[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/0POWU.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/0POWU.jpg)[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/DLhsj.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/DLhsj.jpg)**I am gonna use a ceramic tape heater, but cannot wrap it around evenly. Is the glass column gonna be okay?**

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/ys3KU.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/ys3KU.jpg)

I am running some tests on plastic pyrolysis. I am using the reflux condenser to make the heavier hydrocarbons flow back into the boiling flask. I am also trying out various catalyst in the reflux condenser which will facilitate catalytic cracking.

I have decided to maintain the temperature at top of the reflux column to be of 150C and it will allow the lighter fraction to be removed off and the heavier fraction to be condensed back into the boiling flask. 

The boiling flask is made up of quartz and the rest of the glassware is borosilicate.

I am gonna use the glass setup to test catalysts. If results are satisfactory, will get a microreactor made up of steel for further testing. I can better monitor and control temperature in a metal setup I think. Gonna try on only PE and PP types of plastic.

I am a structural engineer by profession and am new to organic chemistry. Thanks for you help in advance.