Precautions for using high-temperature graphite vacuum furnace

During the use of high-temperature graphite vacuum furnaces, in order to ensure the safe and stable operation of the equipment and extend its service life, the following precautions must be strictly followed:

1. Preparation before operation
Equipment inspection
Check whether key components such as furnace body, vacuum system, heating element, temperature control system, cooling system are intact, without looseness, damage or leakage.
Confirm that the oil level of the vacuum pump is normal and the oil quality is clean (without emulsification, discoloration, or impurities).
Check whether the seals (such as furnace door seals and pipe joints) are aging or damaged, and replace them if necessary.
Clean the interior of the furnace to ensure there are no residues or impurities.
Environmental Requirements
Ensure good ventilation around the equipment and keep away from flammable and explosive materials.
Check if the power and cooling water supply are stable, and if the voltage and current meet the equipment requirements.
Confirm that the compressed air pressure is normal for pneumatic valve operation.
safety protection
Operators are required to wear personal protective equipment such as protective goggles, heat-resistant gloves, dust masks, etc.
Ensure that safety facilities such as emergency stop buttons and fire extinguishers are easily accessible and functioning properly.

2. Operation process specification
Vacuum extraction steps
Close all furnace doors and valves, and check if the rotation direction of the vacuum pump is correct before starting it.
Gradually evacuate to avoid sudden pressure changes in the furnace caused by rapid pumping.
Observe the changes in vacuum level. If the vacuum level cannot increase, immediately stop the machine and check the leakage points (such as seals, pipelines, valves).
heating control
Strictly follow the process requirements to set the heating curve and avoid sudden temperature rise or drop.
During the heating process, closely monitor parameters such as temperature and vacuum degree, and immediately shut down for processing if any abnormalities are found.
Do not heat when the vacuum degree is insufficient to prevent oxidation or damage to graphite components.
cooling system
Ensure smooth circulation of cooling water, with water temperature and flow rate meeting requirements (usually water temperature ≤ 35 ℃).
After heating, gradually cool down according to the process requirements to avoid deformation or cracking of the furnace body caused by rapid cooling.
Do not turn off the vacuum pump or open the furnace door until the cooling water has completely stopped.
Gas filling
If protective gases (such as argon or nitrogen) need to be filled, the vacuum pump should be turned off first, and then the gas should be slowly filled to avoid pressure shock.
Check the gas flow rate and pressure after inflation to ensure process requirements.

3. Maintenance and upkeep
routine maintenance
Clean the furnace after each use to remove residues and impurities.
Check the oil level and quality of the vacuum pump, and replace it regularly (usually every 500-1000 hours of operation).
Check the wear of seals and replace aging or damaged seals in a timely manner.
Clean the scale in the cooling system to prevent blockages from affecting heat dissipation.
Regular maintenance
Conduct a comprehensive inspection of equipment every quarter, including heating elements, temperature control systems, vacuum gauges, etc.
Conduct in-depth maintenance on the furnace body every year, checking for damage to graphite components, insulation materials, etc.
Regularly calibrate the temperature control system and vacuum gauge to ensure measurement accuracy.
Spare Parts Management
Reserve commonly used spare parts (such as sealing rings, heating elements, vacuum pump oil, etc.) to ensure timely replacement.
Spare parts should be stored in a dry and ventilated place to avoid moisture or corrosion.

4. Safety precautions
Operation prohibited
Heating is prohibited when the furnace door is not closed or the vacuum degree is insufficient.
Do not start heating or run the equipment for a long time when the cooling water is not circulating.
Do not touch high-temperature components (such as furnaces and heating elements) to prevent burns.
emergency response
When a leak occurs, immediately stop the machine and turn off the vacuum pump to investigate the leak point.
When there is an abnormal temperature or over temperature alarm, immediately stop the machine and check the heating element or temperature control system.
Press the stop button in emergency situations to cut off power and gas supply.
Training and Recording
Operators need to undergo professional training and be familiar with equipment performance and operating procedures.
Record each usage parameter, maintenance status, and troubleshooting process for easy traceability and analysis.