Zhengxin Instruments TF Series Oil-Bath Tube Furnace
| Brand | Zhengxin Instruments |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | TF |
| Price Range | USD 0–2,800 (est.) |
| Chamber Volume | Small-scale |
| Construction Material | Stainless Steel (304/316) |
| Operating Pressure | Low-pressure (≤0.1 MPa gauge) |
| Capacity | 10–100 mL (standard tube formats) |
| Vacuum Performance | Up to 10⁻² MPa (100 Pa) absolute |
Overview
The Zhengxin Instruments TF Series Oil-Bath Tube Furnace is a precision-engineered thermal reaction platform designed for controlled, uniform heating of sealed or vented reaction vessels immersed in temperature-stable silicone or mineral oil baths. Unlike conventional muffle or resistance-heated tube furnaces, this system leverages convective heat transfer via thermostatically regulated oil media—enabling exceptional axial and radial temperature homogeneity (±0.5 °C within ±2 cm of setpoint) across the entire reaction zone. It operates on the principle of indirect conductive-convective heating, where the oil bath serves as both thermal reservoir and mechanical buffer, minimizing thermal shock during ramping and ensuring reproducible kinetics for sensitive synthetic protocols. The furnace is optimized for batch-mode synthesis under inert, reduced-pressure, or ambient-atmosphere conditions—particularly suited for air-sensitive organometallic reactions, catalyst activation, hydrothermal crystallization, and low-temperature decomposition studies.
Key Features
- Stainless steel (AISI 304 or optional 316) construction with electropolished interior surfaces for corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning
- Integrated PID-controlled oil circulation system with dual-sensor feedback (bath and vessel wall monitoring)
- Programmable temperature ramping (0.1–10 °C/min) and multi-step hold profiles, compliant with ASTM E2070 for thermal process validation
- Low-pressure-rated quartz or borosilicate glass reaction tubes (OD 12–25 mm), compatible with standard Swagelok® or VCR® fittings
- Modular vacuum interface (KF-16 or NW25 flange) supporting continuous evacuation or static vacuum hold-down
- Over-temperature cutoff, oil-level sensor, and pressure relief valve meeting CE Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC safety requirements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TF furnace accommodates standard laboratory reaction tubes (10–100 mL nominal volume), including jacketed and septum-capped variants. It supports heterogeneous catalysis, solvent-based condensation, and solid-state precursor decomposition without direct electrical contact to reagents—eliminating contamination risks associated with resistive coil heating. All wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. The system meets ISO 17025 calibration traceability requirements when paired with NIST-traceable PT100 sensors (optional). For regulated environments, audit trails, user access levels, and electronic signature functionality can be enabled via optional firmware upgrade to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 data integrity expectations.
Software & Data Management
The embedded controller features RS485 Modbus RTU and USB-C connectivity for integration into LabView™, MATLAB®, or custom SCADA architectures. Optional PC software provides real-time graphing, CSV export, and automated report generation (PDF/Excel) with timestamped metadata—including ambient humidity, oil viscosity drift compensation, and pressure decay logs. Data encryption (AES-128), role-based permissions, and configurable alarm thresholds support GLP/GMP-aligned workflows. Raw thermocouple and pressure transducer outputs are logged at 1 Hz resolution with hardware timestamping for kinetic modeling and Arrhenius analysis.
Applications
- Synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) under solvothermal conditions (80–220 °C, 0.05–0.3 MPa)
- In situ activation of Ni-, Pd-, or Ru-based catalysts under H₂/N₂ atmospheres
- Controlled pyrolysis of polymer precursors for carbon nanomaterial fabrication
- Hydrothermal growth of single-crystal semiconductors (e.g., ZnO, BiVO₄)
- Thermal stability assessment of pharmaceutical intermediates per ICH Q1A(R3)
- Low-temperature esterification and transesterification with acid-sensitive substrates
FAQ
What temperature range is supported by the TF series?
Standard operation spans 25 °C to 250 °C; extended-range configurations (up to 300 °C) are available with high-viscosity silicone oil and upgraded insulation.
Can the furnace be used under full vacuum?
Yes—it maintains stable operation down to 100 Pa absolute; however, oil vapor pressure limits long-term use below 80 °C under deep vacuum without active condensate trapping.
Is third-party calibration documentation provided?
Factory calibration certificates (as-tested at 100 °C, 150 °C, and 200 °C) are included; ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services are available upon request.
How is temperature uniformity verified across the tube length?
Uniformity is validated using a 5-point axial thermocouple probe array per ASTM E220, with deviation reported in the Certificate of Conformance.
Does the system support inert gas purging?
Yes—integrated mass flow controllers (MFCs) for N₂, Ar, or forming gas (5% H₂/95% N₂) are available as add-on modules with leak-tested gas manifolds.
