The "blood vessels" of modern industrial business equipment - graphite tube
Inside precision equipment such as high-temperature vacuum furnaces, semiconductor devices, and aerospace vehicles, there lies a seemingly simple yet crucial component - graphite tubes. It is like the "blood vessels" of the equipment, transporting heat and process gases in extreme environments, silently supporting the smooth progress of numerous high-end manufacturing processes.
1.Extraordinary performance determines industrial value
High-temperature resistance property
In an inert atmosphere, graphite tubes can stably operate in an environment above 3000℃, and even in the air, they can withstand a temperature of 400℃, far exceeding the service limit of most metal materials.
Outstanding thermal conductivity
The thermal conductivity of graphite tubes can reach over 150 W/m·K, comparable to that of aluminum alloy, making them an ideal choice for high-efficiency heat exchangers.
Excellent thermal shock resistance
Graphite tubes can withstand sudden temperature changes without cracking, and they will not crack even after being cooled from 1000℃ to room temperature and reheated.
Chemical stability
The acid and alkali corrosion resistance of graphite tubes enables them to work stably for a long time in harsh chemical environments and have a long service life.
It has good machinability
Graphite tubes can be mechanically processed by turning, milling, drilling, etc., and are convenient for connection and assembly with other components.
2.Three core application fields
Core components of high-temperature vacuum furnaces
In high-temperature vacuum furnaces, graphite tubes are used not only as heating elements but also as heat insulation screens and supporting components. Its high-temperature stability and low volatile matter characteristics ensure the purity and stability of the process environment inside the furnace.
Semiconductor process equipment
In the semiconductor manufacturing process, graphite tubes are widely used in key equipment such as diffusion furnaces and CVD devices, serving as pipelines for transporting process gases and components of reaction chambers. Their high purity and low pollution characteristics ensure the quality of chip manufacturing.
Chemical heat exchange equipment
Graphite tube heat exchangers have become the preferred equipment for heat exchange of corrosive media in the chemical industry. Its excellent corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity make it irreplaceable in heat exchange applications with strong corrosive media such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid.
3. Analysis of professional technical parameters
When choosing graphite tubes, the following key indicators need to be paid attention to
Specification and dimensions: Inner diameter, outer diameter, length and tolerance range
Bulk density: Usually 1.6-1.9 g/cm³, it affects strength and thermal conductivity
Compressive strength: It determines its pressure-bearing capacity and service life
Resistivity: A key electrical performance index
Ash content: It directly affects the purity of the material and the applicable scenarios
Coefficient of thermal expansion: It is related to its dimensional stability when the temperature changes
4. Key points for Use and Maintenance
Correct installation
When installing, avoid hard knocking and pounding. Use special tools to ensure uniform force distribution
Temperature rise specification
Follow the principle of gradual temperature increase to avoid thermal stress damage caused by sudden temperature changes
Atmosphere control
When used in an oxidizing atmosphere, protective measures should be taken or anti-oxidation graphite tubes should be selected
Regular inspection
Regularly inspect the surface condition and dimensional changes of the pipelines, and promptly identify and replace aged components
With the advancement of new material technology, new products such as isotropic graphite tubes, high-purity graphite tubes, and composite coated graphite tubes are constantly emerging. In high-end fields such as aerospace, nuclear industry, and new energy, the application of graphite tubes is constantly expanding and deepening. The seemingly ordinary graphite tube is actually an indispensable key component in modern industry. From chip manufacturing to aerospace materials, from chemical production to new energy development, this tiny tube is playing an irreplaceable role. When choosing and using graphite tubes, the specific working conditions should be taken into account, and various performance indicators should be comprehensively considered to select the most suitable product specifications and materials.