Carbolite Gero LHTG 200/300/30 High-Temperature Graphite Vacuum Furnace
| Brand | Carbolite Gero |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Furnace Type | Box-Type Muffle Furnace |
| Model | LHTG 200/300/30 |
| Max Temperature | 3000 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±1 °C |
| Max Power | 85 kW |
| Internal Chamber Dimensions | Ø200 mm × H300 mm |
| Heating Method | Graphite Resistance Heating |
| Vacuum Base Pressure | <5 × 10⁻⁶ mbar |
| Partial Pressure Range | 10–1000 mbar |
| Temperature Measurement | Dual-mode (Infrared Pyrometer + Optional Mobile Thermocouple for Low-Temp Monitoring) |
| Safety | Optional Over-Temperature Protection Thermocouple |
Overview
The Carbolite Gero LHTG 200/300/30 is a high-precision, high-vacuum box-type muffle furnace engineered for extreme thermal processing in advanced materials research and industrial R&D laboratories. Designed around a fully graphite-based heating and insulation architecture, it achieves stable, uniform operation up to 3000 °C under inert or reducing atmospheres—primarily argon or nitrogen—with full compatibility for high-purity ceramic sintering, ultra-high-temperature synthesis of refractory metals (e.g., tungsten, molybdenum), and controlled-carbon activity heat treatments. Its core thermal measurement system relies on a calibrated infrared pyrometer optimized for emissivity-compensated non-contact temperature sensing above 800 °C—a necessity at temperatures where thermocouples degrade or introduce contamination. For low-temperature ramping and stabilization (room temperature to ~800 °C), an optional mobile thermocouple probe can be integrated into the control loop, ensuring traceable, NIST-traceable calibration across the full operational envelope.
Key Features
- Graphite heating elements and multi-layer graphite felt insulation ensure exceptional thermal efficiency, minimal energy loss, and long service life under repeated thermal cycling.
- Integrated high-vacuum pumping system achieves base pressures below 5 × 10⁻⁶ mbar, with programmable partial pressure control between 10 mbar and 1000 mbar for precise gas-phase reaction management.
- Dual-mode temperature control architecture: primary IR pyrometry (emissivity-adjustable, 0.1–1.0 range) supplemented by optional K- or S-type thermocouple input for low-temperature validation and redundancy.
- Compact footprint (Ø200 mm × H300 mm internal chamber) optimized for space-constrained laboratory environments without compromising volumetric capacity or thermal homogeneity.
- Over-temperature protection circuitry supports unattended operation; optional redundant thermocouple input enables fail-safe shutdown per IEC 61508 SIL 2 requirements.
- Robust front-loading design with water-cooled flange and metal-sealed vacuum door ensures repeatable sealing integrity and rapid cool-down cycles.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LHTG series accommodates a wide range of sample geometries—including crucibles (graphite, tungsten, boron nitride), powder compacts, sintered green bodies, and thin-film substrates—without risk of metallic contamination. Its all-graphite hot zone eliminates outgassing from ceramic insulators, making it suitable for ultra-high-purity applications such as single-crystal growth precursor annealing and nuclear fuel pellet densification. The furnace complies with EN 61000-6-4 (EMC emission standards) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity), and its control architecture supports audit-ready data logging aligned with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. Optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software modules provide electronic signature capability, user access levels, and immutable audit trails for regulated QC/QA workflows.
Software & Data Management
Equipped with Carbolite Gero’s proprietary C-GeroControl v4.x software suite, the LHTG supports fully programmable multi-step heating profiles, real-time thermal mapping visualization, and synchronized vacuum/gas flow logging. All temperature, pressure, power, and time-stamped event data are recorded at user-defined intervals (down to 1 s resolution) and exported in CSV or XML format for integration with LIMS or statistical process control platforms. Data files include embedded metadata (operator ID, batch number, instrument serial, calibration certificate expiry), enabling full traceability from raw data acquisition to final report generation.
Applications
- Sintering of advanced ceramics (SiC, Si₃N₄, ZrO₂) and ultra-refractory carbides/nitrides
- Heat treatment of tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, and tantalum components under high vacuum
- Thermal decomposition studies of precursors for battery cathode materials (e.g., Li-rich layered oxides)
- Controlled atmosphere carburization and graphitization of carbon composites
- Calibration reference source for high-temperature blackbody radiators (NPL/NIST traceable)
- Research-scale synthesis of MAX phases and high-entropy ceramics
FAQ
Can the LHTG operate under hydrogen atmosphere?
Yes—when equipped with appropriate safety interlocks, hydrogen-compatible seals, and explosion-proof purge protocols, the LHTG can be configured for H₂-reducing atmospheres up to 1000 °C. Consult factory engineering for certified configuration options.
Is remote monitoring supported?
Standard Ethernet (TCP/IP) and optional Wi-Fi connectivity enable secure remote access via web browser or dedicated client application, including real-time alarm notifications and historical trend replay.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Graphite element inspection every 200 operational hours above 2500 °C; vacuum seal lubrication every 6 months; IR pyrometer calibration annually or after 500 thermal cycles.
Does the system support automated recipe transfer from lab to pilot scale?
Yes—C-GeroControl exports profile definitions in standardized .xml format compatible with Carbolite Gero’s industrial furnace control systems, enabling seamless scale-up path validation.
How is temperature uniformity verified?
Uniformity mapping is performed per ASTM E220 using a 9-point thermocouple array during factory acceptance testing; a certificate of uniformity (±1 °C at 3000 °C, center ±25 mm radius) is supplied with each unit.
