What Are the Standard Dimensions and Volumes of Sample Pans?

Improper pan sizing causes poor sample contact, unstable baselines, or data loss in sensitive tests. Many labs lose valuable information by not checking basic pan and crucible dimensions.

Most TGA-DSC sample pans have standardized outer diameters (usually 6-8 mm), heights (2-5 mm), and internal volumes (10-100 μL). Volume selection should match sample mass and test purpose.

 

Standard Dimension Reference Table

Type	O.D. (mm)	Height (mm)	Volume (μL)	Typical Use	Reference
Standard DSC pan	6.5	2.5	20-40	Heat flow (DSC)	Instrument manual
Large-volume TGA pan	8.0	3.0	60-100	Weight loss (TGA)	ScienceDirect
Micro-crucible	3.2-5.0	1.5-2.0	5-20	Trace samples	Microanalysis

Before every purchase, I request the pan drawing or datasheet and match volume to the usual sample mass range for our methods. Precision in size increases the reliability of my results.

 

How Do Material Properties Affect Thermal Conductivity and Sample Heating?

Poor material selection leads to uneven heating, peak distortion, or contaminated results. This can make critical transitions invisible and reduce instrument lifetime from unwanted reactions.

Aluminum, platinum, and alumina are top choices for their distinct thermal properties. Aluminum conducts heat well but is less chemical resistant. Platinum gives maximum inertness, while alumina resists high temperature with stable heating.

 

Material Property Table

Material	Thermal Conductivity (W/mK)	Chemical Resistance	Special Use	Reference
Aluminum	237	Low-moderate	Polymers, fast response	ScienceDirect
Platinum	71.6	Very high	Pharma, corrosive, high value	Nature
Alumina	30	High, moderate acids	Metals, ceramics	Materials Today

Each time I plan a test, I cross-check the pan’s material with both instrument and sample requirements. Picking the wrong material is the main way to lose valid data in thermal analysis workflows.

 

What Temperature Ranges Are Suitable for Different Sample Pan Materials?

Wrong temperature range means melted pans, ruined samples, or hazardous lab situations. No single pan suits every temperature window for TGA-DSC.

Aluminum works up to 600°C. Platinum covers from cryogenic up to 1700°C for high-temperature or reactive samples. Alumina handles up to 1600°C and works well for most ceramics and oxidizing conditions.

 

Material and Temperature Range Table

Material	Min Temp (°C)	Max Temp (°C)	Notes	More Info
Aluminum	-80	600	Good for polymers, avoid strong acids	Instrument handbook
Platinum	-196	1700	Best for reactive/high-purity	ScienceDirect
Alumina	-100	1600	Ceramics, slow ramp tests	Alumina

I keep a temperature guide handy for every pan and crucible in our lab. Sticking within each material’s rated range gives safer operation, fewer failures, and more reliable test outcomes for every user.

 

How to Interpret the Significance of Lid Types and Sealing Mechanisms?

Poor lids cause sample loss, contamination, or inaccurate volatile analysis. The wrong seal type destroys DSC or TGA results—especially for solvents or sensitive powders.

Sealing options include flat, crimped, hermetic, and vented lids. Hermetic lids stop vapor escape for volatiles. Vented lids allow gases to escape, needed for TGA degradation work.

 

Lid and Seal Feature Table

Lid Type/Seal	Use Case	Strength	Risk	External Resource
Flat Lid	Standard DSC tests	Easy to use	Leaking with volatiles	Instrument guide
Hermetic	Volatile/solvent samples	No vapor loss	Pressure buildup, needs tight fit	Hermetic Seal
Vented lid	TGA decomposition/gas tests	Controlled release	Sample mass loss, contamination	DSC/TGA guide
Crimped	Tight, manual seal	Seals well for solids	Operator error	Supplier instructions

Every time I pick a seal, I match both the lid and material to the sample’s volatility and reaction pathway. Choosing the right closure keeps experiments accurate and the lab safe for all users.