Carbolite Gero MTT Tritium and Carbon-14 Combustion Furnace
| Brand | Carbolite Gero |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | MTT |
| Instrument Type | Two-Zone Programmable Tube Furnace |
| Max Temperature | 1200 °C |
| Max Power | 3100 W |
| External Dimensions (H×W×D) | 430 × 900 × 375 mm |
| Heating Tube Length | 850 mm |
| Furnace Body Length | 900 mm |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| Power Supply | 220–240 V, 50–60 Hz, Single Phase |
| Thermocouple Type | Type N |
| Catalyst | Copper-based (Ref. No. x63508P1) |
| Standard Configuration | 2 quartz working tubes, 6 combustion boats, 3 glass bubblers (12 total), molecular sieve traps, aerosol scrubber, RS485 interface, Eurotherm iTools software compatibility |
Overview
The Carbolite Gero MTT is a purpose-engineered two-zone programmable tube furnace designed specifically for the quantitative oxidative combustion and subsequent capture of tritium (³H) and carbon-14 (¹⁴C) bound in organic matrices—whether dissolved in “live water” or embedded in solid “fixed materials” such as concrete, steel, or graphite. Unlike conventional muffle furnaces, the MTT integrates catalytic combustion technology to ensure complete oxidation of all volatile and refractory organic species under controlled, oxygen-rich conditions. Its dual-zone thermal architecture enables precise decoupling of sample pyrolysis (first zone) and catalytic post-combustion (second zone), minimizing incomplete oxidation artifacts and eliminating residual carbonaceous deposits that compromise radiochemical yield. Developed in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (AEA), the system meets stringent requirements for low-level radionuclide analysis in nuclear decommissioning, environmental monitoring, and regulatory compliance programs governed by IAEA Safety Standards Series No. RS-G-1.7 and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
Key Features
- Two independently controlled heating zones with dedicated overtemperature protection (Type N thermocouples)
- Catalytic combustion chamber featuring proprietary copper-based catalyst (x63508P1) optimized for ³H/¹⁴C recovery efficiency >99.5% across diverse sample matrices
- 20-segment programmable temperature controller supporting complex ramp-soak-cool profiles tailored to sample-specific combustion protocols
- RS485 serial interface enabling integration into centralized lab automation systems and remote operation—even in classified or radiologically controlled environments
- Full metallic construction: zero plastic or elastomeric components in gas path to prevent tritium adsorption, permeation, or isotopic exchange losses
- Integrated aerosol scrubber and molecular sieve trap assembly for quantitative retention of oxidized ³H₂O and ¹⁴CO₂ prior to liquid scintillation counting (LSC)
- Standard configuration includes two fused quartz reaction tubes (high-purity, low-background), six ceramic combustion boats, and three triple-stage glass bubblers (12 total absorption vessels)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MTT accommodates aqueous samples (up to 20 mL per run) and solid matrices—including plant tissue, biochar, structural concrete cores, metal swarf, and irradiated graphite—without matrix-induced quenching or spectral interference in downstream LSC. All wet chemistry steps are eliminated; no acid digestion, persulfate oxidation, or solvent extraction is required. The system complies with ASTM D7506-19 (Standard Test Method for Determination of ¹⁴C in Environmental Samples by Oxidative Combustion and Liquid Scintillation Counting) and supports audit-ready documentation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with Eurotherm iTools software. Its design conforms to IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and EN 61010-1:2019 (safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use).
Software & Data Management
Eurotherm iTools software provides full configuration, real-time monitoring, and automated report generation—including temperature profile logging, catalyst usage tracking, and sample ID-linked combustion records. All data are timestamped and stored with electronic signatures, supporting GLP/GMP traceability and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed on validated Windows platforms. The RS485 interface allows seamless integration with LIMS via Modbus RTU or custom SCADA protocols. No proprietary drivers or cloud dependencies are required—data export is native CSV/Excel compatible.
Applications
- Regulatory monitoring of tritium in coolant water from pressurized heavy-water reactors (PHWRs)
- Decommissioning surveys: quantification of ¹⁴C inventory in irradiated reactor graphite moderators
- Environmental fate studies: ¹⁴C-labeled pesticide mineralization in soil and sediment
- Radioisotope quality control in radiopharmaceutical synthesis (e.g., ¹⁴C-choline, ³H-thymidine)
- IAEA interlaboratory comparison exercises requiring certified reference material (CRM) analysis
- Long-term waste characterization for geological disposal facility (GDF) safety cases
FAQ
Is the MTT suitable for simultaneous ³H and ¹⁴C analysis?
Yes—the dual-zone thermal profile and integrated catalyst enable concurrent quantitative recovery of both nuclides from a single combustion event.
What sample preparation is required prior to loading?
Minimal: liquid samples are pipetted directly into combustion boats; solids are weighed and placed without homogenization or acid pretreatment.
Can the MTT be operated inside a glovebox or hot cell?
Yes—its fully metallic construction, RS485 remote interface, and absence of external cooling fans make it compatible with inert-atmosphere or shielded enclosures.
Does the system include validation documentation?
Factory calibration certificates for thermocouples and temperature uniformity mapping are provided; IQ/OQ protocols are available upon request.
How is catalyst lifetime monitored?
Catalyst degradation is tracked via periodic blank combustion tests and CO₂ yield verification using certified ¹⁴C standards; replacement intervals are logged automatically in iTools.
