Operation Manual
®
NIRMaster
11593580
en
Table of contents
Table of contents
1 About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2 Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2.1 User qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Proper use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 Improper use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.4 Safety warnings and safety signs used in this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.5 Product safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.5.1 General hazards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.5.2 Warning labels on housing and assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5.3 Personal protective equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5.4 Built-in safety elements and measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.6 General safety rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1 Materials used. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2 Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4 Description of function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1 Functional principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2 Measurement modes and setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.2.1 Diffuse reflection mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.2.2 Transflectance mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.3 NIRWare software suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5 Putting into operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1 System ingress protection class after installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2 Basic installation site requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3 Electrical connection requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.1 Initializing the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.1.1 System warm-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.2 System Suitability Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.2.1 Temperature tests in detail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.2.2 NIR linearity test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.2.3 Signal-to-noise ratio determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.2.4 Wavenumber stability test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.3 Reference measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.3.1 Performing a reference measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.3.2 Frequency of reference measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
6.4 Operator software – the user interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
6.4.1 Starting the NIRMaster Operator software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
6.4.2 Button overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
6.4.3 Program login . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
6.5 How to perform a measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
6.5.1 Step 1 — Select an application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6.5.2 Step 2 — Select / create a batch for the sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
6.5.3 Step 3 — Perform a measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.5.4 Step 4 — Result handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.5.5 No / invalid result. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
3 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
Table of contents
6.5.6 Start new / rerun / close measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.6 Shutting down the NIRMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
6.6.1 Standard shutdown instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
6.6.2 Forced power-off instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
7 Maintenance and repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7.1 Maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7.2 Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7.2.1 Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
7.2.2 External reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.2.3 Spinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.2.4 Add-ons and custom sample vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.3 How to perform a database backup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.3.1 Creating a database backup-file. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.3.2 Advanced selective archive actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.3.2 Backup on USB storage devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.3.3 Backup on network storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
7.4 How to lift off the top cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
7.5 How to exchange inner / outer filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
7.6 NIRMaster basic instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
7.6.1 Resetting the system fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
7.6.2 Lamp exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
7.6.3 Resetting the lamp lifetime counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
7.7 Laser unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
7.8 Special settings and enhanced system diagnose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
7.8.1 Setting a new password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
8 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
8.1 Malfunctions and their remedy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
8.2 Enhanced system diagnose (NADIA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
8.3 Reference measurement fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
8.4 Connection to a local network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
9 Storage, transport and disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
9.1 Storage and transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
9.2 Transportation lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
9.2.1 How to lock/unlock the interferometer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
9.3 Disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
10 Spare parts and accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
10.1 Scope of delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
10.2 Spare parts, optional accessories and consumables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
11 Declarations and requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
11.1 FCC requirements (for USA and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
11.2 Declaration of conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
4 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
1 About this manual
This manual describes the NIRMaster including its standard software and provides all information
required for its safe operation and to maintain it in good working order.
It is addressed to laboratory personnel and operators in particular.
Read this manual carefully before running your system and note the safety precautions in section 2 in
particular. Store the manual in the immediate vicinity of the instrument, so that it can be consulted at
any time.
No technical modifications may be made to the instrument without the prior written agreement of
Buchi. Unauthorized modifications may affect the system safety or result in accidents. Technical data
are subject to change without notice.
NOTE
The symbols pertaining to safety are explained in section 2.
1 About this manual
This manual is copyright. Information from it may not be reproduced, distributed or used for competitive purposes, nor made available to third parties. The manufacture of any component with the aid of
this manual without prior written agreement is also prohibited.
The English manual is the original language version and serves as basis for all translations into
other languages. If you need another language version of this manual, you can download available
versions at www.buchi.com.
5 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
2 Safety
This section introduces the safety concept of the instrument and contains general rules of behavior
and warnings from direct and indirect hazards concerning the use of the product.
For the users safety, all safety instructions and safety messages in the individual sections shall
be strictly observed and followed. Therefore, the manual must always be available to all persons
performing any tasks described herein.
2.1 User qualification
The instrument may only be used by laboratory personnel and other persons who on account of
training and professional experience know the potential dangers that can develop when operating the
instrument.
Untrained personnel, or persons who are currently being trained, require careful supervision by a
qualified person. This Operation Manual serves as a basis for training.
2 Safety
2.2 Proper use
The NIRMaster is a compact and robust system, designed for harsh environment (e.g. production lines). It serves to determine the matter and concentration of substances in samples above its
measuring tolerance limit (not suitable for trace analysis).
The NIRMaster system can be applied in the laboratory, in production environments (at-line) and in
production processes for the following tasks:
Qualitative analysis
• Differentiation of chemically different substances (e.g. raw material testing of incoming goods);
• Differentiation of chemically similar substances or substance grades.
Quantitative analysis
• Determination of quantifiable product properties such as concentrations or physical parameters
(viscosity, particle size).
2.3 Improper use
Any other use than the one stated above and any application that does not comply with the technical
data is considered to be improper use. Improper use can cause hazardous situations for the operator
and / or for the instrument and might cause consequential property damage.
The operator bears the sole risk for any damages or hazards caused by improper use!
In particular, the following uses shall not be permitted
• User repair and maintenance work other than described in this manual
• Reuse of sample material for production that has been in direct contact with non-food safe materials and surfaces
6 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
2.4 Safety warnings and safety signs used in this manual
DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and NOTICE are standardized signal words for identifying levels of
hazards and risks related to personal injury and property damage. All signal words, which are related
to personal injury are accompanied by the general safety sign.
For your safety it is important to read and fully understand the table below with the different signal
words and their definitions!
Sign Signal word Definition Risk level
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
2 Safety
★★★★
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
no
Supplementary safety information symbols may be placed in a rectangular panel on the left to the
signal word and the supplementary text (see example below).
Space for
supplementary
safety
information
symbols.
Table of supplementary safety information symbols
The reference list below incorporates all safety information symbols used in this manual and their
meaning.
Symbol Meaning
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates possible property damage, but no
practices related to personal injury.
!
SIGNAL WORD
Supplementary text, describing the kind and level of hazard / risk seriousness.
• List of measures to avoid the herein described, hazard or hazardous situation.
• ...
• ...
(property damage only)
★★★☆
★★☆☆
★☆☆☆
General warning
Electrical hazard
LASER emission
7 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
Symbol Meaning
Explosive gases, explosive environment
Hot item, hot surface
Device damage
Inhalation of substances
2 Safety
Fragile components
Magnetic field
Unplug device
Wear protective goggles
Wear protective gloves
Carry load with two persons
Do not dispose as unsorted household waste!
8 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
Additional user information
Paragraphs starting with NOTE contain helpful information for working with the device / software or its
accessories. NOTEs are not related to any kind of hazard or damage (see following example).
NOTE
Useful tips for the easy operation of the instrument / software.
2.5 Product safety
The NIRMaster has been designed and built in accordance with state-of-the-art technology, at the
time of development. Safety warnings in this manual (as described in section 2.4) serve to make the
user alert to and avoid hazardous situations emanating from residual dangers by giving appropriate
counter measures.
However, risks to users, property and the environment can arise when the instrument is damaged,
used carelessly or improperly.
2.5.1 General hazards
2 Safety
The following safety messages show hazards of general kind which may occur when handling the
instrument. The user shall observe all listed counter measures in order to achieve and maintain the
lowest possible level of hazard.
Additional warning messages can be found whenever actions and situations described in this manual
are related to situational hazards.
!
DANGER
Death or serious injuries by use in explosive environments.
• Do not store or operate the instrument in explosive environments
• Remove all sources of flammable vapors
• Do not store chemicals in the vicinity of the device
• Only operate and maintain the device in environment with sufficient ventilation
Risk of instrument damage by mechanical shocks.
• Do not move the instrument when it is active
• Do not drop the instrument or its components
• Keep external vibrations away from the instrument
• Do not transport the instrument without transportation lock engaged
NOTICE
9 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
2.5.2 Warning labels on housing and assemblies
The following warning sticker(s) can be found on the housing or assemblies of the NIRMaster:
Symbol Meaning Location
Hot item, hot surface Inside housing, next to lamp modules
2 Safety
LASER emission
Electrical hazard HV supply LASER
Device labels Meaning Location
FCC declaration Sticker at the rear side
See text. Sticker at the rear side
Sticker at the rear side
Sticker inside housing, at the LASER module
2.5.3 Personal protective equipment
Safety precautions and personal protective equipment might be necessary to comply with industrial
safety standards in some working environments. However, for standard operation with the instrument,
no additional protective equipment is necessary.
10 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
LASER emission class Sticker at the rear side
LASER emission Sticker inside housing, at the LASER module
2.5.4 Built-in safety elements and measures
The instrument is equipped with the following safety elements:
• Two outer filter elements with covering frame
• Two inner filter elements
• Multiple overtemperature sensors to monitor thermal spots inside the instrument
• Protective cable feedthrough at the housing rear side
• Transportation lock of interferrometer
2.6 General safety rules
Responsibility of the operator
The head of the laboratory is responsible for training his/her personnel.
The operator shall inform the manufacturer without delay of any safety-related incidents which might
occur during operation of the instrument or its accessories. Legal regulations, such as local, state and
federal laws applying to the instrument or its accessories must be strictly followed.
2 Safety
Duty of maintenance and care
The operator is responsible for the proper condition of instrument. This includes maintenance, service
and repair jobs that are performed on schedule as described in this manual. Any work, not explicitly
described in this manual must be performed by authorized and trained personnel (e.g. service technicians) only. See section 7.1, maintenance schedule.
Spare parts to be used
Use only genuine consumables and spare parts for maintenance to assure good system performance,
reliability and safety. Any modifications of spare parts or assemblies are only allowed with the prior
written permission of the manufacturer.
Modifications
Modifications to the instrument are only permitted after prior consultation and with the written approval
of the manufacturer. Modifications and upgrades shall only be carried out by an authorized Buchi technical engineer. The manufacturer will decline any claim resulting from unauthorized modifications.
11 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
3 Technical data
This section introduces the reader to the instrument specifications. It contains the technical data and
materials used.
Information on type plate:
a
b
c
d
3 Technical data
e
Instrument type code
a
Serial Number
b
Supply voltage range / type
c
Frequency of supply voltage
d
Nominal power rating
e
Year of manufacture
f
Technical data NIRMaster
Electrical connection data
Voltage 100 – 240 VAC ±10% 100 – 240 VAC ±10% 100 – 240 VAC ±10%
Frequency 50/60 Hz 50/60 Hz 50/60 Hz
Max. power consumption 150 W 150 W 150 W
IP class 54 54 65
Installation category II II II
Internal fuse 4 A / 240 V
Example:
NIRM54P = NIRMaster + 54 (IP class) + P (Pro version, steel)
IP 54 IP 54 Pro IP 65 Pro
(2× resettable automatic fuses, all poles)
f
Environmental conditions (indoor use only)
Pollution degree
Temperature
Altitude (above sea level)
Humidity (curve parameter)
12 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
2
5 – 35 °C (25 ±5 °C recommended)
up to 2000 m
Maximum relative humidity < 80% up to < 31 °C, then decreasing linearly to
67% relative humidity at 35 °C
Technical data NIRMaster
Dimensions and weight
IP 54 IP 54 Pro IP 65 Pro
Height 360 mm 360 mm 360 mm
Width 420 mm 420 mm 420 mm
Depth 540 mm 540 mm 540 mm
Weight 43 kg 49 kg 49 kg
Interferometer data
Type of interferometer Polarization interferometer
Spectral range 800 - 2500 nm (default 1000 - 2500 nm)
12‘500 - 4‘000 cm-1 (default 10‘000 - 4‘000 cm-1)
Resolution 8 cm-1 (with boxcar apodization)
Type of interferometer Polarisation interferometer with TeO2 wedges
Wavenumber accuracy ± 0.2 cm
-1
(measured with HF gascell at an
ambient temperature of 25 °C ± 5 °C)
SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) 10000 (peak-to-peak noise of a linear corrected
baseline between 5600−6000 cm-1, measured with
NIRFlex Liquids, 2 x 64 scans, Blackman apodisa-
tion)
Number of scans/sec. 2−4
Measurement mode Diffuse reflection and transflectance
Analog digital converter 24 bit
Type of lamp/lifetime lamp
Tungsten halogen lamp / 12000 h (2 x 6000 h)
(MTBF)
Type of laser 12 VDC HeNe, wavelength at 632.992 nm
Detector Extended range InGaAs (temperature controlled)
3 Technical data
Supported peripherals
Easy-Spin drive Magnetic coupling for sample rotator
Monitor VGA / DVI type, recommended resolution 1280 x 1024
USB 2.0 sockets 2 x internal (via cable feedthrough), 1 x external (with
cap)
Input devices (i.e. Keyboard
USB devices, compatible to plug type A
/ Mouse)
LAN 1 x GbE internal (via cable feedthrough)
Add-on connector LEMO socket, external (with cap)
Embedded PC data
CPU Intel® Core™2 Duo
RAM 3 GB
Hard drive 64 GB SSD (Solid State Drive)
Operating system Windows 7 embedded
13 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
3.1 Materials used
Materials used
Component Material designation
Spectrometer base Aluminum
Wedges TeO
Polarizers Glass
Upper housing part (NIRMaster) PMMA (food grade)
Upper housing part (NIRMaster Pro) Stainless steel, food grade (1.4301), PETP inlay
Lower housing part Stainless steel, food grade (1.4301)
Spinner PETP, stainless steel 1.4305 / 1.4301
XL add-on Stainless steel 1.4305, glass
External reference Aluminum, glass inlay, PTFE inlay
Transflectance adapter Stainless steel 1.4435
Detector InGaAs
Magnets NdFeB
3 Technical data
2
3.2 Trademarks
The following product names and any registered and unregistered trademarks mentioned in this
manual are used for identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of their respective
owners:
• NIRMaster™ is a trademark of BÜCHI Labortechnik AG
• NIRCal® is a registered trademark of BÜCHI Labortechnik AG
• Kimwipes® is a registered trademark of Kimberly Clark
• Spectralon® is a registered trademark of Labsphere, Inc.
• Windows® is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation
• Intel® Core™2 Duo is a registered trademark of the Intel Corporation
• Meliseptol® is a registered trademark of the B.Braun Melsungen AG
14 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
4 Description of function
This section explains the basic principle of the instrument, shows how it is structured and gives a
functional description of the assemblies.
4.1 Functional principle
The NIRMaster is an optical instrument to determine the matter and concentration of substances in
samples. In detail, the NIRMaster is a Fourier Transform Near Infrared spectrometer (FT-NIR). It generates an invisible beam containing many different wavelengths of near infrared radiation at once, the
interferogram, which interacts with the molecules of a sample, generating a characteristic feedback.
The feedback is picked up by a detector and mathematically processed via Fourier transformation into
a spectrum. This spectrum is used to extract the requested material information.
Inside the spectrometer, a laser beam is used as a high-precision wavelength reference to allow best
possible reproducibility and accuracy of detection.
4 Description of function
Advantages of FT-NIR polarization inteferometer
• Simultaneous measurement of all wavenumbers giving an improved signal-to-noise ratio
• Higher intensity giving an improved signal-to-noise ratio and short measuring times
• Laser as wavenumber reference giving high wavenumber stability and good data
transferability
• Single-beam interferometer without typical double-beam divergence for mechanically and temperature stable beam alignment
• More robust design than standard Michelson interferometer
How the interferogram is generated
An interferogram is an interference pattern of phase-shifted beams. The NIRMaster is a single-beam
polarisation interferometer, generating its interferogram in four steps:
Step 1— Polarization of the light source output
The polarizer B generates a well-defined polarization output of the undefined polarized light, emitted
by the light source A. Thus, only diagonally polarized light is transmitted.
Step 2 — Beam splitting and orthogonal polarization
The polarized light enters a double refracting block (comparator) C. Here, the light is broken down
into two, orthogonally polarized components with a small, static phase shift.
Step 3 — Generating the ongoing phase shift
An assembly of two double refracting wedges is arranged after the comparator. Wedge D is
stationary, while wedge E is constantly shifted back and forwards by a fast linear-drive. The movement and the geometric arrangement provides a change of thickness in the light path. This leads to an
ongoing phase shift between the light beams.
Step 4 — Beam recombination and interferogram output
A second polarizer F converts the phase shifted beams into a single light output with intensity variation – the interferogram.
15 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
4 Description of function
Reference laser control
The laser deliveres a constant, wavelength-stable beam of 633 nm. The laser beam a is coupled into
the NIR beam b to pass the interferometer before being decoupled d and analysed by the “Laser
feedback sensor” e. A fraction of the beam is splitted at the polarizer b and picked up by an intensity sensor c to monitor the laser beam quality. The position and movement-frequency of the wedge
by the linear drive f causes an alternating relative phase shift of the laser light. Being reflected by the
second polarizer d, the phase shift generates an alternating amplitude. This alternating amplitude is
detected via the the “Laser sensor” e, giving precise information about velocity and (relative) position
of the wedge. The feedback signal is used to control the velocity of the linear drive f as well as to set
the sampling-points of the NIR interferogram.
a
LASER – 633 nm
F + b
H G
DE
c
Effective NIR light path
NIR light source assembly with spare lamp and motorized parabolic reflector
A
First polarizer
B
B
f
Spare lamp
e
+ dC
A
Comparator (double refracting block)
C
Stationary double refracting wedge
D
Moving double refracting wedge
E
Second polarizer
F
Sample
G
Interferogram detector
H
Reference laser signal path
Laser output window
a
Second polarizator (works as a beam splitter for the laser)
b
Laser output-power sensor
c
First polarizer
d
Laser feedback detector
e
Linear motor for wedge movement
f
16 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
Data processing and interferogram analysis
The NIR light interacts with the sample G material in different ways, leaving a characteristical finger-
print on the interferogram. At liquids the light is mostly transmitted and at solids reflected. The
remaining light is collected by the detector H. The built-in computer further processes the raw signal.
Process steps Result
Signal preprocessing Interferogram
Fourier transformation Raw spectrum
Signal background correction Spectrum of sample
Chemometric analysis of the spectral data Sample analysis
Display of the result via NIRWare Operator on the attached monitor Sample analysis is displayed
4.2 Measurement modes and setups
At the NIRMaster, different measurement setups can easily be attached to the basic intrument to meet
the individual sample requirements. To choose the best setup for a specific range of samples the
optical properties of the sample material must be known.
4 Description of function
Mode overview and application
Sample characteristics (for NIR light) Section Measurement setup Typical application
Diffuse reflection 4.2.1 Adequate sample cup Predominantly non-translucent solids
Transflectance 4.2.2 Sample cup / petri dish+
4.2.1 Diffuse reflection mode
Most non-translucent materials (e.g. solids such as powders, pellets and cereals) can be analyzed
via diffuse reflection. The NIR light penetration is limited by the sample material. It interacts with the
sample, is refracted and diffusely reflected into the sensor. The reflected rays contain the spectral
information of the sample.
matching transflectance cover
Sample material
such as powders, pellets and cereals
Liquids with weak diffuse reflection and
medium transmission rate characteristics
(e.g. transparent to opaque liquids)
NIR light
Sensor
17 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
Factors that can influence the measurement:
• Not enough sample material available
• Sample not homogenious or representative
• Humidity of sample material
• Temperature of sample material
• Sample cup inadeqate (e.g. cup material and thickness, blind spots, dirt etc.)
NOTE
• The samples should either be measured at a constant temperature or the temperature influences
must be considered during calibration.
• Coarse grained samples should be milled before carrying out the measurement. Recommended
number of scans: Qualitative calibration: 4−16; quantitative calibration: 16−32;
granules: 64.
4.2.2 Transflectance mode
Translucent and opaque liquids can be analyzed via transflectance mode. The light penetrates the
liquid, is diffusely reflected by the reference plate and passes the sample a second time. The transflected rays contain the spectral information of the sample.
4 Description of function
Factors that can influence the measurement:
• Not enough sample material available
• Air bubbles in the measurement path and under the transflectance cover
• Sample not homogenious or representative
• Temperature of sample material
• Sample cup or transflectance cover inadequate (e.g. cup material and thickness, blind spots, dirt
etc.)
Sample cup / petri dish
Diffuse reflecting / reference plate
Small, defined gap for liquid samples
NIR light
Sensor
NOTE
• The samples should either be measured at a constant temperature or the temperature influences
must be considered during calibration.
• Recommended number of scans: Qualitative calibration: 4−16; quantitative calibration: 16−32
• Most liquid sample materials can be constantly analyzed with the help of a flow-cell adapter.
18 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
4.3 NIRWare software suite
NIRWare is the interface program suite between the instrument and the operator. All program parts are
hosted on the embedded PC.
About the embedded PC
The compact embedded PC runs an embedded Windows® operating system. The NIRWare software suite and database are preinstalled. It communicates with the spectrometer via internal network
adapter. A second network interface is available to connect the NIRMaster to a local network, e.g. for
data backup or to communicate with enterprise resource planning etc.
The suite includes the following program elements by default:
• Operator interface(s)
• Administrative tools
• Report templates
• Software to run routine analysis
• Comprehensive database with analysis data and other
4 Description of function
The NIRWare software meets industrial standards in terms of inner strukture combined with a comprehensive and intuitive, wizard guided user interface. It is also ideally suited for many applications in the
pharmaceutical, food and feed industry.
Advanced software and system management is done with the NIRWare Management Console tool.
The NIRWare Management Console combines various software modules:
• NIRWare Application Designer to define NIRWare Operator applications
• NIRWare Sample Manager to administrate all samples and reference values
• NIRWare Administrative Tools for applications and calibrations interchange and other administra-
tive tasks
• NIRWare Security Designer to define users and user groups according to custom security policies
• The BUCHI Database Manager is used for any database operations.
Optional:
• NIRWare LIMS to import and export sample information and measurement data
• NIRWare Library Designer is a powerful software module for substance identity control using full
spectral comparison. It is designed for the development of spectral libraries tailored to individual
user requirements.
19 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
5 Putting into operation
IP 54
This section lists the basic environmental installation requirements. Also see environmental data in the
table of technical data, section 3 ff.
At delivery, the system does not have full ingress protection! It is highly recommended NOT to
unpack the system. For installation, a trained service person is required!
If unpacking is inevitable ➡ repack the device afterwards and store it in a dry and moderate temperatured environment to avoid damage by improper storage conditions.
To avoid damage by condensate moisture, special attention is needed when the instrument was delivered at cold temperatures. Do not remove the instrument from its plastic bag for at least two hours to
let the instrument acclimatize to the ambient temperature!
5 Putting into operation
Risk of instrument damage by moisture condensate.
• Let the instrument sufficiently acclimatize before unpacking
NOTE
Inspect the instrument package for damage immediately after delivery. If necessary, prepare a status
report immediately and inform customer and your local Buchi representative. Keep the original
packaging for future transportation.
NOTICE
5.1 System ingress protection class after installation
Safe environmental conditions depend on the respective IP (Ingress Protection) class of the system.
The IP class is labelled on a sticker close to the type plate at the rear side of the NIRMaster. Compare
the actual IP class of your system with the table below to find out about the allowed, safe environmental conditions!
NOTE
Be aware that accessory may have a lower IP class and needs more careful treatment.
Example:
20 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
5 Putting into operation
Risk of instrument damage by liquid and particle ingress
• Store and operate the instrument only in accordance to its ingress protection class only
• Install dust caps and covers and housing parts tight to establish safe operation conditions
Protection against ingress of dust and water
IP Code First digit Second digit
IP54
IP65
5 – dust protected
Ingress of dust is not entirely
prevented, but it must not enter in
sufficient quantity to interfere with
the satisfactory operation of the
equipment; complete protection
against contact.
6 – dust tight
No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact.
NOTICE
4 – splashing water
Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction
shall have no harmful effect.
5 – water jets
Water projected by a nozzle against enclosure from any
direction shall have no harmful effects.
5.2 Basic installation site requirements
After initial installtion
After intial installation, the IP level of the instrument will be established as labeled at the housing rear
side. The instrument can be relocated within the range and type of installation (e.g. limiting cable
lenght). For more information about transport and device handling see also section 9. ff.
Mind that the weight of the instrument is between ~ 43 kg for the white top-cover and ~ 50 kg for the
stainless steel version!
WARNING
!
Risk of injury by heavy weight of the instrument.
• A second person is mandatory for transport
• Do not drop the instrument or its transport box
• Place the instrument on a stable, even and vibration-free surface
• Keep limbs out of crushing zone
To avoid damage by condensate moisture, special attention is needed when the instrument is moved
between environments with bigger temperature difference! When moving the instrument from a colder
to a warmer environment, let it acclimatize to the ambient temperature befor switching it on!
Risk of instrument damage by moisture condensate.
• Let the instrument sufficiently acclimatize at relocation
21 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
NOTICE
5 Putting into operation
Basic installation conditions
!
DANGER
Death or serious injuries by use in explosive environments.
• Do not store or operate the instrument in explosive environments
• Remove all sources of flammable vapors
• Do not store chemicals in the vicinity of the device
The instrument must be installed:
• indoor only with a clearance of 15 cm minimum to walls and any other objects
• without being exposed to heating or cooling source (e.g. direct sunlight or air conditioning)
• with the transportation lock in unlocked position (see section 9.2)
• on a stable and horizontal position
If the instrument is installed on a laboratory cart, the cart should have large, soft wheels (approx. 10
cm diameter) for better shock absorption at transport on even floors.
Worst case environmental conditions at installation site must meet IP class and all other tech-
nical data (see section 3 ff.).
5.3 Electrical connection requirements
To maintain the systems ingress protection against liquids, dust and others, a proper installation
is required! Therefore, installation of cables (e.g. for a touchscreen monitor) must be performed
by a service technician with appropriate training only.
After the pre-installation procedure (all internal connections have been established and transportation
lock is in unlocked position) has been completed successfully, the power plug of the NIRMaster can
be connected to mains.
The used mains circuit has to:
• provide the voltage that is given on the type plate of the instrument.
• be able to handle the load of the connected instruments.
• be equipped with adequat fuses and electrical safety measures, in particular proper grounding.
See also technical data of all components regarding the different minimum system requirements!
NOTICE
Risk of instrument damage by wrong mains supply.
• External mains supply must meet the voltage given on the type plate
• Check for proper grounding
• Exchange defective cabling instantly
22 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B
Loading...