{"id":4050,"date":"2021-04-16T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-16T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.despatch.com\/blog\/?p=4050"},"modified":"2023-04-14T21:07:48","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T21:07:48","slug":"how-to-clean-laboratory-ovens-and-do-preventative-maintenance-checks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.despatch.com\/blog\/how-to-clean-laboratory-ovens-and-do-preventative-maintenance-checks\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean Laboratory Ovens and Do Preventative Maintenance Checks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Laboratory ovens<\/a> are critical in many production processes. So, keeping these ovens running at peak performance levels optimizes production. Many companies, however, fail to maintain lab ovens in proper working order. Instead, they wait for them to break down, then fix them. That slows production and impacts quality. It also costs companies time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laboratory oven preventive maintenance<\/a> keeps the lab ovens running reliably, decreases unplanned downtime, lowers the risk of breakdown, and extends their lives. Ultimately, preventive maintenance comes down to saving money. Studies show that companies can save anywhere from 12% to 18%<\/a> performing preventative maintenance on equipment over companies that use reactive maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning Laboratory Ovens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How often you clean laboratory ovens depends on how they\u2019re being used. Follow all safety measures when cleaning an over, such as switching off the oven and allowing it to cool completely. Also, do a wipe down of the laboratory oven\u2019s outsides daily and a deep cleaning of the oven regularly. If you\u2019re in a laboratory environment, leave the area in a clean, tidy state when you’re done cleaning the oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re sterilizing a part or a component in your oven, cleaning it is even more vital. The last thing you want is dust or dirt creeping into the application process\u2014especially if you\u2019re manufacturing electronic components for equipment like pacemakers, camera modules, and aerospace controls. These items must work at optimal performance levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspecting and Maintaining Lab Ovens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Inspect laboratory ovens first before using them in production processes to ensure they\u2019re in good working order. Knowing what to inspect in a lab oven\u2014and when\u2014is critical. Below are some key components in lab ovens you should inspect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electrical components
<\/strong>Dirty electrical components don\u2019t dissipate heat well, causing these components to heat up and fail prematurely. Dirt and dust can also be conductive, which can cause heaters and electrical circuits to short out and fail. Cleaning the electrical components of your laboratory oven regularly optimizes performance. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety features
<\/strong>Inspect these features thoroughly and regularly. The inspection should include things like over temperature limits, airflow switches, and purge timers. If there’s a problem with these features or they\u2019re not working correctly, replace them. Otherwise, the oven could become dangerous to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mechanical Components<\/strong>
Over time, mechanical components, like door seals, shaft seals, motors, and so on\u2014wear out. That can cause a laboratory oven to break down. A ripped door seal, for example, can cause temperature uniformity problems. Inspect the mechanical components of your laboratory oven often to ensure they\u2019re in good condition and operating correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oven calibration<\/strong>
Many of today\u2019s processes require accurate oven temperatures. Inaccurate temperatures could cause failed processes and scraped parts or products. While temperature controls and safeties are typically accurate, oven calibration may be off. Check the calibration of your laboratory oven regularly. That will tell you if the oven is achieving the correct process temperatures for your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a Preventive Maintenance Plan for Lab Oven Care<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Developing a preventive maintenance program is practical and productive. A good PM program includes the processes, guidelines, logs, and tools you\u2019ll need to help you execute critical maintenance tasks. It also includes a sound preventive maintenance plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a PM plan, however, can be a challenge if you\u2019re new to it. Below are seven critical steps you want to build into any PM plan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n