SUNJUNE VP-TA2 Pro Rotational Low-Temperature Plasma Asher
| Brand | SUNJUNE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | OEM/ODM Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | VP-TA2 Pro |
| Price Range | USD 8,500 – 17,000 |
Overview
The SUNJUNE VP-TA2 Pro Rotational Low-Temperature Plasma Asher is an engineered solution for controlled, non-thermal oxidative removal of organic matrix from inorganic-rich samples—particularly coal, geological powders, and ceramic precursors—without thermal degradation of mineral phases. Unlike conventional static plasma ashers relying on surface-limited radical diffusion under vacuum, the VP-TA2 Pro integrates synchronized rotational motion of the process chamber under controlled low-pressure oxygen or air plasma (typically 0.1–10 Pa), enabling dynamic exposure of all particle surfaces to reactive oxygen species (O•, O₂⁺, O₃). This physical–chemical synergy ensures stoichiometric carbon oxidation at temperatures ≤150 °C, preserving crystalline integrity of silicates, aluminosilicates, iron oxides, and calcium-bearing minerals—critical for subsequent XRF, XRD, SEM-EDS, or ICP-MS quantification.
Key Features
- Rotational Vacuum Chamber: Motor-driven, hermetically sealed quartz chamber rotates continuously at 5–30 rpm under vacuum, inducing gentle tumbling of fine particulates (e.g., <250 µm coal powder) to eliminate shadowing and ensure uniform plasma exposure.
- Low-Temperature Operation: Maintains sample bed temperature ≤120 °C during extended processing (up to 8 h), validated via embedded thermocouple monitoring and real-time IR feedback—preventing phase transformation (e.g., kaolinite → metakaolin) or volatilization of trace metals (Pb, Zn, As).
- Dual-Mode Sample Loading: Compatible with standard fused quartz boats (for layered samples) and optional rotating glass vials (10–50 mL volume), allowing method flexibility without hardware modification.
- Automated Process Control: Integrated PLC-based controller with programmable ramp-hold sequences, plasma power modulation (50–300 W RF), gas flow regulation (mass flow controllers for O₂/air), and end-point detection via optical emission monitoring (OEM) at 777 nm (atomic oxygen line).
- Vacuum Architecture: Dual-stage pumping system (rotary vane + turbomolecular pump) achieves base pressure <5×10⁻³ Pa; all wetted parts are quartz or electropolished 316L stainless steel, ensuring ultra-low metal contamination.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VP-TA2 Pro is validated for ashing ASTM D3174-compliant coal samples (moisture-free, <200 mesh), fly ash, lignite, bituminous coals, and mineralogically complex sediments. It supports preparation workflows aligned with ISO 1171 (determination of ash in coal and coke), ASTM D5142 (air-dried basis analysis), and USP <231> heavy metals testing protocols. All process logs—including pressure, power, temperature, gas flow, rotation speed, and duration—are timestamped and stored with audit-trail capability compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with optional secure software licensing.
Software & Data Management
The instrument operates via SUNJUNE PlasmaControl™ v3.2 (Windows-based), offering intuitive GUI for recipe creation, real-time parameter visualization, and CSV-exportable log files. Optional GMP-compliant module enables electronic signatures, user role-based access control (admin/operator/auditor), and automatic backup to network drives or NAS. Data integrity is reinforced through SHA-256 hashing of raw logs and tamper-evident file naming (e.g., “VP-TA2P_20240522_142347_Ash_Coal_Sample01.log”). Software validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ templates) is available upon request.
Applications
- Precision ash yield determination for coal quality grading and calorific value modeling
- Preparation of mineral residue standards for XRF calibration in cement and metallurgical labs
- Removal of polymer binders from ceramic green bodies prior to sintering
- Decontamination of graphite electrodes and battery cathode scrap for recycling assays
- Mineral liberation analysis (MLA) sample prep where grain boundary integrity must be retained
- GLP-compliant residual solvent removal from pharmaceutical excipients (non-sterile)
FAQ
What plasma gases are supported?
Oxygen (99.999%), synthetic air, or nitrogen/oxygen mixtures (e.g., 80/20 N₂/O₂); argon is not recommended due to lack of oxidative capacity.
Can the VP-TA2 Pro handle high-volatility coals (e.g., sub-bituminous)?
Yes—rotational mixing mitigates localized overheating; however, initial ramp rate should be reduced to 1 °C/min for volatile-rich matrices to prevent flash-off.
Is quartz boat cleaning included in routine maintenance?
Quartz components are cleaned ex situ using piranha solution (H₂SO₄:H₂O₂, 3:1) followed by Class 100 cleanroom rinse; no in-chamber cleaning cycles are provided.
Does the system meet CE or UL safety certification?
The VP-TA2 Pro carries CE marking per EN 61000-6-3 (EMC) and EN 61000-6-4 (immunity); UL listing is available under custom order with additional 8-week lead time.
How is calibration verified?
Factory calibration uses NIST-traceable thermocouples and calibrated Baratron capacitance manometers; users perform quarterly verification using certified ash reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 1632c).
