Aerogel Parts List

The goal of the proposed Aerogel experiment is to create a sequence of lessons that excites and intrigues students in 8th and 9th grade.  The experiments will overlaps math and science classes for one week, creating an engaging, exciting, intriguing, and sustained 21st century learning experience.



Parts and Prices::
I’ve included links to McMaster-Carr part numbers for suggested parts in stainless steel 316 where available.

• Recommend stainless steel 316 for pipe fittings and valves
• It is okay for gauges to have brass threads
• It is okay for valves to have carbon steel bodies
• It is NOT okay for pipe fittings to be made of brass or carbon steel
• It is NOT okay to use fittings, valves, or gauges rated for lower than 2000 psi

1. Pressure Vessel Parts Needed for Any Configuration

Quantity	Part	McMaster-Carr Part Number/Link	Appxoimate Cost
2	Medium-pressure ball valve, 1/4″ NPT, stainless steel 316, 2000 psi at 200°F	4040T81	$40 / each = $80
2	Hex nipple, 1/2″ reduced to 1/4″ NPT, 1-11/16″ length, stainless steel 316, 6600 psi at 72°F	48805K871	$16 / each = $32
1	Hex nipple, 1/2″ NPT, 1-29/32″ length, 6600 psi	48805K911	$15
2	Hex nipple, 1/4″ NPT, 1-13/32″ length, 7500 psi at 72°F	48805K81	$8 / each = $16
1	Cross, 1/2″ NPT, stainless steel 316, 3000 psi	4443K654	$100
1	Cross, 1/4″ NPT, stainless steel 316, 3000 psi	4443K652	$45
1	Medium pressure, needle valve, female x female 1/4″ NPT, stainless steel 316, 6000 psi at 2000°F	7833K96	$55
1	Brass ASME pop-safety valve, with pull-ring for testing, discharges to atmosphere, 1/4″ NPT male, 2000 psi pop pressure	5825T221	$90
1	Bimetal thermometer, 1/2″ NPT male, 0-250° F/-20-120°C, 2° F/1° C increments, stainless steel 304, dry dial	3956K183	$70
1	Pressure gauge, 0-3000 psi/0-20000 kPa, 1/4″ NPT bottom connection, 2 1/2″ dial	4000K722	$10

2. Pressure Vessel Body Parts Specific to Each Configuration

Quantity	Description	McMaster-Carr Part Number	Approximate Cost
For 1.9″ opening
1	Hex reduction bushing, male x female, 1-1/2″ reduced to 1/2″, 3000 psi	4443K419	$30
1	Hex reduction bushing, male x female, 1-1/2″ reduced to 1/4″, 3000 psi	4443K443	$25
1 (2 if you want to add a window in the future but not right now)	Hex plug, 1-1/2″ NPT male, 3000 psi, stainless steel 316	4443K728	$30 – $60
If you want to install a window now or eventually:
1	Female cross, 1-1/2″ NPT, 3000 psi, stainless steel 316	4443K658	$370

3. Hose, Connectors, and Structural Support Parts

Quantity	Description	Use	McMaster-Carr Part Number	Approximate Price
For 1.9″ opening design:
2	U-bolts for 1-1/2″ pipe, 1/4″-20 thread, A=2″, B=3 1/4″, C=1-3/8″, thread length=1-3/8″, work load 435 lbs.	To fasten the manuclave to its stand	8896T123	$5 / each = $10
1	CGA320 Inlet Nut, 0.950″ Long	Screws onto CGA320 thread for converter nipple	79215A653	$3
1	CGA320 Inlet Nipple, 2.5″ Long	Inserts into inlet nut to convert CGA320 thread to 1/4″ NPT	79215A654	$5
1	Pipe to quick disconnect hose adapter, double shut-off hydraulic, male socket, 1/4″ NPT x 1/4″ quick disconnect, yellow brass, 2250 psi at 72°F	Makes it possible to connect hose to gas tank without having to screw together fixed connectors	5316K12	$15
2	Pipe to quick disconnect hose adapter, double shut-off hydraulic, female plug, 1/4″ NPT x 1/4″ quick disconnect, yellow brass, 2250 psi at 72°F	To connect hose to gas tank and manuclave	5316K38	$10 / each = $20
At least 60″	High pressure braided stainless steel hose, 1/4″ male NPT rigid ends, 60″ length, 1800 psi at 72°F	To deliver carbon dioxide from the tank to the manuclave	5793K61	$40
1	Pipe to quick disconnect hose adapter, double shut-off hydraulic, male socket, 1/4″ NPT x 1/4″ quick disconnect, yellow brass, 2250 psi at 72°F	To connect the hose to the manuclave	5316K21	$16
8 linear feet x 6in	Aluminum plate	To make a stand for holding the manuclave upright	---	$50

4. Other Supplies You’ll Need

Description	Use	Example McMaster-Carr Part Number/Link	Approximate Cost
A heat gun or hair dryer	To heat the manuclave	3149K13,	Heat gun = $50
Roll of pipe thread sealant tape (also called anti-seizing or Teflon® tape), 1/2″ width, 50′ length	Wrapping all pipe threads to ensure high pressure seal-buy lots, this is a consumable	4591K12	$1.50 / roll = $15 for 10 rolls
Adjustable wrench, length 15″ jaw grip 1-11/16″	Assembly, opening and closing the manuclave “door” (pipe plug)	5385A16	$35
Liquid CO2 tank with a siphon tube, CGA320 connector	Source of carbon dioxide for supercritical drying	AirGas	$30 per tank
Licensed Welder	Welding 6 key joints to prevent leaks, welding aluminum base	Contract	$75 - $125 (1.5 hrs)

5. Windows for Sight Glass (available from J.M. Canty, Inc.)

Manuclave Design	Description	J.M. Canty Part Number	Approximate Cost	Comments
1.9″ Opening (1.5″ NPT)	1.5″ NPT Fuseview Sight Window, Hastelloy C276 Body, 2000 psi	C276-1.5-GS2000 FUSEVIEW	$600	Recommended, more oxidation resistant

Total for parts: $1997.00




6. Chemicals Needed (given with Sigma-Aldrich order number)

• Tetraethoxysilane (tetraethyl orthosilicate), Si(OC2H5)4  131903   1L   $53.50
• Absolute (200-proof) ethanol  459836   1L $86.00
• Deionized water  W3500 2L $25.00
• Ammonium hydroxide, 28-30 wt % in water   221228 1L $39.10
• Ammonium fluoride, NH4F 216011 100g $50.00
• Acetone (local Hardware Store) 1L $15.00

Total for 5 years of experiment chemicals $268.60




Grand Total for experiments and supplies: $2265.50