Universal Tube Furnaces

Carbolite Gero tube furnaces are available with maximum operating temperatures from 1100°C to 2600°C, depending on the product range and type of heating elements used in the construction.

A tube furnace is designed to heat samples contained within a work tube. The work tube is installed into the furnace, and the samples are then loaded for processing. The user inputs a setpoint into the furnace controller, and the temperature will increase accordingly. Heat is applied around the outside of the work tube, which gradually heats the samples within.

Carbolite Gero's standard tube furnaces are available in a variety of lengths and diameters, ranging from the smallest with a 150mm heated length and work tube outer diameters of 32mm, to the largest with a 1200mm heated length and work tubes with outer diameters of 200mm. Custom lengths and diameters are also available on request.

It is essential that a tube furnace is always operated with a work tube fitted in order to contain samples and protect the heating elements. Alternatively, different shaped vessels may be used to contain samples, provided that they are sufficiently supported and do not make contact with the heating elements.

Tube furnaces are usually operated with work tubes made from either a ceramic material such as mullite or recrystallized alumina (RCA), quartz glass, or metals, such as stainless steel or Inconel. It is vital that the work tube material is suitable for the desired application. It must be capable of withstanding the maximum operating temperature, and have appropriate chemical resistance to prevent unwanted reactions with sample materials.