Rotary Reactor Tube Furnace

Rotary Reactor Furnace

The Carbolite Rotary Furnace was developed by the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London and is designed for laboratory scale calcination and the production of high temperature reactions in a wide range of materials.

The Rotary Reactor combines all the advantages of the fluo-solid (fluidised bed) furnace and the rotary kiln by providing both a controlled atmosphere and at the same time agitation of powdered solids. Additionally, the unit overcomes the problems of long reaction times experienced by combustion in a muffle furnace or under flowing gases in a static tube.

Although originally designed for calcinating colliery spoils at a temperature up to 1000°C, other applications include:

calcinating arsenical gold ores under neutral and oxidising atmospheres to remove sulphur and arsenic.

analysis of sulphur in ores and metallurgical slags.

as a low temperature rotary vacuum drier to remove organic solvent from oxide pigment materials.

roasting sulphide ores to convert them to oxides.

determination of silica content of rice husks.

low temperature calcination of limestone and dolomite.

General Features

Constructed of zinc coated steel, the case is finished in a stoved epoxy coating, providing a durable finish. For maximum heat transfer and excellent temperature uniformity, high quality resistance wire elements are used. A positive break switch isolates power to the long-life resistance wire elements whenever the heating chamber is open. A removable exhaust box is provided for occasional cleaning and removal of condensates.

The rotating fused silica reaction tube is flutted on the internal surface to ensure good mixing and uniform exposure of the particles to the atmosphere. The material is heated by radiation through the silica tube and the smooth internal profile allows easy loading, unloading and cleaning with minimal powder loss.

Oscillation of the reaction tube is provided by an electric motor with variable speed control. Gas tight connections ensure the vessel is sealed. An adjustable gas flowmeter with a 30mm scale, calibrated for N₂, is supplied as standard. Single or multiple flowmeters for different gases are available as options. The hinged heated chamber design allows easy access for removal and insertion of the quartz vessel.

Atmosphere enters the quartz vessel through a flexible silicon rubber tube. The outlet end of the quartz vessel extends into a stainless steel exhaust box. A single gasket seal surrounding the quartz tube prevents atmosphere leakage. A gas outlet port in the exhaust box may be piped to an extraction system.