Kiln help request

SVanderkolff

SVanderkolff

Joined
Oct 31, 2002
Messages
979
I have a paragon km24d knifemakers kiln that has stopped working. Lately it has intermittently stopped firing part way through a heat treat . Last time I used it I watched the temperature on the monitor (sentry 2.0) and it was jumping all over the place. It would go from 300 to 600 to 3000 then to 900 all in the space of a couple of minutes. Then it shut down. I tried turning the power off completely and then restarting it but it did the same thing. Any one have any suggestions as to what is wrong with it and how I fix it. The kiln was built in 2012 .
Thanks
Steve
 
Don't do any of this unless you understand electrical safety and principles, and know how to use a multi-meter.

I think step 1 is to determine if the problem is the controller or the elements. Check the resistance of the coil(s) with power disconnected. Put a second independent temp-probe in the chamber and start the furnace. If you're not happy with what you see, bypass the controller and run this test again.

Assuming the problem is the controller, step 2 is the determine if the controller is receiving an accurate signal/reading from the built-in probe. Step 3 is to check the relay for proper function. If the relay is OK, and the built-in probe is OK, and the coils are OK, then I think replacing the micro-controller (e.g. the PID) is the fix.
 
Sounds like a bad thermocouple or thermocouple connection. That would be my first check.
 
Thanks for the help. Unfortunately Patrick I disqualify myself at the first line of your explanation, which is a good thing since I didn't follow the rest of it either. It would probably help,if I had some understanding of electricity. Ask me about accounting and it's a different story.
I wondered if it could be the thermocouple . I will order the same one as is in there and make sure I put it back in the same way.
Thanks again
Steve
 
Are you using an Rtd or thermocouple? If you're temperature is jumping it's more then likely a temperature transducer issue. verify connections ... Disconnect and observe of temperature goes up or down on controller
 
you can use a well to protect and improve temperature transducer reliability and longevity.

Cheers

Grumpy_grinder
 
SVanderkolff said:
It would probably help,if I had some understanding of electricity. Ask me about accounting and it's a different story.
Click to expand...

Actually I'd put them at par with one another... every time my CPA shows up at my office, I'm usually shocked at his findings.
 
Any luck finding the issue? See if you can pull the thermo couple from the probe , the hot junction is known for cracking. Look for any short to ground.
 
I have not had a chance to get back into the shop to try and figure this out. I did order a thermocouple. That way if that isn't the problem then I will have a spare on hand.
I will let you know what I find out.
Thanks
Steve
 
Well, I think I figured it out. I decided to open up the control panel to take a look before my new thermocouple arrived. Turns out the wire for the thermocouple was loose. I tightened it up and it seems to work fine now. I guess I will have a spare thermocouple. Hopefully I will be able to find it when I need it.
Thanks for the help.
Steve
 
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