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Respiratory/ chemical hazard: Fine particulates and powders present in the retort pose a respiratory hazard. Chemical residues deposited on the plug and front of the retort are harmful, avoid ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Wear nitrile gloves, goggles, and a respirator. |
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Burn hazard: Components of the retort assembly can be very hot. Allow the furnace to cool to around 50 °C/ 122F or lower before cleaning. Wear heat resistant gloves. |
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- Before you begin, ensure that it is not too hot to cause personal injury or damage to cleaning tools. Confirm that the furnace has cooled sufficiently. Note that certain components can be hotter than the displayed temperature. If the furnace has not cooled below 50°C, heat resistant gloves are recommended.
- Open the furnace door and move it to the open position.
- Remove any green or sintered parts from the furnace, as well as all shelves.
- Start by removing any loose powdered or particulate residue using a brush and/or industrial vacuum cleaner. A soft bristle brush is recommended for this.
- If there is additional residue stuck on the furnace tube walls, a hard bristle brush can be used for tougher residue. Limited amounts of water followed by volatile solvents such as isopropanol or acetone can be used to assist with removal of residue.
- Ensure that the furnace tube is dry after cleaning.
- Avoid cleaning tools that could leave residue (i.e. brush that sheds bristles, cloth that loses fibers, etc.).