If your lab needs a furnace, then there are certain factors to consider when purchasing, especially when you need an electrical resistance heated furnace. We are bringing this post to assist you during your purchase.
The following pointers should be considered in making your choice and selecting a laboratory furnace.
- Furnace Size
- Furnace Geometry
- Furnace Atmosphere
- Aesthetics
- Operational Temperature
- Controls and Furnace Interface
Temperature range
To make this choice, the operational temperature has to be considered, as there are varieties of the temperature range for your laboratory purposes. After considering the price, ensure you do your research on which specifications are the best fit for you.
There are three temperature ranges when it comes to Test and Laboratory furnaces based on their heating technology.
- The first range uses a wire heating element technology which heats up to about 1300°c. However, some custom applications raise the temperature to 1400°c.
- Silicon Carbide heating elements are designed to achieve a temperature range of 1550°c.
- The final group, which uses a molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) heating element, boasts of a temperature of 1750°c and 800°c when used under caution.
Also, the temperature increase equates to an increase in price.
Furnace Size
When purchasing a new laboratory furnace, one must consider whether there is a chance of future expansion shortly. A furnace may be ordered with specific working dimensions for current projects, but plans may require a larger unit.
Furnace Geometry
Another point to consider is is the geometry which decides the number of box units that would be needed for a batch unit.
Box Furnaces
Box furnaces were are structured in the same name style, and they usually have a bottom or a top-loading area.
Laboratory Tube Furnaces
Laboratory Tube furnaces have split tube or solid tube options, and their functions differ. The solid tube units usually cost more than the split unit, and they also have inbuilt diffusers for protection against heat radiation.
Temperature Uniformity
An essential factor to consider is temperature uniformity, as the standard time maintains that 80% of the central working dimension should have a +/-5°c variation. If there is a need to reduce temperature, which borders about 700°c, then stirring fans or heat removal systems should be included in the specifications. In cases of higher temperature, a flat zone needs to be achieved by getting a bigger furnace.
Controlled Cooling
You might also require controlled cooling amongst the specifications if there is a need for process requirements. Ensure that there is a free flow of cooled gas.
Controls and Furnace Interface
You should also consider the type of controls. Below are some of the options available.
- Preset single set temperature controller
- Programmable controlled heating and cooling
- Temperature regulator and Datalog for heat monitoring
Furnace Atmosphere
The Laboratory furnace atmosphere also plays a role in furnace purchase and maintenance.
Air Atmosphere
Venting covers this aspect, as it would override the damage done by a chemical attack during or after the process.
Blanketing Gas Atmosphere
If you need to blanket a certain type of gas from spreading, you can either provide an exhaust port or gas inlet to tackle the issue. Also, exhaust hoods or manifold piping can be used to take out unwanted gas.
Explosive or Forming Gas Atmosphere
Safety measures should always be employed whenever you are dealing with gases that are explosive or forming gases. Using a retort which would seal up the containment would help keep your machine safe from any damage. However, this would be an additional cost for the purchase.
Aesthetics
The last thing to consider when purchasing your laboratory furnace should be aesthetics. You can consider how the color of the french e would align with other equipment in the laboratory. If this doesn't matter to you, then you can just decide based on the considerations explained above. However, one point considered in terms of aesthetics is the build material. Stainless steel exteriors are usually more sturdy and might end up more costly than a painted exterior. Ensure you consult with the manufacturing brand to know which style they prefer in exterior design.
Summary
In summary, you can decide to stick with the standard furnace by most manufacturers, or you could request a customized design that would suit your taste and specifications. These customized furnaces would most likely cost more. So when you want to make your choice, consider all the factors listed above before making your choice.