. I've been using fluorine-based grease/lubricant to seal since conventional silicone-based grease/lubricant will easily be dissolved by chloroform, but it's not enough. What happens is that although chloroform won't leak, the grease/lubricant is dispersed into the system and contaminates it.

Does anyone know of a grease/lubricant that is strongly resistant to chloroform?
 
  • #10
Yeah, sorry guys. And thanks
 

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