
7 General Operation
7.1 Overview
The model 9113 is a temperature controlled furnace
utilizingafullPIDmicro-processorbasedtemperature
controller with a type K thermocouple temperature
sensor.The temperature controller sends a time pro-
portional signal to the solid state relay (triac) which
regulates the current to the heater. The object of
temperature control is the equilibration blockwith test
wells containing the reference probe and the test
sensor to be calibrated inside. This block provides a
thermalmasswhichtendstostabilizethetemperature
and reduce the gradients between the test wells.The
furnace cabinet contains ventilation holes as well as
a fan controlled by a thermostat.This cooling capabil-
ity prevents the surface of the enclosure from getting
hot. In the event that the fans should fail, a second
thermostat is installed in the cabinet which will shut
down the furnace heaters if the cabinet exceeds a
safe temperature.
7.2 Operating the Temperature
Controller
Operatingthemodel9113isstraightforwardonceyou
have grasped all the basic principles.
Temperature selection accomplished by using the up
and down arrow keys on the front of the temperature
controller. The lower display will indicate the new
temperaturesettingwhiletheupperdisplayshowsthe
actual temperature. When scanning from one tem-
perature to another you will notice that the tempera-
ture controller seems to be ahead of the temperature
of the equilibration block. This is because the tem-
peraturecontrolsensorisneartheoutsideoftheblock
for rapid control response and it takes some time for
the heat to conduct into the center. Depend on your
external temperature monitor to establish when the
equilibration block has reached the desired tempera-
ture and achieved stability.
The actual temperature indication made by the tem-
perature controller is not intended to be a calibration
reference, but to merely provide a general indication
of the furnace temperature. NIST traceable standard
thermometers are available and should be used in
makingcomparisonmeasurements.Forlessstringent
measurements, you may make a calibration of the
controller and control probe at particular temperature
points and use that with reasonable accuracy for a
time.
WARNING
Take care that all sensors used as references or
being calibrated in the furnace are capable of
withstanding the desired temperature range to
be used.
For best results, all reference or sample probes
should be inserted into the full depth of the well. At
this position, the stability is the highest and the gradi-
ents are the lowest. Hart Scientific recommends that
each user satisfy themselves as to what the uncer-
taintiesare intermsofstabilityandgradientsbetween
the test wells.Variations inequipment, probe size and
configuration,etc.will haveeffectsonthese important
factors. A solid (unstirred) mass such as in a furnace
is subject to heat losses from the probe stem which
varies from probe to probe and temperature to tem-
perature.Typically, stabilities are better than ±0.75°C.
For calibrations that must be less than full insertion
into the test well, make your own comparisons be-
tween the reference and test cell at that depth to
establish the uncertainties.
The furnace can be used throughout the temperature
range of 100 to 1100°C. Lower temperatures are
sluggish however. High integrating values are re-
quired to maintain controller stability (1200 sec) at the
lower temperatures.
WARNING
Take extreme care in handling hot probes. The
extreme temperatures generated in a furnace of
this type can cause serious personal injury. Do
not touch them on external surfaces of the fur-
nace or set them on any other surfaces unable
to withstand those temperatures. A fire hazard
exists.
General Operation
18 Manual Rev. 721801 Hart Scientific