All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
PREFACERFD Oven Series Owner’s Manual
4 Version 1
5.3.1. Check Fan Rotation and Other Preliminaries ........................................................ 28
5.3.2. Start and Operate the Oven ................................................................................... 29
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL RFD Oven Series Owner’s Manual
Before operating this equipment, carefully read instruction
manual.
Values displayed on screens are examples only. Though
those values may be typical, contact Despatch Industries for
the final value.
Users of this equipment must comply with operating
procedures and training of operation personnel as required
by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970,
Section 5 and relevant safety standards, as well as other
safety rules and regulations of state and local governments.
Refer to the relevant safety standards in OSHA and National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), section 86 of 1985.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied, or
transmitted in any form or by any means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval systems without the written
permission of the publisher, unless it is for the purchaser's personal use.
Printed and bound in the United States of America.
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Despatch Industries. Despatch Industries does not assume any
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this manual.
In no event will Despatch Industries be liable for technical or editorial omissions made herein,
nor for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use or
defect of this manual.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
Only fully-trained and qualified personnel should setup and
maintain this equipment. Improper setup and operation of this
equipment could cause an explosion that may result in
equipment damage, personal injury or possible death.
Global Headquarters
Contact
Service & Technical
Support
Despatch Industries
8860 207th Street
Lakeville, MN 55044
USA
International/Main: 1-952-469-5424
US toll free: 1-888-337-7282
Fax: 1-952-469-4513
info@despatch.com
www.despatch.com
Service: 1-952-469-8230
US toll free: 1-800-473-7373
Service @despatch.com
Version 1 7
The information in this document is not intended to cover all possible conditions and situations
that might occur. The end user must exercise caution and common sense when installing or
maintaining Despatch Industries products. If any questions or problems arise, call Despatch
Industries at 1-888-DESPATCH or 1-952-469-5424.
1.2. Manufacturer & Service
The RFD oven series, which includes RFD2-13, RFD2-19 and RFD2-35, is manufactured by
Despatch Industries.
Despatch has specialized in thermal processing for over 100 years. Technical expertise gained
over those years helps provide innovative solutions to critical applications in vertical markets and
cutting edge technology worldwide. Despatch products are backed by a drive for long-term
customer satisfaction and a strong sense of responsibility. The worldwide network of factorytrained Service Professionals is available to support your Despatch equipment. From full service
preventive maintenance to routine repair and certified calibration and uniformity, the Despatch
service network is positioned to respond to your business needs. Our service programs are
customized to meet your specific needs using our Advantage Service Assurance Program
(ASAP). For more information on ASAP, visit www.despatch.com.
1.3. Organization of this Manual
This owner’s manual contains the most comprehensive set of information for the Despatch RFD
oven series, including installation instructions, theory of operation, and operating instructions,
among other things. To save time and expense in case of trouble, it is urged that the operators
search this manual for helpful suggestions before requesting factory assistance.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
Failure to heed warnings in this instruction manual and on the
oven could result in personal injury, property damage or death.
This icon signifies information that describes an unsafe
condition that may result in death, serious injury, or damage
to the equipment.
Danger!
Danger is the signal word used to indicate a hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or severe
injury.
Warning!
Warning is the signal word used to indicate a hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or severe
injury.
Caution!
Caution is the signal word used to indicate a hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, could result in moderate or
minor injury.
Notice
Notice is the signal word used to indicate a hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, could result in property damage.
This icon signifies supplemental important information.
LOG OUT
Bold, 10 point sans-serif typeface indicates a specific key or
button on screen to click.
Models
Chamber Size
inches (cm)
Capacity
ft3 (liters)
Overall Size
inches (cm)
Maximum
Number of
Shelves (3
in. centers)
Exhaust
Outlet
Diameter
in (cm)
W D H W D
H
RFD2-13
24.5
(62)
25
(64)
37
(94)
13
(368)
67.5
(171)
42
(107)
91.5
(232)
12
7
(17.8)
RFD2-19
36.5
(93)
25
(64)
37
(94)
19.5
(552)
79.5
(203)
42
(107)
91.5
(232)
12
7
(17.8)
RFD2-35
47.5
(121)
30
(76)
42
(107)
35
(991)
92
(234)
47
(119)
96.5
(245)
14
7
(17.8)
8 Version 1
1.4. Conventions
1.5. Specifications
1.5.1. Dimensions
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
Solvent Handling
Capabilities M.E.K. or
equivalent at 177ºC (350ºF)
(GPH)
(LPH)
.06
.23
.06
.23
.24
.91
Forced Exhaust (HP)
1/3
1/3
1/3
Version 1 9
1.5.2. Capacities
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
Control Stability (∆ represents the change in ambient
temperature)
(ºC)
+/- 0.5/5 ∆
Repeatability
(ºC)
+/- 0.5
*
Figure 1.
Design
Information
and
Specification
Label.
10 Version 1
1.5.3. Temperatures
Refer to the Design Information and Specification labels on
your oven for temperature specifics pertaining to your oven
(Figure 1).
Uniformity figures are based on a nine-point test conducted in an empty oven after stabilization period.
Uniformity can vary slightly depending on unit and operating conditions. Minimum operating temperature
and cooling times are based on 20ºC ambient temperature measured at the fresh air inlet with the fresh air
and exhaust dampers fully open. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
Line voltages may vary in some geographies. If the line voltage for
your RFD oven varies more than 10% from the oven voltage rating,
electrical components such as relays and temperature controls may
operate erratically.
If the line voltage is lower than the oven voltage rating, heat-up
time may be significantly longer and motors may overload or
run hot
If the line voltage is higher than the nameplate rating, motors
may run hot and draw excessive amperage
Refer to the Electrical Specifications on your oven for the specifics
pertaining to your oven (Figure 2).
An oven designed for 240 volts (see oven nameplate) will operate satisfactorily on a minimum of 208
Volts, but will result in 25% reduced heater output. If your power characteristic is lower, contact Despatch
Industries.
50 hertz electrical is available on all models.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
Class A ovens are designed for a specific amount of solvent.
Exceeding this amount could result in an explosion. Refer to
Design Specification Label (Figure 14) or Section 1.5.2 for the
solvent handling capabilities of this oven. Do not process
closed containers of any substance or liquid in this oven
because they may explode under heat. In case of fire, leave
door(s) as they are. Shut off electricity. Shut off fuel. Call the
fire department. Stay away.
12 Version 1
1.5.5. Capability
The RFD oven is specifically designed for Class A NFPA 86 requirements, in which flammable
solvents are present. They include a pressure relief panel, purge timer and exhaust fan. Please
note the solvent handling capabilities and do not exceed.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
Electrical panels contain high voltage. Disconnect and lock out
the power supply before working inside any electrical panels.
Failure to lock out the power supply can result in death or injury.
Danger!
An accidental start-up, while working on the RFD oven, can
result in serious injury or death.
Version 1 13
2. Safety
2.1. Safety Information
Do not work on the RFD oven without reading and understanding this section which contains
important information and warnings. Ignoring these warnings can result in death, serious injury or
damage to the machine and product.
2.1.1. Lockout
Machine lockout places the RFD oven into a zero energy state and prevents accidental machine
start up. Always follow the Lockout Procedure described in this section before cleaning,
maintaining or repairing the RFD oven.
2.1.1.1. Lockout Requirements
1. Every power source that can energize any element of the RFD oven must be shut off at the
closest possible power source. This includes air, water, electricity, and the Disconnect
Switch.
2. After energy sources are locked out, test to ensure circuits are de-energized.
2.1.1.2. Lockout Procedure
Personnel authorized to lockout equipment must have the necessary locks to perform the lockout.
1. Physically disconnect all electrical power to the machine or lockout the appropriate breaker
or disconnects.
2. Close all valves and bleed off any pressure.
3. Test for power by attempting a start with the machine controls.
4. Identify the Lockout Condition with a tag on the electrical disconnect and pneumatic shut off
valve.
5. When work is complete, remove all tags and restore the machine to its working state.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
High voltage present on this equipment, service by authorized
personnel only. Contact with energized electrical sources may
result in serious injury or death.
Danger!
Always disconnect all power before extinguishing a fire.
Attempting to extinguish a fire in a machine connected to
electrical power can result in serious injury or death.
14 Version 1
2.2. Maintenance
Only qualified and trained personnel should perform maintenance or repair.
2.3. Electrical Power
Only qualified and trained personnel should perform electrical maintenance or electrical repair.
Before performing maintenance, disconnect all electrical power from the machine. Use a
padlock and lockout all disconnects feeding power to the machine.
Never clean or repair the oven when in operation.
Unauthorized alterations or modifications to RFD oven are strictly forbidden. Never modify
any electrical circuits. Unauthorized modifications can impair the function and safety of the
RFD oven.
2.4. Fire
Keep the RFD oven clean and free of scrap materials, oil or solvents to prevent the possibility of
fire. In the event of fire, follow these steps.
1. Leave door as is.
2. Shut off electricity.
3. De-energize the machine immediately by turning OFF the DISCONNECT SWITCH.
4. Turn off the remote main disconnect (customer supplied disconnect).
5. Shut off fuel.
6. Call the fire department.
7. Stay away.
2.5. Equipment Lockout Requirements
To prevent injury or equipment damage during inspection or repair, the RFD oven must be locked
out.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
The RFD oven has an optional Disconnect Switch (Figure 3). This Disconnect Switch is
connected to the load break switch behind the panel that disconnects or connects power from the
main line. When a risk of personal injury or damage to the RFD oven exists, turn OFF the
DISCONNECT SWITCHon the front of the oven. This shuts off all
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
THEORY OF OPERATIONRFD Oven Series Owner’s Manual
Danger!
Class A ovens are designed for a specific amount of solvent. Exceeding
this amount could result in an explosion. Refer to Design Specification
Label (Figure 14) or Section 1.5.2 for the solvent handling capabilities of
this oven. Do not process closed containers of any substance or liquid
in this oven because they may explode under heat. In case of fire, leave
door(s) as they are. Shut off electricity. Shut off fuel. Call the fire
department. Stay away.
Notice
With the damper in full closed position, a predetermined amount of
fresh air enters the chamber via cutaways in the fresh air and exhaust
dampers. This amount of fresh air meets NFPA86 Safety Guidelines for
Class A ovens.
Figure 4. RFD Oven Series.
16 Version 1
3. Theory of Operation
3.1. The RFD Oven Series
Despatch RFD ovens feature horizontal recirculating airflow
to ensure exceptional temperature uniformity throughout the
oven. A high-volume fan circulates air through perforated,
stainless steel walls to create a constant horizontal airflow
across all sections of the oven. The result is proven
reliability in demanding production and laboratory
applications, such as curing, drying, sterilizing, aging, and
other process-critical applications.
The RFD ovens are for applications that include flammable
solvents or large amounts of moisture removal. These Class
A ovens are specially designed to meet NFPA 86
requirements. They include a pressure relief panel, purge
timer and exhaust fan.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
Maintain slight positive pressure
to regulate heat.
Too much positive pressure in an
oven can create a high outer skin
temperature as hot air is forced
out through panel joints and
around door seal. High outer skin
temperature could warp the front
of the oven.
Damper
Position
Fresh Air
Open
Closed
Exhaust
Closed
Open
Chamber Pressure
Positive
Negative
Figure 5. RFD Fresh Air Damper
Control.
Figure 6. RFD Exhaust Damper
Control.
Version 1 17
3.2. Damper Control
The RFD Series oven includes a manually adjustable fresh air
damper mechanism which controls the flow of fresh air into the
chamber. The fresh air damper control is located on the left side of
the oven (Figure 5and Figure 6). The oven also includes a
manually adjustable exhaust damper located on the exhaust stack
on top of the oven (Figure 6).
Fresh air and exhaust dampers (Figure 5) control the amount of air
exchanged as well as the oven chamber pressure. The RFD exhaust
damper and fresh air damper are designed to remain slightly open
to allow gases released from processed solvents to escape. In
“closed” position, the dampers are actually slightly open. When the
fresh air damper is closed and the exhaust damper is open, oven
chamber pressure tends toward negative. When the fresh air
damper is open and the exhaust damper is closed, the oven chamber
pressure tends toward positive (Table 1).
A negative oven pressure may draw ambient air into any opening,
causing cool spots to occur. The slightly pressurized chamber
produces the effect of pushing air to the corners of the chamber.
However, too much positive pressure may force hot air or process
vapors out of any openings in the oven into the work area. Ideally,
the fresh air and exhaust dampers should be closed as much as
possible and the oven should be maintained at a neutral or slightly
positive pressure.
Table 1. Damper Positions for Chamber Pressure.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
When the damper is in full open position, the oven may not be
able to heat to the maximum oven operating temperature.
18 Version 1
3.2.1. Determining Damper Settings
The optimum setting for the amount of fresh air that should be distributed into the chamber
depends on several factors. These factors include ambient environment temperature, load
conditions, load distribution, heat-up rates, cool-down rates, desired temperature uniformity and,
most importantly, the desired operating temperature. Carefully consider existing engineering
tradeoffs while using guidelines to determine the fresh air damper setting.
In general, the damper should be set so that the amount of fresh air flowing into the chamber
agrees with the desired operating temperature conditions. The following paragraphs show the
considerations involved with various damper position settings.
3.2.1.1. Fresh Air Damper Fully Closed Position
The chamber achieves maximum attainable heat-up rates when the fresh air damper lies in the full
closed position. With the damper in the full closed position, the chamber will operate at the
desired temperature using the minimum amount of power. In most cases, the oven also efficiently
operates at the chamber’s maximum operating temperature when in the full closed position.
3.2.1.2. Fresh Air Damper Fully Open Position
The chamber operates at its minimum operating temperature with the fresh air damper in full
open position.
Friction heat from the air recirculation system builds up in the chamber. This causes chamber
temperature to rise slightly even without the heating system on. The chamber reaches thermal
equilibrium temperature after the recirculation motor runs for an extended period of time.
The chamber cannot readily dissipate heat generated by friction without a fully open fresh air
damper. With the fresh air damper fully open, the thermal equilibrium temperature is the minimum operating temperature of the chamber.
3.2.1.3. Exhaust Damper Control
Adjusting the exhaust damper (Figure 6) aids in pressurizing the chamber.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.
This section applies only to ovens that include the optional
adjustable louvers. Ovens without the louver option do not have
adjustable airflow.
Optional adjustable
Version 1 19
3.3. Optional Adjustable Louvers
RFD oven series come standard with perforated supply and exhaust panels (Figure 7). Optional
adjustable louvers provide an extra measure of airflow customization (Figure 7). Figure 7 shows
the initial factory settings for the optional louvers.
Standard perforated
panels
louvers
Figure 7. Standard perforated panels and adjustable louvers.
Figure 8. Initial factory settings for optional louvers.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any
means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical methods or photocopying, recording, or information storage and
retrieval systems without the written permission of Despatch Industries, unless for purchaser's personal use.