Application: Susceptor Heating
Industry: Academic Research
Application Objectives: A customer in the material research area is looking for a compact, high-efficiency induction heating system to heat a graphite susceptor placed inside a 6″ alumina tube under rough vacuum (~1 mbar). The key objectives include achieving 1600°C within 10 minutes (5 minutes preferred) with a temperature uniformity of ±5°C for materials testing involving ferrochrome and stainless steel.
The challenge: Designing an induction heating system that delivers fast, uniform heating of a graphite susceptor in rough vacuum, with tight temperature tolerances and compatibility with both graphite and molybdenum components. The configuration needed to fit existing infrastructure while maintaining flexibility for advanced material testing scenarios.
Equipment:
- Power Supply: SmartPower™ SPC-100 kW
- Heat Station: HSP-100M
- Custom Lab Coil: 20-turn, 14″ length, 7″ ID, bifurcated
- Cooling: 19 kW chilling capacity required
- Fixtures: IR pyrometer, temperature controllers
Materials:
- Heated material: Graphite susceptor (OD: 5″, ID: 4″, Length: 12″)
- Enclosure: 6″ OD alumina tube (used as vacuum chamber wall)
Key Parameters:
- Target temperature: 1600°C
- Heating cycle: <10 minutes (validated at 130 s)
- Duty cycle: Continuous
- Temperature tolerance: ±5°C
Process:
The test setup simulated the customer’s susceptor using graphite crucibles and a bifurcated 20-turn coil designed to optimize magnetic field uniformity. Induction heating was applied using the 100 kW SmartPower Compac system, with full power tuning verified via on-screen diagnostics. Multiple test runs were conducted to validate consistency, achieving target temperatures in as little as 130 seconds. All tests maintained stable frequency and energy input, ensuring minimal deviation from temperature uniformity.
Results and Conclusions:
UltraFlex successfully demonstrated the ability to heat the graphite susceptor to 1600°C in under 3 minutes while maintaining a ±5°C gradient. The SmartPower 100 kW system proved highly effective, showcasing precise power modulation, advanced diagnostics, and robust thermal control in a vacuum setup. This solution positions UltraFlex as a preferred partner for high-performance, research-grade thermal systems in demanding environments.
Reference Info: AR 3463-8454
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