Brookfield QTS25 User Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

QTS MATERIALS EVALUATION

SYSTEM

25Kg/5Kg

Issue 5

Brookfield Engineering Labs., Inc.

11 Commerce Boulevard
Middleboro, MA 02346, USA
Tel: [phone] or 800-628-8139 (USA only)
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.brookfieldengineering.com

Brookfield Viscometers Limited

1 Whitehall Estate
Flex Meadow, Pinnacles West
Harlow, Essex CM19 5TJ England
Tel: (44)

Fax: [phone]
Website: www.brookfield.co.uk

1279/451774

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CONTENTS

1. Health and Safety...........................................................................................................3

2. Principle of Operation....................................................................................................4

3. Quick Start Instructions. ................................................................................................5

4. Full Operating Instructions. ...........................................................................................6

4.1 Installation .....................................................................................................6

4.2 Checking the Calibration ...............................................................................6

4.3 Hardware........................................................................................................7

4.4 Programming a Test Method .........................................................................7

4.5 Starting a Test ..............................................................................................10

4.6 Aborting a Test ............................................................................................11

4.7 Printing Results............................................................................................11

4.8 Configuration Settings .................................................................................12

5. Output Connection.......................................................................................................17

6. Sample Printout............................................................................................................18

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1. HEALTH & SAFETY

The QTS25 Materials Evaluation System has been designed to meet the Essential Health &
Safety requirements and is awarded the CE mark.

The QTS25 is an electronic testing machine and the following guidelines should be adhered
to:

a) Do not remove fixed guards and covers during normal operation.

b) In case of servicing ensure that power supply is disconnected when removing guards

and covers. Always refer to the servicing manual and seek specialist advice from
either the manufacturer or recognised distributor.

a) During normal operation ensure that hands and personal items are kept away from
the test area.

QTS MATERIALS EVALUATION SYSTEM OPERATOR MANUAL

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2. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

a) The QTS25 consists of a bi-directional loadcell located in a cantilever beam, which is

driven by an electronically controlled motor drive system, to enable linear travel
within a user selectable range of 0.01mm to 420mm in increments of 0.01mm.

b) The sequence of linear movements of the beam is programmable by use of either the

"QTS Controller" keypad or dedicated software packages.

c) The use of the "QTS Controller" keypad is described in the following sections.

d) After programming a test method and fixing an appropriate probe or fixture to the

loadcell, the test is started using the 'Run Test' key. The probe travels at pre-set slow
speed until a sample is detected, this is the trigger point. From this point the probe
begins the programmed test sequence and the keypad provides a continuous display
describing the beam movement and test results.

QTS MATERIALS EVALUATION SYSTEM OPERATOR MANUAL

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3. QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS

N.B.

Before using the QTS25 Materials Evaluation System please refer to the

important information contained in the Health and Safety section of this
manual.

a) Connect the 'QTS Controller' keypad.

b) Connect the mains lead and switch on.

c) Press 'PROGRAM' and specify required test method details.

d) Select probe or fixture and attach to loadcell using adapter if required.

e) Press 'RUN TEST' and select required test method.

f) Enter 'Batch Number' if required.

g) Place sample into instrument and adjust beam position as required using arrow keys.

h) Press 'ENTER' to start the test.

i) To repeat the test return to g. above.

N.B. To abort a test depress the 'ABORT' key, or in case of emergency the

'Emergency Stop' button.

QTS MATERIALS EVALUATION SYSTEM OPERATOR MANUAL

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4. FULL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

N.B.

Before using the QTS25 Materials Evaluation System please refer to the
important information contained in the Health and Safety section of this
manual.

4.1 Installation

a) Place the instrument on a solid and level surface, which is free from vibrations.

b) Connect the 'QTS Controller' Keypad to the appropriate connection at the rear of the

instrument. Refer to Figure 2, connector '(C)'.

c) Connect the mains lead to the appropriate connection at the rear of the instrument.

Refer to Figure 2, connector '(A)'.

d) Switch on, using the on/off switch at the rear of the instrument. Allow 5 seconds for

the electronic self test to be completed. This display located on the left-hand side of
the 'QTS Controller' keypad now reads:

< QTS Controller Ready >
< (TIME) (DAY) (DATE) >

4.2 Checking the Calibration

a) Attach the calibration ring (and hanger if used) to the loadcell.

b) Press CONFIGURE key and using up and down ↑↓ keys scroll through the

menu displayed on the QTS Controller and locate MONITOR LOAD .

c) Press ENTER. The display now reads:

<Cell Mon % Offset >
<± *** **.* >

d) Press SET ZERO key to zero the 'Cell Mon' reading

e) Attach the calibration weights (1Kg or 5Kg) supplied with the instrument
(optional extra) and read the display which should now show the value of the weights
used.

Note: It is normally necessary to initially apply the calibration weight, remove it,

then re-zero the display before checking the load calibration.

If the calibration gives an unacceptable reading then it may be adjusted. Please contact your
local distributor or Brookfield for more information.

QTS MATERIALS EVALUATION SYSTEM OPERATOR MANUAL

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4.3 Hardware

a) The probe assembly (1) revolves freely. Probes may be screwed on by holding the

probe assembly between the thumb and forefingers with one hand and the probe in

the other. Alternatively, a small key is provided which may be inserted in the hole in

the probe assembly to prevent it from turning whilst loading or unloading a probe.
a) The working surface of the straining frame has a T shaped slot, which is used to
attach fixtures.

b) The loadcell has an M6 connection, which is used for attaching the top part of
fixtures (where appropriate)

c) Probes have an M3 connection, and are attached to the loadcell using any of the
three adapters supplied with the instrument.

d) At the front of the straining frame there are six LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) which

indicate the current status of the instrument. Refer to Figure 3.

e) The emergency stop button is located on the left-hand side of the front of the
instrument.

To operate the emergency stop depress the button. This will stop the beam

•

from travelling.

To release an emergency stop status twist the emergency stop button

•

clockwise until it springs out, then press the 'ABORT' key on the QTS
Controller. The beam will return to its original position when the 'ABORT'
KEY IS PRESSED.

4.4 Programming a Test Method

Note: The QTS Controller has a memory capable of storing 100 test methods, numbered

00 to 99.

a) Press 'PROGRAM' and using either the up and down ↑↓ keys or the numerical

keypad select a number between 00 and 99.

Press 'ENTER'.

b) The display now reads:

< Defining test 20 >
< SINGLE, HOLD, CYCLE, REPEAT/TPA >

The test type should be chosen using the up and down ↑↓ keys to scroll between

Single, Hold, Cycle, and Repeat/T.P.A.

Press 'ENTER'

A SINGLE test is a one-cycle test where the beam travels to the target value

•

at test speed and then immediately returns to the starting position at full speed.

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