Selecting the Ideal Thermal Analysis Sample Container for Your Application

For High-Temperature Applications?

You can get poor or even dangerous results if your pan fails at high heat. It costs you extra time and effort to repeat those tests.

The best sample containers for high-temperature applications are made from platinum or alumina. These materials resist both heat and chemical attack, offering maximum stability for demanding analyses.

Key Features and Material Comparison

I have seen many research teams switch to higher-grade pans only after failures at high temperature. Standard aluminum sample pans work well for basic DSC or TGA work, but not when temperature exceeds 600°C. Platinum and alumina sample pans are non-reactive, even during long cycles above 1000°C. The table below shows how the main sample pan materials compare for high-temperature performance. The need for purity and stable atmosphere becomes clear, especially in chemical and materials science labs.

For Atmosphere-Sensitive Samples?

Open containers can ruin results by letting air in. Many samples will react or lose mass the moment they touch oxygen or moisture.

For atmosphere-sensitive samples, sealed or hermetically closed pans prevent gas or moisture from reaching the sample. This ensures results reflect only the intended experiment, not contamination.

Sealing Solutions and Their Suitability

I learned the importance of sealing the hard way. Early in my career, I struggled with samples that showed odd mass loss. The culprit was always exposure to air during thermal ramps. Today, I recommend sealed crucibles or pans with O-rings for volatile or air-sensitive tests such as in pharmaceutical or polymer labs. Here’s a comparison of available sealing methods and their advantages for sensitive analyses:

More about sealed containers: Mettler Toledo Sealed Pans

For High-Volume Testing?

If your lab runs a lot of thermal analysis, you can run out of pans fast or spend too much. Bulk testing brings its own set of challenges.

The most effective containers for high-volume testing are reliable, low-cost pans compatible with your instrument. Easy handling and quick sealing reduce downtime in busy labs.

Productivity and Cost Considerations in Bulk Testing

In high-throughput environments, every minute counts. Many clients switch to REDTHERMO sample pans because we support instrument compatibility and fast delivery. Most high-volume labs use standard aluminum pans, which keep the cost per test low and enable automated loading and disposal. The easy fit with instruments like TA Instruments, NETZSCH, or PERKINELMER avoids the pain of test interruptions. The table below summarizes what to consider for high-volume pan selection:

Quick reference: Thermal Analysis Consumables for High-Throughput Labs

For Custom Sample Requirements?

Some applications have unique needs. Off-the-shelf pans cannot always cover every size or sample property.

Custom sample containers, made to your exact drawings or samples, ensure accuracy and reliability where standard containers fall short. They offer the best fit for non-typical dimensions or special materials.

When and How to Use Custom Containers

I have worked with clients needing pans for special shapes, new alloys, or unique research samples. Customized containers are vital for non-standard differential thermal analysis or for handling reactive chemicals that standard materials cannot tolerate. Quick communication about technical drawings or prototypes speeds up the process. Here’s how to weigh up the value of custom containers:

Recommended read: Design of Sample Holders – Thermo-analytical Applications

Conclusion

The right sample container improves every stage of thermal analysis. Choose by temperature, atmosphere, volume, or custom shape to boost results and save resources.