Cannon miniQV-X User Manual
CONTENTS
i
1
INTRODUCTION/INSTALLATION 1
The miniQV -X Automatic Viscometer ................................................................................... 1
Measuring kinematic viscosity ............................................................................................... 2
Safety cautions ..................................................................................................................... 2
Specifications ....................................................................................................................... 4
Installation ............................................................................................................................ 4
Required installation components............................................................................... 4
V acuum Pump unit connections ................................................................................. 6
Bath unit connections ................................................................................................ 6
VISCPRO® for W indows® XP®............................................................................................ 6
Installing VISCPRO® software.............................................................................................. 7
Computer requirements............................................................................................. 7
Windows® XP® installation ........................................................................................ 7
Installation actions..................................................................................................... 7
Configuration diskette (First-time installation only!) .................................................... 7
Running the software............................................................................................................. 8
Checking configuration.......................................................................................................... 9
Inital Configuration.................................................................................................... 9
Logging in ............................................................................................................... 10
Checking Instrument Settings .................................................................................. 10
V iewing/editing setup information ............................................................................. 12
Manually changing tube calibration constants ....................................................................... 13
Checking W ash and Advanced Settings ............................................................................... 14
Preparing the miniQV -X for testing...................................................................................... 16
Inserting the miniQV -X temperature probes/reference thermometer.......................... 16
Adjusting V acuum/Pressure settings ......................................................................... 17
Setting bath temperature ......................................................................................... 17
Training tube sensors............................................................................................... 18
Checking wash functions ......................................................................................... 18
Calibrating the miniA V ............................................................................................ 19
Notes on computer-directed miniAV operation ........................................................ 19
2
TESTING SAMPLES WITH THE miniQV-X
AUTOMATIC VISCOMETER 21
Turning on the miniQV -X ........................................................................................ 21
T esting samples....................................................................................................... 21
Pausing a test.......................................................................................................... 24
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
ii
Resuming a test....................................................................................................... 24
Aborting a test ........................................................................................................ 24
Concluding a test .................................................................................................... 24
W orking with Instrument Groups ......................................................................................... 25
Group configuration ................................................................................................ 26
Configuring the Machine Status window to correspond with multiple-instrument place-
ment ....................................................................................................................... 26
V iewing test results ............................................................................................................. 27
Creating an analysis ............................................................................................................ 27
Configuring the VI Matcher (optional) ................................................................................. 28
3
4
CALIBRATING THE miniQV-X 29
Calibrating temperature ....................................................................................................... 29
Calibration procedure ............................................................................................. 29
Training sensors .................................................................................................................. 30
Standard tube calibration .................................................................................................... 31
Calibration procedure ............................................................................................. 31
Saving a calibration ................................................................................................. 34
miniQV -X calibration equations............................................................................... 35
USING THE miniQV-X SOFTWARE 37
VISCPRO® generic instrument interface .............................................................................. 37
Main options .......................................................................................................... 38
Security options ...................................................................................................... 39
Initial security setup................................................................................................. 39
Adjusting Security Settings ...................................................................................... 41
Print/Print setup options .......................................................................................... 42
Analyses options................................................................................................................. 42
Analysis types......................................................................................................... 42
Analyses menu options............................................................................................ 42
Window options ................................................................................................................. 44
miniQV -X module menu options ......................................................................................... 45
Configure options ................................................................................................... 45
Print Instrument and Tray Settings ........................................................................... 45
Instrument Settings.................................................................................................. 47
Tray Settings: T ube and Bath ................................................................................... 49
Tray Settings: Test................................................................................................... 51
Tray Settings: W ash ................................................................................................ 53
Tray Settings: Advanced.......................................................................................... 56
Saving a configuration ............................................................................................. 58
Calibration.............................................................................................................. 58
Service menu options .......................................................................................................... 60
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0—October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
T esting samples—software options...................................................................................... 65
Entering sample ID information................................................................................ 65
Selecting sample actions.......................................................................................... 65
V iscosity Action for viscosity standards ................................................................... 67
Copy & Paste Sample ID data entry options ........................................................... 68
Inserting/deleting a sample ID in the test sequence ................................................... 68
Saving Sample ID information ................................................................................. 69
miniQV -X analysis modules .................................................................................... 70
Configuring the VI Matcher................................................................................................. 70
Turning off the VI Matcher...................................................................................... 72
Handling errors ................................................................................................................... 72
iii
5
OPERATING, MAINTAINING
AND SERVICING THE miniQV-X 73
miniQV -X components ....................................................................................................... 73
Bath Unit ................................................................................................................ 73
Solvent Dispensing System...................................................................................... 74
Maintaining the solvent system............................................................................................. 74
Filling the solvent container(s).................................................................................. 75
Emptying the W aste Receiver .................................................................................. 75
Dual-solvent washing .............................................................................................. 76
V iscometer tubes ................................................................................................................ 76
Thermistor operation............................................................................................... 76
Timing bulb determination........................................................................................ 76
Carousel Adjustments ......................................................................................................... 77
Homing the Carousel .............................................................................................. 77
Adjusting sample tray height .................................................................................... 77
Adjusting sample tray force ..................................................................................... 77
T emperature bath................................................................................................................ 79
Filling the bath ........................................................................................................ 79
Draining the bath..................................................................................................... 80
Bath heaters ........................................................................................................... 80
Bath fluid safety features ......................................................................................... 80
Checking solvent levels ........................................................................................... 80
Solvent/drain lines ................................................................................................... 80
Ventilation ........................................................................................................................... 81
Checking bath temperature ................................................................................................. 81
Dual-solvent washing .......................................................................................................... 81
Solvent wash by computer .................................................................................................. 81
Setting wash parameters ......................................................................................... 82
Preventive maintenance ....................................................................................................... 82
miniQV -X repair/replacement components .......................................................................... 83
6
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
iv
ANALYSIS CONFIGURATION OPTIONS 85
Creating an analysis ............................................................................................................ 85
Sorting analysis data ........................................................................................................... 86
Using the date filter ............................................................................................................. 87
Using the sample filter ......................................................................................................... 88
Using the report/port output filter......................................................................................... 89
Reconfiguring a displayed analysis ....................................................................................... 89
Resizing table columns ........................................................................................................ 89
Saving a current analysis ..................................................................................................... 90
Deleting an analysis configuration......................................................................................... 90
Printing an analysis .............................................................................................................. 90
Keystrokes for selecting data for printing ................................................................. 91
Exporting analysis data........................................................................................................ 91
7
8
9
10
11
DATA TABLE 93
Configuring the CA V Data T able ............................................................................. 95
STANDARD VI TABLE ANALYSIS 99
Configuring the standard VI table ............................................................................ 99
SAMPLE DATA EXPORT ANALYSIS 103
Configuring the Sample Data Export analysis ......................................................... 104
VI DATA EXPORT ANALYSIS 109
Configuring the VI Data Export Analysis................................................................ 110
ERROR DATA EXPORT ANALYSIS 115
Configuring the Error Data Export analysis ............................................................ 115
12
13
ERROR LOG TABLE ANALYSIS 121
Configuring the Error Log analysis ......................................................................... 121
USING THE DATABASE MANAGER 125
Archiving old data................................................................................................. 126
Changing the database directory............................................................................ 126
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0—October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
Importing archived data ........................................................................................ 127
Repairing/compacting the database........................................................................ 127
Exit ...................................................................................................................... 127
v
14
A
I
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST 129
APPENDIX A–MULTIPLE UNIT CONFIGURATION 131
Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 131
Kit components ................................................................................................................ 131
Procedure ........................................................................................................................ 131
Connecting components ........................................................................................ 131
Completing RS-485 connections ........................................................................... 131
INDEX 133
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
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CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0—October, 2008; CANNON
®
Instrument Company
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
1
1
INTRODUCTION/INSTALLATION
The miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer
The miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer is designed to automate the timeconsuming sample testing and cleaning operations required for determination of kinematic viscosity in accordance with ASTM D445 specifications. The operator places the test sample(s) in small vials in the sample
holder(s), enters sample identification information from the computer
keyboard, and initiates testing with software keypad commands. W ithout
any further operator involvement, the miniQV-X determines kinematic
viscosity and cleans the capillary tube(s) in preparation for the next test.
All pertinent test data can be saved to a computer database for future
retrieval and reporting.
Manual
This manual is designed to provide the operator with information about:
VISCPRO
®
software installation and operation
Applications
Precision
miniQV
®
-X equipment, installation and operation
Calibration, service and maintenance procedures
miniQV-X instruments are appropriate for many kinematic viscosity
measurement applications in R&D laboratories, refinery quality control
laboratories, blending plants, and
independent testing laboratories. The
miniQV-X is ideally suited for the
analysis of both transparent and opaque
samples. A variety of materials, such as
used oils, marine fuels, residual fuels,
and crude oils can be tested with ease.
Precision for the kinematic viscosity
determination of the miniQV-X equals
or exceeds that specified in ASTM
Method D445. This method is required
by the Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE) Engine Oil Viscosity Classification SAE J300.
The miniQV-X™
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
2
Measuring kinematic viscosity
Kinematic viscosity is a measure of the internal resistance to flow of a
fluid under gravity with the pressure head being proportional to the
density of the fluid. For any particular viscometer, the time of flow of a
fixed volume of fluid is directly proportional to its kinematic viscosity .
Units of measure
Methodology
Manual viscometers
Automatic viscometers
An accepted unit of kinematic viscosity is one centimeter squared per
second, which is called one stoke. The centistoke (which is equivalent to
2
1 mm
/s) is the unit of measure most frequently used.
ASTM Methods D445 and D 446 describe appropriate test methodologies and instruments for glass capillary viscometry.
Sections 9-11 of ASTM D445 provide detailed instructions for using
manual viscometers. ASTM D 446 suggests a minimum flow time of 200
seconds for nearly all the glass capillary viscometers (see tables in ASTM
D 446).
For automatic viscometers, ASTM D445 Section 6.1.2 states, “Automated apparatus may be used as long as they mimic the physical conditions, operations or processes of the manual apparatus they replace ... The
automated apparatus shall be capable of determining kinematic viscosity
of a certified viscosity reference standard within the limits stated ...”
Thus, automated viscometers can be used with flow times less than 200
seconds, as long as the kinetic energy correction and precision requirements are met.
miniQV-X tube characteristics
NOTE
Safety cautions
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
Each standard miniQV-X viscometer tube has two bulbs, each of which
has its own calibration. The normal flow times for each bulb are 40-400
seconds. Each tube has a hundredfold measurement range (for example,
range from 2-200 cSt or 20-2000 cSt for each tube).
CANNON® Instrument Company has not recommended the use of longer
flow times with the miniQV-X, as shorter flow times allow greater productivity. With longer flow times, the sample throughput would be significantly reduced. However, the viscometer and software design does
permit longer efflux times (up to 600 seconds) as desired by the user.
Please observe the following safety procedures and notices for proper
operation of the miniQV-X:
Do NOT lift the unit by the side panel “ears”. Always support the
unit from the base when moving or lifting.
®
Instrument Company
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
Make sure that your unit is operated only by qualified personnel.
Make sure that you read and understand all operating instructions
and safety precautions listed in this manual before installing or
operating your unit. If you have questions regarding instrument
operation or documentation, contact CANNON
®
Instrument Company.
Do not deviate from the installation, operation or maintenance
procedures described in this manual. Improper use of the miniQV-X
instrument may result in a hazardous situation and may void the
manufacturer’s warranty.
Handle and transport the unit with care. Sudden jolts or impacts may
cause damage to components.
Observe all warning labels.
Never remove warning labels.
Never operate damaged or leaking equipment.
Never operate the unit without appropriate levels of approved bath
fluid in the bath.
Do not fill the bath vessel higher than the cold fill level.
Unless procedures specify otherwise, always turn off the unit and
disconnect the mains cable from the power source before performing
service or maintenance procedures, or before moving the unit.
Never operate the equipment with damaged mains power cables.
Refer all service and repairs to qualified personnel.
3
General Caution
Hot Surface Caution
Protective Conductor
WARNING
In addition to the cautionary statements listed previously , additional
cautions may be posted throughout this manual. These cautions, identified by the caution symbol (see left) indicate important operational
procedures. Read and follow these important instructions. Failure to
observe these instructions may void warranties, compromise operator
safety , and/or result in damage to the miniQV-X unit.
Hot surface cautions may be attached on or near hot surfaces of the
miniQV-X. Avoid touching hot surfaces, particularly when operating the
miniQV-X at bath temperatures exceeding 50°C.
The Protective Conductor Terminal symbol is used to indicate required
ground connections for your instrument electrical supply .
When supplying power to this instrument, ensure that the protective
ground (earth) terminals of the instrument are connected to the protective
conductor of the (supplied) line (MAINS) power cord. Use only the
manufacturer-supplied power cord, which should be inserted in a socket
outlet (receptacle) which is also provided with a protective ground (earth)
contact.
conductor (grounding).
Do not use an extension cord (power cable) without a protective
MAINS
~
AC Power Input Symbol
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
The ~MAINS symbol indicates instructions or connections for the AC
power supply . The AC Power input must match the electrical specifications listed on the label on the rear panel of the instrument. The supplied
®
Instrument Company
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
4
AC Mains power cord must be attached to the connector labelled
~MAINS. This connection serves as a means of disconnect and should be
readily accessible.
( O )
Supply OFF Symbol
Hazardous materials
Specifications
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The (O) symbol indicates the OFF position for the electrical switches for
your unit (AC Mains or accessories).
Routine miniQV-X operation may require the use and handling of
®
hazardous chemicals and solutions. CANNON
Instrument Company
strongly urges the operators and technicians working with the miniQV-X
to take proper safety precautions when working with these materials.
These safety procedures can be found in the Material Safety Data Sheets
which accompany the solutions.
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Installation
Required installation components
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miniQV-X setup can be accomplished in just a few minutes by following
the instructions below. Use the diagram on the facing page to assist with
the setup. Fill the miniQV-X bath per the instructions in Chapter 5.
User-supplied solvent container w/ G38 threads for lid
1
2
CANNON
W aste Receiver Assembly
3
Blue transparent Vacuum line (6 mm FEP)
4
Pressure and Solvent lines (1/8” FEP)
5
®
-supplied Nalgene® waste bottle with lid
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0b— March, 2012; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
5
6
Power Supply unit
7
7 RS-232 serial cable
8
88
DC Power cable
8
7
88
9 Power cord
9
10 Vacuum Pump unit power cable
10
11 Exhaust tubing (1/4” blue opaque polyethylene)
11
Mini DIN 4 cable
12
12
To computer
5
1
User-supplied solvent vessel
11
Waste-Vac
Ring
4
To optional
drying
solvent (B)
5
4
4
7
12
To MAINS power
4
to user ventilation system
2
3
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
10
5
®
Instrument Company
9
8
6
6
CAUTION
When moving or positioning the miniQV-X unit, do not lift it by the side
panel units (“ears”). Hinges on these modular components are designed
for easy removal. Always support the miniQV-X unit from the base.
Vacuum Pump unit connections
Use the 1/4” blue opaque polyethylene tubing to vent exhaust from the
Waste Receiver Assembly Exhaust port to the user ventilation system.
Use the 6 mm FEP tubing to connect the Vacuum Port to the bath unit
Vacuum connector.
Use the Waste Receiver Assembly power cable to provide AC power to the
Vacuum Pump from the female Power Supply Vacuum Pump AC connector.
Bath unit connections
Use the 1/8” FEP line to connect from the Solvent A fitting to the user-
supplied solvent container. Insert the end of the solvent tube through the
bottle cap (see NOTE below) and screw the 20-micron filter onto the tube
end. If using two solvents, do the same for the (optional) Solvent B fitting.
NOTE
CANNON provides two G-38 reagent bottle caps for user solvent containers.
Use the 6 mm FEP tubing to connect the 6 mm Waste Vac port to the 6 mm
Waste/Vacuum fitting on the waste bottle lid.
Use the 1/8” FEP to connect the Pres[sure] barbed fitting to the Air Out
barbed fitting on the Power Supply unit.
Use the RS-232 cable to connect from the RS-232 port to the computer
connection. For multi-unit RS-485 connections, see APPENDIX A.
Use the 6 mm FEP union to connect the protruding 6 mm FEP waste tube
from the bath unit to the 6 mm FEP tubing. Then connect the other end of
the 6 mm FEP tubing to the 6 mm fitting on the Waste Receiver lid.
Use the DC power cable to connect the bath unit DC IN to the DC OUT on
the power supply.
Use the MAINS power cord to connect the Power Supply to the MAINS
power outlet matching the voltage specifications on the Power Supply rear
panel.
VISCPRO® for Windows® XP
VISCPRO® is a powerful software product designed to provide a generic
instrument interface for controlling and operating your CANNON
instrument(s) via computer. All instrument functions necessary for testing
are controlled via computer. VISCPRO® also includes reporting/analysis
modules for processing and displaying sample data.
®
®
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
Installing VISCPRO® software
T o install the VISCPRO® software, follow the instructions below in the
sequence presented. Make certain that you complete the sections on
checking instrument settings and initial calibration data. If you encounter
difficulties at any stage in the installation process, call CANNON
service at 814-353-8000.
Computer requirements
Consult CANNON® Instrument Company at 814-353-8000 for current
computer specifications. The computer should be a PC with a working
version of the Windows
®
XP® operating system installed.
7
®
Windows® XP
®
installation
Installation actions
1. Turn on your computer. Wait for the Windows® software to load.
2. Insert the VISCPRO
®
installation CD-ROM into the disk drive. If the
installation program does not begin automatically , click the Control
Panel option from the W indows
®
Start Bar. Then double-click the
Add/Remove Programs icon and follow the Windows® prompts to
complete the installation procedure. The executable file for
VISCPRO® software installation is SETUP.EXE.
The installation program will:
create a directory for your program files. The default directory is
C:\Program Files\Cannon Instrument\VISCPRO.
write SETUP information to the Windows
®
registry.
copy the software executable file and other necessary files to the
directory you specify.
update other files in your Windows
compatible with the current VISCPRO® software.
place a shortcut icon for the VISCPRO
Windows
®
desktop.
®
directories to versions fully
®
executable file on your
place a copy of the VISCPRO database in the appropriate directory
for your operating system (see table below). The installation CDROM copy of the SAMPLES.MDB file contains initial factory
calibration data unique to that instrument.
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CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
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8
Running the software
the VISCPRO II icon
Title Bar
Menu Bar
Sample
Input
window
Provide power to the miniQV-X instrument, and verify serial connections
to the computer. To load your newly-installed VISCPRO® software,
double-click on the VISCPRO
®
icon on your Windows® desktop (Win-
dows® NT® users can click St art/All Programs/VISCPRO/VISCPRO
2.0).
If you received a configuration disk with your installation package, the
software may have already been preconfigured with instrument settings
unique to your laboratory, including instrument type(s), tube range and
serial #, and calibration constants. In a moment, we will verify these
settings. The image below demonstrates a typical screen configuration:
Status bar
Analysis
window
Status bar
The VISCPRO® primary display
The VISCPRO® primary display window is framed on the top by the
VISCPRO® title bar and menu bar, and on the bottom by the VISCPRO
status bar. The application window can be user -configured to include child
windows (Sample Input or Machine Status windows, Analyses) which can
be opened and closed independently . The Sample Input window describes
your CANNON® instrument and provides controls for running tests. The
Analysis window presents data from miniQV-X tests.
®
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
The Sample Input window
9
NOTE
If the Sample Input window does not appear when the software loads, click
View Instrument from the Main menu, then click the desired instrument
group (type of instrument, e.g. miniQV-X, CCS, CA V-2100) from the list of
available instruments and click OK. If the Available Instruments list box is
blank, your miniQV-X instrument may not be on-line. Check cable connections and make certain the unit power switch is ON.
The Data Table analysis/report window (displays data from completed tests)
Checking configuration
Initial configuration
The installation CD-ROM copy of the SAMPLES.MDB file contains
initial factory calibration data unique to that instrument.
CANNON
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
10
NOTE
Configuration protection
Logging in
If you wish to restore the original configuration, archive your sample data
before doing so (see Chapter 13 for information on using the Database
Manager software). Then copy the original SAMPLES.MDB file from the
CD-ROM to the database directory corresponding to your operating
system (see table, previous page).
Follow the procedures in the next several sections of this chapter to
verify/edit the instrument and calibration settings to ensure that they
conform to the actual characteristics of your CANNON® instrument.
It is not necessary to log in to view current instrument settings. However,
to change the configuration settings, you must log in to the security
system as a manager. The software is installed with a default Manager
account. This account has no password, allowing any operator access to
manager-level software functions as long as the password is not activated/changed. If you would like to engage the full-release security
options, see Security Options in Chapter 4 for instructions.
1. Use your mouse to click Main from the VISCPRO® menu bar.
2. Click Log In from the Main menu options.
3. Click on the
to display the list of registered users.
4. Click Manager. Do NOT enter a password unless you have previously set up the Manager account with a password.
5. Click OK. The Log In window will close automatically and you will
be logged in as management personnel.
Checking Instrument Settings
1. Use your mouse to click (select) Configure from the VISCPRO
menu bar.
2. Select your instrument from the list of available instruments (there
may be only one instrument in the list).
(arrow) on the right side of the User Name: list box
®
CANNON
3. Select Instrument Settings from the list of configuration options.
The Instrument Settings window will appear.
®
miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— October, 2008; CANNON
2139 High Tech Road • State College, PA 16803 • USA
®
Instrument Company
You will use the Instrument Settings window (see below) to describe
and control miniQV-X instrument operational features. These settings
affect the instrument as a whole. Check the instrument settings for your
instrument per the instructions below , and make any necessary changes:
11
Prompt options
The Instrument Settings window
Use the ID field to input instrument identification information using up to
16 alphanumeric characters.
The S/N: field (non-editable) indicates the serial number from the label
on the miniQV-X rear service panel.
The Prompt for Check Standards options permit you to set a computer-
ized “alarm clock” which will pop up a message reminder to run a check
standard based on the schedule you set with the control. Notice that you
can specify a reminder after “x” number of days and/or “x” number of
samples. Click the check box(es) to enable/disable each reminder.
When you have verified all settings, click OK.
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Viewing/editing setup information
NOTE
For first-time installation, make certain that the factory-prepared Configuration file has been copied to the Default Data directory per instructions
on page 7 of manual. If your instrument has already been configured,
you can use the instructions in this section of the manual to check or, if
necessary, change the instrument settings.
1. Click Configure from the VISCPRO® menu bar .
2. Select your instrument group and instrument from the list of available instruments.
3. Select Tray Settings: Tube and Bath from the list of configuration
options. The Tray Settings: Tube and Bath window will appear.
CANNON
The Tray Settings: Tube and Bath window
The Tray Settings: Tube and Bath window contains setup information
for each tube associated with your instrument. On multiple-tube CANNON instruments, you can click on the tube tabs to see the setup information for different tubes.
4. Verify that the tube serial number (Tube S/N) is correct. If it is not,
input the correct serial number in the text box.
Each tube should have
a unique serial number!
5. Verify the presence of calibration values (C and E) for each
bulb. If calibration data is not
available, the default values
are C=1 and E=0.
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Sample calibration constants
Manually changing tube calibration constants
If you discovered any errors in the values of the calibration constants (see
previous section), follow the directions in this section to manually correct
them using calibration information previously obtained for your unit. If
the calibration values are correct, instrument setup is complete.
13
Procedure
NOTE
This procedure for manually entering/changing calibration constants
bypasses the normal calibration procedure. To ensure the most accurate
viscosity readings, CANNON® Instrument Company recommends that the
instrument be calibrated per the calibration procedure outlined in Chapter 3.
1. Log in as a Manager and click Configure from the VISCPRO® menu
bar.
2. Select your instrument from the list of available instruments.
3. Select Calibration from the list of configuration options. The
Calibration window will appear (see next page).
The Calibration window provides controls for calibrating each bulb of
any viscometer associated with your instrument. You can click on the
bulb spin controls
to display current constants and valid check
standard data available for calibration of each bulb.
1. Make sure that the spin controls for Bulb are set to “1”:
CANNON
This corresponds to the bottom bulb in the tube.
2. Check the values for the calibration constant(s) as they appear at the
bottom of the window:
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The Calibration window
Compare this value to your archive of the calibration constant data (if
available) for bulb 1. The values should be identical.
3. If they are not, place your cursor in the appropriate field, delete the
entry, then type the correct values for the constant in the text box.
4. Click Update tube
5. Use the bulb spin controls
to select the other bulb(s) for which
you noted calibration constant errors. Input the correct values for
Make certain to click Update Tube after you have corrected C
each.
and E calibration values for each bulb BEFORE selecting the next
bulb.
6. When you have entered corrected constant values for each bulb on
both tubes, click
to exit the Calibration window.
You have verified the software configuration of VISCPRO
samples with your instrument, follow the instructions in Chapter 2. For
additional details regarding operating procedures for your instrument or
software, consult the appropriate section of this manual.
Checking Wash and Advanced Settings
.
®
. T o test
CANNON
T o check Wash Settings for your miniQV-X instrument, click Configure
from the VISCPRO menu options and select the desired instrument. Then
click Tray Settings: Wash. The Tray Settings: Wash window will
appear.
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Compare the values in the Tray Settings: W ash window with your
archived values and make any necessary changes; then click OK.
T o check Advanced Settings for your miniQV-X instrument, click
Configure from the VISCPRO menu options and select the desired
instrument. Then click Tray Settings: Advanced. The Tray Settings:
Advanced window will appear .
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Compare the values in the Tray Settings: Advanced window with your
archived values and make any necessary changes; then click OK.
Preparing the miniQV-X for testing
Inserting the miniQV-X temperature probes/reference thermometer
Inserting the probes
miniQV-X top bath flange
The temperature probe and thermal fuse probe are semi-permanently
installed. Initial installation or replacement requires removal of the top
cover of the bath unit. The probes are inserted through the narrow
aperture on the top bath flange and held in place with a sliding metal
plate (friction fitting) secured with a thumbscrew .
Inserting the thermometer
CAUTION
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miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
The ASTM reference thermometer/adapter assembly can be inserted
through the grommet in the bath top cover and through the larger circular
aperture on the top bath flange (see photo image above). The assembly
includes a stop collar with set screw that can be adjusted to vary the
thermometer height.
Do NOT insert a reference thermometer while the miniQV-X bath impeller is operating, as damage to the thermometer and/or viscometer tube
may result. Make certain to insert the appropriate reference thermometer
for the current bath temperature! Use appropriate safety procedures
when handling the thermometer, as it contains mercury.
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NOTE
If using the ERTCO-HART 12” temperature probe in place of the ASTM
thermometer, it will be necessary to remove the grommet in the bath top
cover prior to inserting the probe. The probe will seat properly in the
aperture left by the grommet removal.
Adjusting Vacuum/Pressure settings
T o adjust the vacuum setting for the miniQV-X, click Service from the
VISCPRO menu options and select the desired instrument group and
instrument. Then click Adjust V acuum/Pressure to open the Adjust
Vacuum/Pressure window .
Select the desired adjustment (vacuum or pressure) and then follow the
screen prompts to complete the adjustment procedure, using the appropriate controls on the instrument side (“ear”) panel. The prompts will
display recommended vacuum/pressure settings and will also indicate
how adjustments may be made to alter the settings.
Setting bath temperature
WARNING
Prior to setting the bath temperature, ensure that the reference thermometer in the bath is suitable for the desired temperature range. If not,
remove thermometer from the bath. If the bath temperature rises above
the range of the thermometer, it may be damaged. Mercury thermometers pose particular problems, since mercury from a damaged
thermo-meter may circulate with bath fluid.
T o set the temperature:
1. Load the VISCPRO® software and click Configuration.
2. Select the miniQV-X from the list of available instruments and click
Tray Settings: Tube and Bath.
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3. Select the desired unit of temperature measurement (°C or °F).
4. T ype the desired temperature in the Bath Temp: field. Acceptable
NOTES
The miniQV-X will not allow sample testing until the instrument has
equilibrated temperature at the test temperature.
To cancel temperature selection before completing the procedure, click
Cancel.
After the target temperature has been set, the miniQV-X bath temperature
will be adjusted to the target temperature and the bath will equilibrate at
the test temperature. The VISCPRO II software always displays the
current and target bath temperature in the Sample Input window.
Checking wash functions
T o ensure function of the solvent wash system, follow the procedure
below:
1. Place an empty vial in the sample tray position 1.
values are any numbers between 20°C and 100°C. If necessary , you
may use the decimal point key to input temperature to the nearest
0.01°C. Press OK to save the temperature setting.
CANNON
2. Select Wash viscometer tube to open the Wash viscometer tube
window.
3. Click Begin Wash to initiate the wash cycle. The Status: indicator
will display and update current actions.
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Bypass .... option
NOTES
Training tube sensors
NOTES
CAUTION
T o begin washing an evacuated sample cup, click the option box to make
certain that the Bypass initial cup evacuation option is selected. Do not
use this option with a filled cup or the cup will overflow.
4. When the Wash cycle has been completed, click Done to exit the
Wash viscometer tube window.
The Wash operation cannot be executed if the tube is currently running a
sample. To terminate the Wash cycle at any time, click Abort Wash.
The Wash viscometer tube function overrides automatic miniQV-X
software operations. Verify that the tubes are clean and dry before
initiating computer-controlled sample testing.
miniQV-X tube sensors must be trained in order for the instrument to
properly perform test functions. To train miniQV-X sensors, follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.
The temperature should be calibrated prior to training the miniQV-X tube
sensors.
Calibrating the miniQV-X
Notes on computer-directed miniQV-X operation
Reporting data
T o ensure accurate test results, your instrument may need to be calibrated. If necessary , follow the instructions in Chapter 3 to calibrate your
miniQV-X temperature probe and viscometer tube.
A computer is required for miniQV-X operation. The computer provides
for automatic control of miniQV-X functions using the VISCPRO
®
controlling software. Computer control permits data entry of up to ten
different sample IDs. Each of the identified samples can then be tested
with the miniQV-X instrument.
T est data for the samples is automatically saved to the VISCPRO
®
database for future reporting/data collection. Additionally, several reports
(analyses) may be used to calculate and display kinematic viscosity and
viscosity index (VI) values. See the chapters on VISCPRO® analyses for
further information.
All analyses provide a dynamic reporting option which can dynamically
display and transmit test results as testing is completed. Data can be sent
to your computer screen, printer, and/or serial port for in-house data
collection. See Chapter 6 for more information on configuring analyses.
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CANNON
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miniAV®-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
Version 1.0— February, 2008; CANNON
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CHAPTER
21
2
Turning on the miniQV-X
Testing samples
Loading software
TESTING SAMPLES WITH THE
miniQV-X AUTOMATIC VISCOMETER
This chapter of the manual will provide information on testing samples
using the miniQV-X. Observe the safety cautions noted in the introductory chapter when operating equipment. The miniQV-X should only be
operated by qualified personnel.
Turn on the miniQV-X Bath Unit using the power switch on the power
supply unit.
1. Turn on the computer and load the miniQV-X software by doubleclicking the VISCPRO® II icon on the Desktop.
NOTES
NOTES
If the software is already loaded, use your computer mouse to click Main
from the menu bar and click Poll for Instruments from the Main menu
options. This will establish communications between the computer and
the on-line instrument.
Permit the bath to stabilize at test temperature before testing samples.
2. Pour sample material into the glass
vial(s). For 20 mL vials, fill only half
full, as the viscometer tube will
displace sample in the vial. Approximately 10 mL of sample should be
sufficient for testing in either bulb of
the viscometer.
Do not overfill the vials. Sample overflow
may create problems for the tube
cleaning cycle.
You should periodically test calibration
check standards per your established
laboratory procedures. Recalibrate the
miniQV-X (see Chapter 3, Calibration) if
result variance warrants.
CANNON
3. Place the sample vials in the
carousel.
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miniAV®-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
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Filled sample vial
22
4 Check the thermometer in the temperature bath to make sure the bath
is holding the proper temperature. If necessary, calibrate the miniQVX temperature control probe using the temperature calibration
procedure in Chapter 3.
5. Open the View Instrument Group window (if it is not already open)
by clicking View Instrument from the Main menu and selecting the
desired instrument group from the list box (see Chapter 4 for more
information).
CANNON
The
View Instrument Group
window
6. Select the desired group ID and click OK to display the Sample
Input View .
The Sample Input window (miniQV-X four--bath system)
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Then click the Tray tab corresponding with the desired miniQV-X.
7. Double-click on Sample ID (1) with the left mouse button to access
the sample ID data entry field (or press 2).
8. Enter sample ID information in the sample list box using your
computer keyboard. After you have typed the sample ID, press the
T key to complete the entry and move the cursor to the next
Sample ID field. Or press R to complete the entry .
23
NOTE
NOTE
Running check standards
Once sample information is entered, the software automatically assigns
a sample action, Measure Sample Viscosity, for the sample. If you do not
enter a sample ID, the sample is automatically labeled Unknown.
T o select or change a sample action, highlight the appropriate Sample
ID(s) using the mouse or arrow keys, then click the RIGHT mouse
button to access sample action options:
Then you may select the desired action by highlighting it with the
mouse and clicking the left mouse button.
For additional information on software data entry features, including
multiple sample selection and cut & paste options, see Testing
samples—software options in Chapter 4.
If Verify Known KV is selected as the test option for a sample, the
Viscosity Action window will open automatically. Enter the neces-
sary check standard data, including the Check Standard viscosity
from the standard bottle, and click OK to complete data entry . To
revise or confirm standard data, right-click on the desired sample ID
from the list box and select Configure from the popup menu choices.
NOTE
CANNON
See Chapter 4 for additional information on the Viscosity Action window.
9. Continue entering sample information for all desired trays. When
sample ID data entry is complete, check the Tray Status window to
verify that all trays are ready for testing.
10. Click on the RUN button at the bottom of the Sample Input win-
dow . The Select Trays window will open if more than one miniQVX instrument is online.
11. If necessary, click on the check box(es) to select the desired prepared
“tray” (sample sequence) for automatic testing. For the miniQV-X, a
tray corresponds to the miniQV-X instrument. Then click OK to
begin the miniQV-X test(s).
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Pausing a test
T o temporarily halt testing for a given tube/sample, click the Pause
button from the Sample Input window . Then select the desired tray
(miniQV-X instrument) and pause action(s) from the Select T rays
window (Pause Now will immediately pause test actions; Pause after
current sample will pause testing after the current test is complete).
Click OK to pause testing for the selected tray(s).
NOTE
Resuming a test
Aborting a test
NOTE
Concluding a test
If the test was paused prior to the initiation of the Wash cycle, drop time
data for that sample will be discarded.
T o resume test actions for paused trays, click the Resume button from
the Sample Input window. Then select the desired trays from the Select
Trays window. Click OK to resume sample testing (see note above).
To permanently halt testing for a given tube/tray, click the Abort button
from the Sample Input window . Then select the desired trays from the
Select Trays window. Click OK to abort testing for the selected tray.
Aborting a test clears all sample test information for that tray. If test
actions are aborted, it is the responsibility of the user to restore the
instrument to a safe state before running tests (see Service menu
options in chapter 4 for more information on tube washing and drying).
After automatic testing has been completed, make certain that:
1. the sample vial carrier is in the lowered position.
NOTE
CANNON
CAUTION
Use appropriate procedures when handling warm sample vials to avoid
the possibility of burns.
2. the Machine Status (as indicated in the VISCPRO® Sample Input
Machine Status window), is READY, and
3. the T ray Status for the tube, as indicated in the VISCPRO
Input Tray Status window, is IDLE. Kinematic viscosity for any
tested samples will be displayed in the Sample Action column in the
action list for the selected tube.
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miniQV-X Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual
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Sample
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