Stafford Instruments ST312A User Handbook Manual

Page ST312A User Handbook

20

Notes

Further copies of this handbook may be found at www.staffordinstruments.co.uk/docs/st312a/user312a.pdf

ST312A User Handbook Page

1

ST312A

User Handbook

ST312A Temperature Programmer

TAFFOR

S

D

Stafford Instruments Ltd.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.staffordinstruments.co.uk
email: [e-mail]

Issue: 2.00
Date: 01 June 2009

See separate handbook for User Instructions
© Copyright 2009 Stafford Instruments Ltd.

Page ST312A User Handbook

2

MAIN DISPLAY

SEGMENT
MIMIC
DISPLAY

DISPLAY
INDICATORS

CONTROL

KEYS

(5)

At A Glance

DELAYED
START LAMP

t1 LAMP

SOAK TIME LAMP

SOAK TEMPERATURE LAMP

RAMP 1 LAMP

RAMP 2 LAMP

At A Glance

FIRING LAMP

ºC

t

ST312A User Handbook Page

19

Sample Programs

Name Ramp 1 t1 Soak time

Low Biscuit 70°C/hr 600°C 00:15

Normal Biscuit 70°C/hr 600°C 00:15

High Biscuit 70°C/hr 600°C 00:15

Earthenware Low
Temperature Glaze

90°C/hr 600°C 00:30

Earthenware Mid
Temperature Glaze

90°C/hr 600°C 00:30

Earthenware High
Temperature Glaze

90°C/hr 600°C 00:30

Stoneware Glaze 90°C/hr 600°C 00:30

On Glaze Enamel 90°C/hr 600°C 00:30

Heavy Sculpture 50°C/hr 300°C 00:30

Lustre 90°C/hr 600°C 00:00

Ramp 2

FULL

FULL

FULL

FULL

FULL

FULL

FULL

FULL

70°C/hr

FULL

Soak temp

960°C

1000°C

1160°C

960°C

1040°C

1140°C

1250°C

780°C

1000°C

750°C

Sample Programs

Notes
Earthenware High Temperature Glaze is also suitable for Stoneware Low
Temperature Glaze.
Stoneware Glaze is also suitable for Porcelain.
On Glaze Enamel is also suitable for some enamelling work.
Heavy Sculpture is also suitable for Terracotta.

Page ST312A User Handbook

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Other Features

Energy Used Display

Pressing the § button at any time shows the amount of electrical energy used
in kW hours. If pressed during a firing it shows the energy used so far. After
a firing it shows the total energy used for that firing. This information is
stored while power is off and is only reset to zero when a new firing is
started.

If the value displayed is always 0.0 then the kiln power rating has not been
configured into the ST312A - see installation handbook.

Keyboard Lock Facility

1.200

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

The keys on the ST312A can be locked so that pressing them has no effect.
This is an anti-tamper feature used to ensure that the operation of the
ST312A or the program data cannot be altered by un-authorised people.
The ST312A can be locked when it is idle (not firing) or while it is firing. It
cannot be locked while it is being programmed.

If the left-hand decimal point in the dis­play is lit then the ST312A is locked.
Press and hold in both the © & ª keys
for 5 seconds to unlock the ST312A.

1200

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

If the left-hand decimal point in the display
is not lit then the ST312A is not locked.
Press and hold in both the © & ª keys for
5 seconds to lock the ST312A.

Power Failure Recovery

If power fails during firing then the ST312A recovers as follows:­For power failure during start delay the ST312A commences firing immedi­ately when power returns. For power failure during ramp 1 or ramp 2 the
ST312A goes back into the ramp it was previously executing. For power
failure during soaking the ST312A ramps back up to soak temperature at
ramp rate 2 then applies the remaining soak period. This recovery scheme
can be disabled if required (see installation handbook) - the ST312A will
then lock up with FAIL displayed and kiln off in the event of power failure.

Other Features

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Quick Start Guide

Quick Start Guide

Switch on & wait for kiln temperature display

To run a firing program set up previously press the
START/STOP key

To stop the firing at any time press the START/
STOP key again

To review firing data press the ¨ key to enter the
programming menu

To change firing data press the © & ª keys to
change the displayed value

Use the ¨ key again as necessary to index to the
next firing value to be reviewed or changed

To exit the programming menu either wait 10 sec­onds or press the START/STOP key to start firing

If the keyboard is locked then press the © & ª keys
together & hold down for 5 seconds to unlock

Page ST312A User Handbook

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Contents

Contents

At A Glance.................................................. 2

Quick Start Guide......................................... 3

Contents........................................................ 4

Features ........................................................ 4

Turning On ................................................... 5

Programming................................................ 6

Firing ............................................................ 9

Cooling ....................................................... 13

Adjusting While Firing............................... 14

Error Messages........................................... 16

Other Features ............................................ 18

Sample Programs........................................ 19

• Single program

• 2 controlled heating / cooling ramps + soak

• Soak time up to 99 hours 59 mins

• Ramp rates from 1 to 999°C/hour + full

• Suitable for ceramics and glass use

• Program can be altered while firing

• Program pause/un-pause + segment advance facilities

• Keyboard lockable

• Delayed start facility - up to 99 hours 59 mins

• Power failure recovery

• Energy used display

• Alarm buzzer & alarm output

Features

Features

ST312A User Handbook Page

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These error messages cause the ST312A to terminate the firing with all the
keys locked. An alarm buzzer sounds once per second.

SWITCH KILN OFF!

To reset the ST312A turn off the power to the instrument and have the
fault investigated by your installer or kiln service engineer to rectify the
fault.

Technical note: any error message will cause the auxiliary alarm relay
(if fitted) to open - see installation handbook for details.

Note: these error messages are provided to detect kiln faults and so offer
some protection to the kiln. For increased protection the use of a heat fuse
or other independent over-temperature trip is recommended - such as the
Stafford Instruments ST121.

Error 7. Maximum room temperature
exceeded. The internal temperature of the
ST312A has exceeded an installer
selectable (30 - 70°C) limit.

Err7

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

Possible causes are: room vent fan failure, ventilation grills blocked, kiln room
too small, damper or bung left open

Page ST312A User Handbook

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Error Messages

Error Messages

Error 1. The kiln temperature is not
increasing as required. The kiln has been
on full power for 1 hour but the kiln
temperature has not risen by at least 8°C.

Error 2. Thermocouple or thermocouple
wiring open circuit. Get thermocouple
and wiring checked. Have thermocouple
replaced if necessary.

Error 3. Thermocouple reversed (kiln
temperature apparently less than -40°C).
This is an installation fault. Get wiring
checked.

Error 4. Kiln temperature too high. The
kiln has been on zero power for 30
minutes but the kiln temperature has not
fallen by at least 1°C

Err1

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

Err2

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

Err3

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

Err4

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

Possible causes are: kiln door or lid not closed properly, heater element failure,
elements too old, power phase failure, contactor failure or thermocouple short­circuit.

Error 5. Kiln temperature overshoot. The
kiln temperature exceeds the desired
temperature by at least 10°C / 20°C
(installer selectable).

Err5

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

Error 6. Maximum firing time exceeded.
The length of the current firing has
exceeded an installer selectable (10 - 999
hours) limit.

Err6

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

Possible causes are: contactor failure or thermocouple connection intermittent
or high resistance.

ST312A User Handbook Page

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Turning On

F1.04

tC.r tC.S

tC.n tC.K

8.8.8.8.

When turned on the ST312A performs a
display test by briefly illuminating all of
the display digits and all of the front panel
lamps.

The version number of the software embedded
within the ST312A is now displayed. If you ever
need technical support you will be asked for this
code together with the ST312A’s serial number.

Next displayed is the thermocouple type to which the ST312A is set. This
thermocouple type setting should match the type of thermocouple fitted to
the kiln and can be R, S, K or N type.

‘R’ type
thermo­couple

‘S’ type
thermo­couple

‘K’ type
thermo­couple

‘N’ type
thermo­couple

20

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

. 20

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

20.

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

The final display should show the
kiln temperature (20°C shown here)
with the ‘°C’ indicator on. All
other lamps should be off.

If the left-hand decimal point is on
then the keyboard is locked. This is
an anti-tamper feature. Press the ©
& ª keys together & hold down for
5 seconds to unlock.

If any mimic panel lamps are on then
the ST312A is firing. Press the
START/STOP key to stop the firing.
During firing the right-hand decimal
point will light to show when the kiln
is heating.

Turning On

Page ST312A User Handbook

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Programming

The firing segment

The ST312A firing segment comprises 2 ramps followed by a soak period.
This single segment can be used for simple firing (biscuit firing for exam­ple).

The ST312A ramps the kiln temperature at ramp rate 1 until the kiln
reaches temperature t1. It then ramps the kiln temperature to the soak
temperature at ramp rate 2. It then soaks (dwells) at the soak temperature
for the soak time. It then allows the kiln to cool naturally.

The ST312A is capable of both positive (heating) ramps and negative
(cooling) ramps - as used in glassmaking for annealing.

Ramp rate 1 & ramp rate 2 are settable in the range 1°C/hour to 999°C/
hour or FULL (full power) or End (end of program).

t1 & the soak temperature are settable over the range 0 to 1320°C.

The soak time is settable over the range 00.00 (no soak) to 99 hours 59
mins.

Note: during soaking the ST312A display alternates every 5 seconds
between kiln temperature and soak time remaining.

Programming

t1

soak temperature

r

a

m

p

r

a

t

e

1

r

a

m

p

r

a

t

e

2

soak period

ST312A User Handbook Page

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Program Pause Facility

While firing press and hold down the ª key for about 4 seconds. The
ST312A will pause the executing program. To un-pause the program
press and hold down the ª key again for about 4 seconds. The effects of
pausing are as follows:-

If paused during a ramp the kiln temperature will be held (soaked) indefi-
nitely at the current kiln temperature. The ramp will continue when un­pause is selected.

If paused during a soak then the soak time will be extended indefinitely.
The remainder of the soak period will be resumed when un-pause is se­lected.

Segment advance (© key held down for about 4 seconds) can also be used
to terminate the pause. This will advance the segment and will immedi­ately terminate a paused soak and end the firing program.

Changes made to the operation of the ST312A in this way are temporary
and are not stored.

PAUSED

600

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

As a warning during pause a double
beep is sounded every 10 seconds,
the display scrolls PAUSed for 5
seconds then shows the kiln tem­perature for 5 seconds.

Adjusting While Firing

WARNING - PROGRAM PAUSE
The program pause facility should be used with care. Program execution is
suspended and the kiln will be held at its current temperature indefinitely.

If left too long at high temperatures kiln damage could result.

Page ST312A User Handbook

14

Adjusting While Firing

Firing values can be adjusted while the ST312A is firing. Also there are
program pause/un-pause and segment advance features that are particulary
useful for glass work.

Adjusting Firing Values

While firing operate the ¨ key to select the required parameter as shown by
a flashing lamp on the mimic display. The firing value is shown on the main
display and can now be adjusted with the © & ª keys in the usual way.
Firing will still carry on as normal while these changes are being made. The
ST312A will return to its normal running display 10 seconds after key
presses cease (or immediately after End is displayed).

Changes made to the program in this way are stored and are used for
subsequent firings.

Segment Advance Facility

While firing press and hold down the © key for about 4 seconds. The
ST312A will sound a short beep and the executing program will immedi­ately advance one step as indicated by lamps on the mimic panel. The
effect of this is as follows:-

If a start delay is currently executing then the ST312A will terminate this
and start firing immediately.

If ramp 1 segment is currently executing then the ST312A will switch to
ramp 2 using ramp rate 2 from the current kiln temperature.

If ramp 2 segment is currently executing then the ST312A will switch to
soak at the current kiln temperature.

If currently soaking then the ST312A will end the firing.

Changes made to the operation of the ST312A in this way are temporary
and are not stored.

Adjusting While Firing

ST312A User Handbook Page

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When the ST312A is not firing there are no lamps lit on the mimic panel,
the run lamp is off and the display shows the kiln temperature with the °C
indicator lit.

Altering the program

. 20

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

If the left-hand decimal point is on
then the keyboard is locked. Press
the © & ª keys together & hold
down for 5 seconds to unlock.

The controller settings can be reviewed by pressing the ¨ key.

Note: holding down the

©

or ª keys causes rapid change of the displayed

value.

00.00

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

The first push of the ¨ key displays
the start delay time in the range 00.00
to 99.59 (99 hours 59 mins). This
can be altered with the © & ª keys.
The DELAYED START lamp on the
mimic display will flash.

50

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

¨ then displays ramp rate 1 in the
range 1 to 999°C/hr or FULL or End.
This can be altered with the © & ª
keys. RAMP 1 lamp on the mimic
display will flash.

600

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

¨ then displays temperature t1 in the
range 0 to 1320°C. This can be
altered with the © & ª keys. The t1
lamp on the mimic display will flash.

250

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

¨ then displays ramp rate 2 in the
range 1 to 999°C/hr or FULL or End.
This can be altered with the © & ª
keys. The RAMP 2 lamp on the
mimic display will flash.

1250

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

¨ then displays the soak temperature
in the range 0 to 1320°C. This can be
altered with the © & ª keys. The
SOAK TEMPERATURE lamp on the
mimic display will flash.

Programming

Page ST312A User Handbook

8

00.15

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

The next push of the ¨ key displays the
soak time in the range 00.00 to 99.59 (99
hours 59 mins). This can be altered with
the © & ª keys. The SOAK TIME lamp
on the mimic display will flash.

Note: to exit programming without cycling through all of the above steps wait 10
seconds without pressing any keys - the ST312A will revert to the idle display.
Alternatively press the START/STOP key to exit programming and to begin firing
immediately.

Programming

A further push of the ¨ key completes data
entry and no lamps on the mimic display will
flash.

End

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

Data entry is also completed if End is selected
with the ª key for either ramp rate 1 or ramp
rate 2.

Note: the § key can be used to reverse through the programming steps to correct
errors or to exit programming mode.

Note: available ramp rate displays are: End, 1 … 999

& FULL. If End is

shown but another segment is required then push the © key to obtain the
required ramp rate (in the range 1°C/hr to 999°C/hr). If full power is required
then push the © key until FULL

is diplayed.

ST312A User Handbook Page

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Cooling

Upon completion of firing the ST312A lights all lamps on the mimic
display and the kiln is allowed to cool naturally.

120

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

Hot

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

39

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

End

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

While the kiln temperature is above 40°C the display alternates every 5
seconds between the kiln temperature and Hot

When the kiln has cooled to less than 40°C the display alternates every 5
seconds between the kiln temperature and End

To return the ST312A back to idle condition ready for the next firing press
the START/STOP key (or turn off the power to the instrument).

Cooling

Page ST312A User Handbook

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Operating Notes

If the ST312A is programmed to heat the kiln at a faster rate than the kiln
is capable of then the ST312A will turn on full power then wait until the
kiln temperature has risen to the correct temperature before proceeding to
the next ramp or soak segment.

Likewise if the ST312A is programmed to cool the kiln at a faster rate
than the kiln is capable of then the ST312A will apply zero power then
wait until the kiln has cooled to the correct temperature before proceeding
to the next ramp or soak segment.

Kiln too slow

Heating & Cooling Ramps

The ST312A is capable of controlled ramps for both heating and cooling.
If the soak temperature is set lower than t1 for example then ramp 2 will
automatically become a negative (cooling) ramp.

STOP key operation

If the START/STOP key is pressed during a firing then the firing will be
halted (not paused). Pressing the START/STOP key again will cause the
ST312 to restart the firing from the beginning. The ST312A will look at
the current kiln temperature and if this is greater than temperature t1 then
the ST312A will automatically cool from current temperature to t1 at
ramp rate 1. This may not be what is desired so the STOP key should
only be used to halt the firing in an emergency.

The program can be paused or program data can be changed while the
controller is firing (see page 14). This is a better option than using the
STOP key. The segment advance feature (see page 14) is however avail­able to recover quickly from STOP key operation if required.

Memory

All programs & necessary data are remembered when the ST312A is
turned off. In the event of power failure during firing the ST312A will
automatically resume firing when power is returned (this feature can be
disabled: see installation handbook).

Firing

Delayed Start

The delayed start time period is set to 00.00 when the ST312A is turned on.

ST312A User Handbook Page

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Firing

To start a firing press the START/STOP key. The RUN lamp will light.
To stop the firing prematurely press the START/STOP key again.

. 20

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

If the left-hand decimal point is on then
the keyboard is locked & the ST312A
will not respond to the START/STOP
key. Press the © & ª keys together &
hold down for 5 seconds to unlock.

01.12

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

If a delayed start has been set then press­ing the START/STOP key causes a time
delay to start. The time remaining is
shown on the display - this counts down
once per minute. The DELAYED
START lamp on the mimic panel will
light. The centre decimal point will flash
once per second.

20.

°C

°C/hr

hr.min

If no delayed start has been set (00.00)
then pressing the START/STOP key
causes firing to commence immediately.
The RAMP 1 lamp on the mimic panel
will light. If kiln heating is required then
the right-hand decimal point on the dis­play will light while heating power is
being applied to the kiln.

Information: The ST312A operates by calculating the amount of energy
required by the kiln every 30 seconds. If for example 40% of full energy is
required to maintain a particular ramp rate or a particular soak temperature
then the ST312A will apply heating power to the kiln for 12 seconds every 30
seconds. The right-hand decimal point in the display will light for 12 seconds
every 30 seconds. If the kiln has a contactor then a loud click will be heard both
when the decimal point lights up and when it goes out. If full heating power is
required then the decimal point will remain lit. If full cooling is required then
the decimal point will remain off.

Firing

Hint: it is good practice to check that the program is correct by pressing
the

¨

key & checking the program contents before pressing the START/

STOP key to start a firing.

Page ST312A User Handbook

10

Program Record Sheet

Ramp 1

°C/hr

t1

°C

Ramp 2

°C/hr

Soak Temp

°C

Soak Time

hr.min

Please photocopy me!

ST312A User Handbook Page

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Program Description

Please photocopy me!