O que você sabe sobre copos térmicos de aço inoxidável?
A busca por um estilo de vida saudável levou à popularidade generalizada de “soaking goji berries in a thermos,” e 304 e 316 stainless steel are frequently seen or mentioned when purchasing thermoses. So, do you understand the materials used in garrafas térmicas de aço inoxidável? How do you choose and use a thermos?
- The Design Principle of Stainless Steel Thermos
A stainless steel thermos is a vacuum flask used to store hot or cold water, beverages, and other liquids (food). It has an insulation function, and the body (bottle body, pitcher body) is made of stainless steel. The design principle of a stainless steel thermos originates from a chemical experimental apparatus called a “Dewar flask,” invented in 1892 by the Scottish chemist and physicist Sir James Dewar. He used double-walled glass, coated the inner wall with mercury, and removed the air between the two walls to create a vacuum, thus storing liquid oxygen and achieving excellent low-temperature constant temperature. Stainless steel thermos flasks are designed using the principle of creating a vacuum between the inner and outer layers to prevent heat transfer and convection. They consist of a double-layered stainless steel container with an outer shell and an inner liner, with the sealed area in between evacuated to a vacuum. Simply put, the higher the vacuum level, the more stable the heat retention.
2.Standards for Stainless Steel Thermos Cups
Different materials used in stainless steel thermos cups must comply with the corresponding national standards. Por exemplo, the body of a stainless steel thermos cup (including the inner liner and outer shell) is made of stainless steel and must comply with GB 4806.9 “National Food Safety Standard – Metal Materials and Articles for Food Contact”; the plastic in the lid and the sealing ring must comply with GB 4806.7 “National Food Safety Standard – Plastic Materials and Articles for Food Contact” and GB 4806.11 “National Food Safety Standard – Rubber Materials and Articles for Food Contact”.
- Purchasing a Stainless Steel Thermos Cup
When purchasing a stainless steel thermos cup, consumers are advised to do the following three things:
First, check the label. Look for information such as product name, specifications, insulation performance, and the name of the manufacturer and/or distributor; clearly indicate the type and composition of the stainless steel material (it must meet the requirements for stainless steel materials in GB 4806.9) or use Chinese standard grades or unified numerical codes, and avoid vague information such as “high-quality stainless steel” ou “advanced stainless steel”; indicate the material of the plastic parts (the sealing lid should preferably be made of polypropylene (PP) material, which is safe and heat-resistant). Check if the outer surface of the product has a uniform color, no cracks or gaps, whether the welds are smooth and burr-free, whether the printed text and patterns are clear and complete, and whether the electroplated parts have exposed plating, peeling, or rust. Check if the lid’s opening and closing buttons work properly, and whether the screw-on performance and sealing are guaranteed. Check if each part is easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble.
Second, smell the thermos. A thermos should be odorless or have a faint, easily dissipated odor. If the odor is strong when the lid is opened, avoid using it.
Third, touch it. Feel the inner liner to see if it’s smooth, the rim for any burrs, and check the texture, weight, and whether it feels comfortable in your hand.
- Stainless steel thermos cups require regular cleaning and disinfection. Because of the rubber gaskets on the lid and the threads on the rim, there are potential hygiene blind spots. Repeated use every day can lead to bacterial accumulation in these crevices. This is especially true for children’s thermos cups, where the straw and spout are prone to bacterial buildup. Children’s thermos cups often have more complex lid designs, resulting in even more areas where bacteria can accumulate. Therefore, it is recommended to wash with a soft cloth and thoroughly dry after use. If it has contained strongly flavored or pungent foods, wash it as soon as possible to avoid staining the plastic and silicone parts.
- Stainless steel thermos cups are not suitable for everything. The inner liner should avoid contact with corrosive liquids such as acids and alkalis. Insulated cups should not be used to hold dry ice, carbonated drinks, etc.. They should not be used for extended periods to store milk, soy milk, juice, chá, or traditional Chinese medicine, as this can lead to rapid microbial growth at suitable temperatures and, if not thoroughly cleaned, poses a food safety risk.
- When filling a stainless steel insulated cup with boiling water, do not fill it completely. It is recommended to leave at least 2cm below the rim to prevent scalding from spillage when opening the lid. Do not shake the insulated cup vigorously with the lid closed to prevent pressure buildup, which could result in injury from a popped-out lid or spraying hot water. For children’s straw insulated cups, do not fill them with liquids exceeding 50℃ to avoid excessive pressure buildup, which could cause scalding from the straw.
- Handle stainless steel insulated cups with care to avoid dropping or impacts. Dropping and impacts can easily deform or damage the cup, weakening the welds, affecting insulation performance, and shortening the lifespan of the insulated cup.
