
27.01.2025 by Dr. Chiara Baldini
Exploring the Versatile Furnaces of the NETZSCH STA 509 Jupiter® Instrument Series - Part 3
Chapter 3: Special Furnaces for Your Specific Applications
Welcome back to our series on the versatile furnace options available with the STA 509 Jupiter®, the latest simultaneous thermal analysis instrument series by NETZSCH.In our previous articles, we highlighted the unique features of both high-temperatures and low-temperature furnaces, discussing their applications in materials analysis.
Today, we focus on furnaces designed specifically for humidity-controlled environments and high-sensitivity advanced gas analysis (EGA).
These specialized options further enhance the STA 509 Jupiter®'s position as an advanced and comprehensive simultaneous TGA-DSC analyzer on the market.
1. Water-Vapor Furnace
- Temperature range: RT to 1250°C
- Application fields:
The water-vapor furnace is designed to study moisture-sensitive materials at relative humidity (RH) levels up to 100%,preventing condensation and ensuring consistent measurements at high temperatures.
This furnace is ideal for analyzing materials such as metals, ceramics, wood, insulation, and electronic components, including semiconductors and batteries, where moisture can influence Thermal StabilityA material is thermally stable if it does not decompose under the influence of temperature. One way to determine the thermal stability of a substance is to use a TGA (thermogravimetric analyzer). thermal stability, degradation, and chemical reactions.
With the controlled water-vapor environment, researchers is can also investigate the corrosion, OxidationOxidation can describe different processes in the context of thermal analysis.oxidation, and reduction behaviors of metals and alloys. Moreover, the system can is capable of conducting standard TGA-DSC measurements across its temperature range in both static and dynamic inert or oxidative atmospheres.
2. Copper Furnace
- Temperature range: -150°C to 500°C
- Application fields:
In comparison to the water-vapor furnace, the copper furnace is frequently the preferred option for applications that require precise temperature and humidity control, although not at high temperatures.
This is particularly useful for applications such as pharmaceuticals, biodegradable polymers, coating films and packaging materials, where small changes in temperature and humidity can have significant impact on material properties and therefore product quality and longevity.
In packaging, for example, the performance of films and barrier materials at fluctuating humidity levels determines their suitability for preserving food or sensitive goods.
3. SKIMMER Furnaces
- Temperature range: RT to 1450°C (SiC), RT 1950°C (graphite)
- Application fields:
The SiC-SKIMMER and Graphite-SKIMMER furnaces are advanced tools for Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA), such as VaporizationThe Vaporization of an element or compound is a phase transition from the liquid phase to vapor. There exists two types of vaporization: evaporation and boiling.vaporization, outgassing and Decomposition reactionA decomposition reaction is a thermally induced reaction of a chemical compound forming solid and/or gaseous products. decomposition behavior of materials.
The NETZSCH SKIMMER system setup is integrated into the sensitive quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) detector and enables precise and rapid gas detection by maintaining direct and temperature-controlled gas transfer from the sample to the analyzer.
Both furnaces are used for characterization of metals, ceramic salts and high-boiling organic compounds. The choice between the two depends mainly on the temperature requirements of the analysis.

Summary: Twelve Furnaces for the Best Analytical Flexibility on the Market
The variety of furnaces available for the STA 509 Jupiter® by NETZSCH allows scientists, engineers, and material experts to conduct tailored thermal analyses suited to the unique demands of their materials and applications.
The dual-furnace setup available with the STA 509 Jupiter® Selectand Suprememodels offers the flexibility to combine various furnaces within a single instrument, making it the ideal choice for research groups studying a wide range of materials.
This setup is particularly valuable for those laboratories needing both high- and low-temperature analyses, or those that share equipment across diverse research areas.
By having two furnaces mounted together, users can effortlessly switch between different analytical tasks without the need for instrument disassembly or recalibration. This eliminates downtime, boosts productivity, and supports everything from routine quality control to cutting-edge materials development, all within a single, versatile instrument.

The STA 509 Jupiter® Series
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Contact our applications specialists today for a personalized consultation and discover how NETZSCH STA 509 Jupiter® can enhance your analytical capabilities.
