Single Thermocouple Differential Thermal Analysis

IUPAC defines Differential Thermal Analysis as “A technique in which the temperature difference between a substance and a reference material is measured as a function of temperature, while the substance and reference material are subjected to a controlled temperature program.”  For over 100 years*, scientists have known that the best quality DTA or DSC signals come from an instrument where the sample and inert reference are positioned in the exact same thermal environment.  Some vendors offer instrumentation purported to include a DTA signal, but only provide a single sample position.  The “Differential” signal is measured against a remote thermocouple embedded in the wall of the furnace (which represents a significantly dissimilar thermal environment.) The “DTA signal” is then manufactured by the software.  This is a good example of BAD SCIENCE.

The TA Instruments Q600 Simultaneous DSC-TGA employs a dual horizontal beam design, which allows for the difference in temperature and weight to be constantly measured.  This provides a true differential signal, free of any elaborate software manipulations.  The result is a scientifically sound, true differential signal of the highest quality and reliability.

* reference William C. Roberts-Austen (1843-1902) “Differential Measuring Setup with Inert Reference” (1899)