🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <dougDC2wA2.IJs@netcom.com>, doug@netcom.com (Doug Merritt) wrote:

> In article <ts_zemanian-2007951158120001@ts_zemanian.pnl.gov>
ts_zemanian@pnl.gov (Thomas S. Zemanian) writes:
> >A thermos _is_ a dewar flask.  See if you can round up enough for the trip.
> 
> Have you actually tried this? It could be bad advice to recommend this
> if you're not sure it'll work. Two things that might go wrong: first,
> the thermos might break immediately from thermal shock. Second, it
> might break somewhere en route due to material brittleness at low
> temperatures.

 I don't think any of these objections are likely to cause problems, but
if you're worried use the stainless steel type rather than the glass
type.  If you do use the glass type, test one first against thermal shock
(the plastic sheath should contain any shards.)
> 
> >Oh, and _don't_ screw the top onto the thermos to make a seal.  You'll
> >need to allow boiloff, so you don't build up pressure in the thermos and
> >cause it to explode.
> 
> Good advice, although then I wonder how to ensure that it can't
> spill, which you certainly don't want.

Well, you needn't leave the lid entirely off.  Just don't screw it down to
make a seal.  Or, you might bore a 1/4" hole through the lid to allow
venting.  It'd be unlikely to slosh out, then, and only a small amount
would be lost before it could be righted, should it tip over.

--Tom

--
The opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.  Keep your filthy hands off 'em!