As a high-precision and high-temperature experimental equipment, the 1400 ℃ vacuum box type muffle furnace requires daily maintenance for its stable performance and extended service life. The following are the detailed points of daily maintenance:
1. Furnace body and appearance maintenance
Clean the furnace body
Regular cleaning: After each use, wait for the furnace body to cool to room temperature, and use a clean and soft dry cloth to wipe the surface of the furnace body to remove dust, stains, etc. For stubborn stains, a mild cleaning agent (such as a mixture of neutral detergent and water) can be used to gently wipe with a damp soft cloth, and then dry with a dry cloth to avoid residual moisture corroding the furnace body.
Avoid corrosion: Prevent the furnace body from coming into contact with corrosive substances such as strong acids and alkalis. If accidentally in contact, immediately rinse with plenty of water and wipe dry in a timely manner.
Check the sealing of the furnace door
Regular inspection: Check the integrity of the furnace door sealing strip every week to check for aging, damage, deformation, and other conditions. The aging of the sealing strip can lead to a decrease in the vacuum degree inside the furnace, which affects the experimental results.
Timely replacement: If any problems are found with the sealing strip, it should be replaced with a sealing strip of the same model in a timely manner. When replacing, ensure that the sealing strip is installed flat, tightly, and without gaps.
2. Furnace and heating element maintenance
Clean the furnace
Timely cleaning: After each experiment, wait for the furnace to cool to a safe temperature (generally recommended below 100 ℃), open the furnace door, and use specialized tools (such as brushes, vacuum cleaners, etc.) to clean the dust, impurities, sample residues, etc. inside the furnace. Avoid using sharp tools to prevent scratching the inner wall of the furnace.
Deep cleaning: Conduct a deep cleaning once a month, using a mild cleaning agent (such as alcohol) to wipe the inner wall of the furnace and remove stubborn stains. After cleaning, dry the furnace with a dry cloth to ensure that there is no residual moisture.
Check the heating element
Appearance inspection: Check the appearance of the heating element every week to see if there are any fractures, deformations, uneven redness, etc. Damaged heating elements can result in abnormal temperature rise or unstable temperature control.
Resistance measurement: Use a multimeter to measure the resistance value of the heating element every month and compare it with the normal value. If the resistance value deviates significantly, it indicates that there may be a problem with the heating element and it should be replaced in a timely manner.
Replacement operation: When replacing the heating element, the power should be turned off first, and the operation should be carried out after the furnace body cools down. Install the heating element correctly according to the equipment manual and ensure a secure connection.
3. Vacuum system maintenance
Check the vacuum pump
Operating status: Before each use, check the operating status of the vacuum pump and listen for its normal sound and abnormal vibration. If any abnormalities are found, the machine should be stopped for inspection in a timely manner.
Oil level check: Check the oil level of the vacuum pump every week to ensure that it is within the normal range. If the oil level is too low, the same model of vacuum pump oil should be added in a timely manner.
Oil change: Change the oil of the vacuum pump every 3-6 months, and the specific time can be adjusted according to the frequency of use and environmental conditions. When changing the engine oil, the old oil should be drained first, and then new oil should be added to the specified level.
Clean the vacuum pipeline
Regular cleaning: Check the connection of the vacuum pipeline for tightness and any air leakage every month. If there is any air leakage, the connection should be tightened or the seal should be replaced in a timely manner.
Internal cleaning: Clean the vacuum pipeline once every six months, using specialized pipeline cleaning agents or compressed air to blow away dust, impurities, etc. inside the pipeline.
4. Maintenance of temperature control system
Calibrate temperature sensor
Regular calibration: Use a standard thermometer to calibrate the temperature sensor every 3-6 months to ensure the accuracy of temperature measurement. When calibrating, place the standard thermometer and temperature sensor into the furnace at the same time, compare the measured values of the two, and if there is a large deviation, adjust or replace the temperature sensor according to the requirements of the equipment manual.
Check the controller
Appearance inspection: Check the appearance of the controller weekly to see if there is any damage, looseness, or other issues. Ensure that the display screen of the controller is clear and the buttons are sensitive.
Parameter check: Monthly check whether the controller’s parameter settings are correct, such as temperature, time, heating rate, etc. If there is an error, it should be adjusted promptly.
5. Electrical system maintenance
Check the power supply circuit
Appearance inspection: Check the appearance of the power supply circuit every week to see if there are any damages, aging, looseness, etc. If any problems are found, the power circuit should be replaced or the connection should be tightened in a timely manner.
Insulation testing: Use an insulation resistance tester to conduct insulation testing on power lines every six months to ensure good insulation performance. If the insulation resistance value is lower than the specified value, the cause should be promptly identified and dealt with.
Check the grounding device
Regular inspection: Check monthly whether the connection of the grounding device is firm and whether the grounding resistance meets the requirements. The grounding resistance should generally not exceed 4 Ω. If the grounding resistance is too high, timely measures should be taken to rectify it.
6. Other maintenance matters
Record maintenance status
Establish a ledger: Establish an equipment maintenance ledger to record the time, content, and replaced parts of each maintenance. By recording, the maintenance status of equipment can be timely understood, providing a basis for equipment repair and replacement.
Train operators
Professional training: Provide professional training to operators to familiarize them with the operating procedures and maintenance methods of the equipment. Operators should strictly follow the operating procedures to avoid equipment damage caused by improper operation.
Regular professional maintenance
Manufacturer maintenance: Invite equipment manufacturers or professional maintenance personnel to conduct a comprehensive inspection and maintenance of the equipment once a year, promptly identify and solve potential problems, and ensure the stable performance of the equipment.