What is a Tube Furnace and How does it Work?

Researchers and manufacturers handling relatively small-volume samples or low-throughput activities have access to a wide variety of thermal processing machinery. The first cylindrical heating chambers were created in the early 20th century as a result of research and development into the manufacture of fine ceramic filaments. Since then, tubular furnace have become a frequent sight on factory floors and in materials laboratories all over the world.

Tube Furnace

Generally, the shape of the eating chamber gives the name tube furnace. This is composed of a whole cylindrical element or two semi-cylindrical components that close to form a single void, forming a circular furnace wall composed of high-temperature ceramic.

Refractory heating coils or ribbons, with evenly spaced heaters, are inserted into the ceramic to round a center chamber. The best possible thermal homogeneity for processing both inorganic and organic chemicals is ensured by the split tube furnace.

Working Procedure of Tube Furnace

Tubular furnace working includes several steps such as:

1. Loading and Closing: The center tube or muffle must first be filled with the samples or materials to be treated. Ensuring appropriate spacing and preventing contact with the tube walls or heating element, the samples are gently inserted within. The furnace is safely closed after the samples are loaded. This guarantees the enclosure of the center tube, establishing a regulated atmosphere for the heating process.

2. Temperature Settings: Here a temperature controller is made used to set the optimum temperature and the heating rate. The user can alter the desired temperature and the rate at which the particular furnace should heat up. Achieving the appropriate processing conditions and maximizing the outcomes depend heavily on the respective configuration.

3. Power Supply: After the temperature and heating rate have been set, heating requires a suitable power supply. The heating element starts to produce heat when it is normally connected to an external electrical power supply. Through conduction, heat is transferred from the resistance wire to the central tube as it heats up.

4. Temperature Control: Using a thermocouple or temperature sensor, the temperature control system continuously monitors the chamber's temperature. It compares the user-specified desired temperature and the measured temperature. The temperature controller modifies the power to the heating element by any deviations between the set temperature and the measured temperature. The core tube's desired temperature is maintained using this feedback loop.

5. Process Monitoring: It's critical to keep an eye on the heating process' development and make sure the proper temperature is maintained throughout the entire process. This involves monitoring the chamber's temperature regularly and, if needed, adjusting the power source.

6. Cooling and Unloading: The power is switched off after the heating procedure is completed. The samples or materials are taken out of the furnace after it has progressively cooled to a safe temperature. Depending on the particular furnace design, cooling can be accomplished through water cooling systems, cooling fans, or natural cooling.

A tubular furnace can be used for sublimation, synthesis, tempering, brazing, annealing, brazing, calcination, degassing, sintering, and soldering, among other things. It can be used in a laboratory for catalyst research, fuel cell testing, and thermocouple calibration.

Selecting the best furnace for you depends on how you plan to use it. There are service providers who provide both basic and sophisticated models, including the wire wound single zone tube furnace with eight independently adjustable heating zones.

Talk to the service provider whom you like to collaborate with, and clarify all your doubts regarding the working, maintenance, and service procedures of the split tube furnace. Once you are satisfied with their response, take a call whether tomake the purchase or not.

John Scott content writer and digital marketing graduate. Write about business tip, tech, technology topics.