Shel lab SVAC9-2 User manual

Installation - Operation Manual
SVAC9-2
Vacuum Oven
230 Voltage

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These ovens require permanent connect wiring (also known as hardwiring) to a single-phase power
supply.
Clean Room Option
An optional stainless steel exterior is available for the SVAC9-2. Suitable for many cleanroom
applications, the paint-free exterior surfaces are corrosion resistant and help to prevent contamination
from paint flecking and surface particle retention. Special Quote (SQ) Number: 910-980-0004.
This option must be chosen prior to the oven being built. All SVAC9-2 ovens come with stainless steel
interiors.
SVAC9
-2 with Stainless Steel Exterior
Pictured on front: Standard powder coat paint

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SVAC9-2 Vacuum Oven 230 Voltage
Part Number (Manual): 4861570
Revision: February 12, 2018
SHEL LAB is a brand of Sheldon Manufacturing, INC.
Safety Certifications
These units are CUE listed by TÜV SÜD as forced air ovens for professional, industrial, or
educational use where the preparation or testing of materials is done at an ambient air pressure
range of 22.14 – 31.3 inHg (75 – 106 kPa) and no flammable, volatile, or combustible materials are
being heated.
These units have been tested to the following requirements:
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1:2012 + U1:2015-07
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-010:2015
UL 61010-1:2012/R:2015-07
UL 61010-2-010:2015
EN 61010-1:2010
EN 61010-2-010:2014

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Read this Manual....................................................................................................................................................................5
Safety Considerations and Requirements ......................................................................................................................5
Contacting Assistance ..........................................................................................................................................................6
Engineering Improvements..................................................................................................................................................6
Gaskets .....................................................................................................................................................................................6
Vacuum Pump ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Temperature Reference Sensor Device .......................................................................................................................... 7
RECEIVING YOUR OVEN ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Inspect the Shipment.............................................................................................................................................................9
Orientation.............................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Recording Data Plate Information.................................................................................................................................... 11
INSTALLATION .........................................................................................................................................................13
Hardwire Requirement........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Installation Checklist ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Required Ambient Conditions........................................................................................................................................... 14
Required Clearances........................................................................................................................................................... 14
Power Source Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 15
Power Feed Wiring............................................................................................................................................................... 16
Lifting and Handling ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
Leveling....................................................................................................................................................................................17
Installation Cleaning.............................................................................................................................................................17
Install the Oven ......................................................................................................................................................................17
Install the Shelving............................................................................................................................................................... 18
Connect to the Vacuum Supply ....................................................................................................................................... 19
GRAPHIC SYMBOLS ................................................................................................................................................21
CONTROL OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................ 23
OPERATION.............................................................................................................................................................. 27
Operating Precautions........................................................................................................................................................27
Theory of Operation ........................................................................................................................................................... 28
Put the Oven into Operation ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Set the Constant Temperature Set Point ..................................................................................................................... 32
Put the Chamber Under Vacuum ................................................................................................................................... 33
Set the Over Temperature Limit...................................................................................................................................... 35
Heating Profiles ................................................................................................................................................................... 36
USER MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................................. 37
Cleaning and Disinfecting..................................................................................................................................................37
Maintaining Atmospheric Integrity ................................................................................................................................. 38
Electrical Components....................................................................................................................................................... 38
Vacuum Pump Maintenance............................................................................................................................................ 38
Calibrate the Temperature display................................................................................................................................ 39
UNIT SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 43
Weight..................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Dimensions............................................................................................................................................................................ 43
Capacity ................................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Shelf Capacity by Weight.................................................................................................................................................. 43
Temperature Performance ............................................................................................................................................... 44
Power...................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
REPLACEMENT PARTS .......................................................................................................................................... 45

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a SHEL LAB oven. We know you have many choices in today’s competitive
marketplace when it comes to constant temperature equipment. We appreciate you choosing ours. We
stand behind our products and will be here if you need us.
READ THIS MANUAL
Failure to follow the guidelines and instructions in this user manual may create a protection
impairment by disabling or interfering with the unit safety features. This can result in injury or death.
Before using the unit, read the manual in its entirety to understand how to install, operate, and
maintain the unit in a safe manner. Keep this manual available for use by all operators. Ensure all
operators are given appropriate training before the unit begins service.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Follow basic safety precautions, including all national laws, regulations, and local ordinances in your
area regarding the use of this unit. If you have any questions about local requirements, please
contact the appropriate agencies.
SOPs
Because of the range of potential applications, this unit can be used for, the operator or their
supervisors must draw up a site-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) covering each
application and associated safety guidelines. This SOP must be written and available to all operators
in a language they understand.
Intended Applications and Locations
SVAC vacuum ovens are engineered for constant temperature drying, curing, and baking
applications under vacuum in professional, industrial, and educational environments. The ovens are
not intended for use at hazardous or household locations.
Power
Your unit and its recommended accessories are designed and tested to meet strict safety
requirements.
•Always hardwire the unit power feed to a protective earth-grounded electrical source that
conforms to national and local electrical codes. If the unit is not grounded, parts such as
knobs and controls may conduct electricity and cause serious injury.
•Position the unit so operators can quickly and easily disconnect or uncouple the power feed
in the event of an emergency.
•Avoid damaging the power feed. Do not bend it excessively, step on it, place heavy objects
on it. A damaged power feed can easily become a shock or fire hazard. Never use a power
feed after it has been damaged.
•Use only approved accessories. Do not modify system components. Any alterations or
modifications to your oven not explicitly authorized by the manufacturer can be dangerous
and will void your warranty.

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INTRODUCTION
CONTACTING ASSISTANCE
Phone hours for Sheldon Technical Support are 6 am – 4:30 pm Pacific Coast Time (west coast of
the United States, UTC -8). Please have the following information ready when calling or emailing
Technical Support: the model number and the serial number (see page 11).
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: [phone] extension 4, or [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Sheldon Manufacturing, INC.
P.O. Box 627
Cornelius, OR 97113
ENGINEERING IMPROVEMENTS
Sheldon Manufacturing continually improves all of its products. As a result, engineering changes and
improvements are made from time to time. Therefore, some changes, modifications, and
improvements may not be covered in this manual. If your unit’s operating characteristics or
appearance differs from those described in this manual, please contact your SHEL LAB dealer or
customer service representative for assistance.
GASKETS
The SVAC9-2 comes with Viton door and window gaskets installed. These are rated to 205°C and
resistant to acids, but not solvents. Sheldon Manufacturing also offers Buna gaskets resistant to
solvents and rated to 100°C.

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INTRODUCTION
VACUUM PUMP
The SVAC9-2 oven requires a vacuum source. The oven does not come with a vacuum pump.
Use of an oil trap plumbed on the vacuum line between the oven and the pump is strongly
recommended. The trap protects the pump from any oils outgassed during your baking
application or procedure. This extends the life of the pump. All maintenance and instructional
information should be obtained from the pump manufacturer if it was not shipped with the pump.
Mounting studs and an electrical outlet for powering a vacuum pump are installed in the cabinet
inside the base of the oven. See the Vacuum Plumbing entry in the Installation section (page 19)
for more information on plumbing.
TEMPERATURE REFERENCE SENSOR DEVICE
Must be purchased separately
A reference sensor device is required for calibrating the oven temperature display.
Reference devices must meet the following standards:
•Accurate to at least 1°C
The device should be regularly calibrated, preferably by a third party.
Temperature Probes
Use a digital device with potted wire thermocouple probes that can be introduced into the oven
chamber through a KF-25 port. Select thermocouples suitable for the application temperature you will
be calibrating at. The probes must be potted to seal a KF-25 vacuum port.
Why Probes?
Reference readings taken outside the chamber using wire temperature probes avoid chamber door
openings, including backfilling and re-evacuating the chamber. Backfills and openings disrupt the
chamber temperature. Each disruption requires a minimum 1-hour wait to allow the atmosphere to re-
stabilize before continuing.
No Alcohol or Mercury Thermometers
Alcohol thermometers do not have sufficient accuracy to conducti accurate temperature calibrations.
Never place a mercury thermometer in the oven chamber. Always use thermocouple probes.
Reference Device

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INTRODUCTION

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RECEIVING YOUR OVEN
INSPECT THE SHIPMENT
•When an oven leaves the factory, safe delivery becomes the responsibility of the carrier.
•Damage sustained during transit is not covered by the manufacturing defect warranty.
•Save the shipping carton until you are certain that the unit and its accessories function
properly.
When you receive your unit, inspect it for concealed loss or damage to its interior and exterior. If you
find any damage to the oven, follow the carrier’s procedure for claiming damage or loss.
1. Carefully inspect the shipping carton for damage.
2. Report any damage to the carrier service that delivered the oven.
3. If the carton is not damaged, open the carton and remove the contents.
4. The unit should come with an Installation and Operation Manual, a Profile Programming
Guide, and a Watlow EZ-Zone User Manual.
5. Verify that the correct number of accessory items has been included.
6. Carefully check all packaging for accessory items before discarding.
Included Accessory Items
3 Shelves 12 Shelf Clips
4 Leveling Feet 1 Oil Drain Tray*
*The oil drain tray is included for use with vacuum pumps that produce oil leakage.

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Figure 1: SVAC9-2
RECEIVING
ORIENTATION
Oven Chamber Door
Vacuum Plumbing Cabinet: A vacuum pump
can be installed inside the cabinet. The cabinet
contains a pump mount point and a NEMA 6-20R
power supply outlet as well as a 3/8 Inch
(9.52mm) OD vacuum port fitting and purge vent
intake fitting.
A screwdriver is required to access the plumbing
cabinet. Always disconnect the unit from its
power feed before opening the cabinet.
Chamber Vent Valve Control
Chamber Vacuum Control Valve
Chamber Door Latch
Control Panel
The oven is KF25 vacuum port.
Located on the back of the oven.
Power Feed Braid
and Circuit Breakers
Back of Oven

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RECEIVING
RECORDING DATA PLATE INFORMATION
Customer support needs the model number and serial number of your unit to accurately assist you
during support calls or emails. Locate the unit data plate, and record both numbers below for future
reference.
•The data plate is located on the left side of the unit near the back.
Model Number
Serial Number

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RECEIVING

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INSTALLATION
HARDWIRE REQUIREMENT
The oven requires permanent connect wiring (commonly known as hardwiring). Wiring to the power
source must be performed by a qualified electrical technician. All other Installation steps may be
performed by the end user.
INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
Carry out the procedures and steps listed below to install the oven in a new workspace location and
prepare it for use. All procedures are found in the Installation section of this manual.
Pre-Installation
Check that the required ambient condition for the oven are met, page Error!
Bookmark not defined..
Check that the spacing clearance requirements are met, page 14.
•Unit dimensions may be found on page 39.
Check that a suitable permanent connect electrical power supply is present, page 15.
Install the Oven in a suitable workspace location
Review the lifting and handling instructions, page 16.
Make sure the oven is level, page 17.
Install the oven in its workspace location, page 17.
•A qualified technician may now wire the oven to its power source.
Set up the Oven for use
Clean the oven chamber and shelving if needed, page 17
Install the shelving in the oven chamber, page 18
Connect the vacuum supply to the oven, page 19

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INSTALLATION
REQUIRED AMBIENT CONDITIONS
When selecting a location to install the unit, consider all environmental conditions that can adversely
impact its temperature performance. These include:
•Proximity to other ovens, autoclaves, and any device that produces significant radiant heat
•Heating and cooling vents or other sources of fast-moving air currents
•High-traffic areas
•Direct sunlight
This oven is built for use indoors at room temperatures between 15°C and 40°C (59°F and 104°F), at no
greater than 80% Relative Humidity (at 25°C / 77°F). Operating outside these conditions may adversely
affect the oven temperature performance.
REQUIRED CLEARANCES
•Leave at least 12 inches (300 mm) of empty space between the top and back of the oven and
any walls or partitions for unobstructed airflow and cooling. Allow at least 6 inches (150 mm)
of ventilation on the sides.
oDo not place objects on top of the oven.
oLeave at least 6 inches (150mm) clearance between the fan on the back of the oven
and any partition or obstruction.
oA KF-25 vacuum port is located on the back of the oven for introducing potted
(sealed) probes into the chamber or connecting to an external vacuum supply source.
Leave sufficient clearance for operators to safely access this port if you will be using
it.
oThe cabinet that the oven comes mounted in contains mounting bolts, a NEMA 6-20R
power outlet, and a KF-25 vacuum port. These can be used to mount a vacuum pump
in the cabinet, power the pump, and plumb it to the oven chamber. Vacuum port
controls and a power switch control an internally mounted vacuum pump.
6” (150 mm) Fan
KF-25 Port
6” (150 mm)
Door Swing
12” (300 mm)
12” (300 mm)
6” (150 mm)
12” (300 mm)
20” (521 mm)

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INSTALLATION
POWER SOURCE REQUIREMENTS
When selecting a location for the oven, check that each of the following requirements is satisfied:
Power source: The power source voltage and amperage must match the power requirements listed
on the oven data plate (located on the back of the unit, beneath the power feed inlet): 230 Volt AC,
5/60 Hz, 20 Amps, single (1) phase.
•The power source must be protective earth grounded. The source must conform to all
national and local electrical codes.
•Supplied voltage must not vary more than 10% from the data plate rating. Damage to the
oven may result if supplied voltage varies more than 10%. Use a separate circuit to prevent
loss of the unit due to overloading or circuit failure.
•A switch or circuit-breaker must be used in the building installation to protect against
overcurrent conditions.
oRequired circuit-breaker for the wall power source is 30 Amps
•A separate circuit for the oven is recommended to prevent possible loss of product due to
overloading or failure of other equipment on the same circuit.
Power Feed Disconnect:
•The oven must be positioned so that all operators have access to the power feed
disconnect in case of emergencies.
•The Disconnect must be in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the
operator.
•The Disconnect must be marked as the disconnecting device for the equipment.
Circuit Breakers: The SVAC9-2 oven comes equipped with two (2) 20-amp circuit breakers located
on the back of the oven. If a breaker trips, turn the oven power switch to off and locate a cause for
the overcurrent before resetting the breaker.

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INSTALLATION
POWER FEED WIRING
The oven comes provided with an integral 6 inch (150 mm) wire braid consisting of:
•Two 10-gauge hot wires and a 10-gauge earth ground
The wires for power source connection should be in accordance with the following:
Green/Yellow – Earth; Black – Hot; Black – Hot.
The oven must be earth grounded using the protective conductor terminal (green with yellow
stripe wire. Do not remove the protective conductor (earth connection). Removing the protective
conductor will negate the oven’s protections against potentially dangerous electric shocks and
create a possible fire hazard.
LIFTING AND HANDLING
The oven is heavy. Use appropriate lifting devices that are sufficiently rated for these loads. Follow
these guidelines when lifting the oven:
•Lift the oven only from its bottom surface.
•Doors, handles, and knobs are not adequate for lifting or stabilization.
•Restrain the oven completely while lifting or transporting so it cannot tip.
•Remove all moving parts, such as shelves and trays, and lock doors in the closed position
during transfers to prevent shifting and damage.

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INSTALLATION
LEVELING
Install the 4 leveling feet with the 4 corner holes on the bottom of the oven.
The oven must be level and stable for safe operation.
Note: To prevent damage when moving the unit, turn all 4 leveling feet so that the leg of each foot
sits inside the unit.
INSTALLATION CLEANING
The unit was cleaned at the factory, but not sterilized. It may have been exposed to contaminants en route
during shipping.
•Remove all wrappings and coverings from shelving prior to cleaning and installation.
•Do not clean with deionized water.
•See the Cleaning and Disinfecting topic in the User Maintenance section (see page 37) for
more information on how to clean the oven chamber prior to putting the unit into operation.
INSTALL THE OVEN
Place the unit in a workspace location that meets the criteria discussed in the previous entries of the
Installation section.
•Verify that the oven stands level and does not rock. Adjust the leveling feet as needed.
•A qualified technician may now connect the oven to its power source.

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INSTALLATION
INSTALL THE SHELVING
To ensure accurate temperature measurement, one shelf bottom must be in close proximity to the
oven temperature probe extending out from the chamber back wall. Do not place the shelf in direct
contact with the probe.
1. Install the shelf clips in the slots of the shelf standard mounting rails located on the sides of
the chamber interior, four clips (4) per shelf.
a. Squeeze each clip, insert the top tab first, and then the bottom tab using a
rocking motion.
2. Set the shelves on the clips.
a. Make sure the shelves are level.
Installing Shelf Clips
Rocking Motion
Probe
Shelf

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INSTALLATION
CONNECT TO THE VACUUM SUPPLY
Always disconnect the oven from its power supply when working in the vacuum plumbing cabinet.
Use of clamps to secure tubing to the Vacuum Port and Chamber Vent is recommended.
Continued on next page
Cabinet Ports
Vent port, ¼ inch
(6.35mm). A purge gas
supply line can be
connected to this intake
vent.
Vacuum Port, KF-25 and
3/8 inch (9.52 mm) Line
Vacuum Connection
Connect an external vacuum
supply to the KF-25 vacuum
flange.
Cabinet Vacuum and
Vent Ports Cutaway
- Or -
Install a pump in the vacuum
plumbing cabinet. Connect the
pump to the cabinet vacuum port.
Cabinet Power Supply
NEMA 6-20R
Oil Drain Tray
The oven is rated to 10 millitorrs

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INSTALLATION
Vent Specifications
•The Cabinet Vacuum Port – 3/8 Inch (9.52 mm) OD
oA vacuum supply may be connected to this port. The port evacuates chamber
atmosphere and is opened and closed by the Vacuum Valve control on the front
from of the oven.
oThe Vacuum Power Switch on the front control panel controls power to the NEMA 6-
20R supply outlet in the cabinet and is intended to power a vacuum pump.
•The Cabinet Vent Port – 1/4 Inch (6.35 mm) OD
oThis intake vent allows external atmosphere back into the oven chamber when the
chamber Vent Valve control on the front of the oven is open.
oOptional: An inert backfilling gas supply source may be connected to this port. The
maximum allowed pressure for a purge gas is 15 psi.
•KF-25 Fitting – Back of Oven
oThis large fitting is normally used to introduce potted (sealed) sensor probes into the
oven chamber for temperature display verifications and calibrations. Probes must be
inserted and secured prior to placing the chamber under vacuum.
oA vacuum supply can be connected to the KF-25 flange for increased efficiency in
vacuuming down the chamber. However, the Vacuum Valve control on the front
control panel will not affect the level of vacuum and must be set to closed to prevent
atmosphere from entering the chamber through the Vacuum Port.