Kiln issue

Marko3

Marko3

Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
1,783
I have a old Kilns.Inc kiln. It is a 220 kiln it has a high-med -low knob. it is 10 x12 around 5 inches high

When you turn the knob the light only comes on when it is on med or high now . I just had it running for 2 hours and it maxes out at 1100 degree's
the elements burn bright and complete so I don't believe they are an issue. But again not sure. I suspect it is the control that is the issue. I have only now just started trouble shooting this as I have another kiln.

My question is would it be a good place to start by replacing the control to a infinite style. Or if anyone knows were I should start I would be very gratefull.

Thanks in advance.
 
Make a PID control with two SSRs. Disconnect the existing switch from the coils, and wire the SSRs to the coil ends. Each SSR gets one leg of the 220VAC. The sticky on PID controllers has a diagram for this, IIRC.

The PID turns the coils on and off to keep the kiln at the set temperature.
 
I'd suggest that, before you start spending money on the control, you need to ensure it can go hot enough for your needs.

Either an infinite controller or a PID controller will control by limiting the power to the elements, so can only work effectively if, when unlimited by the controller, there is more power than is needed to get the job done.

I'm guessing it maxed out at 1100 degF, rather than 1100 degC (2012 degF), so isn't getting up to the temperature you need?

If so, it's worth bypassing the control altogether and seeing if it will go as hot as you need. I'd disconnect the output side of the present controller and connect the wires that go to the coils to a 220V supply. Power it up and watch the temperature. As soon as it's hot enough, cut the power and let it cool.

Obviously, you'll need to consider the safety aspects of this.

Assuming it will do what you need it to do and that you go for PID control, I'd strongly recommend that you spend the extra few bucks and get a ramp/soak controller in preference to a cheaper basic PID controller. The ramp/soak can be a pain to set, but slow ramps can keep both temperature overshoot and radiative heating right down. It makes quite a big difference, particularly when tempering.
 
I was able to find my pid from an old project and one ssr so I will order up another one. I don't know why but when I look at diagrams I go cross eyed. But I would like to get this old thing up and running. I paid short money for it and if I can get it going with a little elbow grease it could save me the expense of a new one.
 
Marko3 said:
I have a old Kilns.Inc kiln. It is a 220 kiln it has a high-med -low knob. it is 10 x12 around 5 inches high

When you turn the knob the light only comes on when it is on med or high now . I just had it running for 2 hours and it maxes out at 1100 degree's
the elements burn bright and complete so I don't believe they are an issue. But again not sure. I suspect it is the control that is the issue. I have only now just started trouble shooting this as I have another kiln.

My question is would it be a good place to start by replacing the control to a infinite style. Or if anyone knows were I should start I would be very gratefull.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Do all the elements turn on?

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
 
Really check out the diagrams in the stickies. Very simple. The kiln seams small enough that it shouldn't take that much to get it up to a decent (1500f) temp if all the elements aree working.
 
Hi guys thanks for your help. Well I powered it directly up to the 220 . I thought I was good to go as it was climbing real fast right up to about a 1000 F Then it just crept up to 1400 F after a couple of hours I pulled the plug. All the elements were all the same color red no dim spots. So I decided that it will make a great tempering oven. I have a smaller 120 kiln It is made by the same company its about 8x10 and 4 inches high and that little sucker heats up fast and does a great job but again I am very limited. I am working on getting a nice digital kiln larger in size and programable. Thanks Mark
 
Underpowered or poorly insulated. ou are probably correct in using it to temper if you do so with a PID to control it. You could replace the elements and kick up the power, but with such a small chamber why.
 
Those dental and jewelry kilns are fine for low temp stuff, but are basically topped out at 1500F. They have their uses, and tempering is one of those.
 
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