Bead One HF: Semi-automatic fusion machine

Name: Bead One HF: Semi-automatic fusion machine
Brand: HERZOG

The benchtop fusion device with high-frequency induction technology- The compact and flexible solution for demanding applications

Double-sided enclosed, blue-and-white laboratory machine “Bead One HF” by HERZOG, with large viewing front flap on the left and touch panel on the right – compact benchtop digestion unit with high-frequency induction technology

Clear and easy-to-use HMI panel

HERZOG Bead One HF with open front door: Compact blue-and-white high-frequency fusion machine with viewing window and HMI control panel on the right, interior visible with crucible holder and induction coil.

Large access to the inner chamber

Precise temperature control via pyrometer

Mechanism of the HERZOG Bead One HF for homogenizing the melt: Two sample holders above induction coils, linked by a chain drive, with open holding arms for crucibles and molds.

Mechanism for homogenizing the melt

Internal mechanism of the HERZOG Bead One HF: Two sample holders above induction coils, linked by a robust chain drive, with side-guided cables and the metal housing of the high-frequency unit visible in the background.

Mechanism for homogenizing the melt

Close-up view of the HERZOG Bead One HF: Two sample holders with induction coils, one containing a brightly glowing orange heated crucible, the other holding an empty metal mold for sample preparation.

Internal view of the HERZOG Bead One HF during operation: Two sample holders with brightly glowing orange heated crucibles above induction coils, surrounded by metal mounting and guiding components.

Controlled cooling of the casting dish

Internal view of the HERZOG Bead One HF during controlled cooling: Two sample holders with brightly glowing yellow freshly cast samples in metal pouring molds, secured in mounts above induction coils.

Top view into a crucible of the HERZOG Bead One HF containing a powdered mixture of brown sample material and white flux, used for automatic creation of a protective layer on the crucible’s inner surface.

Automatic creation of a protective layer of flux on the inside of the crucible

Use

Preparation of fused beads (various diameter)

Material

Different oxidic sample material, e.g., cement, slag, ores, ferroalloys (feed size 200 µm)

Operation mode

Semi-automatic

All advantages at a glance

High-frequency induction heating technology

The Bead One HF offers maximum flexibility and accuracy in preparation of glass beads for XRF analysis. Due to its high-frequency induction heating technology, the Bead One HF enables complex multi-step fusion processes and shortens preparation time.

Specially designed for demanding application

The system operates without inertia and makes it possible to undergo complex preparation cycles requiring extremely precise temperature ramp up. This is useful for preparation procedures of, e.g., ferroalloys depending on several different oxidation and fusion steps of exactly defined temperatures and time lengths.
Furthermore, the Bead One HF can be used to automatically create a protective layer of flux in the crucible. This prevents reduced phases getting into contact with the crucible during the oxidation phase. For this purpose, flux is melted and cooled in a controlled manner while shaking intensively.

Short fusion time and fast ramping up

The Bead One HF reaches fusion temperatures of up to 1300°C within a very short time and cools down to room temperature just as quickly due to the lack of insulation. Compared to fusion systems with a resistance furnace, the Bead One HF therefore offers a clear advantage for more complex fusion processes in which different temperature levels have to be used. The downtime of the device for cooling down the furnace, during which no sample preparation can be carried out, is reduced, enabling a higher sample throughput. The induction-activated convection in the melt allows quicker dissolution of samples and good thorough homogenisation.
Additionally, the crucible is oscillated in a circular movement to improve homogenization of the melt. Moreover, the crucible can be tilt by 45°.

Simultaneous heating of crucible and casting dish

Two separate high-frequency generators supply power at the induction coil of the crucible and the casting dish. Since the casting dish is simultaneously heated up the fusion can be cast automatically into the preheated dish. Alternatively, the sample can remain in the crucible until solidification. The temperature curve of the dish is fully configurable and allows absolutely controlled cooling down subject to analytical requirements. Furthermore, it guarantees that glass buttons are free from reams and seeds. After solidifying, the casting dish is further cooled down by blowing with air.

Safety measures

The safety door is locked during the entire fusion and cooling process. Pouring is fully automatically without need for intervention. The Bead One HF has been designed for cold-to-cold operation and the user never comes in contact with hot vessels.

Easy to operate

Due to its small foot print design, the Bead One HF can be set up flexibly at any location. Installation of the machine is very simple, no compressed air is needed. All fusion and cooling parameters can be easily set, modified, stored and monitored using the HMI panel of the machine.