TurboChef Technologies TurboChef - Manual (Page 64)

The IR Element and Catalytic Converter provide two
very different, but essential functions.
The IR element provides the bottom browning -
similar to a residual broiler or salamander type
cooking appliance - required for cooking most food
items. The IR element temperature is independently
controlled in each recipe.
The catalytic converter scrubs the air to eliminate
VOCs and grease particulates that are liberated during
the cooking process. It is important to properly care
for the catalyst using only TurboChef ® Oven Cleaner
(P/N 103180 USA, 103380 Intl) and distilled
water. For more detailed information, see the
catalytic converter section below.
COMPONENTS
IR Element
The IR element - a dual coil type heater - is located
in the bottom of the oven cavity. The first coil is the
heating coil. The second is the IR thermocouple
wire. The heating coil outputs 3000 watts at 208
VAC. The heating coil’s resistance is 14.4 ohms at
room temperature.
The thermocouple coil is a Type K thermocouple
with a resistance of approximately 20 ohms at the
splices located approximately 6 inches from the
heater and 40 ohms measured at the extension wires
at the I/O control board.
The IR element is controlled via the K5 solid state
relay and the IR thermocouple via the I/O control
board.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter, a VOC type catalyst, is locat-
ed behind the inside cook cavity wall and is responsi-
ble for cleaning the recirculating airflow. The
catalyst functions by substantially lowering the
combustion temperature of grease entrained in
the air path to approximately the same temperature
of the airflow, thus the grease burns and breaks
down into CO
2
and H
2
O as it passes through the
catalytic converter. The catalyst will operate most
efficiently at temperatures above 475ºF (246ºC).
The catalyst material is very sensitive to certain
chemical compounds. Irreversible damage can occur if
the catalyst is exposed to cleaning chemicals con-
taining phosphates, NaOH, silicates, Na and
Potassium Salts. These chemicals are found in most
commercial degreasers and cleaners; therefore, only
TurboChef ® Oven Cleaner should be used.
C A U T I O N
: Clean the catalytic converter
with TurboChef ® Oven Cleaner and rinse
thoroughly with distilled water. Let the catalytic
converter air dry before reinstalling. If TurboChef ®
Oven Cleaner is not available, do not use a substi-
tute. Use distilled water only.
IR ELEMENT AND CATALYST REMOVAL
Refer to Figure 39 and the instructions below for
removing the IR element and catalytic converter.
Removing the IR Element
1. Unplug the oven.
2. Disconnect the heater wires going to the EMI
filter and the high-limit thermostat.
3. Locate where the IR element protrudes through
the cook cavity walls and remove the snap rings
(Item 116) using snap ring pliers. Retain snap
rings (Item 116) and washers (Item 117). Figure
41.
4. Locate and remove the microwave shield
(Item 119) by removing the four (4) #8 x 1/2”
sheet metal screws (Item 120).
NOTE
: Some models do not contain item 119.
5. Squeeze the IR element together inside the cook
cavity and pull the IR element from the oven .
IR ELEMENT AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER 51