Themy HP TGA – High-Pressure Thermogravimetric Analyzer by SETARAM

Overview

The Themy HP TGA is a fully automated high-pressure thermogravimetric analyzer engineered by SETARAM (France) for precise, reproducible mass-change measurements under controlled elevated pressure and temperature conditions. Built upon SETARAM’s proprietary top-loading optical interferometric balance technology, the system enables real-time monitoring of sample mass, temperature, and pressure simultaneously—supporting quantitative analysis of adsorption/desorption isotherms, decomposition kinetics, oxidation/reduction behavior, and gas-solid reaction mechanisms. Unlike conventional ambient-pressure TGA systems, the Themy HP TGA integrates a robust pressure-rated furnace chamber, active back-pressure regulation, and gas-mixing capability—making it uniquely suited for simulating industrially relevant process environments such as coal gasification, Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, catalytic reforming, hydrothermal carbonization, and high-pressure pharmaceutical stability testing.

Key Features

• Top-loading optical interferometric balance with 0.023 µg sensitivity and ≤0.03 µg mass resolution—ensuring exceptional signal-to-noise ratio even under dynamic pressure transients.
• High-integrity pressure vessel rated to 150 bar, equipped with dual-stage safety architecture: hardware-independent firmware supervision and redundant mechanical overpressure protection (pneumatic relief valves activate at 152 bar; inlet shut-off and furnace deactivation triggered automatically).
• ER5000-based back-pressure control system supporting two operational modes: static pressure hold or dynamic flow-controlled gas mixing via mass flow controllers (MFCs), enabling precise stoichiometric tuning of reactive atmospheres (e.g., H₂/CO/N₂ blends) at constant total pressure.
• Water-cooled furnace with rapid thermal response—achieving full cool-down from 1200 °C to ambient in under 20 minutes—without compromising thermal stability during heating ramps (0.01–100 K/min).
• All-in-one desktop configuration: tool-free access to furnace lid, balance cover, and balance lock; suspension rod (not suspended wire) design eliminates convective interference and mechanical drift under high-pressure gas flow.
• Integrated vacuum system (<10⁻² mbar base pressure) with interlocked valve logic—preventing vacuum pump exposure to overpressure or atmospheric ingress during thermal cycling.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Themy HP TGA accommodates diverse sample forms—including powders, pellets, monoliths, fibers, and thin films—with maximum load capacity of 100 g. Its chemically inert sample chamber (Inconel 718 and sapphire viewport construction) ensures compatibility with aggressive atmospheres (e.g., H₂S, Cl₂, NH₃, steam) and reducing/oxidizing conditions. The system conforms to ISO 11358-1:2014 (thermogravimetry terminology), ASTM E1131-20 (composition analysis by TGA), and supports GLP/GMP-compliant workflows through audit-trail-enabled software logging. Optional integration with high-pressure mass spectrometry (HP-MS) or humidity generators extends its utility for evolved gas analysis (EGA) and sorption thermodynamics per ISO 15106 and ASTM D5744.

Software & Data Management

SETARAM’s Calisto software provides comprehensive data acquisition, processing, and reporting capabilities. It includes ten baseline correction algorithms (including polynomial, spline, and derivative-based methods), peak deconvolution tools for overlapping mass-loss events, and multi-curve overlay with customizable transparency, line weight, and color mapping. All graphical operations—zoom, pan, region selection—are mouse-driven and non-destructive. Data export supports CSV, ASCII, Excel (.xlsx), and universal graph formats (SVG, PNG, PDF). The software complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit trails—facilitating regulatory submissions in pharmaceutical and energy sectors.

Applications

• Kinetic modeling of coal pyrolysis and char gasification under syngas-relevant pressures (20–100 bar).
• Thermal stability assessment of MOFs, COFs, and hydrogen storage materials under variable H₂ partial pressures.
• Catalyst deactivation studies (coking, sintering, sulfur poisoning) in simulated refinery feedstocks.
• Decomposition pathways of energetic materials and propellants under pressurized inert or oxidizing atmospheres.
• Hydration/dehydration equilibria of pharmaceutical hydrates across humidity–pressure–temperature (P–T–RH) phase space.
• Carbon capture material screening (e.g., amine-functionalized sorbents) via cyclic adsorption/desorption TGA under flue-gas-mimicking conditions.

FAQ

What pressure control strategies does the Themy HP TGA support?
It offers both static pressure regulation and dynamic gas blending via MFCs—enabling isobaric experiments or controlled partial-pressure gradients.
Can the system perform simultaneous TG-DSC or TG-DTA measurements?
Yes—optional integrated DSC/DTA sensor modules allow synchronous thermal flow detection without sacrificing pressure integrity.
Is vacuum operation compatible with high-temperature runs?
Vacuum mode is fully supported up to 1200 °C, with automated interlocks preventing vacuum pump damage during pressure excursions.
How is baseline drift corrected under high-pressure conditions?
The system uses blank-subtraction methodology—eliminating gas-density compensation errors inherent in buoyancy-correction models.
What safety certifications apply to the Themy HP TGA?
It meets CE Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, PED 2014/68/EU (for pressure equipment), and IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical safety.