GuanCe Instruments GCTKP-700H Graphite-Specific Thermal Dilatometer
| Brand | GuanCe Instruments |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | GCTKP-700H |
| Price | USD 1,280 (FOB Beijing) |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 700 °C |
| Heating Rate | Programmable, 0.1–20 °C/min (standard) |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±1 °C (after stabilization, per ASTM E228 calibration protocol) |
| Displacement Range | 0–1 mm |
| Measurement Resolution | ±0.001 mm |
| Sample Dimensions | (i) Ø50 mm × 60 mm cylindrical |
| Atmosphere Control | Pressure range 0–50 kPa (gauge), compatible with inert (N₂, Ar), oxidizing (air), or reducing (5% H₂/95% N₂) environments |
| Power Supply | 220 V AC, 50 Hz, 1.7 kW |
| Thermocouple | Type K, 0–1000 °C, Class 0.1 accuracy |
| Gas Flow Control | Digital mass flow controller, 0–80 L/min |
| Unit Dimensions | 700 × 810 × 1150 mm (W × D × H) |
| Net Weight | 150 kg |
Overview
The GuanCe Instruments GCTKP-700H Graphite-Specific Thermal Dilatometer is a precision-controlled horizontal push-rod dilatometer engineered for the accurate determination of linear thermal expansion behavior in carbonaceous and graphite-based materials. It operates on the fundamental principle of contact-based dimensional change measurement: a high-stability quartz or alumina push-rod transmits axial sample expansion or contraction to a calibrated displacement transducer while the specimen is subjected to a precisely controlled thermal profile under defined atmospheric conditions. Designed specifically for compliance with international standards governing carbon and graphite materials—including GB/T 3074.4–2016, YS/T 63.4–2006, ISO 14420:2005 (MOD), and YS/T 764–2011—the GCTKP-700H delivers traceable, reproducible coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) data across ambient to 700 °C. Its architecture integrates a vacuum-formed ceramic fiber furnace with embedded resistance heating elements, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and stable isothermal zones essential for reliable CTE calculation over extended dwell periods.
Key Features
- High-uniformity furnace core: Vacuum-formed high-purity ceramic fiber insulation with embedded Ni-Cr resistance wire, achieving ≤±1 °C temperature homogeneity over a 50 mm axial hot zone at 700 °C.
- Multi-mode temperature control: PID-regulated heating system with programmable ramp rates (0.1–20 °C/min), dwell capability, and real-time overshoot suppression—calibrated per ASTM E228 procedures.
- Sub-micron displacement metrology: Low-drift, high-linearity LVDT-type displacement sensor with 0–1 mm full-scale range and ±0.001 mm resolution, referenced against NIST-traceable calibration artifacts.
- Dual-interface operation: Integrated 7-inch industrial touchscreen HMI for local setup and monitoring, plus Ethernet-enabled PC software for advanced scripting, multi-step protocols, and automated report generation.
- Controlled atmosphere capability: Integrated digital pressure transducer (0–50 kPa) and mass flow controller (0–80 L/min) support precise gas environment management—critical for oxidation-sensitive graphite or anode carbon testing.
- Robust mechanical design: Rigid stainless-steel frame with vibration-damped optical base plate; push-rod assembly features low-friction ceramic bearings and zero-backlash coupling to minimize parasitic strain.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The GCTKP-700H accommodates standard graphite electrode geometries (Ø50 mm × 60 mm) as specified in GB/T 3074.4–2016, and accepts alternative prismatic or cylindrical specimens meeting minimum dimensional criteria (≥5 mm cross-section, ≥50 mm length). It is validated for use with baked anodes, prebaked anodes, cathode blocks, side blocks, and paste materials per YS/T 62.x and YS/T 63.x series standards. All thermal expansion calculations comply with ISO 14420:2005 methodology for mean linear CTE (αL) derivation: αL = [L(t) − L₀] / [L₀ × (t − t₀)], where L₀ is reference length at t₀ (typically 20 °C). The system supports GLP-compliant data integrity through audit-trail-enabled software, electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11–ready configuration options.
Software & Data Management
GuanCe’s DilatSoft v3.2 provides full instrument control, real-time thermal-displacement overlay visualization, and automated CTE calculation per user-defined temperature intervals. Raw data export is supported in CSV, TXT, and XLSX formats with metadata embedding (operator ID, sample ID, atmosphere, calibration certificate IDs). Software modules include statistical process control (SPC) charting, batch comparison tools, and customizable PDF report templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 reporting requirements. Data storage adheres to ICH M7 and ALCOA+ principles: attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, accurate, and complete—with immutable timestamps and user-access logs retained for ≥15 years.
Applications
- Determination of average linear CTE for graphite electrodes (RP, HP, UHP grades) from 20 °C to 600 °C per GB/T 3074.4–2016.
- Thermal expansion characterization of aluminum smelting carbon components—including anodes, cathodes, and ramming pastes—across 20–300 °C per YS/T 63.4–2006.
- Quality control screening of raw calcined coke, binder pitch, and formed green bodies during carbon material development.
- Thermal stability assessment of nuclear-grade graphite under inert atmospheres (He, Ar) up to 700 °C.
- Research into thermal mismatch behavior in graphite–metal composites and C/C brake disc materials.
FAQ
What standards does the GCTKP-700H directly support?
It is factory-configured and validated for GB/T 3074.4–2016, YS/T 63.4–2006, ISO 14420:2005 (MOD), and YS/T 764–2011, with optional firmware modules available for ASTM E228 and DIN 51045–1.
Can the system operate under vacuum?
No—vacuum operation is not supported. The unit is rated for positive-pressure gas environments up to 50 kPa gauge; for sub-atmospheric applications, external vacuum pumping must be integrated upstream of the gas inlet manifold.
Is third-party calibration certification included?
Yes—each unit ships with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate covering thermocouple linearity, displacement sensor hysteresis, and furnace temperature uniformity mapping at three setpoints (100 °C, 400 °C, 700 °C).
What sample holder materials are supplied?
Standard quartz and high-purity alumina sample holders are included; custom holders (e.g., SiC, graphite) can be ordered separately for high-temperature or reactive environments.
Does the software support automated pass/fail evaluation against specification limits?
Yes—DilatSoft v3.2 includes configurable tolerance bands and automatic flagging of CTE outliers relative to user-defined upper/lower specification limits, with exportable SPC summaries.
