Operation Manual
Distillation
Record
11593457
en
Imprint
Product Identification:
Software Manual, Distillation Record 1.2
115 9 3457 e n
Publication date:
11.2013, Version C
BÜCHI Labortechnik AG
Meierseggstrasse 40
Postfach
CH-9230 Flawil 1
E-Mail: quality@buchi.com
BUCHI reserves the right to make changes to the manual as deemed necessary in the light of experience; especially in
respect to structure, illustrations and technical detail.
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.
Table of contents
1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.1 About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.2 Reference documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.3 Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4 Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2 Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.1 Warning notices and messages used in this manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.2 Software related hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1 Minimum system requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 Description of function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.1 Product functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5 Putting into operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
5.1 Step 1: Installing the driver and the program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.2 Step 2: Starting the program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.3 Step 3: Connecting the vacuum controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
5.4 Software installation guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
5.4.1 Driver installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.4.2 Software installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.5 Software in demo-mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.6 Upgrade to full-version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.1 Program window layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.1.1 Program buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.1.2 Menu bar entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.1.3 Main Tree View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.1.4 “Device” tree view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.1.5 “Files” tree view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.1.6 “Settings” tree view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.2 Record a Distillation process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6.2.1 Program overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6.3 Recording a new evaporation process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.3.1 Preparation steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.3.2 How to start a recording process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.3.3 Real time view while recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.3.4 How to save recordings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.3.5 Export raw data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.4 Special chart view functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.5 Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.5.1 Report settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7 FAQ and troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Table of contents
3 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
1 General
1.1 About this manual
This manual is part of the product. It describes the Distillation Record software and provides all infor-
mation required for its use.
It is addressed to laboratory personnel and operators in particular.
· Read this operation manual before use.
· Observe all safety instructions.
· Keep the operation manual during the product lifetime.
· Pass the operation manual to every subsequent owner or user of the product.
1.2 Reference documents
1 General
For information about Vacuum Controller V-850 or V-855 and the Rotavapor® systems, please refer to
the corresponding manuals.
Table of available language versions of this software manual:
Language Ordering number
English 11593457
German 11593458
French 11593459
Italian 11593460
Spanish 11593461
Chinese 11593462
Japanese 11593463
1.3 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:
· Windows® 7
· Windows® 8
1.4 Abbreviations
PC: Personal Computer
CD: Compact Disk
XML: Extensible Markup Language
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
USB: Universal Serial Bus
4 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
2 Safety
This section highlights the safety concept of the Distillation Record software and contains general rules
of behavior and warnings from hazards concerning the use of the product.
The safety of users and personnel can only be ensured if these safety instructions and the safety related
warnings in the individual sections are strictly observed and followed. Therefore, the manual must always
be available to all persons performing the tasks described herein.
2.1 Warning notices and messages used in this manual
No warning messages are used in this manual.
2.2 Software related hazards
2 Safety
There are no known software related hazards.
5 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
3 Technical data
3.1 Minimum system requirements
Operating System Requirements
Windows 7 Professional/Enterprise/Ultimate,
(32-bit/64-bit, SP1)
Windows 8.1 Pro/Enterprise, (64-bit)
3 Technical data
Intel Core i3 or higher and 1.4 GHz or faster
>5 GB of free hard disk space
2 GB RAM
CD- or DVD-ROM drive
USB 1.1 or higher
Recommended display resolution: 1280×1024
Minimum display resolution: 1024×768
6 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
4 Description of function
This section will introduce all basic functions provided by the software and its structure.
4.1 Product functions
The Distillation Record software is a monitoring and report generating program only. Thus, performing
remote actions at the Rotavapor system or vacuum controller itself is not possible.
It provides the following handling and storage functionality for recorded distillations processes:
· Distillation in process can be observed online
· Recorded distillations can be saved for further use
· Reports can be generated from recorded distillations, printed and exported
· Export raw data to csv (comma separated value) format is possible for further analysis in standard spreadsheet programs (i.e. Excel)
4 Description of function
7 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
5 Putting into operation
This section contains all steps to a working setup in chronological order. If any error occurs, please
check every step carefully again from the beginning.
5.1 Step 1: Installing the driver and the program
The following prerequisites must be fulfilled:
· The vacuum controller must be disconnected from the computer at the time of installation
· For installation, the user must hold administrative rights on the computer
· The PC must match the minimum system requirements for this software, see section 3.1
Installation of the software:
Put the CD into the optical drive of the PC and follow the installation dialog of the autostart–CD. For
detailed information about the installation process of the software see sections 5.4 and following.
5 Putting into operation
5.2 Step 2: Starting the program
· Go to: S tart > Programs > BUCHI > Distillatio n Record > Distillation R ecord
· Or double-click onto the program shortcut icon on the desktop
5.3 Step 3: Connecting the vacuum controller
Perform the following steps:
1. Use a USB cable to connect the vacuum controller to the PC (see drawing).
2. Switch on the vacuum controller.
3. Wait for the software to establish the communication link (check ‘Connection status’ field,
see f section 6.1).
The software is now ready to receive data.
From PC to BUCHI vacuum
controller
NOTE
The maximum cable length for USB cables should not exceed 5 m.
On the vacuum controller firmware version 3.01 or higher must be installed.
8 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
5.4 Software installation guide
Installation procedure
Start the PC and log-in as a user with administrator rights. Put the Distillation Record CD into the
optical drive, the installation dialog window should start automatically (this may take some seconds).
If the window does not pop-up, go to ‘My Computer’. Click on the optical drive to start the CD manually.
5.4.1 Driver installation
BUCHI devices which can be attached to a computer via USB need a special communication driver.
If the driver has been installed during a previous software installation, the InstallShield Wizard will
automatically detect the driver components and skip the driver installation. In this case, proceed with
section 5.4.2.
NOTE
Do NOT connect the vacuum controller to the PC at the time of driver or software installation.
5 Putting into operation
Click "Install" to start the driver installation process…
…confirm the installation by clicking "Next >"…
9 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
5 Putting into operation
…click "Install" to finally install the driver com-
ponents.
Click "Finish" to end the installation procedure
and to exit the InstallShield Wizard.
5.4.2 Software installation
At the installation dialog window click ‘Install DistillationRecord’.
Click "Next >" to start the installation process…
10 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
5 Putting into operation
…read and accept the license agreement.
Click "Next >" to proceed…
…the default destination folder for the
installation is displayed. Click Change to
change it, if required.
Subsequently click "Next >" to continue.
…choose whether a desktop icon should
be available after installation. Click "Next >"
to proceed…
11 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
…click "Install" to finally install the software
components.
NOTE
It is recommended to restart the computer after the installation process.
5 Putting into operation
5.5 Software in demo-mode
Software in demo mode
The demo mode has full functionality but shows a ‘DEMO’-watermark in the background of every
chart and report.
NOTE
To remove this ‘DEMO’ watermark, please purchase a full-version of the software.
5.6 Upgrade to full-version
The Distillation Record software can be ordered as a full-version by your BUCHI partner. To upgrade
the demo-version, simply reinstall the full-version.
NOTE
Make a backup of recorded distillation records before installing the full-version.
12 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
6 Operation
This section explains the different program views and handling steps.
6.1 Program window layout
Distillation Record
6 Operation
Actual file
Position Description
Menu bar
Toolbar
Click on text, to roll-out drop down menus
Program functions are available via buttons
f
Connection status
Program function window
Main view
System status
f Connection status
13 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
Access to program categories (will change the ‘Main view’ accordingly)
Displays main program information such as recording and configuration screens
Shows the path where the actual file is saved
Displays connection status of the vacuum controller
6.1.1 Program buttons
Position Icon Info Function
6 Operation
Menu bar/
Tool bar
Menu bar/
Tool bar
Menu bar/
Tool bar
Menu bar/
Tool bar
Menu bar/
Tool bar
Tool bar
Tool bar
New Record File Opens a new File to start recording
Open Record File Opens a saved Record File
Save Record File
Save Record File as… Opens the ‘Save as…’ dialogue
Close Record File Discard active recording (NO confirmation request!)
Start Recording Starts recording
Stop Recording Stops recording
Saves the actual recording into a Record File with automatic
naming
Tool bar
Tool bar Show Report Shows the report from the last recorded data
Tool bar
6.1. 2 Menu bar entries
File
Info Function
New Record File Opens a new File to start recording
Open Record File Opens a saved Record File
Save Record File Saves the actual recording into a Record File with automatic naming
Save Record File as… Opens the ‘Save as…’ dialogue
Close Record File Discard active recording
Auto Recording
Reset Zoom Resets the zoom
Automatically starts recording when the START button is
pressed at the vacuum controller
Exit Exit the program
14 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
View
Info Function
Tree View Enables/ disables the Tree View in the program function window
6 Operation
Fixed time scale
Tools
Info Function
Generate Report Generates a PDF report with all relevant parameters and graphics
Export XLS
Help
Info Function
Contents Opens the help file
About Show version information
6.1. 3 Main Tree View
Device
The “Device” view shows the list of recorded files of the current program session. The file at the top is
always the latest, recorded file.
Fixes the resolution of the time line. In consequence, the time line shifts automatically to show the actual recording value
Exports all data into a CSV-file (Comma-Separated Values). The output file can be
processed in most spread-sheet programs i.e. Excel
Files
The “Files” view shows all recorded files that have been opened or saved during a program session,
e.g. using “Save Record File As…”.
NOTE
Recorded files from other program sessions can be called up and will be listed here as well. The
recordings can then be analyzed.
Settings
The “Settings” are divided into the main parts, “General” and “Charts” settings.
15 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
6.1.4 “Device” tree view
6 Operation
Notes
Custom system setup information and comments can
be inserted here. Initial entries can be defined under
“Settings”.
Charts
Different chart views of the recording are available here
to examine the distillation process. Activated (highlighted)
charts are shown in the main view.
Statistics
Shows the minimum and maximum value of the selected
record.
NOTE
Double-clicking onto an icon in the tree view will call up the corresponding charts, tables or pages in
the main view area. Activated items are highlighted in color.
Icon Info Function
6.1. 5 “Files” tree view
Similar to the “Device” view but for stored and recalled files.
NOTE
For detailed information see section 6.1.4, “Device“ tree view.
(Green right) Selected record This icon indicates the selected record
(Blue down) Not selected record Not selected record, recording not active
(Red down) Current recording,
not selected
Not selected, but active recording
16 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
6.1.6 “Settings” tree view
"General" submenus
6 Operation
General
Basic program settings such as language, file paths, comments
and information about the instrument/setup can be changed to
new default values here.
Charts
Chart view settings can be changed here, e.g. custom scaling of
the axis and colors.
1st submenu 2nd submenu
"Notes" "Info"
"Device Configuration"
"Application" "Folder Settings"
"Apply Auto-Save"
"Units"
"Language"
"Device" "Device settings"
NOTE
The recording interval automatically changes to 5 seconds when the recording process takes longer
than 8 hours.
"Charts" submenus
➡
Set default text for new records (newly generated records are
filled out with default values).
➡
Set default values for connected instruments.
➡
Set default file paths.
➡
Enable or disable auto-save functionality. If auto-save is enabled,
saving interval can be adjusted.
➡
Set default temperature and pressure units or activate checkbox
to use vacuum controller pressure unit (recommended).
➡
Set user interface language.
➡
Choose the devices according to your actual setup and the
recording interval (data acquisition per time).
1st submenu 2nd submenu
"X-A xis" "Fixed Scale"
"Variable Scale"
17 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
➡
Set time line resolution for fixed time scale.
➡
Set initial time line resolution for variable time scale.
Use "Apply Fixed Scale" to toggle between fixed and variable scale setting. "Redesign Point" and "Redesign Size"
define the time scale shifting and resolution behavior.
1st submenu 2nd submenu
"Y-Axis" "Temperature"
"Rotation"
6 Operation
➡
Set temperature axis min./max. scale range (fixed scale enabled).
➡
Set rotation axis min./max. scale range (fixed scale enabled).
"Pressure"
"Graphs" "Graphs settings"
NOTE
· Trendchart generation is always based on min./max. scale range.
· After any change of settings a confirmation message is shown. Here, all changes can be stored,
discarded or reset to standard values.
6.2 Record a Distillation process
6.2 .1 Program overview
Follow the description in section 5.3 to start the software and establish a link to the vacuum controller.
The following figure shows the start-up view:
➡
Set pressure axis min./max. scale range (fixed scale enabled).
Disable "Fixed Scale" to activate variable scale settings.
➡
Set graph colors and pen width.
18 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
6.3 Recording a new evaporation process
6.3.1 Preparation steps
· Choose "File" ➡ "New Record File" to create a new record file or use the button in the tool bar
accordingly.
This generates a new empty record file at the top of the "Device" entry of the tree view. Now the
software is ready to record data.
· Click on the "+" of the newly generated recording file to expand its sub-entries.
NOTE
· Prior to every recording task check all entries under "Notes", i.e. set a unique identifier into the
"Run" text field.
· To set default entries for the system and device setup, refer to section 6.1.6.
· Different system default settings can be stored for every Windows user at the same PC.
· Charts can be activated or deactivated while a recording is running
6.3.2 How to start a recording process
6 Operation
There are two different approaches, how to start a recording.
· With "Auto-Recording" enabled the recording starts by pressing the "START"-button at the
vacuum controller. Press the "STOP"-button at the vacuum controller to also stop the recording.
· With "Auto-Recording" disabled the software recording button must be pressed before the
"START"-button at the vacuum controller to ensure a complete recording.
NOTE
Actual recording values are displayed in the main view. With "Auto-Recording" disabled, the back-
ground of the main view changes from gray to white when the vacuum controller has been started.
6.3.3 Real time view while recording
The software displays all necessary determination values in real time while recording. The user can
easily supervise the process.
NOTE
· The software is limited to one recording at a time.
· Restarting the vacuum controller gives an error message during an active record. The recorded
data will not be lost after interruption.
6.3.4 How to save recordings
At the end of the distillation process, stop the recording.
· In Auto recording mode, press the "STOP" button at the vacuum controller.
· In Manual recording mode, press the "Stop Recording" button at the software tool bar.
Now, use the “Save Record File As…” or the "Save Record File" button at the software tool bar to
save the recording data.
A standard Windows dialog will open to determine the storage folder of the data file.
NOTE
Choose an appropriate name for your recorded process.
19 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
6.3.5 Export raw data
To export the recorded raw data into a ".csv" choose "Tools" ➡ "Export XLS". Save the file for further
analysis in standard spreadsheet programs (i.e. Excel).
6.4 Special chart view functions
Size of a chart
If you have activated more than one chart, a gray separating line appears between the charts. Shift
the line to resize the chart.
Show/hide graph
To hide or show a graph, check or uncheck the according tick box in the chart.
Zoom functionality
Use the mouse to span a zoom window onto a graph. Release the mouse button to zoom into the
chart. To further increase the zoom level repeat this action.
6 Operation
To jump back to default zoom factor press the "Reset Zoom" button at the software tool bar.
Y-axis settings
To change the Y-axis scale click onto the Y-axis (onto the line). Set the new minimum and maximum
values in the appearing popup window.
6.5 Reporting
To generate a process report of the recorded data choose "Tools" ➡ "Generate Report". Alternatively,
press the "Show Report" button at the software tool bar.
6.5.1 Report settings
It is recommended to choose the default settings accordingly to avoid empty charts (see section
6.1.6, "General" submenus).
· Adjust the content and appearance of the report via the report-generator popup window.
· Press the button "Rebuild Report" to apply the adjustments.
Finally, printout or save the report as a PDF.
20 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
7 FAQ and troubleshooting
1. The software does not record the current measurement.
· Make sure that the connection status shows 'connected' (no red x at the plug symbol in the
lower right corner).
2. The software behavior is very slow after a longer recording time.
· Reduce the recording interval (data acquisition per time). This will significantly reduce the
amount of raw data which can speed up the program on older PC's.
3. How can I use the software on the same PC for different controllers or Rotavapor systems?
· Create a new user account within your Windows installation. Every user profile on a Windows
PC has its own default settings for the Distillation Record software.
4. There is no connection to the controller.
· Check the USB cable connection between the PC and the controller. Make sure that the
controller is switched on.
5. The controller is not properly recognized by the software.
· Check the USB cable connection between the PC and the controller. Reinstall the Distillation
Record software.
6. Where are the records saved?
· The path under which the records are saved can be seen from the settings tree in the software.
The default path is within your own data in the folder BUCHI > Distillation Record.
7 FAQ and troubleshooting
21 Distillation Record 1.2 Operation Manual
BÜCHI Labortechnik AG
CH-9230
T +41 71 394 63 63
F +41 71 394 65 65
Flawil 1/Switzerland
www.buchi.com Quality in your hands
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