START-UP
A. Use the following steps for standard Kanthal A1 or APM Heating elements:
•
Heat it up from ambient up to 600
0
C with maximum power/slope value.
•
Testing of the Redundant Thermocouple Excess Temperatures, in each zone, by
giving a
setpoint of 600 degrees, on the “Excess Temperature Controller".
•
The Excess Temperature Controller is designed to guard the temperature, measured
by thermocouples. If, an overtemperature occurs, an alarm appears on the
touchpanel. (For further information, see the Flat Panel Operating Manual and item
Error! Reference source not found.
)
•
Reset the Excess Temperature Controller set point to 1250
0
C.
•
Allow the furnace to soak at this temperature for at least 12 hours at 600
0
C.
•
Increase
the
temperature setting up to 1200
0
C, again with maximum power/slope.
•
Allow the furnace to soak for a
minimum of 2 hours.
•
Reset the controller to 25
0
C.
•
Turn off the tube power switch.
•
Allow to cool to
ambient.
•
After cooling down (5.), the system is now ready to operate; the pre-cleaned process
tube can be installed.
B. Use the following steps for MRL HELIX heating elements:
•
Once the HELIX element is installed, insert the spike thermocouple into the
chamber.
•
The Thermocouples should extend well into the element, insure they are visible.
•
Pack the ends of the element, eliminating open spaces at either end.
•
Set the control system for 400
0
C, and turn on power. Observe the heat-up.
•
Once the furnace is in control at 400
0
C, start ramping it up at 10
0
per minute, or if
the system does not have ramping capability, increase the set point in 100 degree
increments to a final set point of 1100
0
.
•
Hold the HELIX at 1100
0
for a minimum of 8 hours. Allow the element to cool
down. The element coil now has a good, protective oxide coating and is ready for
process tube installation.
F
URNACE
R
EFERENCE
M
ANUAL
4-4
