Tube furnaces differ from muffle furnaces in that the heat treatment in them occurs in a long pipe, which can be horizontal or vertical. This allows the material to be heated evenly along the entire length of the pipe and, if necessary, to process the materials in a specific atmosphere or vacuum. Tube furnaces are often used for materials science research, crystallography, and heat treatment applications where strict control of the atmosphere within the work area is necessary.
In our laboratory, tube furnaces are used to synthesize materials that are sensitive to the air atmosphere. Thanks to the ability to create a controlled atmosphere or vacuum, we can synthesize compounds that require the exclusion of oxygen and moisture from the air, which is critical to maintaining their chemical and physical properties.
The laboratory uses two tube furnaces, each of which has its own unique characteristics:
1.SAFTherm STG-100-14 – the furnace body is made of low carbon Q235 steel, the surface of which is electrostatic and corrosion resistant. The solid double metal frame combined with the heat-insulating fan design ensures low oven surface temperatures. Used in horizontal mode, it has a top opening structure, making it easy to operate. The pipe evacuation function allows thermal treatment to be carried out at low pressure, as well as a specially created protective atmosphere (various gases). Temperature range from 400 to 1600 °C.
2.LOIP LF-50/500-1200 – Operates in the temperature range from +300°C to +1200°C. The oven body is made of high-quality sheet steel and coated with heat-resistant powder paint. The housing has reliable high-performance thermal insulation, which minimizes the influence of external conditions on the heat treatment process, promotes rapid heating of the chamber and reduces energy consumption. The working pipe is made of ceramics, with two plugs. Heating elements are located along the entire length of the working chamber to quickly and uniformly heat the samples to the required temperature. Microprocessor thermostat (digital controller) allows you to maintain the temperature with an accuracy of ±10°C.