OTF-1500X Single-Zone Open-Type Tube Furnace by Hefei Kejing
| Brand | Hefei Kejing |
|---|---|
| Origin | Anhui, China |
| Model | OTF-1500X |
| Max Temperature | 1500 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1 °C |
| Max Power | 6 kW |
| Heating Rate (to max temp) | 10 °C/min |
| Internal Chamber Dimensions | 60 mm O.D. × 53 mm I.D. × 1000 mm L |
| Heating Zone Length | 390 mm |
| Uniform Temperature Zone Length | 150 mm |
| Heating Element | 16 pcs SiC rods (14 mm Ø × 150 mm hot zone × 350 mm total) |
| Thermocouple Type | S-type |
| Vacuum Capability (with standard pump) | 10⁻² Torr |
| Weight | 100 kg |
| Certifications | CE, UL/MET/CSA compliant (>24 V components) |
Overview
The OTF-1500X is a precision-engineered single-zone open-type tube furnace designed for high-temperature thermal processing under controlled atmospheres or vacuum conditions. Utilizing silicon carbide (SiC) heating elements and an S-type thermocouple-based PID temperature control system, it delivers stable, repeatable thermal profiles up to 1500 °C — with continuous operation rated at 1400 °C. Its open-ended configuration enables rapid sample insertion and removal, while the dual-flange sealing design supports inert gas purging, reducing atmosphere operation, or vacuum annealing down to 10⁻² Torr (with integrated mechanical pump). The furnace is constructed for laboratory-scale materials synthesis, ceramic sintering, thin-film annealing, catalyst activation, and solid-state reaction studies where precise thermal history control is critical.
Key Features
- Single-zone heating architecture with 390 mm active heating length and a 150 mm uniform temperature zone (±1 °C deviation), ensuring reproducible thermal treatment across sample volumes.
- PID-controlled temperature regulation with programmable 30-segment ramp-soak profiles, enabling complex thermal cycles for crystallization, phase transformation, or decomposition kinetics studies.
- Robust SiC heating elements (16 pcs, 14 mm diameter, 150 mm hot zone) engineered for long-term stability at temperatures up to 1500 °C; field-replaceable without disassembling the furnace body.
- Integrated safety systems including over-temperature cutoff and thermocouple break detection — compliant with IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards.
- RS485 communication interface supporting Modbus RTU protocol for integration into centralized lab automation networks or SCADA systems.
- Standard alumina (Al₂O₃) tube (60 mm O.D. × 53 mm I.D. × 1000 mm L) with optional larger-diameter variants; includes four high-purity alumina end plugs to maintain seal integrity during pressurized or vacuum operation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The OTF-1500X accommodates cylindrical samples and crucibles up to 53 mm in diameter and 1000 mm in length. It supports quartz, graphite, and refractory metal substrates, provided operating pressures remain ≤0.02 MPa (gauge) inside the tube. All electrical components exceeding 24 V meet UL 61010-1, MET, and CSA safety requirements. The unit carries CE marking per Directive 2014/35/EU (LVD) and 2014/30/EU (EMC). Optional TÜV Rheinland or CSA certification can be arranged upon request for GMP/GLP-regulated environments, including those requiring audit-ready documentation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records.
Software & Data Management
The furnace operates natively via a front-panel digital controller with intuitive menu navigation and real-time temperature display. For advanced data acquisition, optional PC-based software (sold separately) connects via RS485-to-USB adapter to log temperature vs. time profiles, export CSV-formatted datasets, and synchronize multi-instrument thermal protocols. Software-generated logs include timestamped event markers for power-on, program start/end, alarm triggers, and manual setpoint changes — supporting traceability in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
Applications
- Sintering of oxide ceramics (e.g., Al₂O₃, ZrO₂) and non-oxide systems (SiC, Si₃N₄) under Ar/N₂/H₂ atmospheres.
- Thermal annealing of CVD-grown 2D materials (graphene, MoS₂) on insulating substrates.
- Controlled oxidation/reduction of transition metal oxides for battery cathode precursor synthesis.
- Thermogravimetric pre-treatment prior to XRD or SEM analysis.
- Calibration of high-temperature reference materials per ASTM E220 and ISO 80601-2-80.
FAQ
What vacuum level can be achieved with the standard pumping configuration?
With the included two-stage rotary vane mechanical pump, base pressure reaches ≤1×10⁻² Torr. For ultra-high vacuum applications (<1×10⁻⁵ Torr), optional turbomolecular or diffusion pump stations are available.
Is the furnace suitable for hydrogen atmosphere operation?
Yes — when equipped with appropriate gas flow controllers, leak-tested flanges, and H₂-compatible seals, the OTF-1500X supports safe operation in reducing atmospheres up to 5% H₂ in N₂, following NFPA 55 and CGA G-5.6 guidelines.
Can the temperature uniformity zone be extended?
Uniformity is fixed by heater geometry and insulation design. However, custom-length furnace tubes (up to 1200 mm) and extended heating zones (up to 450 mm) are available as OEM configurations.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual inspection of SiC rod resistance, thermocouple calibration drift, and alumina tube surface integrity is recommended. Heating element replacement intervals typically exceed 2,000 hours at 1400 °C under inert gas.
Does the unit support remote monitoring via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
The standard RS485 interface does not include native Ethernet or wireless capability; however, third-party Modbus TCP gateways can be deployed to enable networked supervision in industrial IoT frameworks.
