Ash Fusion Determinator - EATC16 Series

1. What are Ash Fusion Temperatures (AFT)?

Ash Fusion Temperatures (AFT) define the key stages at which ash begins to deform and melt under controlled heating conditions.

The main characteristic temperatures measured are:

• Initial Deformation Temperature (IDT) - when the ash cone first shows signs of rounding or deformation
• Softening Temperature (ST) - when edges become noticeably rounded
• Hemispherical Temperature (HT) - when the ash forms a hemisphere
• Flow Temperature (FT) - when the ash becomes fluid and collapses

These values help laboratories and plant operators:

• Assess slagging and fouling risk
• Optimise furnace and boiler operating temperatures
• Evaluate fuel suitability
• Improve combustion efficiency

Ash Fusion Determinator EATC16

2. How does advanced ash fusion testing work?

Advanced ash fusion testing involves controlled heating of a prepared ash cone while continuously monitoring shape changes.

The process includes:

• Placement of prepared ash cones in a high-temperature furnace
• Controlled temperature ramping under oxidising or reducing atmosphere
• Continuous visual monitoring via high-resolution integrated camera
• Manually adjustable lens on a suitable arm for precise focus — the camera arm can be easily moved away from the furnace to access the work tube
• Automatic switching between gas atmospheres (model dependent)
• Continuous image recording throughout the test
• Grid overlay functionality for accurate sample identification
• Automatic or manual determination of fusion temperatures

Elite EATC16 Series and EATC17 systems are designed for precise, repeatable and standards-compliant ash fusibility testing.

Advanced Ash Fusion Testing

3. Which materials can be tested with ash fusion analysis?

Ash fusion analysis is suitable for materials that produce ash during combustion or high-temperature processing.

Commonly tested materials include:

• Coal (thermal and coking grades)
• Coke
• Biomass (wood pellets, agricultural residues)
• Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF/RDF)
• Mineral-rich fuels
• Industrial residues and waste materials

Testing supports:

• Slagging and fouling assessment
• Fuel performance evaluation
• Cement kiln optimisation
• Energy-from-waste plant performance
• Metallurgical process control

Elite AFT EATC16 Series Catalog.pdf

4. What standards govern ash fusion testing procedures?

Ash fusion testing follows recognised international standards to ensure repeatability and comparability across laboratories.

Common standards include:

• ASTM D1857
• ISO 540
• BS ISO 21404
• DIN 51730
• ASTM E953
• CEN/TS 15370-1 and CEN/TR 15404:2010

Advanced Ash Fusion Testing

5. What ash fusion models are available at Elite Thermal?

Elite Thermal offers:

EATC16 Series

EATC16 Manual: Manual ash fusibility determination with 2 flow meters, 3 gas connections (COâ‚‚, Hâ‚‚, purge), and manual interpretation software.

• EATC16: Automatic interpretation software, 2 flow meters, 3 gas connections (COâ‚‚, Hâ‚‚, purge), continuous image capture at every 1 °C, and the ability to test up to 6 samples simultaneously.
• EATC16 Plus: Includes all EATC16 features with automatic interpretation, 4 flow meters for automatic switching between oxidising and reducing atmospheres, and 5 gas connections (CO, COâ‚‚, Hâ‚‚, Air, purge).

EATC17

• High-temperature floor-mounted model
• Maximum temperature up to 1700°C
• Suitable for high-fusibility mineral samples

All systems include high-resolution optical monitoring and advanced interpretation software.

6. What standards apply to ash fusion testing in Europe?

Elite ash fusion systems are designed to comply with:

• ISO 540
• BS ISO standards
• DIN methods
• ASTM D1857

This ensures conformity with UK and EU laboratory requirement