ZHENHUAFENXI SG2 Open-Style Vacuum Tube Furnace

Overview

The ZHENHUAFENXI SG2 Open-Style Vacuum Tube Furnace is a precision-engineered thermal processing system designed for controlled high-temperature experiments under inert, reducing, oxidizing, or vacuum atmospheres. It operates on the principle of resistive heating via embedded high-resistivity alloy wire elements, housed within a double-walled stainless steel shell and insulated with high-purity alumina polycrystalline fiber—ensuring low thermal mass, rapid thermal response, and exceptional energy efficiency. The furnace features an articulated top-opening lid mechanism that enables real-time visual monitoring of sample behavior during thermal treatment and facilitates rapid quenching by natural convection or forced gas flow. Its modular design integrates seamlessly with external vacuum pumps (down to 10⁻³ mbar) and gas delivery systems (via standard KF-25 flanges), making it suitable for applications requiring strict atmospheric control—including CVD precursor decomposition, solid-state reaction kinetics, and phase transformation studies.

Key Features

• Open-top architecture with motor-assisted or manual lid articulation for unobstructed access and in-situ observation of samples during heating cycles.
• Dual-zone PID temperature controller with 30-segment programmable ramp-soak profiles; supports auto-tuning and real-time deviation compensation.
• KF-25 quick-release flange system with elastomeric O-ring sealing—eliminates bolt-torque variability and minimizes risk of quartz tube fracture during repeated assembly/disassembly.
• High-density alumina polycrystalline fiber furnace lining (≥99.9% Al₂O₃ purity) offering superior thermal stability up to 1200 °C, low shrinkage after prolonged cycling, and minimal outgassing under vacuum.
• Integrated safety interlocks: lid-open circuit interruption, independent over-temperature cutoff (setpoint +15 °C), and residual-current device (RCD) protection compliant with IEC 61000-4-5.
• Standard configuration includes K-type thermocouple (external sheath); optional internal thermocouple probe available for direct sample-adjacent temperature validation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SG2 accommodates cylindrical samples within high-purity fused quartz tubes (standard Φ60 × 1000 mm or optional Φ100 × 1000 mm). Quartz compatibility extends to most non-hydrofluoric acid–based chemistries and oxygen-rich environments below 1100 °C. For halogen- or alkali-metal–containing precursors, optional alumina or recrystallized alumina tubes are recommended. The furnace meets national standards GB/T 10066.1–2004 (general safety requirements for industrial electrothermal equipment) and GB/T 10067.4–2005 (safety specifications for laboratory furnaces), ensuring structural integrity, electrical insulation performance, and surface temperature limits under continuous operation. While not certified to UL/CSA or CE directives, its design principles align with ISO/IEC 17025–recommended environmental controls for accredited materials testing laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The SG2 utilizes a dual-interface control system: front-panel digital display with tactile keypad navigation and an optional 7-inch capacitive touchscreen HMI. Both interfaces log temperature setpoints, actual readings, ramp rates, and alarm events in non-volatile memory with timestamping (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS). Data export is supported via USB flash drive in CSV format for post-processing in MATLAB, OriginLab, or Excel. Optional RS485 Modbus RTU communication enables integration into centralized lab automation platforms. Audit trails—including operator ID (via configurable login), parameter changes, and emergency shutdown records—are retained for ≥30 days, supporting GLP-compliant documentation workflows where electronic records are subject to internal review.

Applications

• Controlled-atmosphere sintering of ceramic powders (e.g., BaTiO₃, YBCO) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
• Vacuum annealing of semiconductor wafers and thin-film substrates to remove native oxides and relieve lattice strain.
• Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon nanotubes, graphene, and transition metal dichalcogenides using precursor gases (e.g., CH₄, NH₃, H₂S).
• Thermal reduction of metal oxides (e.g., CuO → Cu, NiO → Ni) under H₂/N₂ mixtures for catalyst synthesis.
• Thermogravimetric pre-treatment protocols prior to XRD or SEM analysis—enabling precise dehydration, decarbonation, or phase-purification steps.
• Rapid thermal processing (RTP) studies requiring ≤30 °C/min heating and air-quench capability for metastable phase trapping.

FAQ

What vacuum level can the SG2 achieve when paired with a standard two-stage rotary vane pump?
With a properly maintained mechanical pump and leak-free KF-25 connections, base pressures of 1×10⁻³ mbar are routinely attainable. For lower pressures (≤1×10⁻⁵ mbar), a turbomolecular pumping station is required.
Is the quartz tube included with the furnace, or must it be ordered separately?
One standard Φ60 × 1000 mm high-purity quartz tube is supplied as standard equipment. Alternate sizes (Φ100) and material variants (alumina, recrystallized alumina) are available as accessories.
Can the SG2 operate continuously at 1150 °C without derating?
Yes—the furnace is rated for continuous operation at ≤1150 °C. At 1200 °C, duty cycle should be limited to ≤2 hours per session to preserve heating element longevity and insulation integrity.
Does the PID controller support remote monitoring via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
No native Ethernet/Wi-Fi module is integrated; however, the RS485 port allows connection to third-party gateways (e.g., Moxa EDS-G205A) for protocol translation to TCP/IP networks.
Are calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) provided with shipment?
Factory calibration reports (including as-found/as-left data for thermocouple and controller) are included. NIM-traceable calibration is available upon request at additional cost and requires lead time for third-party lab coordination.