VEF1700 1700°C Molten Salt Electrolytic Furnace with 8″ Cubic Atmosphere-Controlled Heating Chamber and Three-Electrode System
The VEF1700 furnace is engineered for precise electrolytic processing of molten salts to refine noble and rare-earth metals under tightly controlled atmospheric conditions. Its airtight steel chamber, measuring 200 mm on each side, provides an 8-liter volume that supports vacuum, inert gas, or oxygen atmospheres, enabling versatile experimental environments.
This furnace employs molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) heating elements capable of maintaining continuous operation at 1600°C, with short-term peaks reaching 1700°C for up to one hour. The three-electrode system, consisting of graphite electrodes inserted through a water-cooled, hermetically sealed flange, facilitates efficient electrolytic reactions within a graphite crucible. The design includes a quartz observation window and optional motorized flange lifting for electrode manipulation.
Key Features
- Atmosphere-controlled airtight chamber (vacuum, inert gas, oxygen) sized 200×200×200 mm (8 L volume).
- Continuous operation at 1600°C with MoSi2 heating elements; peak temperature of 1700°C for up to 1 hour.
- Three graphite electrodes (6 mm diameter) inserted via water-cooled hermetic flange with electric feedthroughs.
- Integrated quartz window (30 mm diameter) for real-time observation of electrolytic processes.
- Water-cooled flanges and included recirculating water chiller (16 L/min) for electrode cooling.
- Vacuum pump (156 L/min) included for chamber air evacuation prior to operation.
- Optional digital DC power supply adjustable up to 30 V and 70 A; higher current supplies available.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Temperature | 1700°C (up to 1 hour), 1600°C continuous |
| Heating Elements | Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) |
| Chamber Dimensions | 200 × 200 × 200 mm (8 L) |
| Chamber Atmosphere | Vacuum, inert gas, oxygen (airtight steel chamber) |
| Electrode System | Three graphite electrodes, 6 mm diameter (other sizes optional) |
| Power Supply (Optional) | Digital DC, 0–30 V, 0–70 A adjustable; higher current options available |
| Cooling System | Water-cooled flange and recirculating water chiller (16 L/min) |
| Vacuum Pump | Included, 156 L/min capacity |
| Observation Window | 30 mm diameter quartz window |
| Power Input | 208–240 VAC, single phase, 50/60 Hz, max 6 kW |
Typical Applications
The VEF1700 is suited for laboratory-scale refining and electrochemical processing of noble and rare-earth metals from molten salt electrolytes. Its controlled atmosphere chamber enables experiments requiring vacuum or inert gas environments to prevent contamination or oxidation during high-temperature electrolysis.
Configuration & Operating Notes
The furnace includes a water-cooled hermetic flange with electric feedthroughs for three graphite electrodes inserted directly into the graphite crucible. A graphite liner can be optionally installed to protect heating elements from contamination. The flange features a quartz window for process observation and can be optionally motorized for vertical electrode movement. A recirculating water chiller and vacuum pump are supplied to support cooling and atmosphere control. A digital DC power supply is optional and can be customized for higher current requirements. Users should ensure proper cooling and atmosphere conditions to maintain equipment integrity and process quality.
