Skills for using experimental gradient tube furnace

The usage techniques of experimental gradient tube furnace mainly involve installation, operation, maintenance, and safety precautions. The following are detailed techniques compiled based on information from sources such as Chemical Instrument Network:

1. Installation skills
Location selection: The experimental gradient tube furnace should be placed indoors with good ventilation and air circulation, and the instrument casing should be effectively grounded to ensure instrument safety. At the same time, flammable and explosive materials must not be placed around to prevent safety accidents such as fires.
Controller placement: The controller should be placed on the workbench, and the inclination of the workbench should not exceed 5 degrees to ensure the normal operation of the controller. The small distance between the controller and the electric furnace should not be less than 0.5 meters to avoid the influence of high temperature on the controller.
Power wiring: The load capacity of the power lines, switches, and fuses connected to the controller and electric furnace should be slightly higher than the rated power of the electric furnace to ensure the safe operation of the circuit. When wiring, first loosen the screws on both sides of the controller casing, then roll the casing upwards and connect the power cord. At the same time, it should be noted that the phase and neutral lines of the power supply cannot be reversed to ensure the correct connection of the circuit.
Thermocouple connection: The thermocouple should be inserted into the furnace through the small hole of the thermocouple holder, and the gap between the hole and the thermocouple should be blocked with asbestos rope and then fixed. This can ensure the accurate temperature measurement of the thermocouple and improve the temperature measurement accuracy of the instrument.

2. Operation skills
Pre operation inspection: Before using the experimental gradient tube furnace, check whether the furnace body, pipelines, power supply, etc. are normal. At the same time, it should be ensured that the furnace tube is symmetrically placed in the center of the furnace, the sample is placed in the center of the furnace tube, and the hexagonal screws are tightened evenly and alternately in multiple times to ensure that the flange does not deflect.
Set parameters: Set appropriate temperature, heating rate, insulation time, and other parameters according to experimental requirements. The setting of these parameters will directly affect the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results.
Start up operation: Start the experimental gradient tube furnace according to the operating procedures and observe the operation situation. During the start-up process, attention should be paid to observing the readings of indicators such as ammeters and thermometers to ensure the normal operation of the instruments.
Gas path operation: If gas is required for experiments, the gas path should be opened in the order of the gas cylinder main valve, pressure divider valve, and pipeline switch. When closed, it should be closed in the opposite direction. At the same time, the gas path should be connected in the order of intake pipe, intake valve, exhaust valve, and safety bottle, and the gas flow rate should be adjusted through the intake valve and gas path switch.

3. Maintenance skills
Regular cleaning: Regularly clean and maintain the experimental gradient tube furnace to maintain its good condition. During the cleaning process, it is important to avoid using highly corrosive cleaning agents or tools to prevent damage to the surface or internal components of the instrument.
Check for cracks: After using the electric furnace for a period of time, small cracks may appear. This is a normal phenomenon and will not affect the trial production. But if the cracks are large or affect the use, they should be corrected with alumina coating in a timely manner.
Oven treatment: When the experimental gradient tube furnace is first used or used again after a long period of disuse, oven treatment should be carried out. The baking process should be carried out at a certain heating rate and holding time to ensure uniform distribution of temperature and atmosphere in the furnace.

4. Safety precautions
Safety protection: When using the experimental gradient tube furnace, necessary protective equipment such as high-temperature gloves, masks, etc. should be worn. At the same time, it should be ensured that there are corresponding fire-fighting facilities and safe passages in the laboratory for timely evacuation and firefighting in emergency situations.
Power off handling: Once abnormal operation or malfunction of the instrument is detected, the power should be immediately turned off and the use should be stopped. At the same time, professional personnel should be contacted for inspection and maintenance to ensure the normal operation of the instrument and the safety of the experiment.
No impact: It is strictly prohibited for objects to impact the experimental gradient tube furnace and its related products to prevent instrument damage or safety accidents.

In summary, the usage techniques of experimental gradient tube furnaces involve multiple aspects such as installation, operation, maintenance, and safety precautions. Only by mastering these skills proficiently and strictly adhering to relevant regulations and requirements can we ensure the normal operation of the instrument and the successful conduct of experiments.