| abstract |
A furnace assembly for use in a chemical analysis system utilizing high-temperature pyrolytic techniques includes a refractory tube which defines a heated chamber wherein samples are pyrolyzed, inlet and outlet cap members mounted on opposite ends of the refractory tube, a cylindrical heating assembly which spacedly surrounds the refractory tube, and a frame which fixedly supports both the refractory tube and the heating assembly in a vertical orientation. The frame includes a stationary mounting plate and at least two rod-like members which fixedly extend in parallel downward from the stationary plate on opposite sides of the heating assembly. The heating assembly is fixed to the rods and a springy plate member is fixedly connected between the rods to provide a support upon which the outlet cap member rests and to press upwardly against the refractory tube when the same elongates during heating so that the upper and lower cap members are forceably sealed against the respective ends of the refractory tube. |