How to choose a vertical tube furnace?

When choosing a vertical tube furnace, multiple aspects need to be considered to ensure that the selected equipment can meet practical needs and have good performance. Here are some key selection factors:
1. Temperature requirements
Working temperature range: Determine the required working temperature range to ensure that the tube furnace can meet testing or production requirements. Choose appropriate furnace tubes and heating elements based on different temperature ranges. For example, if the working temperature is less than 1200 ° C, a quartz tube can be selected as the furnace tube, and a tube furnace containing molybdenum resistance wire as the heating element; If the working temperature is between 1200 ° C and 1400 ° C, a tubular furnace with alumina tubes and silicon carbon rods as heating elements can be selected; If the working temperature is higher, higher specifications of furnace tubes and heating elements need to be selected.
2. Furnace size
Sample size and quantity: Choose the appropriate furnace size based on the size and quantity of the samples. The furnace should be large enough to accommodate all the samples that need to be heated, while avoiding wasting energy and space.
3. Heating method
Electric heating or other methods: Choose electric heating, gas heating, or other heating methods according to actual needs. Electric heating usually has the advantages of uniform heating and easy control, but gas heating may have higher efficiency or lower cost in some cases.
4. Heating rate
Heating rate requirement: If there is a high requirement for heating rate, such as greater than 30 ° C/min, a tube furnace with rapid annealing function, such as a sliding rapid annealing furnace or RTP rapid annealing furnace, should be selected. These devices can quickly reach the required temperature in a short period of time, improving experimental or production efficiency.
5. Pressure requirements
Positive or negative pressure environment: If the experiment or production needs to be carried out in a positive or negative pressure environment, the corresponding high-pressure or vacuum tube furnace should be selected. For situations where the positive pressure exceeds 0.03Mpa, a high-pressure tube furnace should be selected; If the temperature requirements are also high, a high-temperature and high-pressure tube furnace should be selected.
6. Heating zone and functional requirements
Number of heating zones: If multiple temperature zones are required for heating, a multi zone tube furnace can be selected, and the specific number of temperature zones can be determined according to actual needs.
Functional requirements: such as whether program temperature control, atmosphere control, and other functions are needed. These functions can improve the accuracy and controllability of experiments or production.
7. Quality and reliability
Brand and manufacturer: Choose brands and manufacturers with reliable quality and stable performance to ensure that the equipment has good stability and durability during use.
After sales service: Understand the after-sales service provided by the manufacturer, so that any problems encountered during use can be resolved in a timely manner.
8. Cost and Budget
Price factor: On the premise of meeting all the above requirements, the price factor of the equipment also needs to be considered. Choose appropriate equipment models and configurations based on the budget.
In summary, when choosing a vertical tube furnace, it is necessary to comprehensively consider multiple aspects such as temperature requirements, furnace size, heating method, heating rate, pressure requirements, heating zone and functional requirements, quality and reliability, as well as cost and budget. By comprehensively evaluating these factors, the most suitable vertical tube furnace for one’s needs can be selected.