ELTRA THERMOSTEP Thermogravimetric Analyzer

Overview

The ELTRA THERMOSTEP is a high-capacity, programmable thermogravimetric analyzer engineered for precise, reproducible determination of moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content in solid heterogeneous materials. Based on the fundamental principle of thermogravimetry—continuous monitoring of sample mass change as a function of controlled temperature or time under defined atmospheric conditions—the THERMOSTEP implements a robust horizontal furnace architecture with dual thermocouple feedback for exceptional thermal uniformity and stability. Unlike conventional single-sample TGA systems, it is specifically designed for routine industrial quality control and standardized compliance testing, supporting full automation of multi-step thermal protocols (e.g., drying → pyrolysis → oxidation → calcination) across up to 19 samples per run. Its operational envelope spans ambient to 1000 °C with 1 °C programmable resolution, enabling strict adherence to internationally recognized test methods including ASTM D3172 (moisture), D3174 (ash), D3175 (volatile matter), ISO 562 (coal and coke), ISO 1171 (ash determination), and USP (loss on drying). The system operates exclusively via external PC-based software, eliminating embedded controllers and ensuring full traceability, version-controlled method storage, and audit-ready electronic records.

Key Features

• High-throughput batch analysis: Simultaneous processing of up to 19 samples in a single automated sequence
• Crucible lid handling mechanism: Motorized placement and removal of crucible lids during analysis—critical for accurate volatile matter determination in coal and coke per ISO 562 and ASTM D3175
• Precision microbalance integration: 0.0001 g readability with active drift compensation and internal calibration routines
• Dual-point thermocouple control: Independent measurement and regulation at both furnace center and sample zone for ±1 °C temperature accuracy and minimal thermal gradient
• Modular atmosphere management: Compatible with inert (N₂, Ar), oxidative (air, O₂), or reducing (CO/CO₂) gas environments via optional mass flow controllers
• Maintenance-free design: Solid-state heating elements, ceramic insulation, and sealed mechanical actuators eliminate routine servicing requirements
• Robust mechanical architecture: Stainless-steel frame and vibration-damped platform suitable for both laboratory and production floor deployment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The THERMOSTEP accommodates a broad spectrum of industrially relevant solids—including coal, coke, limestone, plastics, biomass, pharmaceutical excipients, foodstuffs, and metallurgical feedstocks—with sample masses up to 5 g. Its large crucible geometry minimizes edge effects and ensures representative thermal decomposition behavior for coarse or granular matrices. All analytical procedures are fully compliant with regulatory frameworks governing data integrity: software enforces user authentication, electronic signatures, audit trails (per FDA 21 CFR Part 11), and method-locking functionality. Routine operation satisfies GLP and GMP documentation requirements, with automatic generation of raw data files (.csv, .txt), summary reports (PDF), and instrument logs—all timestamped, digitally signed, and exportable without modification.

Software & Data Management

Control and analysis are performed through ELTRA’s dedicated Windows® application, supporting English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese interfaces. The software provides full method editor capabilities: users define multi-stage temperature ramps, dwell times, gas switching points, and endpoint criteria (e.g., mass loss rate <0.1 mg/min for 60 s). Real-time mass vs. temperature/time curves are displayed with overlay comparison, derivative (DTG) calculation, and peak annotation. All raw sensor data—including balance output, thermocouple readings, gas flow rates, and actuator status—is logged at ≥1 Hz and stored in open-format archives. Export options include Excel-compatible tables, image snapshots (PNG), and XML metadata bundles for LIMS integration. Backup, restore, and remote desktop support are natively implemented without third-party dependencies.

Applications

• Coal and coke analysis: Determination of total moisture, inherent moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash in accordance with ISO 562, ASTM D3172–D3175, and EN 15169
• Cement and lime manufacturing: Quantification of CO₂ release from limestone calcination and residual organics in clinker
• Plastics and polymer composites: Thermal stability assessment, filler content verification, and degradation onset detection
• Food and feed quality control: Moisture profiling, starch gelatinization analysis, and ash mineral content validation
• Pharmaceutical raw material qualification: Loss on drying (LOD), residual solvent screening, and excipient compatibility studies per USP
• Waste-derived fuel characterization: Calorific value estimation via proximate analysis correlation

FAQ

What standards does the THERMOSTEP directly support?
ASTM D3172, D3174, D3175; ISO 562, ISO 1171, ISO 1172; EN 15169; USP ; DIN 51718; GB/T 212–2008.
Can the system operate unattended overnight?
Yes—fully automated sequences with preloaded methods, auto-zeroing, and end-of-run shutdown ensure safe,无人值守 operation for extended cycles.
Is the crucible lid handling function mandatory for all analyses?
No—it is selectively activated per method step; essential for volatile matter in coal/coke but bypassed for ash or moisture-only protocols.
How is calibration verified between runs?
Built-in reference weight checks and temperature verification using NIST-traceable standards are executed before each batch or on scheduled intervals.
Does the software comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—full electronic signature support, role-based access control, immutable audit trail, and secure data archiving are enabled by default.