A tubular furnace works by heating a tube that contains the material or sample to be processed. The furnace is equipped with heating elements that are exposed to ambient air and heat the tube from the outside. The tube can be made of various materials such as ceramic, quartz glass, stainless steel, or Inconel, depending on the specific application requirements.
There are different types of work tubes used in a tube furnace. The most common ones are single end tubes and U-tubes. In a single end tube, the gas fires down the center of the tube, while the exhaust gases exit down the outside of the tube. The tube radiates heat to the furnace cavity. In a U-tube, the gas fires down one leg of the U and the exhaust gases return down the other leg. Again, the tube radiates heat to the furnace cavity.
The temperature in a vacuum tube furnace can vary depending on the material and size of the tube. The tube is adapted to vacuum flanges on the ends and may require water cooling depending on the specific furnace design.
To feed the furnace, heat transfer fluid is circulated through a series of tubes inside the furnace. In the radiant section or firebox, the tubes are heated by direct radiation from the burner flame. Above the firebox is the convection section where the tubes are heated by convection for additional heat recovery. The temperature of the heat transfer fluid is determined by measuring the temperature at the surface of the tubes, where the highest degree of heat transfer is occurring.
Over time, the tubes in the furnace may experience a decline in heat transfer performance due to normal usage or the buildup of scale and coke. Scale buildup on the outside of the tubes and coke formation on the inside can create insulating barriers, reducing heat transfer effectiveness. This can lead to overheating and damage to the tubes. However, measures can be taken to remove scale and coke buildup to extend the tube life.
In summary, a tubular furnace works by heating a tube containing the material or sample to be processed. The tube is heated from the outside by heating elements exposed to ambient air. Different types of work tubes can be used, and the temperature can vary depending on the specific furnace design. Heat transfer fluid is circulated through tubes inside the furnace for heat transfer, and measures can be taken to prevent insulating barriers and prolong tube life.
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