Glove box-compatible TG-DTA

To obtain reliable thermal analysis results of sensitive materials, reactive materials, hazardous substances, and similar samples, it is important to handle the sample safely in a stable environment. Rigaku offers a TG-DTA with separate controller that can be used inside a glove box for such measurements.

This configuration is suitable not only for samples that need to be measured while avoiding exposure to air or moisture, but also for samples that require consideration for operators and the surrounding environment.

Why a glove box Is needed

Some materials can change when exposed to air or moisture, or may require special handling for safety reasons. Examples include hygroscopic substances, oxygen-sensitive compounds, reactive metal powders, battery materials, radioactive substances, hazardous substances, and similar samples.

A glove box provides a sealed workspace where samples can be handled under a controlled atmosphere, typically using an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. This helps protect samples from outside air and moisture during preparation and handling.

Thermal analysis without exposing samples to outside air

For environmentally sensitive materials, even brief exposure to the atmosphere can affect the measurement results. Hygroscopic samples, for example, may quickly absorb moisture, and this can appear as a mass change. Such changes may reduce measurement precision and reproducibility.

Installing a thermal analyzer inside a glove box allows sample storage, pretreatment, and measurement to be performed under the same controlled atmosphere. This helps reduce the influence of outside air and supports more reliable thermal analysis.

TG-DTA with separate controller for glove box measurements

Rigaku’s TG-DTA with separate controller is designed for applications where installation space is limited or where hazardous samples need to be isolated. The balance unit and control circuit unit can be installed separately, making the system suitable for use inside a glove box.

Only the balance unit required for measurement needs to be placed inside the glove box, while the control circuit unit can be installed outside. This configuration helps minimize the space used inside the glove box and improves access for sample handling, operation, service, and maintenance.

Main Benefits

• Flexible installation even in limited spaces
• Reduced installation space inside the glove box
• Easier access to samples and the instrument
• Improved serviceability and maintenance access
• A practical operating environment for controlled-atmosphere measurements

Flexible configuration to meet measurement needs

The glove box-compatible configuration can be combined with options available for the standard model, including an ASC (auto sample changer) and a sample observation unit. This allows the system to be configured according to the measurement purpose and requirements, from research and development to quality control.

Rigaku’s TG-DTA with separate controller is suitable when both safe sample handling inside a glove box and high-precision thermal analysis are required. Based on its experience in glove box applications, Rigaku proposes flexible system configurations tailored to customer applications.

Applications under a controlled atmosphere

Glove box-compatible thermal analyzers are used in fields where controlled-atmosphere handling is important. Performing sample handling and thermal analysis under the same controlled atmosphere helps reduce the effects of outside air and moisture and supports reproducible measurement results.

Main Applications

• Battery materials such as rechargeable batteries and all-solid-state batteries
• Energy storage materials
• Nuclear and nuclear-related technology fields
• Metal powders and additive manufacturing
• Highly reactive chemical materials

Systems tailored to your applications

Rigaku was among the first companies to commercialize a TG-DTA with separate controller for use in nuclear facilities. Drawing on this experience, Rigaku proposes configurations tailored to customers’ research and development themes and measurement requirements.

Please contact us if you handle oxygen- or moisture-sensitive materials, or if special safety measures are required for the evaluation of hazardous substances or reactive materials.