LAC LZ03/12 Benchtop Muffle Furnace (1200 °C)
| Brand | LAC |
|---|---|
| Origin | Czech Republic |
| Type | Box-type Muffle Furnace |
| Max Temperature | 1200 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1 °C |
| Rated Power | 1.2 kW |
| Heating Time to Max Temp | 65 min |
| Heating Element | Resistance Wire |
| Internal Chamber Dimensions | 180 × 100 × 140 mm (W × H × D) |
| Air Exchange Rate | 6–12 air changes per minute (temperature-dependent) |
| Standard Controller | HT40AL (2-ramp, 2-soak program) |
| Thermocouple | Type S (contact) + non-contact solid-state sensor |
| Safety | Interlocked door switch |
| Design | Desktop with integrated chimney |
Overview
The LAC LZ03/12 is a precision-engineered benchtop muffle furnace designed for controlled high-temperature oxidative decomposition of organic and inorganic samples. Operating on the principle of radiant and convective heat transfer within a fully insulated ceramic chamber, it enables reproducible ashing, residue quantification, loss-on-ignition (LOI), and thermal pretreatment in compliance with standardized analytical methods including ASTM E1726, ISO 1171, and USP <281>. Its sealed muffle architecture isolates the heating zone from combustion by-products, while forced ambient air circulation—preheated prior to entry—ensures uniform thermal distribution and prevents localized overheating or cold spots across the 180 × 100 × 140 mm working volume. The furnace achieves stable operation at its rated maximum of 1200 °C with a control accuracy of ±1 °C, verified under steady-state conditions per IEC 60584-2 calibration protocols.
Key Features
- Robust ceramic fiber insulation with mineral wool backing ensures low external surface temperature and minimal thermal loss during extended operation.
- High-stability resistance wire heating elements embedded in ceramic panels provide long service life and consistent power delivery across repeated thermal cycles.
- Dual-sensor temperature monitoring: a calibrated Type S thermocouple (IEC 60584-compliant) plus a non-contact solid-state sensor for redundancy and real-time drift detection.
- Interlocked downward-opening door with mechanical safety switch halts heating immediately upon opening—meeting EN 61000-6-4 electromagnetic compatibility and EN 61000-6-2 immunity requirements.
- Integrated chimney design accommodates standard laboratory exhaust ducting; external height specification includes chimney extension for proper venting alignment.
- Desktop footprint (approx. 320 × 380 × 520 mm W × D × H) optimizes space utilization in QA/QC labs without requiring floor mounting or structural reinforcement.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LZ03/12 supports crucibles made of alumina, silica, platinum, or inert ceramics—compatible with ASTM C702 sample preparation guidelines. Its airflow regime (6–12 air changes/min, adjustable via damper) maintains stoichiometric oxygen availability for complete oxidation of biological tissues, polymers, soils, and pharmaceutical excipients. All electrical and thermal safety systems conform to CE marking directives (2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive and 2014/30/EU EMC Directive). Optional controllers (HT200, HT205) support audit-trail logging and electronic signature functionality aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for regulated environments.
Software & Data Management
The standard HT40AL controller provides basic programmable ramp-and-soak profiles (2 ramps, 2 soaks). Upgraded controllers enable full traceability: the HT200 offers 30 programs × 25 steps each with USB and LAN interfaces; the HT205 adds Ethernet-based remote monitoring and integration with LIMS via Modbus TCP. HTMonit software suite delivers real-time graphing, CSV export, alarm history, and calibration certificate management. RS232/EIA-485 serial options include driver-certified cables and protocol documentation compliant with IEEE 1178 standards.
Applications
- Quantitative ash content determination in food, feed, and agricultural products per AOAC 942.05 and ISO 2171.
- Residue analysis of lubricants, fuels, and petrochemicals following ASTM D482 and IP 4.
- Preparation of inorganic standards for ICP-OES/MS analysis through matrix removal.
- Thermal cleaning of quartz and ceramic labware in semiconductor and microelectronics cleanrooms.
- Calibration verification of thermogravimetric analyzers (TGA) using certified reference materials (CRMs) traceable to NIST SRM 720.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended continuous operating temperature?
The furnace is rated for continuous operation at 1200 °C; however, prolonged use above 1150 °C may reduce heating element lifespan and requires periodic verification of thermocouple drift.
Can the LZ03/12 be used under inert or reducing atmospheres?
No—it is specifically engineered for oxidative environments with forced ambient air intake; gas-tight modifications are not supported by factory configuration.
Is the internal chamber resistant to acidic fumes generated during ashing?
Yes—the ceramic fiber lining and alumina-coated chamber walls resist mild acid vapors (e.g., HCl, HF) when used with appropriate crucible selection and ventilation; prolonged exposure to concentrated acids is not advised.
Does the furnace meet GLP documentation requirements out-of-the-box?
The base HT40AL controller does not support electronic records; GLP-compliant data integrity requires HT200/HT205 with HTMonit and configured audit-trail settings per Annex 11 of EU GMP Guidelines.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine calibration?
We recommend annual verification of temperature uniformity (per ASTM E220) and thermocouple calibration against a reference standard traceable to national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB, NPL).
