QUALITY
There are many definitions of quality but the one to which Automated
Fusion Technology subscribe is that the company, its products
and services should meet the client's needs, both now and in the
future. Automated Fusion Technology won a Government TQM &
Best Practice award in 1993 and having gained ISO 9002 accreditation
in 1997 continue utilising this guideline into the future.
FUSED GLASS DISC QUALITY
The quality of the fused glass disc is paramount in our thinking.
Reproducibility
Independent tests have confirmed that the reproducibility of the
fused glass discs is excellent. The variation between samples
(0.3% RSD) compares very favourably with other methods of bead
preparation and far better than pressed powders (2 - 4% RSD).
The homogeneity, both within and between beads, is the result
of detailed attention to every aspect of the glass disc preparation
process.
Mixing of Flux and Sample
The swirling mixing motion is pre-programmed into the operating
cycle which ensures that the sample material is evenly dispersed
throughout the flux producing a homogeneous mix.
Cooling of Moulds
The cooling of the fused sample in the mould is another critical
aspect of glass disc quality. The rate of cooling can be precisely
controlled with 2 cooling rates available.
Auto Locking Crucible Holders
These eliminate the possibility of cross contamination which was
always a concern with the old style crucible clamps.
Variable Speed Swirling
This feature allows the chemist to select the correct speed to
enable the inside wall of the crucible to be washed by the swirled
sample. Therefore giving both planetary and vertical mixing in
standard crucibles.
Pre-Heat/Oxidation
We offer this feature for the most important reason of all -our
clients want it! It is typically used in the cement industry,
where pre-heat allows for the slow dissipation of gasses during
the fusion process, thereby preventing the sample material overflowing
the top of the crucible. This option is also used in other applications
to slowly bring the crucible up to temperature thereby increasing
crucible life.
Individual Burner Select
Each set of crucible and mould burners can be selected individually.
This is an extremely useful feature for experimental work or when
different temperatures are required for separate burners. Savings
in oxygen and gas usage can be achieved by careful selection and
management of this function. Oxygen Injection Facility (Optional)
An oxygen injector can further enrich the atmosphere resulting
in a more even fusion process within the mix and protects Pt/Au
ware from excessive corrosion.
Ammonium Iodide Injection (Optional)
Ammonium iodide tablets may be added as a wetting, mixing or releasing
agent when pouring the fused sample into the mould. Automated
Fusion Technology has developed a unique ammonium iodide injection
system which is pre-programmed to dispense the tablet into the
crucibles during the fusion process. Melt-Loss (Optional)
To enable melt-loss to be calculated accurately, the Phoenix can
be pre-programmed so that each crucible and its contents are weighed
after fusion has taken place and the results compared with the
original weights. After the melt-loss has been calculated, the
program will re-heat the now solidified samples to melt point
and then pour them into moulds.
DESIGN & BUILD QUALITY
To achieve the highest level of bead quality demands precision
engineering and a disciplined approach to design. Every feature
designed and built into the Phoenix is there to either enhance
the quality of the samples or its productivity.
COMPUTERISED CONTROLS
The Phoenix can be supplied with optional computerised control.
A customised IBM PC is supplied with the Phoenix.
The computer control package offers the user a host of benefits:-
" pre-programmed fusion recipes,
" pre-set operating cycles,
" computer or manual operation,
" built-in data base,
" graphical user interface.
A major benefit of the Phoenix is that it can form a vital component
in the laboratory's own Quality Assurance System, particularly
if the organisation wishes to gain accreditation under an International
Quality Standard (ISO).
MOULDS
The use of ringed mould holders and circular moulds reduces the
usage of platinum and leads to more uniform cooling.
CONSTRUCTION
The internal componentry is attached to either the chassis of
the machine or to internal panels. This method of construction
results in better build quality and in ease of access for servicing.
USER-FRIENDLY FEATURES FOR THE OPERATOR
The Phoenix is fitted with a tray to catch any sample material
in the event of a spillage. The tray simply pulls out for cleaning.
Granite pads are located in front of the moulds and on each shoulder
of the machine for temporary placement of platinum wear.
INDIVIDUAL BURNER MANIFOLDS
Each burner is mounted on its own manifold block which allows
precise positioning of each burner under the crucible and mould.
SAFETY
The Phoenix is designed so that the most potentially dangerous
part of the operation - the transfer of the sample to the mould
- is done automatically and not by hand.
In addition every Phoenix is fitted with:
THERMAL TEMPERATURE CUT OUTS
power, gas and oxygen shut down if the internal temperature of
the Phoenix exceeds a pre-set level.
PRESSURE SENSORS
monitor pressure on the oxygen and air supplies. If the pressure
drops below a pre-set value, a cut out will be activated.
POUR CYCLE INTERLOCKS
prevent pouring until the moulds are in position above the burners.
TEFLON HOSE
is used for all gas and oxygen lines. The thermal cut outs are
designed to shut down the machine before temperatures are high
enough to effect this heat resistant and fire retardant material.
The above might be termed the primary safety features built into
every Phoenix. AFT support these by personally commissioning each
machine, by our willingness to service the machine throughout
its life and by offering training courses for laboratory personnel
in the operation of the Phoenix.
