Shutting down a Schlenk line

As with setting up a Schlenk line, shutting down may vary depending on design, requirements and preferences. Typically the following steps might be undertaken:

1. Ensure any flasks connected to the line are stored appropriately. This might mean filling with inert gas to store compounds overnight and closing taps to isolate from the line.

2. Ensure all double oblique taps are closed.

3. Turn off the supply of inert gas.

4. In quick succession, open the line air bleed, turn off the pump and remove the liquid nitrogen Dewar from the solvent trap.

5. Allow the solvent trap to warm up, remove and empty it.

6. Turn the pump back on and allow it to ballast for some time.

7. Turn off the pump and ensure all other parts of the line and any other equipment are safe (e.g. Pirani gauges, hotplates etc are powered down).