The loading operation of a vertical tube furnace usually involves a series of delicate steps to ensure the safety and efficiency of the experimental process. So what should be done specifically when loading and unloading materials in a vertical tube furnace? Let's take a look below!

A commonly used vertical tube furnace (click on the image to view product details)

Loading steps
preparation:
Ensure that the vertical tube furnace is turned off and the power supply has been cut off.
Prepare the samples to be sintered and the corresponding material boxes or crucibles, ensuring that they are clean and free of impurities.
Check if the furnace is clean and free of residue or moisture.

Open the furnace tube:
Find the sealed end cap on one end of the furnace tube, which is usually connected to the furnace tube through a stainless steel metal flange.
Use appropriate tools (such as wrenches or specialized fixtures) to open and remove the sealed end cap, taking care to handle with care to avoid damage.

Place the sample:
Place the prepared sample into the material box or crucible and ensure that the sample is securely placed.
Place the material box or crucible containing the sample on the tray holder, and carefully place the entire holder inside the furnace tube.
If necessary, insulation plugs can be placed to reduce heat loss and improve sintering efficiency (the side of the plug with holes facing outward).

Sealed furnace tube:
Reinstall the sealed end cap onto the furnace tube flange and tighten it using clamp bolts or similar devices.
Ensure that the sealed end cap is securely installed without any air leakage.

Introduce atmosphere:
According to the experimental requirements, introduce the required process atmosphere (such as inert gas, nitrogen, etc.).
Adjust the gas flow rate through the gas flow control system until the oxygen content in the furnace tube meets the process requirements.

Start the heating program:
Turn on the main power and start the heating program according to the instrument operation manual.
Enter the temperature control program curve and set parameters such as starting temperature, target temperature, and holding time.
Press the start button to start the heating process.

Material retrieval steps
Cooling:
Do not immediately open the sealed end cap of the furnace tube after the heating program is completed. A small amount of process atmosphere should continue to be introduced and cooled down.
Wait for the temperature inside the furnace to drop below the safe range (usually below 300 ℃) before proceeding to the next step.

Open the furnace tube:
Use appropriate tools to open the sealed end cap on one end of the furnace tube.
Be careful and cautious during operation to avoid scalding or damaging the sample.

Take out the sample:
Take out the material box or crucible containing the sample from the furnace tube.
Remove the sample from the material box or crucible and perform subsequent processing or analysis.

Cleaning work:
Clean the residue or impurities inside the furnace and furnace tubes.
Check and maintain the sealed end caps and other related components of the furnace tube to ensure they are intact and undamaged.

Turn off the power:
After confirming that all operations are completed, turn off the main power and gas supply system.

Customized vertical tube furnace with plasma (click on the image to view product details)

It should be noted that the specific operating steps may vary depending on different models of vertical tube furnaces. Therefore, it is necessary to refer to the instrument's operating manual or consult relevant technical personnel before operating to ensure correct and error free operation. At the same time, safety operating procedures must be strictly followed throughout the entire operation process to prevent accidents from occurring.Click to learn more Vertical tube furnaces! Or click on online customer service to learn more about product information!