schlenk line pt 2

A good working space is tantamount to good productivity. Schlenk lines are generally mounted on some sort of support, most typically a metal cage. (VWR lists these as "lattices" or "lab frames".) The cage serves not only as a support for the Schlenk line, but also as space to connect reaction vessels using clamps while they are being used. Most everything in the hood is held together with fasteners. The cage itself and other permanent fixtures are attached using smaller 90 degree frame connectors which are tightened down using small Allen wrench. Other items such as reaction vessels are attached on a temporary basis using thumb screws. When I first arrived at the Heller lab the hood assigned to me had a cage made of stainless steel and aluminum rods, fixed directly to the back of the hood. When I moved my work space the new hood was a mish-mash of rusty steel, corroded aluminum, and about half constructed with fiberglass rods. Totally unacceptable. This was totally disassembled and a new cage was constructed using only metal rods. No individual pictures exist of only the cage, but the reader should take note of the underlying structure in future pictures.