Advanced Digital
Melting Point
Apparatus
User Guide
Version 1.1
Advanced Digital Melting Point Apparatus
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Cole-Parmer product. To get the best performance from the
equipment, and for your own safety, please read these instructions carefully before use.
Before discarding the packaging check that all parts are present and correct.
This equipment is designed to operate under the following conditions:
❖ For indoor use only
❖ Use in a well ventilated area
❖ Ambient temperature range 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)
❖ Altitude to 2000 m (6500 ft)
❖ Relative humidity not exceeding 80%
❖ Mains supply fluctuations not exceeding 10% of nominal
❖ Overvoltage category II IEC60364-4-443
❖ Pollution degree 2 IEC664
❖ Use with a minimum distance all round of 200 mm (8 in.) from walls or other items
If the equipment is not used in the manner described in this manual and with accessories other than
those recommended by the manufacturer, the protection provided may be impaired.
Electrical installation
THIS INSTRUMENT MUST BE GROUNDED
Before connection please ensure that the line supply corresponds to that stated on the
rating label.
Power requirements:
03012-27 81 W Universal 120-230 V
The Advanced Digital Melting Point Apparatus is provided with a NEMA 5-15 plug for 120 V
installations and a UK 3-pin and a “Schuko” 2-pin plug for 230 V installations.
Should the cable not be suitable for connecting to the power supply, replace the plug with a suitable
alternative.
THIS OPERATION SHOULD ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN BY A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.
NOTE: Refer to the equipment rating plate to ensure that the plug and fusing are suitable for the
voltage and wattage stated.
The wires in the power cable (120 V) are colored as follows:
BLACK - HOT/LIVE
WHITE - NEUTRAL
GREEN – EARTH
The wires in the power cable (230 V) are colored as follows:
BROWN - HOT/LIVE
BLUE - NEUTRAL
GREEN/YELLOW – EARTH
IF IN DOUBT CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN
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Should the power cable need replacing, a cable of 1mm2 of harmonized code H05W-F connected to
an IEC320 plug should be used.
The appropriate power cable should be connected BEFORE connection to the power supply.
General Description
The Cole-Parmer Advanced Digital Melting Point Apparatus has been designed for fast and accurate
determination of melting points. Up to three samples can be tested simultaneously within the
optimized heating block. The tubes are illuminated with bright white LED's to give a clear view of the
samples during the melt. It is possible to record up to seven events in memory for each of the three
sample tubes, recording both the temperature stamping and the date and time of the melt. There is
also a large backlit LCD on the control panel that clearly guides the user through the melting process
and is switchable between English, Spanish, German, French and Italian.
This unit features a unique "head-up" display, programmable methods, and a two-stage viewing head
adjustment for more comfortable viewing angles and easy storage. The “head-up” feature projects a
floating image of the block temperature in the same viewing field as the magnified tubes. This
integrated display eliminates the need for the user to constantly switch their gaze between the tubes
and the temperature shown on the control panel. Three methods can be programmed for repeated
use with the plateau temperature and heating rate being fully customizable. Additionally, up to seven
melt temperatures per capillary tube can be saved and recalled on the LCD. The two-stage head
adjustment allows the viewing tube to be adjusted towards the user and tilted up/down for the
individual user. When not in use, the viewing head can be stored safely back within the body of the
unit for storage.
Available separately is an accessory printer to produce a hard-copy record of the melts and
different types of capillary tubes. Please visit the Cole-Parmer website www.coleparmer.com for
further information.
Safety Advice
Users should be aware of the following safety advice:
❖ HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DANGEROUS as they can cause serious burns to operators and
ignite combustible material.
❖ USE CARE AND WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES TO PROTECT HANDS.
❖ DO NOT use combustible substances near hot objects.
❖ NEVER lift or carry the instrument until it has been switched off and allowed to cool for at least
30 minutes.
❖ The unit should be carried using both hands with the fingers under the side edges.
❖ NEVER move or carry the unit while still connected to the power supply.
❖ DO NOT position the unit such that it is difficult to disconnect it from the power by removing the
power cable from the socket at the back or where the ventilation slots at the back of the sample
block are obstructed.
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Before Use
Place the Advanced Digital Melting Point Apparatus on a firm, level surface and adjust the viewing
tube so that it is at a convenient viewing angle. Connect to the power supply and switch the unit ON
using the power On/Off switch. When the instrument is first switched on the display will show the
welcome screen. Then after a short pause, the display will change to the main menu screen.
Caution: The heating block may be HOT. As a precaution for the user, all menu screens
display the time and current block temperature.
NOTE: If the unit has been used recently the block may be too hot for your sample. If this is the
case, press the stop button and allow the unit to cool before proceeding.
Operation
The Advanced Digital Melting Point Apparatus has been designed to give both quick and accurate
results as well as measure and record the temperatures of crystalline samples held within the capillary
tubes. Melting point samples are placed in a glass capillary tube which is placed in the aluminum
block inside the sample chamber. This block is heated and the sample observed through the
magnifying lens on the viewing tube until the melt occurs. The melting point temperature is displayed
inside the eyepiece (of the viewing tube) on the head-up display (see Figure 3) or on the control
panel's LCD (see Figure 4). The temperature ranges from ambient to 400°C and the heating rate is
variable between 0.5°C per minute and 10°C per minute. Once the melt is started, the unit will heat
up to the pre-programmed plateau temperature at the maximum rate before stabilizing at the plateau
temperature for 120 seconds. An alarm will sound to indicate that the unit is ready to start heating at
the pre-programmed rate. Once the melt has occurred and the cycle stopped, cooling is automatic
to ambient temperature.
109.5°C
Figure 3:
Temperature shown
on inside of viewing tube
09:00 109.5°C
RAMPING AT 1.0°C/min
DONE 108.3°C 109.5°C 109.2°C
Figure 4:
Temperature shown on LCD
on control panel
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