Lab-Line 3608, 3608MP, 3608-1CE, 3608-6CE, 3618 Operation Manual

4/02

OPERATION

MANUAL

MANUAL 056-602-00

REV. F

LAB-LINE

VACUUM OVENS

MODEL NO.

3608

3608MP

3608-1CE
3608-5
3608-6CE
3618
3618-1CE
3618-5
3618-6CE

1999 North 15th Ave.

PHONE: [phone] or [phone]; FAX: [phone]

, Melrose Park, IL 60160-1491 USA

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE

2

1 Introduction

2 Description

3 Specifications

4 Installation

5 Features

6 Operation

7 Maintenance

8 Troubleshooting

9 Service Guides

10 Replacement Parts

Warranty

THANK YOU

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

3

for selecting Lab-Line Instruments for your equipment needs. For maximum value and
ease of start-up,

PLEASE PROCEED AS FOLLOWS:

• Inspect the carton and contents for shipping damage. Notify the carrier immediately

if damage is found.

• Use the Accessory Checklist when unpacking to verify that the complete unit has

been received. Do not discard packing materials until all is accounted for.

• Read this Operation Manual thoroughly before deciding upon an appropriate location

for the unit: you will want to consider the availability of power, water, hook-ups,
drains and other unit requirements, as well as user convenience.

• Insist that every operator of this unit becomes familiar with the Operation Section of

this manual.

• Be sure to fill out the Warranty Registration Card and mail it in to Lab-Line

Instruments within seven (7) days after receiving the unit.

IF

after reading this manual you should have any difficulties with the installation or
operation instructions, please call:

Lab-Line Customer Relations Department
Lab-Line Customer Relations Department

[phone] or [phone]

ALL RIGHT RESERVED

The information contained in this manual is the exclusive property of Lab-Line Instruments, Inc., and has been pro­vided solely to enable the users of the equipment described herein to operate and maintain such equipment. Any
other use of this information, or the reproduction or transmission of all or any portion of this manual without prior
written consent of the manufacturer is expressly prohibited. © 2002, Lab-Line Instruments, Inc.

SECTION 2

DESCRIPTION

4

Lab-Line's Vacuum Ovens are designed for drying media under carefully
controlled conditions—in a normal atmosphere, a vacuum of up to 30 inches Hg,
or an inert gas atmosphere.

The oven is primarily used for desiccating, vacuum embedding, plating
and electronic component processing. Non-corrosive, nonflammable gases such
as nitrogen and carbon dioxide can be used in the oven.

All controls and connections (except electrical power) are located on the
front vertical panel—these include lighted power switch, vacuum gauge,
temperature control, vacuum control valve and nickel-plated hose connectors.

Uniform radiant wall heat, with no internally exposed heaters, optimizes
chamber space. 3-inches (76 mm) of glass wool insulation throughout helps
maintain temperature uniformity effectiveness. Temperature is controlled either
by a hydraulic thermostat (most models) or microprocessor-based temperature
controller (model 3608MP only) and can be read on a dial thermometer, LCD or
LED display.

The chamber of the unit is not designed for exposure to concentrated
solvents, oils, concentrated acids or dilute sodium hydroxide.

Vacuum levels are precisely held between 0 and 30-inches of mercury.

The silicone door gasket assures a tight seal at all vacuum levels. A
high strength tempered glass window allows full view of oven contents. Two
aluminum shelves provide good heat conduction to samples. The shelf
assembly removes for easy cleaning.

IMPORTANT NOTE: WHEN OPERATING IN A VACUUM, THERE IS NO TRANSFER OF HEAT
FROM THE EVACUATED CHAMBER INTERIOR TO OBJECTS WITHIN THE CHAMBER
UNLESS THEY ARE RESTING DIRECTLY UPON ONE OF THE SHELVES—DO NOT PUT
INSULATING MATERIAL BETWEEN A SHELF AND A VESSEL BEING HEATED. ALSO,
BE SURE THAT A THERMOMETER’S SENSOR ELEMENT IS IN DIRECT CONTACT

WITH THE SURFACE OF THE CENTER SHELF WHEN TAKING A READING.

MODEL DESIGNATIONS AND THEIR FEATURES:

3608, 3608-1CE, 3618 and 3618-1CE: Models with dial thermometer.

3608-5, 3608-6CE, 3618-5 and 3618-6CE: Models with LED temperature display.

3608MP: Model with microprocessor temperature controller.

POWER REQUIREMENTS:

3608, 3608MP, 3608-5: 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 5.0 Amps, 600 Watts

3608-1CE, 3608-6CE: 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 2.5 Amps, 600 Watts

3618, 3618-5: 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 13.3 Amps, 1600 Watts

3618-1CE, 3618-6CE: 240 VAC, 50/60 HZ, 6.7 Amps, 1600 Watts

TEMPERATURE RANGE: All Models:

SECTION 3

SPECIFICATIONS

5

From slightly above ambient to 220ºC

THERMOMETER TYPE:

3608, 3608-1, 3618, 3618-1: Bimetallic, dial type; range from

0ºC to 300ºC in 5ºC increments

3608-5, 3608-6, 3618-5, 3618-6: LED Display; range from 0ºC to 300ºC

in 1ºC increments

CHAMBER DIMENSIONS:

3608, 3608MP, 3608-1CE, 3608-5, 3608-6CE: 10"W x 12"D x 10"H (25 x 30 x 25 cm)

3618, 3618-1CE, 3618-5, 3618-6CE: 14"W x 20"D x 14"H (36 x 51 x 36 cm)

OVERALL DIMENSIONS:

3608, 3608MP, 3608-1CE, 3608-5, 3608-6CE: 19-7/8"W x 16"D x 16¼"H (50 x 40 x 41 cm)

3618, 3618-1CE, 3618-5, 3618-6CE: 25"W x 25"D x 22"H (64 x 64 x 56 cm)

VOLUME:

3608, 3608MP, 3608-1, 3608-5, 3608-6CE: 0.7 cubic feet (19.8 liters)

3618, 3618-1CE, 3618-5, 3618-6CE: 2.3 cubic feet (65.1 liters)

NET WEIGHT:

3608, 3608MP, 3608-1CE, 3608-5, 3608-6CE: 83 lbs. (38 kg)

3618, 3618-1CE, 3618-5, 3618-6CE: 150 lbs. (68 kg)

UNIT’S ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING CONDITIONS:

POLLUTION DEGREE: 2

INSTALLATION CATEGORY: II

ALTITUDE: 2000 Meters MSL (Mean Sea Level)
HUMIDITY: 80% maximum, non-condensing

ELECTRICAL SUPPLY: 120VAC or 240VAC

VOLTAGE TOLERANCE: ±10% of normal rated line

TEMPERATURE: 15ºC to 40ºC

PRODUCT USAGE: This product is intended for use indoors only

√SHIPPING CARTON:

This should be inspected upon delivery. When received, carefully
examine for any shipping damage before unpacking. If damage is discovered,
the delivering carrier should both specify and sign for the damage on your copy
of the delivery receipt.

Open the carton carefully making certain that all parts are accounted for
before packaging materials are discarded—after unpacking, if damage is found,
promptly report it to the carrier and request a damage inspection promptly.

SECTION 4

INSTALLATION

6

IMPORTANT: Failure to request an inspection of damage within a few
days after receipt of shipment absolves the carrier from any liability for damage:
you must call for a damage inspection promptly.

LOCATION:

Place the unit where it will be operated, away from drafts and wide
variations in ambient temperature. It should be near a power source that
matches the unit nameplate requirements. Allow clearance around the unit for
free air convection, hose/accessory attachment and user-access. DO NOT put
the oven on top of or underneath another oven, or on a combustible surface.

HOSE CONNECTIONS:

Connect a ¼-inch ID vacuum hose to the left hose connector on the
control panel that is marked "EVACUATE". Connect the other end of the hose
to a vacuum pump.

If operation will include replacing the vacuum in the chamber with an inert
gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, connect a ¼-inch ID flexible hose to the
right hose connector that is marked "VENT" and to the regulator for the gas
supply. DO NOT use combustible, flammable or corrosive gases.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION:

The unit is supplied with a 3-wire line cord. It should be plugged into an
outlet supplying the correct voltage for the unit and designed for 3-prong plugs.

For an outlet designed to accept 2-prong (ungrounded) plugs, the best

recommendation is to have a qualified electrician replace it with a new grounded

outlet.

If a plug must be installed, use only the 3-prong grounded type, rated for
the unit load requirements and matching the power outlet. Make sure the green
ground wire is secured to the plug ground post—refer to the upcoming wiring
schematics if necessary.

Turn the power switch OFF and insert the plug into the outlet.

FOR SERIES 3618 UNITS ONLY: Turn the power switch to the OFF position.
For the 120V unit, plug the power cord into a grounded 20-amp outlet; for the
240V unit, attach proper power plug to match the power outlet.

INSTALLATION: (Con’t)

THERMOMETER:

For models using the dial thermometer—3608, 3608-1CE, 3618 and
3618-1CE—place the thermometer so that the sensing element is in direct
contact with the top shelf. The dial should be easily visible through the glass
door.

Models with the LED display of temperature—3608-5, 3608-6CE, 3618-5
and 3618-6CE—are easily identifiable with the LED positioned just below

the power switch.

Model 3608MP features a microprocessor based temperature controller
with an incorporated display.

7

CONTROL PANEL:

1

2

CHAMBER VACUUM

3

SECTION 5

FEATURES

POWER

TEMPERATURE

CLOSED

8

4

EVAC VENT

EVACUATE VENT

5

MODELS WITH DIAL THERMOMETER:

1. POWER SWITCH: Power is on to the unit when this switch lamp is lit.

(To reset the circuit breaker, press this switch to off, then on.)

#440-359-00 (120V), #440-292-00 (240V)*

2. CONTROL THERMOSTAT & STATUS LAMP: Adjust manually to control

oven temperature. A permanently-set bimetallic thermostat (not on the

panel) limits oven temperature at 250ºC should the control thermostat
fail.)

#920-283-00 (BIMETALLIC THERMOSTAT), #560-223-00 (KNOB) ; #360-235-00 (LAMP LENS)*

3. VACUUM GAUGE: Displays chamber level to 30-inches of mercury.

#660-103-00 (3608,-1, 3618, -1) *

4. VACUUM/VENT VALVE: 3-way valve draws, holds or releases a vacuum.

#950-125-00*

5. HOSE CONNECTORS: Marked "EVACUATE" and "VENT" for ¼" flexible

tubing to connect to a gas source or vacuum pump.

*AS LISTED ON UPCOMING REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

FEATURES: (Con’t)

CONTROL PANEL:

1

2

3

POWER

TEMPERATURE ºC

TEMPERATURE

CHAMBER VACUUM

4

5

EVAC VENT

CLOSED

9

EVACUATE VENT

6

MODELS WITH LED READOUT:

1. POWER SWITCH: Power is on to the unit when this switch lamp is lit.

(To reset the circuit breaker, press this switch to off, then on.)

#440-359-00 (120V), #440-292-00 (240V)*

2. LED TEMPERATURE DISPLAY: Readout of temperature.

3. CONTROL THERMOSTAT & STATUS LAMP. Adjust manually to control

oven temperature. A permanently-set bimetallic thermostat (not on the

panel) limits oven temperature at 250ºC should the control thermostat
fail.)

#920-283-00 (BIMETALLIC THERMOSTAT), #560-223-00 (KNOB) ; #360-235-00 (LAMP LENS)*

4. VACUUM GAUGE: Displays chamber level to 30-inches of mercury.

#660-097-00 (3608-5,-6) OR $660-097-00 (3618-5, -6)*

5. VACUUM/VENT VALVE: 3-way valve draws, holds or releases a vacuum.

#950-125-00*

6. HOSE CONNECTORS: Marked "EVACUATE" and "VENT" for ¼" flexible

tubing to connect to a gas source or vacuum pump.

*AS LISTED ON UPCOMING REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

FEATURES: (Con’t)

CONTROL PANEL:

1

2

POWER

TEMPERATURE

CHAMBER VACUUM

3

4

EVAC VENT

CLOSED

10