MTI OTF Furnace Manual

The MTI OTF Furnace is a high-temperature tube furnace designed for laboratory and industrial applications, featuring precise temperature control up to 1700°C, programmable heating profiles, ceramic fiber insulation, silicon carbide heating elements, digital PID controller, safety over-temperature protection, RS-232 interface for computer connectivity, and multiple heating zones. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-temperature tube chamber, Digital PID controller, Heating elements, Temperature sensors, Safety interlocks, RS-232 communication port.

Feature	Description
Temperature Range	Ambient to 1700°C
Heating Elements	Silicon carbide rods
Controller	Digital PID with programmable profiles
Safety Features	Over-temperature protection, door safety switch
Communication	RS-232 interface for computer control
Power Requirements	220V AC, 50/60Hz
Tube Dimensions	Various sizes available (OD 50mm-100mm)
Atmosphere	Compatible with inert gases
Heating Rate	Programmable up to 20°C/min
Cooling System	Natural convection or forced air

Installation

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

1. Location: Install in well-ventilated area with adequate clearance (minimum 30cm from walls).
2. Power Connection: Connect to appropriate power supply (220V AC, 50/60Hz).
3. Gas Connections: Connect inert gas supply if required for atmosphere control.
4. Grounding: Ensure proper electrical grounding.

WARNING! Furnace reaches extremely high temperatures; maintain safe distance during operation. Ensure proper ventilation.

First-Time Setup

Power on furnace; follow initial setup procedure.

1. Initial Burn-in: Run furnace empty at 1000°C for 2 hours to condition heating elements.
2. Controller Setup: Set temperature units (°C/°F), date/time, and communication parameters.
3. Program Setup: Create and save heating profiles as needed.
4. Safety Check: Verify over-temperature protection and door safety switch functionality.

CAUTION! Wear appropriate personal protective equipment during setup and operation.

Specifications

• Maximum Temperature: 1700°C
• Temperature Uniformity: ±5°C at 1200°C
• Heating Rate: Programmable up to 20°C/min
• Power Requirements: 220V AC, 50/60Hz, 3.5kW
• Controller: Digital PID with RS-232 interface
• Heating Elements: Silicon carbide
• Insulation: Ceramic fiber
• Tube Material: Alumina or quartz (depending on model)
• Dimensions: Varies by model
• Weight: Approximately 45kg

Controls and Settings

Access control panel for temperature programming and monitoring.

Front Panel: POWER, TEMPERATURE SET, PROGRAM, START/STOP, EMERGENCY STOP.

Temperature Control: Setpoint, Ramp rate, Soak time, Program steps. Safety: Over-temperature protection, Door safety interlock, Power failure protection. Communication: RS-232 settings, Baud rate, Protocol selection.

Connecting Devices

RS-232: For computer control and data logging. Gas Connections: For atmosphere control. Thermocouples: For temperature monitoring.

1. Turn off furnace before connecting external devices.
2. Connect RS-232 cable to computer for remote control.
3. Connect gas lines for atmosphere control if required.
4. Verify all connections are secure before operation.

Tip: Use shielded cables for communication connections to prevent interference.

Operating Procedures

Standard operation for various applications.

1. Loading: Place samples in tube using appropriate tools.
2. Program Selection: Choose pre-set program or create new profile.
3. Start Cycle: Press START and monitor temperature progression.
4. Atmosphere Control: Adjust gas flow if required.
5. Completion: Allow furnace to cool before unloading.
6. Emergency Stop: Use red button for immediate shutdown.
7. Data Logging: Connect to computer for process recording.
8. Maintenance Log: Record operating hours and maintenance activities.

WARNING! Do not open door during high-temperature operation. Allow sufficient cooling time before unloading.

Safety Features

Over-temperature Protection: Automatic shutdown if temperature exceeds set limit. Door Safety Switch: Prevents operation when door is open. Emergency Stop: Immediate power cutoff. Ground Fault Protection: Electrical safety.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

1. Daily: Visual inspection, clean exterior surfaces.
2. Weekly: Check heating elements, verify temperature calibration.
3. Monthly: Inspect insulation, clean tube interior.
4. Annually: Complete system inspection and calibration.

CAUTION! Always disconnect power before performing maintenance. Wear appropriate PPE.

Regulatory Information

CE Certified: Complies with European safety standards. UL Listed: Meets Underwriters Laboratories requirements. RoHS Compliant: Free of restricted hazardous substances. For technical support, visit www.mtifurnace.com or contact 1-800-555-MTIF.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Furnace not heating	Power supply/controller	Check power connection; verify controller settings; inspect heating elements.
Temperature fluctuation	Thermocouple/controller	Check thermocouple connection; recalibrate controller; verify insulation.
Door safety error	Door switch	Ensure door is fully closed; check switch alignment; clean contacts.
Communication failure	Cable/software	Check RS-232 connection; verify baud rate settings; restart software.
Over-temperature alarm	Controller/sensor	Reset controller; check sensor calibration; verify setpoint limits.

Reset: Controller > System > Reset to factory defaults if required.

Service: 1-800-555-MTIF; www.mtifurnace.com