Bakeout test completed. Maximum temperature reached within baking volume was 120 degrees, with baking stopped by the program due to detection of negative temperature gradients. Negative temperature gradients due to a couple of thermocouples becoming unsecured and moving to cooler part of baking volume. Attached documents show temperatures of thermocouples. The colour of plots are linked (all of chamber temperatures are blue etc). Temperature gradient across the chamber is low (less than 10 degrees). Heat loss at the front of the chamber is apparent in the air temperature gradient across the baking volume and between the RE72 temperatures.
Thermocouples have been resecured (extra tape so hopefully won't fall again) and some repositioned. Heating jacket has been remounted at the front to prevent heat losses seen in first test. Quick heating test was performed this morning up to 50 degrees and it appears heat loss at the front of the baking volume is much reduced.
Weeklong bakeout will begin monday morning. |