1TR45D

Overview

The Vulcan Hart 1TR45D is a freestanding, full-pot gas fryer in Vulcan’s PowerFry3 range. It has a stated oil capacity of 45–50 lb and a 70,000 BTU/hr input. Solid-state digital controls provide temperature control and built-in cooking functions for commercial frying service.

Key Features

• Digital controls: Solid-state digital control is a model-specific feature of the 1TR45D.
• PowerFry3 fryer: The 1TR45D is described as a high-efficiency gas fryer.
• Full-pot capacity: The listed oil capacity is 45–50 lb.
• Control functions: The digital-control feature set listed for this model includes two countdown timers, three melt modes and an auto boil-out mode.
• Listings: The product listing identifies CSA, NSF and ENERGY STAR.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Vulcan Hart
• Model: 1TR45D
• Product type: Freestanding, full-pot gas fryer
• Series: PowerFry3
• Oil capacity: 45–50 lb
• Gas input: 70,000 BTU/hr
• Controls: Solid-state digital controls
• Electrical: 120 V, 60 Hz, 1 phase; 6.0 A
• Dimensions: 15.5" W × 34.38" D × 47.13" H
• Identified listings: CSA, NSF and ENERGY STAR

Installation & Requirements

The VK/TR installation and operation manual directs installers to confirm that the gas type agrees with the fryer data plate and that the fryer is configured for the installation elevation. The manual gives separate supply-pressure requirements for natural gas and propane across the series: 7–9 inches water column for natural gas and 11–12 inches water column for propane. It gives a gas-valve outlet pressure of 0.08 inches water column for either gas type. Do not adjust the gas valve assembly. If incoming supply pressure exceeds 14 inches water column, the manual calls for a step-down pressure regulator.

The gas inlet is at the lower rear of the fryer. The manual calls for a gas shutoff valve ahead of the fryer and gives minimum supply-line sizes of ½-inch iron pipe for a single unit, or ¾-inch iron pipe when using the optional quick-disconnect flex hose. Before lighting, check gas-line joints for leaks with soap and water, not an open flame, and purge the piping to remove air. For gas piping pressure tests above ½ psig, disconnect the fryer and its individual shutoff valve from the piping system; at ½ psig or less, isolate the fryer by closing its individual shutoff valve.

The fryer’s electrical connection is a three-prong grounded plug. The manual instructs that it be connected directly to a properly grounded three-prong receptacle and that the grounding prong not be removed. It also specifies compliance with applicable local electrical codes or, where local codes are absent, the National Electrical Code or Canadian Electrical Code.

For combustible construction, the manual specifies 6 inches of clearance at the sides and back; it permits installation on combustible floors. For noncombustible construction, it specifies 0 inches at the sides and back. It also specifies 16 inches between the fryer and an open-top flame unit. Install under a hood connected to an exhaust duct; the hood should extend 6 inches beyond each side of the fryer, with at least 18 inches between the flue vent and hood filters. Do not connect the flue directly to the fryer or obstruct its exhaust, combustion-air or ventilation-air flow. The manual warns that a downdraft at the flue opening can prevent proper exhaust and cause overheating.

Operation

Before operating, confirm that the gas and electrical supplies are connected and that the fryer is level in its final position. The manual warns that hot oil and fryer parts can cause burns, and that the fryer must not be used during a power outage. Do not move the fryer with frying compound in the tank.

For solid-state digital and computer-control models, the manual’s boil-out instructions state that the control automatically sets the water temperature to 195–200°F. Do not bring the water to an overly active boil. If shortening overheats, a high-temperature shutoff turns off the gas valve. If the fryer shuts down because of overheating, do not power it up until the shortening temperature is below 300°F. If overheating continues, the manual directs the operator to contact a local Vulcan authorized service office.

For fryers equipped with the KleenScreen PLUS filtration system, filter only one tank at a time and leave fryer power on during filtering. The manual recommends filtering shortening at least daily and gives an oil-temperature range of 250–350°F for filtering. Open the drain valve slowly, then fully, to drain oil into the filter pan. When the tank is empty, activate the filter pump using the control procedure for the model’s control type. Allow the pump to run for a couple of minutes before closing the drain valve. Follow the control display prompts to refill the tank, stop the pump and resume heating. Never run water or boil-out solution through the filter and pump.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The manual says to clean the fryer regularly with the tank brush and a damp cloth, then polish it with a soft dry cloth. Clean exterior surfaces at least daily. It cautions that neglected cleaning can lead to burned-on grease and discoloration. For fingerprints on polished stainless-steel surfaces, the manual says a cleaner that leaves a thin oily or waxy film can help minimize them.

For freestanding models, the manual’s weekly boil-out procedure, or procedure when oil is replaced, begins with draining the tank. Close the drain valve and fill the tank with water and a boil-out solid degreaser, following the degreaser’s directions and keeping the solution between the fryer tank’s MIN and MAX marks. Do not use chlorine or sulfate/sulfide cleaners. Use the tank brush on the sides, bottom and heat-exchanger tubes. Drain the solution, refill with water and add vinegar to neutralize alkaline cleaner residue. Drain, rinse thoroughly with clear hot water and dry the tank completely before adding shortening. Do not circulate boil-out solution through a filtration pump.

For filtration, the manual instructs operators to clean the filter pan, crumb basket and screen components with dishwashing detergent and warm water, rinse them completely and dry them. It says the metal filter screen insert is dishwasher safe, but the fabric filter envelope must not be washed. The manual recommends changing the KleenScreen PLUS filter envelope at every oil change, described as 10–14 days depending on oil usage. Follow the envelope replacement steps in the manual and ensure the suction tube is correctly positioned to engage the oil receptacle when the drawer is opened and closed.

Troubleshooting

The Vulcan VK/TR service manual cautions that it is intended for trained Hobart service technicians and should not be used by people who are not properly qualified. The symptom-and-cause information below is from its VK/TR fryer troubleshooting section; gas, electrical and internal service work should be handled by qualified service personnel.

• Ignition lockout or continuous loud beep: Listed possible causes include gas-valve harness connections, gas valve or gas pressure, a dirty air filter, other harness connections, the electrode, an open or malfunctioning drain-valve switch, interconnecting wiring, the ignition module, an open high limit or thermostat, or a restricted vent hose.
• Initial beep followed by shutdown: The manual lists grounding status and the electrode as checks.
• No spark and no blower: Possible causes include harness connections, probe lead wires, an open probe, the controller or an open fuse on the ignition/blower control board.
• Puffing at startup: Check for a dirty air filter, incorrect gas pressure, a restricted vent hose, a cracked electrode or an incorrect electrode gap.
• Burner lights but will not maintain flame: The manual lists igniter/flame-sense alignment, insufficient gas pressure, incorrect transformer polarity to the ignition module and incorrect electrode gap.
• Excessive heat or low heat: Listed causes include an incorrect temperature offset, a malfunctioning temperature probe or cooking control, an interface-board problem, a tripped high limit in a low-heat condition, gas pressure issues, or a set temperature exceeding 400°F in an excessive-heat condition.
• Fryer does not heat or the cooking control has no power: Check the power switch, main circuit breaker, transformer and interconnecting wiring.
• High limit shuts down the system: The manual lists shortening below the minimum fill line, a probe malfunction or a control malfunction.
• Shortening takes more than 45 minutes to melt: Possible causes include incorrect melt-cycle timing, insufficient gas pressure, obstructed air intake, a probe problem or a control problem.

The service manual also says the air filter, where fitted, can be removed and washed in a dishwasher or sink with hot soapy water. It must be completely dry before it is reinstalled. The manual specifies cleaning that air filter every three months and notes that air filters are installed on VK-series fryers.

Applications

The 1TR45D’s 45–50 lb oil capacity, freestanding floor configuration and digital controls suit commercial kitchens that need a dedicated gas fryer for menu items such as fries, breaded proteins and other fried foods. Its stated dimensions can help operators assess the available fryer-line space, while the installation requirements in the manual should be reviewed when planning its gas, electrical and ventilation connections.