Hi Paul,
we use a small layer of quartz chips at the top of the reactor to make 
sure that the ash tube is loose in the reactor.
With quartz wool on top of the reactor we get the same issue.

Best wishes,
Sven

Paul Eby schrieb:
> 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
>
>

-- 
Sven Steinbrenner

Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
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