How to choose a gas filled tube furnace?

As a common electric heating equipment in the heat treatment industry, tube furnaces often require various gases, such as nitrogen, argon, etc., to prevent material oxidation or reaction. So, what aspects should be paid attention to when choosing an atmosphere tube furnace? Let’s take a look below!

1600 ℃ Atmosphere Tube Furnace (Click on the picture to view product details)

1. Temperature control capability
Temperature control accuracy:
Precision experiments require temperature control accuracy within ± 1 ℃ to ensure the accuracy of experimental results.
Choose equipment equipped with PID intelligent temperature control system and high-precision thermocouples (such as B-type or S-type), which have high temperature measurement accuracy and stability.

Heating rate:
Choose the appropriate heating rate according to the experimental requirements. Generally speaking, a rapid heating rate may lead to thermal shock and affect the quality of the sample; If the heating rate is too slow, it may prolong the experimental time.
The typical heating rate range is 5-10 ℃/min, but it should be adjusted according to the characteristics of the sample and experimental requirements.

Temperature uniformity:
The uniformity of temperature distribution inside the furnace is crucial for the experimental results. Choose equipment that ensures temperature uniformity through rational design of heating element layout and furnace structure.
The temperature deviation can be controlled within the range of ± 5 ℃ to ± 10 ℃, meeting most experimental requirements.

2. Furnace tube material and size
Furnace tube material:
Select the appropriate furnace tube material based on the experimental temperature and atmosphere. Common furnace tube materials include quartz, corundum (alumina), stainless steel, etc.
Quartz furnace tubes are suitable for high temperatures and corrosive atmospheres, but their brittleness should be noted; The corundum furnace tube has high temperature resistance and chemical stability; Stainless steel furnace tubes are suitable for experiments with low temperatures or less stringent atmosphere requirements.

Furnace tube size:
Select the appropriate furnace tube diameter and length based on the sample size and quantity. The diameter of the furnace tube should be large enough to accommodate the sample while avoiding excessive heat loss.
The length of the furnace tube should be selected according to experimental requirements to ensure that the sample is uniformly heated inside the furnace.

3. Gas system configuration
Gas type support:
Choose a tube furnace that supports the introduction of multiple gases (such as nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, oxygen, etc.) to meet different experimental needs.
Ensure that the gas system can accurately control the gas flow rate and pressure to meet the strict requirements of the atmosphere in the experiment.

Gas transportation and purification:
The gas delivery system should include components such as gas pipelines, valves, flow meters, and pressure sensors to ensure stable gas flow into the furnace.
For experiments that require high-purity gas, a gas purification device should be equipped to remove impurities and moisture from the gas.

Gas mixing and distribution:
If multiple gases need to be mixed for use, a tube furnace with gas mixing function should be selected.
Ensure even gas distribution and avoid local atmospheric differences affecting experimental results.

4. Security performance guarantee
Safety protection device:
Choose a tube furnace equipped with safety protection devices such as overheating alarm, overcurrent protection, and gas leakage detection.
When the temperature inside the furnace exceeds the set safe value, the current is abnormal, or gas leaks, the equipment should automatically alarm and take corresponding protective measures.

Explosion proof and ventilation design:
For experiments using flammable and explosive gases, a tube furnace with explosion-proof design should be selected.
Ensure good ventilation in the laboratory to prevent gas accumulation from causing safety accidents.

5. Equipment size and customization
Equipment size:
Select appropriate equipment sizes based on laboratory space and experimental requirements. Ensure that the equipment can be conveniently placed in the laboratory and leave sufficient operating space.

Customization:
If standard equipment cannot meet experimental requirements, manufacturers with customization capabilities can be selected for customized design and manufacturing.
The customized content may include furnace size, heating element layout, gas control system, etc.

6. Brand and after-sales service
Brand reputation:
Choose manufacturers with good brand reputation and word-of-mouth to ensure the quality and performance of the equipment.
You can understand the manufacturer’s reputation by consulting user reviews, industry reports, and other methods.

After-sales service
Choose manufacturers that provide comprehensive after-sales services, including equipment installation and commissioning, operation training, maintenance, and supply of vulnerable parts.
Ensure timely technical support and maintenance services during use to extend equipment lifespan and reduce usage costs.

Rotating tilted tube furnace with gas flow (click on the image to view product details)

In general, when choosing a gas filled tube furnace, it is important to pay attention to the above points. You can communicate the parameters with relevant technical personnel before choosing, so as to customize an atmosphere tube furnace that is more suitable for your own production or experiment!Click to learn more tube furnaces! Or click on online customer service to learn more about product information!