Looking for a grease/lubricant that is resistant to chloroform

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the search for a grease or lubricant that effectively seals apparatuses containing chloroform without contaminating the system. Users have noted that conventional silicone-based lubricants dissolve in chloroform, while fluorine-based greases, such as Krytox, are insufficient as they disperse into the system. Apiezon is mentioned as a potential alternative, although its long-term performance remains uncertain. The conversation emphasizes the importance of sharing prior research to avoid redundancy in information gathering.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical resistance properties of lubricants
  • Familiarity with fluorine-based lubricants, specifically Krytox
  • Knowledge of Apiezon grease and its applications
  • Basic principles of sealing techniques in laboratory settings
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical stability of Krytox in the presence of chloroform
  • Investigate the performance characteristics of Apiezon grease in long-term applications
  • Explore alternative sealing methods, such as using TEFLON-TAPE with conically ground fittings
  • Review safety data sheets (SDS) for various lubricants to assess compatibility with chloroform
USEFUL FOR

Chemists, laboratory technicians, and researchers working with chloroform who require effective sealing solutions to prevent contamination in experimental setups.

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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