How to perform a proper melting point test?

psilikon

New Member
10+ Year Member
Can anyone give me a detailed step-by-step on how to properly perform a melting point on raw test (or any other hormone) as well as what equipment would be required? I'm thinking I'd at least need a high precision ($$$) thermometer.
 
There is a detailed step by step on basskiller's website. Generally ovens aren't very accurate so you need a high temp thermocouple and meter and you need aluminum foil to shield from the direct heat of the heating elements. Positioning of the thermocouple is key.
 
I have been researching multiple options for my next cycle and homebrew seems very promising . Ive also wondered your exact question and this is my thought process on the subject to present.
I already have an infrared thermometer I would use to check the melt point. With the one I have it recommends staying away from measuring water because sometimes the laser will hit the steam from the water and give inaccurate/inconsistent readings. My plan would be to use a hotplate and measure the readings at several different points on the surface of the plate itself to see how much fluctuation there is . Once I find the most consistent area of the plate's surface I would put a small beaker of whatever carrier oil I had decided to use for my brew on the plate in that area ( my infrared therm.comes highly recommended for measuring oils) and monitor how long it took to get to the temp. need for my powder's melting. I would use carrier oil first to watch for any inconsistencies, changes, basically just anything unplanned before I put the gold on there :) Once comfortable I would remove the oil , put a freshly cleaned and dried beaker on it and try about 5grams of my powder. Use a glass swizzelstick to gently stir to ensure uniform melting and see what the therm. says.
Sorry for the lengthy reply , hope it helps , I am still very new but like to think out any plans I have with AAS to prevent any problems and this is what I would likely do . Best of luck.
 
Find the melting point of what you have to check.

Get out a shitty frying pan.

Put a bit of powder in the pan in a 1/8 inch thick pile about the size of a nickel or quarter.

Get a laser thermometer (cheap one at auto store works great).

Put cold pan with powder pile in it on cold burner of stove.

Turn stove on nice and high.

Point laser thermometer at pile of powder.

Watch temp rise on laser thermometer as you keep the laser dots focused on the powder pile.

When the temp of the laser thermometer hits the melting point, the pile of powder should melt completely within a five degree swing.

If it does, you are all good.

If not.....problems.

Good luck.
 
Just so you guys know, the bulk of infrared thermometers are horribly inaccurate.

Easily 10+ degrees off. Youll need to spend $80+ to get one remotely accurate.
 
Just so you guys know, the bulk of infrared thermometers are horribly inaccurate.

Easily 10+ degrees off. Youll need to spend $80+ to get one remotely accurate.

Mine was under 50 and works perfectly. Ive tested it against a lot of thermometers. I went to college for auto and am a master tech and we used the same laser guns in experiment after experiment. No swings in temp ever on the guns and they all read very accurate. Like within a degree of thermostat opening temperatures.
 
Yes, please let me know which brand you have. I own two and a buddy has one, we tested them to some high grade lab thermometers and they were all over the place.

You'll see that when you look at the cheap ones on Amazon too.

I would love to have an accurate one that didn't cost an arm and a leg.
 
Yes, please let me know which brand you have. I own two and a buddy has one, we tested them to some high grade lab thermometers and they were all over the place.

You'll see that when you look at the cheap ones on Amazon too.

I would love to have an accurate one that didn't cost an arm and a leg.

I was mistaken and apologize. My gun was expensive. I googled the price and it was over a hundred bucks everywhere it seems. It is a Raytek Autopro. It is extremely accurate. Here is a pic of my greasy ass gun....uploadfromtaptalk1396128224424.jpg
 
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Doing a little research...

Heres a couple options I would think would work.

This is the least expensive one I would go with...
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Raytek-MT6-Non-contact-MiniTemp-Thermometer/dp/B000O80B5M/ref=pd_sbs_indust_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0DTXHHB4QX3V6BRYB6J5]Amazon.com: Raytek MT6 Non-contact MiniTemp Infrared Thermometer: Automotive[/ame]

I think this is the one Ill get...little more but got some great reviews...and adjustable Emissivity and dual laser for specific reading of target are.
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-MAX-Infrared-Thermometer-Battery/dp/B0089N2ZH6/ref=pd_sbs_auto_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0ZYWJRN44B3BKZ0TC76K]Amazon.com: Fluke 62 MAX Plus Infrared Thermometer, AA Battery, -20 to +1202 Degree F Range: Industrial & Scientific[/ame]
 
IMO fluke is the industry leader for test and measurement. The 62 max plus is what I have but I got it from a cheaper source that I found....was about 80 bucks.
 
IMO fluke is the industry leader for test and measurement. The 62 max plus is what I have but I got it from a cheaper source that I found....was about 80 bucks.

Thats a good price for the PLUS...if you remember where let us know and Ill pick one up.
 
Thanks for posting links. Very helpful. Yeah, I work in the electronic engineering industry and Fluke is definitely the industry standard. Would love to have a fluke temp meter to go with my DIY AAS kit.
 
Lol. Must have been a flood of orders. Bastards.

It works well and the dual laser feature is perfect for centering on a small pile of powder.
 
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