MTI Tube Furnace Manual

The MTI Tube Furnace is a high-temperature laboratory furnace designed for materials research, heat treatment, and various thermal processing applications. It features precise temperature control, uniform heating zone, quartz or alumina tube options, programmable temperature profiles, safety interlocks, digital display, and multiple heating zones. Operates on standard electrical power with safety certifications. 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. Connecting Accessories 7. Operating Procedures 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Heating chamber with tube, Temperature Controller, Power Switch, Safety Interlocks, Gas Inlet/Outlet ports, Thermocouple connections.

Feature	Description
Heating Chamber	High-temperature ceramic fiber insulation
Temperature Controller	Digital PID control with programmable profiles
Power Switch	Main power control with safety lock
Safety Interlocks	Door safety switches and over-temperature protection
Gas Inlet/Outlet	For inert gas or process gas flow control
Thermocouple Ports	For temperature monitoring and control
Emergency Stop	Immediate power cutoff for safety
Digital Display	Real-time temperature and status monitoring
Program Memory	Stores multiple temperature profiles
Cooling System	Forced air or water cooling options

Installation

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

Location: Install in well-ventilated area with clearance from walls and flammable materials.
Power Connection: Connect to appropriate power supply (check voltage requirements).
Gas Connections: Attach gas lines to inlet/outlet ports if using atmosphere control.
Thermocouple Installation: Insert thermocouple into designated port.
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.

Initial Heating: Run empty furnace to burn off manufacturing residues.
Temperature Calibration: Verify temperature accuracy with reference thermocouple.
Program Setup: Configure default temperature profiles in controller.
Safety Check: Test emergency stop and safety interlocks.
Gas Flow Setup: Calibrate flow meters if using atmosphere control.

CAUTION! Wear appropriate PPE during setup and operation. Do not touch hot surfaces.

Specifications

Maximum Temperature: 1200°C / 1500°C / 1700°C (model dependent)
Heating Rate: Programmable up to 20°C/minute
Temperature Uniformity: ±5°C across heating zone
Tube Material: Quartz or Alumina (model dependent)
Power Requirements: 120V/240V AC, 50/60Hz
Control Accuracy: ±1°C
Program Capacity: 30 segments, 8 programs
Atmosphere Control: Inert gas capability
Cooling: Natural or forced air cooling
Dimensions: Varies by model

Controls and Settings

Access control panel via front interface. Main Controls: POWER, TEMPERATURE SET, PROGRAM, START/STOP.

Controller Functions: Temperature display, Setpoint adjustment, Program selection, Ramp rate setting, Soak time setting, Alarm settings.

Temperature Control: SETPOINT, RAMP RATE, SOAK TIME, ALARM SETTINGS. Program Settings: MULTI-SEGMENT PROGRAMS, PROGRAM LINK, HOLD FUNCTION. Safety: OVER-TEMPERATURE PROTECTION, DOOR INTERLOCKS, EMERGENCY STOP.

Connecting Accessories

Gas Systems: Connect to gas inlet/outlet ports. Vacuum Systems: Attach vacuum pump if required. Data Logging: Connect to computer interface.

Turn off furnace before connecting accessories.
Match gas lines to correct ports (inlet/outlet).
Ensure all connections are gas-tight.
Connect data cables to appropriate interfaces.

Tip: Use appropriate fittings and sealants for gas connections. Test for leaks before operation.

Operating Procedures

Supports various thermal processes including annealing, sintering, and crystal growth.

Sample Loading: Place samples in tube using appropriate boats or holders.
Atmosphere Purge: Flow inert gas to purge air from tube.
Program Selection: Choose appropriate temperature profile.
Start Heating: Press START to begin programmed cycle.
Monitoring: Observe temperature and process progress.
Cooling: Allow furnace to cool according to program or naturally.
Sample Removal: Remove samples only when safe temperature is reached.
Shutdown: Turn off power and gas flow after completion.

WARNING! Always use thermal gloves when handling hot samples. Do not open furnace door during high-temperature operation.

Safety Features

Over-temperature Protection: Automatic shutdown if temperature exceeds set limit. Door Safety Interlocks: Prevents operation with door open. Emergency Stop: Immediate power cutoff. Gas Flow Monitoring: Alerts for abnormal gas flow conditions.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug before maintenance. Clean exterior with dry cloth; interior with soft brush when cool.

Regular Maintenance: Inspect heating elements, check thermocouples, verify safety interlocks, clean tube interior.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids for cleaning interior. Allow furnace to cool completely before maintenance.

Regulatory Information

CE Certified: Complies with European safety standards. UL Listed: Meets US safety requirements. RoHS Compliant: Free of hazardous substances. Copyright © 2025 MTI Corporation; all rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.mtixtl.com or contact 1-888-300-MTI.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Furnace not heating	Power supply/elements	Check power connection; verify heating elements; check fuses.
Temperature fluctuation	Thermocouple/controller	Check thermocouple connection; recalibrate controller; verify PID settings.
Door won't close	Obstruction/interlock	Remove obstructions; check interlock mechanism; reset safety switch.
Gas flow issues	Leaks/regulator	Check for leaks; verify regulator settings; clean flow meters.
Error codes displayed	Various faults	Refer to error code chart in manual; reset controller; contact service.

Reset: Power cycle controller; reset to factory defaults if necessary.

Service: 1-888-300-MTI; www.mtixtl.com