OTF-1500X-8Z 1500°C Eight-Zone Split Tube Furnace with Independent Temperature Control for Thermal Gradient Processing
The OTF-1500X-8Z tube furnace is engineered to support complex thermal gradient experiments essential in material science research. It enables controlled heating across eight distinct zones, allowing researchers to simulate and study temperature-dependent phenomena such as phase transitions and gradient functional materials synthesis. This capability is crucial for processes requiring precise spatial temperature variation within a single sample or along a material length.
The furnace incorporates a high-quality mullite ceramic tube with an outer diameter of 84 mm, inner diameter of 73 mm, and a length of 1219 mm, providing a robust and thermally stable environment. Each of the eight heating zones is equipped with silicon carbide heating elements controlled independently by dedicated PID temperature controllers, ensuring accurate temperature regulation with ±1°C precision. This design supports continuous operation at 1400°C and a maximum temperature of 1500°C, with a recommended heating rate of 5°C per minute.
Key Features
- Eight independent heating zones, each 50 mm in length with 20 mm spacing, totaling 400 mm of heating length.
- PID automatic temperature control with 30 programmable segments per channel for precise heating and cooling profiles.
- Integrated S-type thermocouples for each zone providing accurate temperature feedback.
- Maximum temperature gradient capability of 100°C per inch, adjustable via thermal insulation spacers.
- Vacuum compatibility down to 10⁻⁵ torr using molecular pumps, suitable for low-pressure processing.
- RS485 communication port for laptop connection and real-time temperature profile monitoring.
- Includes two thermal blocks for optimized thermal distribution inside the tube.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Input | 9 kW |
| Working Voltage | AC 208-240 V, Single Phase, 50/60 Hz (50 A breaker required) |
| Maximum Working Temperature | 1500°C |
| Continuous Operating Temperature | 1400°C |
| Recommended Heating Rate | 5°C/min |
| Processing Tube Material and Size | Mullite Ceramic (USA), 84 mm O.D. x 73 mm I.D. x 1219 mm Length |
| Heating Zones | 8 zones, each 50 mm length including 20 mm spacing; total 400 mm heating length |
| Constant Temperature Zone Length | 300 mm ± 2°C (when all zones set identically) |
| Temperature Gradient | Up to 100°C per inch, adjustable with insulation spacers |
| Temperature Controllers | 8-channel touchscreen PID controllers with 30 programmable segments, ±1°C accuracy |
| Thermocouples | 8 S-type thermocouples, one per zone |
| Vacuum Capability | 10⁻² torr (mechanical pump), 10⁻⁵ torr (molecular pump) |
| Heating Elements | 16 silicon carbide rods (14 mm diameter x 150 mm heating length x 413 mm total length) |
Typical Applications
This furnace is ideal for research involving thermal gradient processing such as gradient functional materials development, high-temperature phase transition studies, recrystallization experiments, and other advanced material synthesis requiring spatial temperature control. It supports vacuum and low-pressure environments, enabling controlled atmosphere processing.
Configuration & Operating Notes
- Thermal insulation spacers can be inserted between heating zones to adjust the temperature gradient; technical support is available for guidance.
- Two thermal blocks are included to optimize heat distribution inside the tube.
- Optional flange support is available to prevent tube rotation during operation.
- The furnace is designed for vacuum and low-pressure use below 0.02 MPa; vacuum operation is limited to 1300°C maximum.
- Use of graphite crucibles inside the alumina tube is not recommended.
- A two-stage pressure regulator must be installed on gas cylinders to limit pressure below 3 PSI for safe operation; gas flow rates should not exceed 200 SCCM.
- Heating elements are consumable and replacement silicon carbide rods can be ordered separately.
- Optional laptop with Windows 10 and LabVIEW-based temperature control software is available for advanced temperature profile management and remote operation via WiFi.
Dimensions & Shipping
| Product dimensions | 84 O.D x 73 I.D x 1219mm L |
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