Cole-Parmer 281A Instruction Manual

Model 281A

Multipurpose Vacuum Ovens

105712 • 7006279 Rev. 1

Cole-Parmer

MANUAL NUMBER 105712 (7006279)

1 28624 5/10/12 Corrected model numbers above and on Performance Data page ccs

0 -- 3/31/10 Transfer to Marietta (was 105712 2/5/09) ccs

REV ECR/ECN DATE DESCRIPTION By

Preface

Vacuum Oven i

Models covered in this manual

Catalog number

Model number

Voltage

05017-00

6284

120V

05017-05

6279

230V

Cole-Parmerii Vacuum Oven

Preface

Important Read this instruction manual. Failure to read, understand and follow the instructions in this manual
may result in damage to the unit, injury to operating personnel, and poor equipment performance.

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Caution All internal adjustments and maintenance must be performed by qualified service personnel. s

Material in this manual is for information purposes only. The contents and the product it describes are subject to
change without notice. Cole-Parmer makes no representations or warranties with respect to this manual. In no
event shall Cole-Parmer be held liable for any damages, direct or incidental, arising out of or related to the use of
this manual.

©2010 Cole-Parmer. All rights reserved.

Cole-Parmer Vacuum Oven iii

Preface

Important operating and/or maintenance instructions. Read the accompanying text carefully.

Potential electrical hazards. Only qualified persons should perform procedures associated with this
symbol.

Equipment being maintained or serviced must be turned off and locked off to prevent possible injury.

Hot surface(s) present which may cause burns to unprotected skin, or to materials which may be
damaged by elevated temperatures.

Marking of electrical and electronic equipment, which applies to electrical and electronic equipment
falling under the Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE) and the equipment that has been put on the market
after 13 August 2005.

This product is required to comply with the European Union’s Waste Electrical & Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC. It is marked with the WEEE symbol. Cole-Parmer has
contracted with one or more recycling/disposal companies in each EU Member State European
Country, and this product should be disposed of or recycled through them. Further information on
Cole-Parmer’s compliance with this directive, the recyclers in your country and information on Cole­Parmer products will be available at www.coleparmer.com.

4 Always use the proper protective equipment (clothing, gloves, goggles, etc.)

4 Always dissipate extreme cold or heat and wear protective clothing.

4 Always follow good hygiene practices.

4 Each individual is responsible for his or her own safety.

Cole-Parmeriv Vacuum Oven

Preface

Do You Need Information or Assistance

on Cole-Parmer Equipment?

The Cole-Parmer Instruments Sales Group can provide information on pricing and give you
quotations. We can take your order and provide delivery information on major equipment items or
make arrangements to have your local sales representative contact you.

1-800-323-4340 Cole-Parmer, Toll Free, US

Cole-Parmer Instruments Product Service Support can supply technical information about
proper setup, operation or troubleshooting of your equipment. We can fill your needs for
replacement parts or provide you with on-site service. We can also provide you with a quotation on
our Extended Maintenance Program for our products.

Whatever products you need or use, we will be happy to discuss your applications. If you are
experiencing technical problems, working together, we will help you locate the problem and, chances
are, correct it yourself...over the telephone without a service call.

When more extensive service is necessary, we will assist you with direct factory trained
technicians or a qualified service organization for on-the-spot repair. If your service need is covered
by the Cole-Parmer Instruments Products warranty, we will arrange for the unit to be repaired at our
expense and to your satisfaction.

Regardless of your needs, professional service technicians are available by telephone to assist
you concerning our products Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Please call or fax us at:

1-800-323-4340 Toll Free U.S. and Canada
1-847-549-7600 Direct
1-847-549-7676 Fax

International customers, please contact your local Cole-Parmer Instruments distributor.

Vacuum Oven vCole-Parmer

Table of Contents

Performance and Physical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

The Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

Operation in a Purged Atmosphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

Operation in a Vacuum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

Operation in a Static Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1

Temp Controller or Heating Element Repl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1

Seal Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1

Replacement Parts and Accessory Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1

Electrical Schematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Section 5

Section 6

Section 8

Section 7

Vacuum Oven 1-1Cole-Parmer

Section 1 Performance and Physical

Data

Performance Characteristics

Power requirements :

05017-00 (6284): . . . . . . .120V, 50/60Hz, 8.5A

05017-05 (6279): . . . . . .240V, 50/60 Hz, 4.2A

Power Input: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1000 W max.

Temperature Range: . . . . . . . . .Ambient to 280°C

Control Sensitivity: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .±1.0°C

Consistency: . . . . . . .±1.0°C (at ultimate vacuum)

Safety Differential: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .~5.0°C

Vacuum Range: . . . . . . . . .Atmosphere to 30" Hg.

Pump-Down Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Min.*

Vacuum Leak Rate: . . . . . .< 0.5” Hg per 24 hours

* Using a single-stage mechanical vacuum pump with a free air capacity of 35

liters per 1 minute.

Physical Data

Overall Dimensions: . . . .22-3/4H x 17-3/4D x 18W

Chamber Dimensions: . . 9-3/4H x 11-1/2D x 9-3/4W

Chamber Capacity: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.65 cu. ft

Shelf and Floor Area: . . . . . . . . .313 square inches

Shipping Weight (Pounds) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 lb.

Vacuum Oven 2-1Cole-Parmer

Section 2 The Appliance

The Cole-Parmer Model 281A StableTemp® Vacuum Oven is a multi­purpose unit that operates under reduced pressures and/or inert
atmospheres. Intended for both low and high temperature applications, it
features a 304 stainless steel work chamber, which resists contamination
and corrosion from chemically active vapors, and a dual-electronic control
system, the Safety Sentinel, which automatically protects samples from
overheating.

To achieve temperature uniformity, sheath heaters completely cover the
top, bottom and sides of the oven chamber. Moreover, 4” thick fiberglass
insulation surrounds the chamber and the heater assemblies.

For operational convenience, all controls and indicators are located on the
front of the panel. In addition to a power switch and three indicators, one
to show power, one to indicate when the heaters are energized and one to
indicate when the primary temperature control has failed - these include
purge gas and vacuum control valves, a 0-to-30-inch vacuum gauge and a
temperature control. The door is equipped with a full-length, low
temperature handle and a large observation window to assure safe sample
loading and viewing, even at high temperatures. There is also a positive­action cam-type lock that holds the door tightly against the oven seal. The
rear panel contains gas and vacuum system connectors, and the chamber
contains a thermometer and two removable shelves.

The Model 281A StableTemp vacuum oven can fulfill practically every
need associated with general drying, conditioning, curing, dessicating and
annealing - as well as moisture tests. When compared with conventional
ovens, samples dry faster at lower temperatures, and heat-sensitive materials
dry safely without degradation problems.

Vacuum Oven 3-1Cole-Parmer

Section 3 Unpacking

The Vacuum Oven is shipped in a single carton. After unpacking, check
each “loose” item against the packing list below. If a shortage exists, notify
Cole-Parmer. Where damage occurred during transit, keep everything
intact, including the carton and packing material, and immediately file a
claim with the final carrier. Usually the firm will send a representative to
ascertain liability.

Part numbers are listed in the Replacement Part and Accessory Items
section located at the end of this manual.

Packing List

Quantity Item

1 Vacuum Oven

2 Serrated Hose Connector

2 Shelf

1 Warranty Card

1 Instruction Manual

1 Vacuum Grease

Vacuum Oven 4-1Cole-Parmer

Section 4 Assembly

To prepare the Vacuum Oven for operation:

1. Remove all holding tape from surface of cabinet and work chamber, as
well as the shelves.

2. Place shelves in work chamber.

3. Check that the thermometer is inserted through metal support located
at the top center of oven chamber, adjust if necessary to reading
position, and then finger-tighten holding screw.

4. Remove and discard plastic sealing caps from both connector openings
on rear panel, and attach the supplied serrated hose connectors. To
ensure an airtight connection, use thread sealing compound or PTFE
sealing tape.

Caution Never operate unit with caps in openings. Under certain
circumstances, they could clog vacuum and purge lines.

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5. Place unit on a suitable table or bench where it is to be used.

6. Close PURGE and VACUUM VALVE controls on control panel by
turning each clockwise as far as possible.

7. Turn TEMPERATURE control to low position on dial, and place
POWER switch in OFF position.

8. Connect a vacuum pumping system with suitable trap to serrated
outlet fitting marked VACUUM. Use heavy-walled vacuum tubing and
secure connection with a hose clamp.

Note Vacuum operation to 30” Hg can be obtained easily using a single­stage mechanical pump with a free air capacity of 35 liters per minute.

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9. If desired, connect a purge gas supply to serrated inlet fitting marked
PURGE. Use a two-stage gas-flow regulator if gas is to be supplied by a
pressurized cylinder.

10. Check data plate and plug line cord into a suitable power receptacle.

11. Apply a light coating of hi-temp vacuum grease to surface of door seal.

Vacuum Oven 5-1Cole-Parmer

Section 5 Operation

The Vacuum Oven is equipped with a 0 to 300°C dial thermometer, which
is graduated in 5° increments and mounted internally at the top of the
oven chamber. Easily read through the observation window, the
thermometer is used in conjunction with the TEMPERATURE control
dial - arbitrarily numbered from 0 to 20 - to obtain the specified
temperature for a given application. If desired, the same temperature can
be obtained again simply by reproducing the control setting.

Along with the other controls and indicators, the front panel contains a
power switch and three indicators. During the operation, the red HEAT
lamp section will illuminate to show that the heaters are energized. The
yellow SAFETY lamp section will illuminate to show that the SAFETY is
controlling temperature at approximately 5° above setpoint.

Note After controlling at a specified temperature, if the Set Temperature
Dial is rotated counterclockwise, the Safety Sentinel indicator will come
on. This is a normal condition and not a malfunction.

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1. Place POWER switch to ON position.

2. Slowly rotate TEMPERATURE control dial clockwise until heat
indicator comes on.

3. Observe the chart of approximate temperature settings. Set the dial to
the number indicated for the desired temperature. Allow sufficient
time for the oven to stabilize.

4. Due to the high mass of vacuum ovens the heat up time is relatively
slow. Observe the chart of approximate heat up times. The oven can be
heated at a faster rate by setting the dial 2 settings above the desired
temperature. Observe the thermometer. When the temperature reaches
20°C below the desired temperature, set the dial 2 settings lower. The
oven will come into the final temperature quicker using this method.

5. Readjust the temperature control dial for the exact temperature. A
record of temperature control settings versus thermometer readings
should be constructed for future reference. The data will serve as an
effective means of reproducing given temperatures and establishing
intermediate heat levels.

5-2 Vacuum Oven Cole-Parmer

Section 5

Operation

6. After desired temperature is obtained, place material to be processed in
work chamber, and operate unit per one of the following methods.

Accelerated Heat Up Method

1. Set temperature dial 2 divisions higher than the final desired
temperature.

2. When actual temperature is 20°C below desired temperature, set the
dial 2 divisions lower to the number that coincides with your set.

3. Example: 100°C is approximately position #7. Set dial to position #9
until actual temperature on the thermometer is 80°C. Set the dial to
position #7. The oven will stabilize in about half the time compared to
a standard run.

Approximate Dial Settings in Static

Air

Dial Setting Temperature

2 25°C

4 55°C

6 85°C

8 115°C

10 145°C

12 180°C

14 210°C

16 240°C

18 275°C

Approximate Heat Up Times to Various Temperatures

T Initial T Final Standard Accelerated

25°C 100°C 75 min. 35 min.

25°C 200°C 95 min. 75 min.

25°C 275°C 120 min. ------

The unit can be operated at atmospheric pressure with ambient air or with
a controlled atmosphere. If the latter is desired, turn on the vacuum
pumping system, and open the VACUUM VALVE control by turning
knob counterclockwise as far as possible. After the chamber is pumped
down, close the VACUUM VALVE control and turn off the vacuum
pumping system. Next, bleed in an inert gas by opening and then closing
PURGE VALVE control.

To operate the unit at reduced pressure, first apply a light film of high
temperature vacuum grease around the oven seal, then close and lock the
door in position. Next, turn on the vacuum pumping system and open the
VACUUM VALVE control.

Caution Using silicone vacuum grease will damage the door seal and has
restrictions for some types of materials placed in the oven.

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Operate the unit with a purged atmosphere by pulling gas through
chamber. To do this, turn on vacuum pumping system, and open
VACUUM VALVE control. Next, open the PURGE VALVE control to
bleed in gas.

When using the Vacuum Oven, the following precautions must be
observed at all times:

• Do not operate the unit at temperature above 280°C.

• Do not permit materials of any kind to rest on top of the unit when
operating at elevated temperatures.

• Do not touch the door, particularly the glass portion, with unprotected
hands when operating at elevated temperatures.

Before operation, always observe the following safety precautions.

• This unit is not explosion proof. Do not use in the presence of
flammable or combustible materials; fire or explosion may result. Unit
contains components that may ignites such materials.

• Do not place volatile items in the chamber. Fumes and spillage from
acidic solutions cause corrosion of the stainless steel chamber.

• Care should be taken to maintain neutral pH at all times.

Vacuum Oven 5-3Cole-Parmer

Section 5

Operation

Operation in a Static

Environment

Operation in a

Vacuum

Operation in a Purged

Atmosphere

Precautions

Safety Precautions

Section 6 Maintenance

To replace the oven seal, remove the old seal and perform the following:

1. Clean the edge of the chamber with Xylene or similar.

2. Apply a thin bead of Dow Corning RTV-736 red silicone rubber
adhesive to the edge of the chamber. Place gasket over the bead and
close the door.

3. Keep door closed for a minimum of 16 hours with 1-2 inches of
vacuum before using.

Replacing the temperature controller or the heating elements requires
complete disassembly of the cabinet panels and insulation, and should be
done only by qualified personnel

. If it should become necessary to replace

any of these components, contact Technical Services.

Vacuum Oven 6-1Cole-Parmer

Seal Replacement

Temp Controller or

Heating Element Repl.

Section 7 Replacement Parts and

Accessory Items

Vacuum Oven 7-1Cole-Parmer

Item Number

Vacuum Gauge CP02330

Vacuum or Purge Valve with Knob CP44342

Heater Element (HTR1, 2) CP30790

Temperature Controller (120V) CP83372

Knob, Temp. Controller (PC26B 1) CP32615

Power Switch (S1) CP102627

Door Seal Replacement Kit CP50430

Shelf CP02340

Hose Connector (1/4”) CP98573

Vacuum Grease CP16023

Thermocouple CP102716

Temperature Controller (240V) CP88196

Vacuum Oven 8-1Cole-Parmer

Cole-Parmer
625 East Bunker Court
Vernon Hills, IL 60061-9872
1-800-323-4340
1-847-549-7600
www.coleparmer.com