Fused quartz is a high-purity silica glass that is produced by melting naturally occurring crystalline silica, such as sand or rock crystal. It can be classified into two main types based on the method of fusion: electrically fused quartz and flame fused quartz. Each type has unique properties and applications due to its manufacturing process and material characteristics.
Electrically Fused Quartz: This type of fused quartz is produced by melting silica using electrical furnaces. The process involves heating silica to extremely high temperatures, typically around 3632°F (2000°C), which requires specialized high-temperature furnaces. Electrically fused quartz is known for its exceptional purity and translucency. It is often referred to as fused silica or synthetic fused quartz. This type of quartz is highly valued for its low coefficient of thermal expansion, high resistance to thermal shocks, and excellent optical properties, making it suitable for applications in precision optics, semiconductor manufacturing, and UV transmission devices.
Flame Fused Quartz: Flame fused quartz, on the other hand, is produced by melting silica using a gas/oxygen flame. This method allows for the production of quartz that can be transparent, opaque, or translucent, depending on the specific requirements of the application. Flame fused quartz is used in a variety of industries, including the manufacture of thermocouple protection tubes, which are essential in molten precious metal applications due to their thermal and chemical resistance.
Both types of fused quartz share several common properties, including high chemical purity, resistance to high temperatures, optical clarity, and excellent electrical insulation qualities. These characteristics make fused quartz a versatile material in numerous industrial and scientific applications, such as in laboratories, optics, pharmaceutical processes, and industrial equipment.
In summary, the different types of fused quartz primarily differ in their method of production (electrically fused vs. flame fused) and their specific applications, which are dictated by their unique physical and chemical properties.
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