Off-line preparation, analysis and support services for the Synchrotron Radiation Source (SRS) at Daresbury have been expanded and upgraded with the installation of two Carbolite chamber furnaces
The Daresbury SRS is a world-class facility that delivers radiation with wavelengths from the infrared to hard X-rays and is used by over 1300 scientists a year from some 25 countries for multiple simultaneous experiments.
The SRS is supported by a materials science laboratory which has a broad spectrum of sample preparation and analytical equipment, including a dedicated furnace room for calcination, sintering and other procedures.
The two chamber furnaces supplied by Carbolite have maximum temperatures of 1300C and 1700C and temperature uniformity within +/-5C.
The CWF1300 unit has a chamber capacity of five litres and is heated by free-radiating coiled wire elements within moulded alumina-based carriers on either side the chamber.
Elements are graded to compensate for heat loss and to optimise uniformity.
The HTF1700 furnace, which has a ten-litre chamber, is heated by U-shaped molybdenum disilicide elements, which are extremely durable at high temperatures but can also be easily replaced when required.
The HTF1700 has an eight-segment programmer, while the CWF model has a PID controller.
Both units have over-temperature protection and are linked to PCs to allow pre-programmed processing cycles to be run automatically without staff supervision.
"The Daresbury Laboratory is a world-class facility that is used by researchers at the cutting edge of materials science, so our equipment and services have to be of the highest quality", said Ray Jones, materials science laboratory manager.
"Access to use of the Synchrotron Radiation Source is usually very limited, so sample preparation and other associated activities have to be exceptionally reliable to ensure the experimental time is successful.
"Temperature accuracy, temperature uniformity and repeatability between sample batches are extremely important".
