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Português Fusion Furnaces Explained: What They Are, How They’re Used, and Their Key Applications in XRF and ICP Analysis
Accurate elemental analysis in XRF and ICP techniques depends on producing stable, homogeneous samples. Whether measuring trace elements in ores, cement, glass, or industrial minerals, the reliability of analytical results is only as good as the sample preparation process. Fusion—the conversion of solid samples into uniform glass beads or solutions—reduces matrix effects, improves repeatability, and enables direct, precise calibration against certified standards.
Traditional fusion furnaces rely heavily on manual weighing, repetitive heating cycles, and operator judgment to decide when fusion is complete. They often require separate crucibles and casting molds, more platinumware, and additional handling steps, which increase cost, variability, and cycle time. Modern laboratories, however, need fusion solutions that ensure consistency, traceability, and automation—without sacrificing analytical performance.
Applications of Fusion for XRF and ICP
Glass bead fusion is widely used to prepare samples for:
- Cement and clinker – ensuring accurate CaO, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ determination for process control and quality assurance.
- Mining and ores – enabling reproducible analysis of iron, copper, nickel, precious metals, and rare earth elements.
- Industrial minerals – providing consistent results for silica, alumina, and other oxides used in ceramics, glass, and refractories.
- Environmental and geological samples – producing homogeneous beads for trace-level and multi-element analysis.
These applications demand precise temperature control, stable sample-to-flux ratios, and reliable monitoring of mass changes during heating—areas where conventional fusion furnaces can be limited by manual operation and lack of in-process feedback.
Redefining Fusion with Navas Instruments Technology
The Navas Instruments Fusion Fluxer is not a simple fusion furnace; it is an intelligent high-temperature fusion system that delivers both glass beads and simultaneous LOI/LOF measurements in a single automated workflow.
At its core is a digital precision balance with 0.1 mg sensitivity located directly beneath the furnace. The balance supports a pedestal mounted on a rod that passes through a small orifice in the base of the furnace. This design allows real-time weighing during fusion, so the instrument knows exactly when the weight loss has stabilized. As a result, no unnecessary fusion time is added, while ensuring complete reaction and homogeneous bead formation.
An additional external balance is used to measure the initial weights of platinum crucibles, samples, and flux. Operating in catch-weight mode, the system automatically compensates for small variations in sample mass, reducing manual calculations and operator workload.
No Casting, Less Platinumware, Lower Costs
Unlike traditional fusion furnaces that require casting the melt into separate molds, the Navas Instruments Fusion Fluxer does not require any casting step. The glass bead is formed directly using a single platinum crucible, eliminating the need for additional platinum molds.
This approach simplifies handling and significantly reduces the amount of platinumware needed, lowering capital and replacement costs. At the same time, it minimizes the risk of contamination or bead defects associated with extra transfer and casting operations.
Automation, Accuracy, and Efficiency
By integrating precise weighing, intelligent heating control, and automated LOI/LOF determination, the Navas Instruments Fusion Fluxer transforms the fusion process into a fully traceable, automated sequence. Each step—from initial weighing to final bead formation—is digitally monitored and recorded, ensuring excellent reproducibility and comprehensive documentation.
The result is consistent glass beads ready for XRF or ICP analysis, with shorter cycle times, fewer manual steps, and reduced dependence on operator expertise. Laboratories gain higher throughput, improved confidence in results, and lower operating costs, all in a single multi-function fusion platform.
