Thermolyne 48000 Furnace Manual

The Thermolyne 48000 Furnace is a high-temperature laboratory furnace designed for precise thermal processing applications. With a maximum operating temperature of 1200°C, digital temperature control, ceramic fiber insulation, and durable heating elements, this furnace is ideal for ashing, heat treating, sintering, and other laboratory heating processes. 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: High-temperature chamber, Digital PID controller, Ceramic fiber insulation, K-type thermocouple, Over-temperature protection, Power cord, Chamber door with safety interlock.

FeatureDescription
Temperature RangeAmbient to 1200°C (2192°F)
Chamber Dimensions8" x 8" x 8" (203 x 203 x 203 mm)
Controller TypeDigital PID with auto-tuning
Heating ElementsKanthal A-1 wire elements
InsulationCeramic fiber blanket
ThermocoupleK-type, grounded
Safety FeaturesOver-temperature protection, door interlock
Power Requirements120V AC, 15A, 1800W
DisplayLED digital display
ControlsSET, UP, DOWN, POWER buttons

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, heat-resistant surface.

  1. Location: Install in well-ventilated area with minimum 6 inches clearance on all sides.
  2. Power connection: Use dedicated 15A circuit; connect to proper grounded outlet.
  3. Surface preparation: Ensure surface is level, stable, and non-combustible.
  4. Initial inspection: Check for shipping damage; verify all components are present.

WARNING! Furnace operates at extremely high temperatures; ensure proper clearance from combustible materials. Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot components.

First-Time Setup

Power on furnace; follow initial setup procedure.

  1. Initial burn-off: Run furnace at 500°C for 2 hours to burn off manufacturing residues.
  2. Controller setup: Set temperature units (°C/°F) in configuration menu.
  3. PID tuning: Allow auto-tune cycle to optimize temperature control parameters.
  4. Calibration: Verify temperature accuracy using external thermocouple if required.

CAUTION! First use may produce smoke or odor from manufacturing residues - this is normal. Ensure adequate ventilation.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access control functions via front panel buttons. Controller: POWER, SET, UP, DOWN.

Display: Shows set temperature and actual temperature alternately. LED indicators for heating status and alarms.

Temperature Setting: Press SET, use UP/DOWN to adjust temperature, press SET to confirm. Programming: Access menu by holding SET for 3 seconds; navigate with UP/DOWN. Safety: Over-temperature protection automatically cuts power if temperature exceeds setpoint by 50°C. Door Interlock: Prevents operation when door is open.

Connecting Accessories

Optional accessories: Exhaust vent kit, Programmable controller, Data logging interface.

  1. Turn off furnace and disconnect power before installing accessories.
  2. Exhaust vent: Connect to rear exhaust port using high-temperature hose.
  3. Data logging: Connect RS-232 interface to computer for temperature monitoring.
  4. External control: Connect programmable controller to control input terminals.

Tip: Ensure all accessory connections are secure and rated for high-temperature operation.

Operating Procedures

Standard operating procedure for thermal processing.

  1. Preparation: Load samples into chamber using crucibles or boats.
  2. Power on: Press POWER button; controller displays current temperature.
  3. Set temperature: Press SET, adjust with UP/DOWN, press SET to confirm.
  4. Heating: Furnace will heat to setpoint; HEAT indicator illuminates during heating.
  5. Processing: Monitor process; do not open door during high-temperature operation.
  6. Cool down: Turn temperature to 0°C or turn off power; allow natural cooling.
  7. Unloading: Wait until temperature is below 100°C before opening door.

WARNING! Always use heat-resistant gloves and tools when handling hot samples. Never touch heating chamber during or immediately after operation.

Safety Features

Over-temperature Protection: Automatic shutoff if temperature exceeds setpoint by 50°C. Door Safety Interlock: Prevents operation when door is open. Ground Fault Protection: Built-in ground fault circuit interrupter.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Disconnect power and allow to cool completely before maintenance. Use soft brush to remove debris from chamber. Wipe exterior with damp cloth.

CAUTION! Do not use water or cleaning solvents inside chamber. Do not damage ceramic fiber insulation. Replace thermocouple annually or as needed.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed; CSA Certified; complies with laboratory equipment safety standards. Copyright © 2025 Thermolyne; trademarks of Thermo Fisher Scientific. For technical support, visit www.thermolyne.com or contact 1-800-522-7746.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Furnace not heatingPower supply/controllerCheck power connection; verify controller settings; check circuit breaker.
Temperature inaccurateThermocouple/calibrationReplace thermocouple; recalibrate controller; check connections.
Over-temperature alarmSettings/thermocoupleReset alarm; check thermocouple placement; verify setpoint.
Door won't close properlyObstruction/latchRemove obstructions; check door latch mechanism; clean sealing surfaces.
Error codes displayedController faultRefer to error code chart in manual; reset controller; contact service.

Reset: Disconnect power for 30 seconds to reset controller.

Service: 1-800-522-7746; www.thermolyne.com

Thermolyne 48000 Furnace Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025