Utilization and Maintenance of Quartz Tubes in Laboratory Muffle Furnaces

Quartz tubes play a crucial role in the functioning of tube furnaces, often employed in various laboratory settings. Here are some guidelines for their application and maintenance:

It is generally advised not to use hydrogen gas in tube furnaces due to explosion risks, except at concentrations outside the explosive limits. If the use of hydrogen gas is necessary, appropriate safety measures must be taken. Ensure no one stands at either end of the tube during gas flow. Stainless steel tubes, which have a higher thermal conductivity than quartz, should be used for hydrogen gas to necessitate water cooling at both ends to prevent O-ring overheating and failure.

Quartz tubes‘ softening point is around 1270°C. To avoid deformation or damage, it is recommended that the temperature not exceed 1200°C for more than 3 hours.

When heating, always place ceramic furnace plugs inside the tube to ensure an even temperature distribution. Without these plugs, the temperature at the tube ends could become too high, compromising the O-rings in the flanges and affecting the gas tightness. The placement of furnace plugs also facilitates a uniform thermal field within the furnace.

It is vital to keep the inside of the furnace tube clean. When processing materials, to extend the life of the quartz tube, avoid placing them directly on the tube. Instead, use boat crucibles to contain the materials.

It’s essential to place alumina furnace plugs in the tube during heating, two on each side, totaling four. The distance between the two innermost plugs should be approximately 450mm. This setup prevents excessive temperatures at the tube ends, protecting the O-rings in the flanges from damage and ensuring gas tightness. The placement of these plugs contributes to achieving an even thermal field within the furnace.

Quartz tubes‘ temperature resistance is directly related to their purity. Higher purity levels result in greater temperature resistance, making the material more suitable for high-temperature applications.

Adhering to these guidelines can significantly enhance the performance and longevity of quartz tubes in laboratory muffle furnaces, ensuring safety and efficiency in high-temperature experiments and processes.

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