Sponsored by Deltech, IncReviewed by Louis CastelJan 10 2025
Rotary tube furnaces efficiently transfer heat over a short period and run batches of materials without interruption. These furnaces minimize material handling in specific applications, such as powder processing. Several factors should be considered when determining whether a rotary tube furnace is the right piece of equipment for a particular process. This article outlines these considerations and highlights the relevant products offered by Deltech.
Image Credit: Deltech Furnaces
What Specifications Can be Adjusted?
At Deltech, rotary tube furnaces are custom-engineered to meet each customer's unique needs. This customization ensures that regardless of its application, the customer can define their requirements for a variety of aspects, such as:
- Temperature control: With maximum operating temperatures of up to 1700 °C
- Workspace size
- Residence time
- Tube rotation rate
- Tube inclination angle
- Temperature profile
- Atmosphere flow rate
- Powder bed depth
- Feed rate
Key Aspects to Consider When Selecting a Rotary Tube Furnace
When selecting a tube for a rotary tube furnace, several important factors come into play, such as rotational speed, material quantity, tube diameter, suspended length, and tube thickness. The tube material may also alter the potential application.
- Alloy tubes: Alloy tubes are ideal for tube diameters exceeding nine inches. However, they are limited to temperatures below 1200 °C.
- Ceramic tubes: Ceramic tubes are a safer option when metals in the alloy are at risk of reacting with high-purity products or off-gases. They are required for high-temperature processing.
- Quartz tubes: Quartz tubes, while non-permeable, are only suitable for applications involving temperatures below 1300 °C.
- Other tubes: Due to their porous nature, lower-grade silicon carbide tubes and alumina oxide tubes are unsuitable for most applications that require processing in a controlled atmosphere.
Points to Consider When Choosing a Furnace
Rotary tube furnaces are not ideal for all applications. For instance, applications requiring extended residence times need a slight inclination angle and a slow tube rate. This is due to the challenging nature of controlling residence time for more than two hours.
If the product necessitates longer processing durations, alternative furnace options, such as bottom-load, front-load, or top-hat furnaces, are recommended. These furnaces feature optional controlled atmosphere capabilities and guarantee temperature uniformity over extended periods.
Deltech Furnaces
Deltech rotary tube furnaces are resistance heated depending on the maximum required temperature, while also meeting other requirements and considerations. They employ various types of heating elements, such as wire wound, silicon carbide, or moly disilicide.
As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Deltech ensures its control systems comply with Intertek UL508A standards.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Deltech, Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Deltech, Inc.