Katanax X-FLUXER, Manual

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11
Please refer to page 58, Mold holder configuration, assembly and alignment for
details, to learn how to change mold size.
The crucible holder and the mold holder are referred to collectively as the
platinumware holders.
Fusion sequence
When the user instructs the X-300 to launch the actual fusion, the instrument first
checks that the initial temperature is reached (see page 43, Holding temp for
more details on this setting). If not, the processor waits until the furnace is ready.
Then, the furnace door automatically opens, the platinumware holders enter the
furnace, the door closes and all heating steps are automatically started in
sequence. Temperature is constantly monitored and displayed.
Once the flux is molten (after a programmable time), a left-to-right rocking of the
crucible holder continuously mixes the flux with the sample. The liquid flux starts
dissolving the sample.
When all sample is dissolved (after the programmed time), the furnace door
opens, the platinumware holders move forward and, during the time the door
closes, the crucibles are tilted further, to empty their contents into the molds.
A set of three blowers located underneath cool the molds, while the furnace
remains powered, readying for the next cycle. When the molds are completely
cooled, the user picks up perfectly homogenous glass beads, ready for analysis by
XRF.
For solution preparation, the hot melt is poured into unbreakable beakers (instead
of molds), which contain a dilute acid that is automatically stirred by a magnetic
system (optional, item no. KP8001A).
Some fusion types, such as peroxide and pyrosulfate, do not even require
pouring. The X-300 is also designed for such fusions, where the whole crucible is
dipped into an acid, after the fusion, to prepare a solution by leaching.
Main features
of the Katanax
X-300
Accuracy
 Entirely automated
 Fully reproducible fusion methods
 Outstanding temperature uniformity, thanks to a position-corrected heating
profile
 Drift-free durable platinum-rhodium thermocouple
 Perfect reproducibility using a closed electric furnace: all crucibles and molds
are exactly at the same temperature
 Non-contaminating ceramic holders for crucibles and molds
 Automatic compensation against power outlet voltage variations
 Real-time temperature display
Safety
 Integrated locking safety shield with glass viewport