The Orton Simultaneous DTA/TGA is used to study the raw material decompositions and reactions during melting, and determining glass transition temperatures. The Simultaneous DTA/TGA a powerful thermoanalytical technique that combines a DTA and a TGA into one instrument that performs both DTA and TGA on the same sample at the same time. This instrument or testing technique is sometimes referred to as Simultaneous Thermal Analysis, or STA, or simply ST. The resulting DTA and TGA curves are simultaneously plotted on a dual Y-axis graph so the DTA’s fingerprint and the TGA’s weigh loss/gain characteristics are directly compared as the test sample is heated and cooled. the Simultaneous DTA/TGA is ideal for R&D projects on glass compositions, and QC tests on raw material differences.

The main advantage of the DTA over the DSC technique is the sample size. The DSC sample size is too small to insure sample homogeneity. The Orton DTA was designed for glass and ceramic bodies and uses a larger sample size to insure sample homogeneity.

The Model ST-730 series Simultaneous DTA/TGA System which includes the furnace, differential thermocouple, analytical balance, and furnace control console with user-programmable controller. Although not shown, the system includes the Orton Data Acquisition/Analysis Software and an analog to digital interface card for the user supplied personal computer system (Windows XP English language version). The software displays the test progress on the monitor, stores the data and enables the user to perform the standard DTA and TGA analyses on the data after the test is completed.

Principle of Operation