The CF cupellation furnaces are designed for the cupellation, or fire assay test, of precious metals, which is a standard test method used to determine their purity. The furnaces meet the Hallmarking requirements specified by the Convention on the Control and Marking of Articles of Precious Metals (known also as “Precious Metals Convention”, “Hallmarking Convention” or “Vienna Convention”). The test method produces hazardous vapours. When used within a suitable fume management system, the cupellation furnaces are designed to handle the vapours without exposing the operator to these hazards. The design of the cupellation furnace range ensures protection from the corrosive environment which would damage a conventional furnace. Carbolite also offers a range of smelting/melting furnaces.
Standard features
- Specifically designed for the smelting of precious metals
- The horizontal, parallel opening lids open with the hot face away from the user
- Each lid is vented by a 50 mm diameter chimney
- Silicon carbide heating elements protected by silicon carbide tiles
- The hearths of the SCF 4 and SCF 8 models include cast alumina supports to securely hold the appropriate number of crucibles
- The hearths of the SCF 24 and SCF 48 models are the same size but without crucible supports
- A 24 hour, 7 day timer
Options (specify these at time of order)
- A range of sophisticated digital controllers, multi-segment programmers and data loggers is available. These can be fitted with RS232, RS485 or Ethernet communications - more information
Smelting Furnace - SCF Technical Data
| Max temp (°C) | Max continuous operating temp (°C) | Dimensions: External H x W x D (mm) | Number of chambers | Dimensions: Each chamber H x W x D (mm) | Dimensions: Control module H x W x D (mm) | Charge capacity | Thermocouple type | Max power (W) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCF 1 | 1400 | 1350 | 850 x 905 x 905 | 1 | 440 x 285 x 285 | 630 x 600 x 490 | -- | R | 15000 |
| SCF 4 | 1400 | 1350 | 990 x 1230 x 1040 | 2 | 200 x 245 x 500 | 630 x 600 x 490 | 4 crucibles 120 x 180 (OD x H mm) | R | 15000 |
| SCF 8 | 1400 | 1350 | 1025 x 1350 x 1300 | 2 | 200 x 245 x 760 | 630 x 600 x 490 | 8 crucibles 120 x 180 (OD x H mm) | R | 24000 |
| SCF 24 | 1400 | 1350 | 990 x 1230 x 1040 | 2 | 200 x 245 x 500 | 630 x 600 x 490 | 24 crucibles 79 x 97 (OD x H mm) | R | 15000 |
| SCF 48 | 1400 | 1350 | 1025 x 1350 x 1300 | 2 | 200 x 245 x 760 | 630 x 600 x 490 | 48 crucibles 79 x 97 (OD x H mm) | R | 24000 |
Smelting Furnace - SCF Downloads
Recycling and assessing precious metals
Global demand for precious metals continues to soar, whether for jewellery or for use in industrial applications. While gold and silver have been used for thousands of years in jewellery, more recently precious metals are performing useful and specialist functions in chemical processes, electronics manufacturing, aerospace and automotive systems, eg catalytic converters. CARBOLITE equipment is used throughout the world both for recycling these relatively rare commodities and for assessing their purity. Two key processes in the precious metals market are smelting and cupellation