Tube Furnace Fabrication: Any Tips or Recommendations?

[KYPOWERLIFTER]

Hi All:

I plan on producing a laboratory tube furnace capable of = to or > 1300 C. Does anyone have any experience working with materials designed for these temps?

I have been pricing Mullite tubes: 500 mm L; ~34 ID; ~40mm OD, 18 G Kanthal A-1 wire (to be wrapped around the tube), Kaowool insulation blanket, and a piece of 'stove pipe' to be the outer tube.

Right now I have two questions:

1) Any suggestions as to the above components? By that I mean suggestions, as to better (in terms of quality and ability to take temperature), grades/types?

2) I need to purchase a thermocouple and thermometer. Recommendations? I also need to design a circuit to adjust power to the wire. What would you guys do and how would you arrange it? I was thinking some sort of dimmer switch (have to handle 2000W power @ 230V) parallel with a bulb as indicator?

Bear with me... When I get it going I'll make a how-to thread with pictures.

Thanks in advance

 

[KYPOWERLIFTER]

Update:

I have located two Mullite tubes; one @ 83.00 and one @ 86.00

Kanthal A-1 Wire @ 15.00-20.00

ITC 100 HT ceramic paste @ 38.00

Kaowool 1" 2600F 2 ft2 @ 13.50

Variac (for temp control) ebay searching ~100.00

Stove pipe... 10.00-15.00

Thermocouple and thermometer with the TP 04 thermocouple 89.99 http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260359668034&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:CA:1123

Quartz glass test tube (with ground glass joint) for use inside furnace... ~100.00

I need to find a glassblower, I assume.

Suggestions/Thoughts? This is looking like a 500.00 project...

 

[oswaler]

I would recommend the following tips and recommendations for tube furnace fabrication:

1. Consider the materials carefully: When working with high temperatures, it is important to choose materials that can withstand the heat without melting or deforming. Mullite is a good choice, but it is always worth researching and comparing different materials to find the best option for your specific needs.

2. Pay attention to the dimensions: Make sure the dimensions of your furnace are suitable for your experiments and that the materials you choose fit properly. It is also important to consider the size and shape of your heating element, as this can affect the uniformity of the temperature inside the furnace.

3. Insulation is key: The type and quality of insulation used can greatly impact the performance of your furnace. Kaowool is a good option, but again, it is worth researching and comparing different types to find the best fit for your needs.

4. Invest in a high-quality thermocouple and thermometer: Accurate temperature measurement is crucial in any experiment, so it is worth investing in high-quality equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.

5. Safety first: When designing the circuit for adjusting power to the wire, safety should be the top priority. It is important to use appropriate equipment and to follow all safety guidelines and regulations.

6. Document your process: As you mentioned, creating a how-to thread with pictures is a great idea. Documenting your process can not only help others, but it can also serve as a reference for yourself in case you need to make any adjustments or replicate the furnace in the future.

Overall, my recommendation would be to thoroughly research and compare different materials and equipment to find the best fit for your specific needs. Also, prioritize safety and proper documentation throughout the fabrication process. Good luck with your project!