Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) Furnace – High-Precision Thermal Decomposition Platform

Client Objective

To develop a high-accuracy furnace capable of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for monitoring weight loss in materials during thermal treatment, under various controlled atmospheres, up to 1300°C. The system was to be robust, operator-safe, and compliant with research-grade analytical standards for material science labs.

Our Solution

Ants Innovations delivered a custom-built Thermogravimetric Analysis Furnace, tailored for in-depth study of material decomposition, oxidation, and thermal phase changes across polymers, ceramics, composites, and advanced materials. The system is integrated with high-resolution mass measurement, gas control, and safety automation.

Thermal Capabilities

Operating temperature up to 1300°C in a vertical configuration, providing excellent sample exposure and even heat distribution.

Designed with Kanthal APM or SiC heating elements for radiant and consistent high-temperature performance.

Heating zones with a 40 mm stable zone length for fine resolution of mass change behavior.

Precision Mass Measurement

Fitted with a CY 205C high-precision balance (0.01 mg resolution, 200 g capacity) in a sealed, leak-proof chamber to capture real-time weight loss during thermal reactions.

Sample preparation die included to standardize sample shape and density, reducing variability in repeated experiments.

Construction & Atmosphere Handling

Built with corrosion-resistant steel housing and anti-corrosion coatings for durability.

Supports inert and reactive gases (H₂, CO, Ar, N₂) and operates in helium leak-tested enclosures (certified to 10⁻⁸ mbar L/s).

Integrated mass flow controllers (MFCs) and vacuum pump (250 LPM) for accurate gas purging and chamber evacuation.

Thermal Insulation & Efficiency

Vacuum-formed ceramic fiber boards for energy-efficient insulation and thermal containment.

Non-carcinogenic fiber lining ensures environmental and operator safety.

Smart Heating Profile Control

Heating rates of:
Up to 25°C/min for quartz and metal tubes
8°C/min (≤800°C) and 5°C/min (>800°C) for ceramic tube applications
Thermocouples (Type-S, ceramic sheathed) placed inside and outside near sample holder for multi-point temperature monitoring.

Programmable PID control panel with data logging, real-time visualization, and automatic report generation.

Gas Safety Mechanisms

Electrically heated ceramic ignitor to safely burn off unreacted hydrogen.

Automated hydrogen cutoff below 750°C or if pressure drops below 1.05 bar.

Fail-safe activation if the ignitor fails or abnormal conditions are detected.

Mechanical and Electrical Protection

Vibration-proof construction with noise dampening design.

Over-temperature and thermocouple break detection.

Certified calibration and grounding checks ensure safety and accuracy.

Auxiliary Systems

One-ton chiller for thermal regulation of heat-prone components.

Compatible with SCADA systems and remote process tracking.

Outcome

This TGA furnace system has empowered researchers to conduct high-accuracy material characterizations under diverse thermal and atmospheric conditions. With programmable safety, robust data logging, and adaptable configurations, it now plays a vital role in advancing research across energy storage, metallurgy, and chemical engineering domains.

Got A Project ?