High-temperature all-metal induction furnace, intended to melt samples of minerals and/or rocks for extracting gases under ultra-high vacuum
AssigneeCentre National De La Recherche Scientifque
InventorsLaurent Zimmermann, Pierre-Henri Blard
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The application basically comprises supplying a high-temperature ultra-high vacuum furnace, the sole chamber of which is metal, in which an electrically conductive crucible, preferably made of tantalum, is placed onto an insulating support, preferably a ceramic, and is induction heated by a winding wound around the crucible. The insulating tube, preferably made of quartz, that is arranged between the induction winding and the crucible, advantageously acts as a surface on which the condensable species can condense. The quartz insulating tube especially allows the induction winding to be protected.
Claims11
A high-temperature ultrahigh-vacuum furnace, intended for the extraction of noble gases present in samples of minerals and/or rocks, comprising:
- a metal chamber that is gastight comprising a first connection opening for connecting to a purification line for purifying the gases released in the chamber and/or to a gravity feed device for supplying a sample and, a second connection opening for connecting to a pump suitable for creating the ultrahigh vacuum inside the chamber,
- a crucible made of electrically conductive material, suitable for containing at least one sample of minerals and/or rocks,
- a support made of electrically insulating material, resting on a lower portion of the metal chamber, and supporting the crucible in the chamber,
- at least one induction coil, powered from outside of the chamber through at least one insulated bushing passing through a wall of the chamber, and arranged around the crucible,
- a tube made of electrically insulating material, resting on the lower portion of the metal chamber, arranged between the induction coil and the crucible supported by the support,
- wherein the first connection opening is connected to a bypass part for connecting an upper portion of the chamber both to the purification line and to a storage carousel as a gravity feed device for supplying a sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.