A laboratory used sapphire high-pressure reactors are also known as a fastener, meaning that it is necessary to use heavy-gauge steel for the construction. The steel used in this type of Reactor is galvanized and a thick gauge wire is used as a core for the alloy that is surrounded by a series of thinner wires. These wires are insulated using a damp cloth and the inner metal casing is made to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures before being filled with molten saltwater. This type of Reactor has the ability to operate at high temperatures and operate for long periods before overheating and eventually burning out.
During the operation of the lab used sapphire high-pressure reactor, the salt is forced into an expanding pool which has an interior boundary like that of a vacuum. The expanding pool of saltwater contains an initiating agent, which is mixed with gaseous H20 and pressurized air. The hydrogen isotopes of H20 are mixed with oxygen in the interior of the pool so that the environment creates a reaction with the H20 catalyst. When this occurs the metal-containing H20 becomes superheated and expands. This process of expanding the metal occurs at a very high temperature and creates enormous pressure and forces the hydrogen atoms to move rapidly through the thin wires of the alloy.
As this occurs the mechanical tension of the metal pushes on the atoms causing them to push against the wires. This causes a chain reaction which causes the hydrogen atoms to increase in number creating a chain reaction and an eventual reaction that produces large amounts of energy. The electrical current generated is then used for lighting, cooling down power tools, and generating heat for industrial processes. The laboratory used sapphire high-pressure reactor is very convenient for a wide range of research projects due to its ability to produce real-time measurements.