SUNJUNE VP-TA1 Low-Temperature Plasma Ashing System
| Brand | SUNJUNE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | VP-TA1 |
| RF Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| RF Power | 500 W |
| Maximum Chamber Temperature | ≤150 °C |
| Continuous Unattended Operation | ≥8 h |
| Vacuum Display | Digital Real-Time Readout |
| Gas Inlets | 2 Independent Mass-Flow-Controlled Ports |
| Control Interface | Touchscreen with Integrated Plasma Control Software (Registration No. 2021SR1026389) |
| Warranty | 2 Years Comprehensive |
Overview
The SUNJUNE VP-TA1 Low-Temperature Plasma Ashing System is a purpose-engineered instrument designed for controlled, non-thermal oxidative decomposition of organic matrices—particularly coal samples—while preserving the structural integrity and mineralogical composition of the resulting ash. Unlike conventional muffle furnace ashing (per ASTM D3174 or ISO 1171), which operates above 750 °C and risks phase transformation, sintering, or volatilization of alkali metals, the VP-TA1 employs capacitively coupled radiofrequency (13.56 MHz) plasma in a high-vacuum stainless-steel chamber to generate reactive oxygen species (e.g., atomic O, O2+, ozone) at bulk sample temperatures ≤150 °C. This low-temperature mechanism enables complete carbon removal without altering the original spatial distribution or crystalline state of ash-forming minerals—a critical requirement for accurate ash fusion temperature (AFT) determination per ISO 540, ASTM D1857, or GB/T 219. The system is explicitly validated for coal industry applications where reproducible, morphology-preserving ash residue is mandatory for subsequent fusibility analysis.
Key Features
- Stainless-steel vacuum chamber engineered for chemical inertness, ultra-high cleanliness, and long-term plasma compatibility
- Stable 13.56 MHz RF generator with precise 500 W power delivery and impedance matching network for consistent plasma ignition and uniform treatment
- Two independently regulated gas inlets (O2, air, or Ar/O2 mixtures) equipped with mass flow controllers (MFCs) for process repeatability
- Digital vacuum gauge with real-time pressure readout (range: 1 × 10−3 to 10 Pa), enabling closed-loop pressure control during plasma initiation and maintenance
- Intelligent touchscreen HMI running proprietary plasma control software (Software Copyright Registration No. 2021SR1026389), supporting one-touch auto-start, door interlock sensing, vacuum pump sequencing, and automatic post-process venting
- Unattended operation mode certified for ≥8 hours under defined process parameters, compliant with GLP documentation requirements for batch ashing workflows
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VP-TA1 accommodates standard coal sample crucibles (e.g., alumina or quartz, up to Ø50 mm × 30 mm height) and supports heterogeneous particulate feeds including pulverized coal, biomass blends, and coke fines. Its low-thermal-stress protocol ensures minimal migration of Fe, Ca, Mg, and Si species—preserving the representative ash composition required for AFT testing. The system conforms to mechanical safety standards (IEC 61000-6-2/6-4), RF emission limits (CISPR 11 Group 1 Class B), and supports audit-ready data logging for regulatory environments. While not an AFT tester itself, the VP-TA1 is qualified as a pre-conditioning module within ISO 540-compliant ash fusion laboratories, and its output ash meets the homogeneity and particle-size stability criteria specified in ASTM D3174 Annex A2 for fusibility sample preparation.
Software & Data Management
The embedded control software provides full parameter logging—including RF power history, chamber pressure trace, gas flow rates, treatment duration, and door status—with timestamped CSV export capability. All operational events (e.g., plasma ignition failure, overpressure event, timeout) are recorded with millisecond resolution. Audit trail functionality satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed in GMP-aligned coal quality assurance labs. Remote monitoring via Ethernet interface allows integration into centralized lab information management systems (LIMS); optional OPC UA server module enables interoperability with SCADA platforms used in large-scale energy R&D facilities.
Applications
- Precision ash preparation for coal ash fusion temperature (AFT) testing per ISO 540, ASTM D1857, and GB/T 219
- Residue generation for XRF, XRD, and SEM-EDS mineralogical characterization of coal-derived ash
- Low-temperature de-ashing of activated carbons, biochars, and waste-derived fuels prior to calorimetric or leaching analysis
- Plasma-assisted cleaning of ash fusion test fixtures (e.g., pyrometric cones, refractory holders) to eliminate cross-contamination
- Research on ash sintering mechanisms, slagging propensity, and boiler deposit formation kinetics
FAQ
Is the VP-TA1 certified for use in accredited coal testing laboratories?
Yes—the system’s repeatable ash yield (<±0.3% RSD across n=10 replicate coal samples) and documented thermal profile compliance with ISO 540 Annex B have been verified by third-party metrology institutes supporting CNAS-accredited labs.
Can it replace a traditional muffle furnace for all ash-related protocols?
No—it is optimized for low-temperature ash preservation; ultimate ash content (as %wt) must still be determined gravimetrically per ASTM D3174, but the VP-TA1 delivers superior morphological fidelity for downstream AFT and mineralogical analysis.
What maintenance is required for sustained plasma stability?
Annual RF matching network calibration and quarterly O-ring inspection are recommended; no consumables beyond standard vacuum pump oil and electrode cleaning solution are required.
Does it support custom plasma recipes for non-coal materials?
Yes—the software permits user-defined multi-step sequences (gas switching, power ramping, dwell timing), validated for ashing of polymers, pharmaceutical excipients, and geological sediments in research settings.
