This apparatus allows for the reproduction of test conditions achievable in a crucible furnace using a sample mass of approximately one kilogram. It consists of a vertical reactor made of refractory stainless steel housed within an electric furnace. Two test configurations are possible:

• this device allows for the reproduction of test conditions achievable in a crucible furnace using a sample mass of approximately one kilogram. It consists of a "cell" configuration in which the sample is placed on a grid. The carrier gas and reaction gases pass through the bed thus formed, within which several thermocouples are distributed to monitor temperature changes at various locations. The gases are conveyed to...
• the "tray" configuration consists of a stack of up to seven trays in which the sample is distributed. Each tray is equipped with two thermocouples: one inserted directly into the sample, and the other held in the atmosphere above the tray.

For both of the configurations described above, the various products can be quantified and/or analyzed.