Box Furnaces SOP:
Purpose and Scope:
This document describes the procedures and policies for using the MSE
department box furnaces. The scope of the document is to establish user
procedures. Instrument maintenance and repair are outside the scope of this
document. This includes the Thermolyne and the Moldatherm furnaces. This
SOP does not cover the high temperature furnaces or any of the furnaces that
use molydisilicide elements. Please refer to the High Temperature Furnaces
SOP for those procedures.
Responsibilities:
This document is maintained by the department Lab manager or Scientific
Instructional Technician (SIT). The SIT is responsible for general maintenance
and for arranging repair when necessary. If you feel that the instrument is in need
of repair or is not operating correctly please notify the SIT immediately. The SIT
will operate the instruments according to the procedures set down in this
document and will provide instruction and training to users within the department.
Users are responsible for using the instrument described according to these
procedures. These procedures assume that the user has had at least one
training session.
Definitions:
N/A
Prerequisites:
All users must read this document and obtain approval and training from the SIT.
Precautions:
Use the proper safety equipment and safety protocols when using these
furnaces. They can reach a temperature of 1100 Celsius. The elements for
some of the furnaces are exposed and can be easily damaged if bumped or
scraped. The furnace elements are operated at a high current and can be
dangerous if touched.
Do not attempt repair or service. If service is required, contact the Lab manager
or the SIT immediately. Always use the provided hearth plate on the bottom of
the furnace.
If material being used is hazardous or contains burn-off products that can
damage the furnace the user must first make arrangements with the SIT or Lab
manager.
Procedure:
Following is a step by step description of a general operating procedure. Each
process can be unique and some steps may not be required or the order may
vary.
1. Determine the type of process required before beginning. Some of the
furnaces have PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) controllers and some
do not. For more accurate control of the process, use the furnace with
PID control. For other processes, use the analog control furnaces. There
are three types. Analog, Digital, and PID. The details will be described
later in this procedure.
2. If you are using Furnace 10 check the online resource scheduler. If using
any other furnace please check with Tuesday Kuykendall first.
3. Fill out the furnace use log on the computer in MUE 176.
4. Program the furnace:
a. Analog:
1. Turn on the furnace.
2. Set the dial to the calibrated position for the desired
maximum temperature
3. Note time.
4. Carefully place material in the furnace, taking care not
to touch the edges.
5. Return when time is up and turn off furnace,
6. Carefully remove material without touching the edges.
b. Digital:
1. Turn on the furnace.
2. The upper display is the actual temperature and the
lower display is the set point.
3. To raise or lower the set point, press the up or down
arrows until the desired temperature shows on the
lower display.
4. To program the rate at which the furnace will reach
the set point, press the op1 button until Sprr is on the
lower display, then use the up or down arrows to set
the rate. The display will return to its default when the
button is no longer being pressed.
c. PID:
1. To program the PID controller please refer to the
controller manual found on the MSE user web page.
5. Place the material carefully in the furnace. Do not touch the edges. Do
not put material in the furnace that is too big or that could boil over,
sputter, or in any other way cause damage to the furnace. It is best to
maintain a ” clearance around all items in the furnace to assure proper
convective currents around your sample. Placing the samples on stands
assures currents around the majority of the bottom of the sample.
6. Material can be placed in the furnace before or after the set-point
temperature is reached.
7. High temperature gloves, face shields, and furnace tongs are provided for
your safety.
8. Do not set materials from the furnace onto any wood surfaces. There is a
metal table and high temperature refractory materials in the lab for that
purpose.
9. Do not hesitate to ask questions.
10. A burn kit is available in the lab. If an accident occurs that is life
threatening, call 911 immediately. If a minor accident occurs, it is
recommended that the injured party go to Hall health and also to fill out an
accident report. Information can be found at:
http://www.ehs.washington.edu/
Implementation and Training:
This SOP will be available to all users and must be adhered to. The SIT will train
users in the implementation of this document.
References:
Attachments:
Documentation: