Carbolite Gero TSR Series Rotating Tube Furnace

Overview

The Carbolite Gero TSR Series Rotating Tube Furnace is an engineered solution for continuous thermal processing of free-flowing granular and powdered materials under precisely controlled temperature and atmosphere conditions. Based on the proven TS split-tube furnace architecture, the TSR integrates a horizontally mounted, motor-driven rotating work tube—capable of speeds up to 10 rpm—within a rigid, thermally optimized furnace frame. The rotation induces gentle tumbling motion, ensuring uniform exposure of bulk material to both radiant heat and process gas, thereby enhancing heat and mass transfer kinetics. This principle is especially critical in applications such as calcination, roasting, oxidation, reduction, and solvent removal where reaction homogeneity, reproducibility, and scalability are essential. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the TSR complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 61000-6-4 (industrial emission) standards, and its structural integrity supports long-term operation in ISO 17025-accredited laboratories and pilot-scale production environments.

Key Features

• Horizontal rotary configuration with friction-drive mechanism enabling smooth, low-vibration rotation at speeds adjustable from 0.1 to 10 rpm
• Manually adjustable furnace frame tilt up to 6°, facilitating optimal material flow dynamics for varying powder densities and particle morphologies
• Quick-change work tube design: standard quartz, alumina, or silicon carbide tubes (Ø125 mm, 2000 mm length) can be swapped without realignment or recalibration
• Single- or triple-zone heating configuration: each zone independently controlled via PID algorithms with thermocouple feedback (Type S or K, depending on temperature range)
• High-efficiency insulation using multi-layer ceramic fiber modules ensures axial temperature uniformity ±5 °C across the full 1000 mm heated length at 1150 °C
• Low external surface temperature (<50 °C at ambient) due to optimized thermal barrier design, reducing facility cooling load and improving operator safety
• Integrated mounting interface for optional gas distribution manifolds, supporting inert (N₂, Ar), reducing (H₂/N₂), or oxidizing (air, O₂) atmospheres with mass flow control and pressure regulation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TSR accommodates free-flowing solids—including metal oxides, catalyst precursors, battery cathode materials, ceramic powders, and pharmaceutical intermediates—in batch or semi-continuous modes. Its 5 L vibratory feeder and gravity-fed collection hopper enable repeatable feed rate control (0.5–5 kg/h typical), suitable for process development aligned with ASTM E2922 (Standard Practice for Thermal Processing of Powdered Materials). All electrical components conform to CE marking requirements (2014/30/EU EMC Directive and 2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive). The furnace control system supports audit-ready data logging per GLP and GMP guidelines, including timestamped setpoint changes, actual temperature profiles, rotation speed, and gas flow parameters—traceable via USB or Ethernet export.

Software & Data Management

The TSR operates via Carbolite Gero’s proprietary TouchControl™ interface—a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen running embedded Linux with real-time graphical display of all operational parameters. Data is logged at user-defined intervals (1 s to 60 min) and stored internally (≥10,000 hours of continuous records) with automatic backup to USB drive. Optional PC connectivity enables remote monitoring and scripting via Modbus TCP or OPC UA protocols. For regulated environments, the system supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user access levels (Operator, Supervisor, Administrator), electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails—fully compatible with LIMS and MES integration.

Applications

• Thermal decomposition and calcination of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) precursors in battery material synthesis
• Oxidative roasting of sulfide ores to convert metal sulfides into soluble oxides prior to hydrometallurgical extraction
• Controlled pyrolysis of biomass-derived carbon precursors under nitrogen for activated carbon production
• Thermal activation of heterogeneous catalysts (e.g., Pt/Al₂O₃, Ni/MgO) with precise dwell time and atmosphere control
• Moisture and solvent removal from pharmaceutical granules under inert gas to prevent degradation or oxidation
• Heat treatment of additive manufacturing metal powders (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718) to relieve residual stress and improve sinterability

FAQ

What types of work tubes are compatible with the TSR series?
Standard options include high-purity fused quartz (up to 1100 °C), recrystallized alumina (up to 1650 °C), and silicon carbide (up to 1500 °C); custom geometries and coatings (e.g., SiC-coated quartz) are available upon request.
Can the TSR operate under vacuum conditions?
The base configuration is designed for positive-pressure gas atmospheres; vacuum operation requires optional flange upgrades, reinforced sealing, and auxiliary vacuum pump integration—consult factory for mechanical and thermal derating guidance.
Is temperature uniformity validated per industry standards?
Yes—uniformity mapping is performed per ASTM E220 and ISO/IEC 17025 procedures using calibrated multi-point thermocouple arrays; certificate of uniformity is supplied with each unit.
How is maintenance access designed for long-term reliability?
Heating elements and insulation modules are front-accessible via removable side panels; rotation drive belts and bearings are serviceable without furnace disassembly, minimizing downtime.
Does the TSR support programmable multi-step thermal profiles?
Yes—the TouchControl™ system allows up to 99 segments per program, including ramp rates (0.1–30 °C/min), dwell times (1 s–999 h), and conditional triggers (e.g., hold until gas composition stabilizes).