What Is an Ashing Furnace

An ashing furnace burns products in an enclosure until only ash remains. Ashing furnaces also scientifically weigh the product through the entire combustion process. Scientists use ashing furnaces for cleaning products or to create and collect ash for analysis.

Ashing Process and Techniques

In analytical chemistry, the ashing process heats a substance and leaves noncombustible ash for elemental composition analysis. The ashing process removes unwanted materials, making it easier to analyze the ash residue. In a laboratory environment, scientists use an ashing furnace to apply this process and safely heat materials.

Depending on the application, scientists perform different ashing techniques. Common ashing techniques include:

Dry ashing temperatures are about 500 degrees.

Sulfated ashing. Neutralize and remove sulfur dioxide and meet emissions regulations.

Wet ashing. Uses acids instead of high temperatures in the ashing process.

Low-temperature ashing. Low temperature ashing occurs at about 200 degrees.

Closed system ashing. Airtight chambers allow atmospheric control.

What Makes an Effective Ashing Furnace?

To heat samples effectively, an ashing furnace must: Provide the right temperature throughout the chamber. Withstand aggressive substances during the heating process. Hold up against mechanical weathering overtime.

Ashing Furnace in Lab Applications

Useful for laboratory applications, ashing furnaces handle all types of materials. Sentro Tech ashing furnaces commonly heat materials such as: Plastics, Paints, Food, Coal, Hydrocarbons, etc.