Listmembers,

I've been having trouble with ash tubes from our EA breaking lately.

We use Elemental Microanalysis C1090, which is open both ends and has 
slits on the bottom half. I have a small bit of quartz wool at the 
bottom of the tube, and at the top of the reactor. Typically, the 
tube is stuck when I try to remove it, and breaks near the top of the 
ash level when I force it. This occurs regardless of whether I am at 
full temperature or standby temperature, and I have had the same 
trouble with tubes that are closed at the bottom.

My best guess is that the slag is seeping through the slits and 
fusing to the reactor tube. Does anyone have any applicable wisdom?

I'm considering the vacuum removal method at this point....

Paul Eby
University of Victoria