Automated Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer

What is the Automated Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer?

An automated simultaneous thermal analyzer adds a robotic sample changer and scheduled calibration checks, so combined mass and thermal measurements run unattended overnight. It serves routine quality control and high-volume contract laboratories.

Overview

The autosampler loads sample and reference crucibles from trays, records the tare mass of each crucible, runs the assigned method and unloads the crucibles for cleaning or disposal. Sequences combine different methods, gas atmospheres and end temperatures, and the software evaluates mass steps, residue, peak temperatures and heat effects against specifications automatically. Because combined measurements contain more information than a single curve, automated evaluation follows fixed parameters set in the method so that results remain comparable between operators. Practical considerations include the time needed for furnace cooling, the handling precision required for the two crucible positions, protection of the sensor against spilled samples and the schedule of calibration checks with indium and temperature standards. Typical systems hold 20 to 30 crucible pairs and give repeatability near 0.1 percent by mass.

How does it work?

The instrument combines a thermobalance with a heat-flow or differential thermal sensor on a single sample holder inside one furnace, so mass and thermal signals share exactly the same temperature, heating rate and atmosphere. Because there is no second sample, results cannot be offset by sample-to-sample variation in mass, particle size or packing, which is the main advantage over running a TGA and a DSC separately. The heat-flow signal can be calibrated with indium to give melting enthalpies and heat capacity, while the balance gives mass loss steps, derivative peaks and residue. Typical temperature ranges extend from ambient to 1500 or 1600 degrees Celsius, with balance resolution of 0.1 microgram and heating rates of 0.1 to 50 degrees Celsius per minute. Purge gas is switched between inert and oxidising conditions, and a reference crucible is placed on the sensor alongside the sample crucible.

What are the key features?

• Robotic changer for 20 to 30 sample and reference crucible pairs
• Automatic tare recording of both crucibles
• Per-sample method, gas and end temperature assignment
• Automated evaluation of mass steps, residue and thermal peaks
• Scheduled calibration checks with indium and temperature standards
• Report generation with specification limits and LIMS export

What are the technical specifications?

A typical automated simultaneous thermal analyzer configuration offers autosampler capacity of 20–30 crucible pairs, temperature range of Ambient–1500 °C, balance resolution of 0.1 µg, weighing repeatability of ±0.1% by mass, heating rate of 0.1–30 °C/min and methods per sequence of Up to 30, individually assigned. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Automated Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer is used in routine polymer composition QC, incoming raw material inspection, pharmaceutical stability screening, catalyst and ceramic batch testing and contract laboratory services. Across the wider Simultaneous Thermal Analyzers class, laboratories also deploy it for polymer composition and additive analysis, pharmaceutical hydrate and polymorph studies and ceramic and mineral reaction analysis.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ASTM E1131, ASTM E967, ASTM E794, ISO 11358-1, ISO 11357-1 and USP <891>. Certification candidates for this model are CE, IEC 61010-1 safety and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Prepare sample and reference crucibles in the same way, with similar mass and packing, because the heat-flow signal depends on the symmetry of the two positions. Keep the balance purge flow stable and high enough to protect the weighing mechanism from condensable products, and verify with a blank run whenever the gas or flow changes. Calibrate temperature with Curie-point or melting-point standards and heat flow with indium before a critical campaign, and record crucible type, gas, flow, heating rate and sample mass with each curve. Simultaneous instruments show artefacts when the two crucibles differ: a sloping or drifting heat-flow baseline usually means asymmetry, damaged crucibles or contaminated sensors. Coupled techniques add transfer line maintenance, and the interface temperature must always be above the dew point of the evolved gases.

How do I select the right Automated Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer?

Choose the automated configuration when combined measurements are routine, sample numbers justify unattended operation and evaluation must be consistent between operators. For occasional or exploratory work, manual loading is sufficient. In an RFQ, specify autosampler capacity, method flexibility, sensor type, calibration-check interval and report format.

How does it compare with other Simultaneous Thermal Analyzers variants?

Choose between the TGA-DSC and TGA-DTA sensor types first. A heat-flow sensor calibrated with indium gives quantitative enthalpies and heat capacity and suits polymers, pharmaceuticals and organics; a DTA sensor is more robust at high temperature and suits ceramics, minerals and metals where peak temperatures are enough. Then set the temperature range, since inorganic materials may need 1500 or 1600 degrees Celsius while organics require sub-ambient cooling. Decide whether evolved gases must be identified, which determines whether an FTIR or mass spectrometer coupling is needed. Check balance resolution, whether the crucible arrangement allows gas to flow over the sample, the gas switching capability, the software for combined signal evaluation and the calibration standards provided. For quality control, an autosampler converts the instrument into an unattended routine analyzer.