Heating and Drying Equipment

The Cambi 5L Thermal Hydrolysis Test Rig is a compact and transportable system designed to demonstrate the efficiency and functionality of Cambi’s Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) for treating sludge, food waste, manure, and other organic materials. Operating at pressures up to 10 bar and temperatures of up to 180°C, the system effectively breaks down organic matter to enhance downstream digestion and dewatering processes. The test rig consists of a 5L reactor, a steam generator, a flash tank, and a cooling pipe system, all constructed from high-grade stainless steel (AISI 316 for components, AISI 304 for the frame). The reactor integrates precision instruments, including steam valves, pressure gauges, and a manometer, ensuring accurate control and monitoring during operations. Compactly designed for transport in three suitcases, the system is equipped with CE-certified components and insulation for safe and efficient operation. It is an ideal tool for pilot studies, providing valuable insights into the Cambi THP’s impact on sludge management and resource recovery.

The Thermo Scientific™ Thermolyne™ Largest Tabletop Muffle Furnace, model F30428C, is designed for applications such as annealing glass, determining volatiles, catalyst research, and ashing organic and inorganic samples. It features a 45 L (1.6 cu.ft.) chamber with heating elements on the top, bottom, and sides, ensuring enhanced temperature uniformity. The furnace operates within a temperature range of 100°C to 1093°C, with a stability of ±1.2°C at 1000°C and uniformity of ±3.45°C. The advanced LED digital controller allows for a single setpoint with ramp and dwell capabilities, displaying both setpoint and actual temperatures in °C or °F. Safety features include user-selectable overtemperature protection, open thermocouple protection, adjustable power output from 1 to 100%, a built-in vent port to remove contaminants and moisture, a 0.95 cm (0.38 in.) rear chamber port for independent temperature monitoring, a 35 A circuit breaker protecting critical components, and a door safety switch that stops power to the heating elements when opened. The furnace comes with two accessory refractory shelves, effectively tripling the usable working area. Electrical requirements are 208 V, 50/60 Hz, and 26.4 A.

The OTF-1200X-S50-LVT is a CE-certified split tube furnace designed for heating samples up to 1200°C. It features a compact design with a 2-inch (50 mm) outer diameter quartz tube, allowing for efficient sample processing. The furnace includes stainless steel vacuum flanges with a KF25 gas outlet and a digital vacuum gauge on the right flange, facilitating connections to a mechanical pump for achieving vacuum levels up to 1E-2 Torr. A 1/4-inch barb gas inlet on the left flange enables operations under flowing gas conditions. Additionally, the system comes with an OMEGA 1/4-inch O.D. K-type thermocouple that can be inserted inside the tube to precisely measure the sample’s temperature, with readings displayed on the OMEGA calibrator. The precision temperature controller provides up to 30 segments of heating and cooling steps with an accuracy of ±1°C, ensuring precise thermal management for various experimental requirements.

The Parr Series 4600 Pressure Vessel Systems are designed for bench-top operations, offering 1.0 liter capacities. These vessels accommodate various sealing options: FKM O-rings for temperatures up to 225 °C, FFKM O-rings up to 300 °C, and flat PTFE gaskets for temperatures reaching 350 °C. An optional high-pressure flat gasket version allows for a maximum allowable working pressure of 2900 psi (200 bar) at 350 °C. Both fixed head and moveable vessel designs are available, with an optional pneumatic lift for the 2-liter models. The larger diameter of these mid-size reactors permits special modifications, including internal cooling coils, bottom drain valves, ball valves for solids charging ports, catalyst addition devices, condensers, and electrical feed-throughs.

The Parr Series 4700 General Purpose Pressure Vessel is a compact, non-stirred reactor designed for various laboratory applications requiring high-pressure conditions. Available in 22 mL capacities, the vessel features a 1-inch inside diameter and are constructed from Type 316 Stainless Steel, with alternative materials available upon request. They are engineered to operate safely at pressures up to 1700 psi (115 bar) and temperatures up to 300 °C. The vessels utilize a flat PTFE gasket or flexible graphite seal, secured with a screw cap, ensuring reliable sealing under demanding conditions. Each vessel head accommodates a single opening, which can be configured with an “A” socket for a 4310 Gage Block Assembly, or with 1/8″ NPT, 1/4″ NPT, or a rupture disc assembly, providing flexibility for various experimental setups. Due to their size, these vessels are typically heated using ovens, baths, or similar general-purpose heating devices, as specialized heaters are not provided by Parr for this series.

The Fisher Scientific Isotemp 725G Premium Lab Oven is a gravity convection oven designed for precise heating and drying applications in laboratory settings. It features a microprocessor control system with a touch keypad and LED digital display, allowing for intuitive operation and accurate temperature adjustments in 1°C increments. The oven operates within a temperature range of 50°C to 275°C, providing flexibility for various laboratory processes. Its 2.5 cubic feet (70.8 liters) stainless steel chamber ensures durability and easy cleaning. Safety features include automatic overtemperature protection set at 5°C above the desired temperature, accompanied by a visual alarm, and a built-in safety backup with a circuit breaker to protect against power surges. The oven’s design incorporates thick fiberglass insulation to maintain exterior coolness and a gasketed door that opens 180° for convenient access.

This Thermo Scientific Heratherm General Protocol Oven has a mechanical convection system. It has a capacity of 180 liters (179 L) and operates at 120 volts with a frequency of 60 Hz, requiring a current of 14 amperes. The temperature range is from 50°C to 250°C, and its dimensions are 29.1 x 25.2 x 36.2 inches (73.8 x 64 x 92 cm). This oven is suitable for laboratory applications requiring precise temperature control and uniform heat distribution.

One of the two units is a collaborative equipment owned by Virginia Seafood AREC

This Thermo Scientific Heratherm Advanced Protocol Oven (OMH750) features a mechanical convection system for uniform heat distribution. It has a capacity of 731 liters and operates at 208-240 volts with a frequency of 60 Hz, requiring a current of 14.5 amperes. The oven can reach temperatures up to 330°C and is equipped with a Nema 6-20 plug. Its external dimensions are 30.3 x 49.7 x 60.8 inches (77 x 126.1 x 154.5 cm), and the internal chamber measures 21.5 x 39.5 x 52.6 inches (54.5 x 100.4 x 133.5 cm). Designed for laboratory applications, this oven ensures precise temperature control and consistent thermal performance, making it ideal for research and industrial use.

Collaborative equipment owned by Virginia Seafood AREC