LECO AF700 Coal and Coke Ash Fusibility Determinator

The LECO AF700 Ash Fusion Determinator is designed to increase laboratory throughput by automatically determining ash fusibility temperatures, including Initial Deformation (IT), Softening (ST), Hemispherical (HT), and Flow (FT) temperatures. Built with enhanced robustness, integrated safety features, and advanced digital imaging, the AF700 delivers reliable, repeatable ash fusion analysis with minimal operator intervention.

The system combines precise furnace temperature control, high-resolution digital imaging, and intelligent software-driven image recognition to support objective and defensible ash fusibility determinations. Digital archiving capabilities ensure full traceability and easy review of results, supporting both routine testing and confirmatory analysis.

LECO AF700

Key Features

• Integrated high-stability imaging system
  • Permanently mounted camera isolated from the high-temperature furnace zone
  • Integrated viewing system ensures consistent alignment of mirrors, camera, and furnace
• Automated, objective ash fusion determination
  • Image Recognition Functions (IRF) automatically identify IT, ST, HT, and FT
  • Optional automatic analysis termination once all deformation points are reached
• Complete digital documentation
  • Full image history archived for every analysis
  • Archived images can be retrieved for review, confirmation, or subjective evaluation
  • Supports storage on DVD, CD-RW, or hard drive
• Enhanced laboratory safety
  • Door interlocks prevent unsafe furnace operation
  • Integrated carbon monoxide detector improves operator protection
• Improved low-temperature visibility
  • LED light ring enables clear observation of early deformation points
• High-durability furnace design
  • Six-element, high-endurance heating furnace ensures long service life
  • Designed for sustained operation under demanding laboratory conditions

Theory of Operation

The LECO AF700 automatically monitors ash cone deformation temperatures in coal ash and coke ash samples. Prepared ash cones are positioned on a ceramic tray and inserted into a programmable, high-temperature furnace.

The operator selects an analytical method defining the furnace atmosphere—oxidizing or reducing—as well as the temperature ramp rate in degrees Celsius per minute. Once the furnace reaches the method-defined starting temperature, a digital camera begins collecting images at defined intervals.

Image Recognition Functions (IRF) within the software analyze sample geometry in real time to automatically identify standard ash fusibility temperatures: Initial Deformation (IT), Softening (ST), Hemispherical (HT), and Flow (FT). The system can optionally terminate the analysis automatically once all deformation points have been detected for all samples, improving throughput while extending furnace lifetime.

All images collected during analysis are digitally archived, allowing easy retrieval for verification, reporting, or subjective reassessment of deformation temperatures when required.

Models

• AF700 – Single Furnace System
• AF700 – Dual Furnace System