Nabertherm Stackable Ceramic Crucible Set for Muffle Furnaces

Overview

The Nabertherm Stackable Ceramic Crucible Set is a precision-engineered accessory designed exclusively for integration with Nabertherm muffle furnaces and other high-temperature laboratory heating systems. Constructed from high-purity alumina ceramic (Al₂O₃ ≥ 99.7%), these crucibles deliver exceptional thermal stability, chemical inertness, and mechanical integrity across extended exposure to temperatures up to 1600 °C. Their cylindrical geometry (internal diameter Ø 115 mm × height 35 mm) and precisely engineered rim and base tolerances enable reliable vertical stacking—minimizing footprint while maximizing batch throughput in controlled atmosphere or air-fired thermal treatments. Unlike generic refractory containers, this set adheres to Nabertherm’s dimensional and material specifications, ensuring consistent heat transfer profiles, reproducible mass loss on ignition (LOI), ash content, and calcination outcomes in compliance with standardized analytical protocols.

Key Features

• High-purity alumina ceramic construction (≥99.7% Al₂O₃) for low alkali content, minimal trace element leaching, and resistance to acid/alkali attack during ashing or fusion procedures
• Dimensionally optimized for seamless compatibility with Nabertherm furnace chamber configurations—including L, HT, and B series models—with uniform wall thickness (2.8–3.2 mm) ensuring radial thermal homogeneity
• Stackable design with precision-ground rims and flat-bottom geometry enabling stable multi-layer loading without lateral shift or thermal bridging
• Low porosity (<0.2%) and high density (≥3.85 g/cm³) minimize moisture absorption and prevent sample contamination during storage or pre-firing conditioning
• CE-marked and manufactured under ISO 9001-certified processes; each batch supplied with material certificate confirming composition, sintering temperature, and bulk density

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

These crucibles are validated for use with a broad spectrum of inorganic and organic matrices, including soil, coal, biomass, pharmaceutical excipients, catalysts, and metallurgical slags. They meet the physical and compositional requirements of ASTM E1729–22 (Standard Practice for Collection and Handling of Ash Samples), ISO 1171:2022 (Solid Mineral Fuels — Determination of Ash), and USP (Residue on Ignition). When used within Nabertherm furnace systems operating under GLP or GMP environments, the crucibles support full auditability: their inert surface prevents catalytic side reactions, and their thermal history does not introduce measurable background signals in subsequent ICP-OES or XRF analysis of residues. No lubricants, binders, or glazes are applied—ensuring zero volatile organic residue contribution during high-temperature gravimetric analysis.

Software & Data Management

While the crucibles themselves are passive hardware components, their dimensional consistency and thermal performance directly impact data fidelity in automated furnace workflows. When paired with Nabertherm’s THERMOCOMMAND® control software (v5.4+), users can assign unique identifiers to crucible batches via QR-coded labels, linking physical units to thermal cycle logs—including ramp rate, dwell time, and ambient pressure—for full traceability in 21 CFR Part 11-compliant environments. The stackable configuration also enables precise volumetric loading calibration, supporting automated weight correction algorithms in integrated balance-furnace systems (e.g., Mettler Toledo HX204 + Nabertherm L9/11).

Applications

• Gravimetric determination of ash content in feedstocks per AOAC 942.05 and EPA Method 1311 (TCLP)
• Pre-concentration of trace metals from aqueous digests prior to AAS or ICP-MS analysis
• Thermal decomposition studies of polymers and composites under controlled airflow or inert gas purge
• Calcination of precursor powders for battery cathode materials (e.g., LiCoO₂, NMC)
• Standardized LOI testing in cement and ceramic quality control per EN 196-2

FAQ

Can these crucibles be used in reducing atmospheres (e.g., H₂/N₂ mixtures)?

Yes—alumina ceramic maintains structural integrity and non-reactivity in mildly reducing conditions up to 1500 °C; however, prolonged exposure above 1400 °C in pure hydrogen requires validation per your process protocol.
Is there a maximum recommended stack height?

For optimal thermal uniformity and mechanical stability, Nabertherm recommends no more than six crucibles per stack when operating above 1200 °C; load distribution must remain symmetrical within the furnace chamber.
Do these crucibles require pre-firing before first use?

Yes—standard practice mandates an initial 2-hour soak at 1000 °C in air to remove adsorbed moisture and stabilize crystal structure; weight stabilization should be confirmed before analytical use.
Are custom dimensions or markings available?

Nabertherm offers OEM engraving (laser-marked batch ID, serial number) and limited custom sizing (Ø 90–140 mm, height 25–50 mm) under minimum order quantities; contact technical sales for dimensional tolerance specifications.