This experiment was set up by Antoine Sinton to study tectonics of Jupiter's icy moons. The experiments were quite successful. But . . .
this is what happens when someone (not Antoine) forgets to turn off the heater
and goes away for a week.
The most common fluid used in the lab is corn syrup. Invariably we make a sticky mess, but worse things can happen (but not as bad as some mistakes).
Sometimes tanks drip and leak . . . .