Precautions for operating customized box type resistance atmosphere furnace

The operation of customized box type resistance atmosphere furnace involves multiple aspects such as high temperature, electrical and atmosphere control. Improper operation may cause safety accidents or affect the quality of experiments/production. The following are the key points to pay attention to during the operation process:

1. Preparation before operation
Equipment inspection
Appearance inspection: Confirm that the furnace body, furnace door sealing ring, and furnace door locking device are not damaged or deformed, ensuring good sealing after the furnace door is closed to prevent atmosphere leakage.
Electrical system inspection: Check whether the power cord, plug, and socket are intact, whether the grounding wire is reliably connected, and avoid the risk of leakage.
Temperature control system inspection: Confirm that temperature sensors such as temperature control instruments and thermocouples are working properly, calibrate temperature display values, and ensure temperature control accuracy.
Atmosphere control system inspection: Check whether gas pipelines, valves, flow meters and other components are intact and free of leaks; Confirm sufficient gas supply and stable pressure.
safety protection
Personal protective equipment: Operators should wear heat-resistant gloves, goggles, protective clothing, etc. to prevent burns or splashes from high temperatures.
Safety warning signs: Set up clear safety warning signs around the equipment, such as “high temperature danger” and “no touch”, to remind unrelated personnel to stay away.
Firefighting equipment preparation: Equip the operating area with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment, and ensure that the operators are familiar with their usage methods.
sample preparation
Sample cleaning: Ensure that the surface of the sample to be processed is free of oil stains, impurities, etc., and avoid generating harmful gases or affecting atmosphere control at high temperatures.
Sample placement: Place the sample evenly in the furnace to avoid sample accumulation or being too close to the furnace wall, which may affect temperature uniformity.

2. Operation process control
Heating and insulation
Heating rate control: Set the heating rate reasonably according to the characteristics of the sample and process requirements. Excessive heating rate may lead to sample cracking or excessive temperature gradient in the furnace, affecting the treatment effect. For some ceramic materials, the heating rate should be controlled within 5-10 ℃/min.
Insulation time setting: Strictly set the insulation time according to the process requirements to ensure that the sample achieves the expected processing effect. Insufficient insulation time may lead to inadequate processing, while excessive insulation time may waste energy or result in decreased sample performance.
atmosphere control
Atmosphere selection: Choose a suitable atmosphere based on the characteristics of the sample and processing requirements, such as inert gases (nitrogen, argon), reducing gases (hydrogen), or oxidizing gases (oxygen).
Atmosphere flow regulation: Adjust the atmosphere flow rate according to process requirements during the heating, insulation, and cooling processes. For example, during high-temperature sintering, it may be necessary to continuously introduce inert gas to prevent sample oxidation; In some reduction treatment processes, precise control of hydrogen flow is required.
Atmosphere purity testing: Regularly test the atmosphere purity to ensure it meets the process requirements. If the purity of the atmosphere is insufficient, it may affect the processing effect or lead to a decrease in sample performance.
Temperature monitoring and recording
Real time monitoring: closely monitor the temperature display value during operation to ensure that the temperature fluctuates within the set range. If the temperature rises or falls abnormally, the heating should be stopped immediately and the cause of the equipment malfunction should be checked.
Data recording: Record key parameters such as heating curve, insulation time, and temperature fluctuation range to provide data support for subsequent process optimization.

3. Post operation processing
Cooling and opening the furnace
Cooling rate control: Reasonably control the cooling rate based on the characteristics of the sample and process requirements. Excessive cooling rate may lead to sample cracking or excessive temperature stress in the furnace. For example, for certain metal materials, the cooling rate should be controlled within 10-20 ℃/min.
Timing of furnace opening: After the furnace temperature drops to a safe range (generally below 100 ℃), the furnace door can be opened to take out the sample. When starting the furnace, protective equipment should be worn to avoid high temperature burns.
Equipment maintenance and upkeep
Furnace cleaning: After each operation, promptly clean the residue inside the furnace to prevent it from contaminating subsequent experiments/production.
Component inspection and replacement: Regularly inspect the wear of furnace door sealing rings, thermocouples, heating elements and other components, and replace them in a timely manner if damaged.
Lubrication and maintenance: Regularly lubricate and maintain moving parts such as furnace door locking devices and gas valves to ensure their flexible operation.
Security checks and records
Safety inspection: After the operation is completed, conduct a comprehensive safety inspection of the equipment to confirm that there are no safety hazards such as electrical leakage or air leakage.
Operation record: Record key parameters, equipment operation status, and abnormal situation handling measures during the operation process, providing reference for equipment maintenance and process optimization.

4. Abnormal situation handling
Abnormal temperature
Abnormal heating: If the heating rate is too slow or cannot reach the set temperature, check whether the heating element is damaged, whether the power supply is normal, and whether the thermocouple is in good contact.
Excessive temperature fluctuations: Check whether the temperature control instrument parameter settings are reasonable, whether the thermocouple is aging, and whether the airflow in the furnace is stable.
Abnormal atmosphere
Atmosphere leakage: If an abnormal increase in gas flow rate or the smell of gas odor is detected, immediately stop heating, close the gas valve, check for leaks in gas pipelines, valves, and other components, and handle them promptly.
Insufficient atmosphere purity: If there is suspicion of insufficient atmosphere purity, a gas analyzer can be used for testing, and if necessary, the gas source or purification device can be replaced.
Equipment failure
Electrical failure: In case of electrical faults such as leakage or short circuit, immediately cut off the power and contact a professional electrician for repair.
Mechanical failure: If the furnace door cannot be opened or closed normally, or the gas valve operation fails, the equipment should be stopped from use and the equipment manufacturer or professional maintenance personnel should be contacted for repair.