Carbolite CDF 15/1b - Manual (Page 4)

CDF
4
MF56 – 1.03
Technical Notes
The furnaces covered by this manual have electronically controlled power limits. Do not attempt to
calculate the Amps from the Wattage. High break capacity fuses should be used. Avoid fast-blow
fuses and magnetic trip circuit breakers - consult Carbolite if in doubt.
3.0 O PERATION
3.1 Operating Cycle
The furnace is fitted with an Instrument switch. The switch cuts off power to the control circuit.
Connect the furnace to the electrical supply.
Operate the instrument switch to activate the temperature controller. The controller becomes
illuminated and goes through a short test cycle.
Close the furnace door and adjust the temperature controller – see the controller manual.
To turn the Furnace off, set the Instrument switch to it’s off position; the controller display will go
blank. If the furnace is to be left off unattended, isolate it the electrical supply.
3.2 General Operating Advice
Heating element life is shortened by use at temperatures close to maximum. Do not leave the
furnace at high temperature when not required. The maximum temperature is shown on the
furnace rating label and on the back page of this manual.
When heating large objects, in particular poor conductors, avoid shielding the thermocouple from
the heating elements. The thermocouple is intended to sense the temperature near the heating
element, but if a large object is placed in the chamber it may record the average temperature of the
object and the elements, which can lead to overheating of the elements. Allow large objects to gain
heat at a lower temperature and then reset the controller to a temperature close to the desired
maximum.
When heating materials which produce smoke or fumes, the chimney must be correctly fitted and
unobstructed. Otherwise, soot can accumulate in the chamber and could possibly cause an
electrical breakdown of the heating element.
If the furnace is used to heat materials which emit smoke or fumes, regularly heat it up to
maximum temperature for one hour without load to burn away the soot.
Materials such as case hardening compounds and other reactive salts may penetrate the furnace
chamber lining and attack the insulation, or the elements, causing premature failure. Use of a
hearth tile may be advisable: please consult our technical department.
Light weight ceramic fibre insulation can easily be marked by accidental contact. Some fine cracks
may be visible on the surface of the insulation, or may develop in the surface of the chamber due
to the progressive shrinkage of the insulation materials. Cracks are not usually detrimental to the
functioning or the safety of the furnace.
3.3 Use of Probes
Any metal object used to probe into the furnace chamber while the furnace is
connected to the supply must be earthed (grounded). This applies in particular to
metal sheathed thermocouples, where the sheaths must be earthed. The refractory
material of the chamber lining becomes partly conducting at high temperatures, and