Lindberg/Blue MiniMite Tube Furnace Manual

The Lindberg/Blue MiniMite Tube Furnace is a compact, high-temperature laboratory furnace designed for research and industrial applications. It features precise temperature control, rapid heating capabilities, and a durable ceramic fiber insulation system. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Operating Procedures 7. Maintenance 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Ceramic heating elements, digital temperature controller, quartz tube chamber, thermal safety cutouts, and cooling fan.

Feature	Description
Heating Elements	High-temperature ceramic elements for uniform heating
Temperature Controller	Digital PID controller with programmable profiles
Tube Chamber	Quartz tube for high-temperature applications
Safety Cutouts	Over-temperature protection
Cooling System	Integrated fan for rapid cooling
Power Input	Standard 120V/240V AC operation
Temperature Range	Up to 1100°C maximum operating temperature
Heating Rate	Programmable ramp rates up to 20°C/min
Display	LED digital display of setpoint and actual temperature
Communication	RS-232 interface for data logging

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface.

Location: Install in well-ventilated area with clearance on all sides.
Power Connection: Connect to appropriate voltage outlet (120V or 240V).
Tube Installation: Carefully insert quartz tube into furnace chamber.
Gas Connections: Connect gas supply lines if required for process.
Grounding: Ensure proper electrical grounding.

WARNING! Furnace operates at high temperatures; maintain safe clearance from combustible materials. Wear appropriate PPE during installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on furnace; initialize temperature controller.

Controller Setup: Configure temperature units (°C/°F) and display settings.
Calibration: Perform initial temperature calibration if required.
Program Setup: Create basic temperature profiles for common processes.
Safety Check: Verify over-temperature protection functionality.
Test Run: Perform low-temperature test run to verify operation.

CAUTION! Always perform initial setup at room temperature. Do not touch hot surfaces.

Specifications

Maximum Temperature: 1100°C
Tube Size: Various diameters available (25mm, 50mm standard)
Power Requirements: 120V/240V AC, 50/60Hz
Heating Rate: Up to 20°C/minute
Controller: Digital PID with RS-232 interface
Temperature Uniformity: ±5°C at 1000°C
Insulation: Ceramic fiber
Dimensions: Compact benchtop design
Weight: Approximately 15 kg
Certifications: CE, UL listed

Controls and Settings

Access control functions via front panel interface. Main Controls: POWER, TEMPERATURE SET, RAMP RATE, HOLD TIME.

Controller Functions: POWER ON/OFF, Temperature display, Setpoint adjustment, Program storage, Alarm settings.

Temperature Control: SETPOINT, RAMP RATE, SOAK TIME, PROGRAM MODE. Safety: OVER-TEMP PROTECTION, DOOR INTERLOCK, COOLING FAN CONTROL. System: CALIBRATION, COMMUNICATION SETUP, DISPLAY SETTINGS.

Operating Procedures

Standard operation for heating processes.

Preparation: Load sample into tube chamber.
Program Selection: Choose pre-set temperature program or create new.
Start Cycle: Press START to begin heating cycle.
Monitoring: Observe temperature display and process indicators.
Completion: Allow furnace to cool before removing samples.
Shutdown: Turn off power when not in use.

Tip: Always use thermal gloves when handling hot tubes or samples.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Visual inspection of heating elements and tube.
Weekly: Clean exterior surfaces and check electrical connections.
Monthly: Calibrate temperature controller and check safety systems.
Quarterly: Inspect and replace heating elements if necessary.
Annually: Complete system inspection and maintenance.

WARNING! Always disconnect power before performing maintenance. Allow furnace to cool completely.

Safety Features

Over-temperature protection: Automatic shutdown if temperature exceeds setpoint. Door interlock: Prevents operation when chamber access is open. Ground fault protection: Electrical safety circuit. Cooling fan: Prevents overheating of external surfaces.

Care & Cleaning

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior surfaces. For stubborn stains, use mild detergent solution. Never use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

CAUTION! Do not immerse any part of furnace in liquid. Keep control panel dry at all times.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL safety standards. CE Certified: Meets European Union requirements. FCC Part 15: Class A digital device. Copyright © 2025 Lindberg/Blue; trademarks of SPX Corporation. For technical support, visit www.lindbergblue.com or contact 1-800-873-2020.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Furnace won't heat	Power supply/elements	Check power connection; verify heating elements; check fuses.
Temperature inaccurate	Calibration/thermocouple	Recalibrate controller; check thermocouple connection.
Over-temperature alarm	Controller settings	Check setpoint; verify over-temp protection settings.
Tube cracking	Thermal shock	Use proper heating/cooling rates; inspect for damage.
Controller display blank	Power/display	Check power supply; verify display connections.

Reset: Power cycle controller; perform factory reset if needed.

Service: 1-800-873-2020; www.lindbergblue.com