Nova-Tech PMB Moisture Analyzer User Manual

PMB Moisture Analyzer

(P.N. 9618, Revision D, June 2009)

Adam Equipment

Software revisions V1.27 and up

Easy Reference:

Model name of the analyzer: Serial number of the unit: Software revision number

(Displayed when power is first turned on): Date of Purchase:

Name of the supplier and place:

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1.0 CONTENTS

1.0 CONTENTS ...........................................................................................................................1

2.0 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................3

3.0 SET UP ..................................................................................................................................5

3.1 UNPACKING AND SETTING UP YOUR ANALYZER....................................................................................5

3.2 ASSEMBLING THE ANALYZER....................................................................................................................6

3.3 LEVELLING THE ANALYZER........................................................................................................................7

3.4 WARM-UP TIME............................................................................................................................................7

3.5 LOCATING AND PROTECTING YOUR ANALYZER.....................................................................................8

3.6 SAFETY.........................................................................................................................................................9

4.0 DISPLAY and KEYPAD ......................................................................................................13

4.1 NUMERIC ENTRY METHOD.......................................................................................................................15

5.0 REAR PANEL INTERFACES..............................................................................................16

5.1 POWER........................................................................................................................................................16

5.2 DATA INTERFACES....................................................................................................................................16

5.2.1 FILES ON A USB MEMORY DEVICE ............................................................................................17

5.3 SECURITY LOCK ........................................................................................................................................17

6.1 SETUP OF METHOD...................................................................................................................................18

6.1.1 MANUALLY SETTING TEST PROCEDURES.................................................................................20

6.1.2 PRINT CURRENT SETTINGS.........................................................................................................26

6.2 STORE TEST SETTINGS...........................................................................................................................27

6.3 RECALL TEST SETTINGS ..........................................................................................................................28

6.4 DELETE TEST SETTINGS ..........................................................................................................................29

6.5 REVIEW TEST SETTINGS.........................................................................................................................29

6.6 STORE and RECALLING TEST SETTINGS FROM USB MEMORY...........................................................29

7.0 RUNNING A TEST...............................................................................................................33

8.0 PRINT AND STORE RESULTS...........................................................................................37

8.1 PRINTING FINAL TEST RESULTS .............................................................................................................37

8.2 STORING TEST RESULTS .........................................................................................................................37

8.3 RECALLING TEST RESULTS ...................................................................................................................38

8.4 DELETING TEST RESULTS......................................................................................................................38

9.0 STORING RESULTS IN USB MEMORY.............................................................................40

10.0 ANALYZER MENUS............................................................................................................42

10.1 SUPERVISOR MENUS................................................................................................................................42

10.1.1 SERIAL INTERFACE PARAMETERS.............................................................................................44

10.1.2 SETUP PARAMETERS...................................................................................................................45

10.1.3 CALIBRATION.................................................................................................................................47

10.1.3.1 MASS CALIBRATION.....................................................................................................................47

10.1.3.2 TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION.....................................................................................................48

10.1.3.3 CALIBRATION REPORT.................................................................................................................51

10.1.4 PASSCODES ..................................................................................................................................52

10.1.4.1 FORGOTTEN PASSCODES...........................................................................................................52

10.2 STORE AND RECALL ANALYZER SETTING FROM USB MEMORY.......................................................53

11.0 SERIAL INTERFACE..........................................................................................................56

11.1 RS-232 HARDWARE ...................................................................................................................................56

11.2 USB SERIAL HARDWARE ..........................................................................................................................56

11.3 INPUT COMMANDS ....................................................................................................................................57

11.4 PRINTING RESULTS...................................................................................................................................57

11.5 ANALYZER CONFIGURATION THROUGH THE SERIAL INTERFACE.....................................................60

11.5.1 TEST PARAMETERS......................................................................................................................60

11.5.2 ANALYZER SETUP PARAMETERS ...............................................................................................61

11.5.3 ANALYZER RECALL PARAMETERS .............................................................................................62

11.5.4 REQUEST VALUES OF PARAMETERS........................................................................................ 62

11.6 CONTINUOUS OUTPUT .............................................................................................................................63

12.0 SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES.......................................................................................64

13.0 MENU STRUCTURE............................................................................................................67

14.0 SAMPLE PREPARATION...................................................................................................73

15.0 GUIDANCE NOTES.............................................................................................................75

16.0 WARRANTY STATEMENT ................................................................................................80

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2.0 INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the PMB Moisture Analyzer.

This Instruction Manual will familiarize you with the installation, accessories, trouble-shooting, after sales service information, general maintenance of the analyzer, etc. and will guide you through the various applications. Please read this Manual thoroughly before starting the operation. If you need any clarifications, feel free to contact your supplier or Adam Equipment.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The PMB Moisture analyzers are ideal for laboratory and general purpose weighing.

FEATURES:

• Large easy to read LCD display with

backlight

• Bi-directional RS-232 interface and

USB interface.

• USB Host connection for memory

device

• Can be configured to print a GLP

Compliant report after each calibration to include the time, date, analyzer number and a verification of the calibration

• 400 watt Halogen Heater

• Rapid heat Function

• Capacity tracker

• Date and time

• Easy to use, sealed keypad

• Password protection

• Security locking point

• Multiple languages for display and

printing

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3.0 SET UP

3.1 UNPACKING

AND SETTING UP YOUR ANALYZER

Remove the analyzer from the packing by carefully lifting it out of the box. Inside the box you will find everything needed to start using the analyzer-

9 AC power cable 9 Pan Support 9 Stainless Steel Lower Chamber Insert 9 Sample Pan Lifter 9 Sample Pans (x10) 9 Spare Fuse, T5Amp 9 This User Manual

For PMB supplied from the USA only:

9 RS-232 Interface Cable for use with a PC 9 USB to PC cable 9 USB driver software on CD

IMPORTANT: Before applying power the analyzer make sure the analyzer is configured for the power in your area. The analyzer will have a label on the rear panel showing the voltage required. 115VAC (±10%) or 230VAC (±10%). If the label does not match your power do not attempt to use the analyzer, damage to the analyzer could result.

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3.2 ASSEMBLING

THE ANALYZER

For best performance, let the analyzer warm up for 30 minutes before using.

z Locate the analyzer on a solid

surface, free from vibration with good ventilation around it.

z Place the lower reflector (1) into

the base of the weighing chamber

z Gently place the pan support

(2) into the access hole. Rotate to position.

z Place the sample pan lifter (3)

into the weighing chamber, rotate so the tangs on the lifter do not interfere with the pan supports and the handle exits the chamber using one of the gaps in the cover.

z Place an empty aluminium

weighing tray (4) on the pan support

z Level the analyzer using the

adjustable feet and spirit level

For some applications it is desirable to run the analyzer in a dummy run to warm up the weighing chamber and the surrounding area before doing the actual test. See section 14 for other ideas to help ensure accurate test results.

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3.3 LEVELLING THE ANALYZER

After placing the analyzer in a suitable location, level it by using the spirit level on the rear of the analyzer. To level the analyzer turn the two

3.4 WARM-UP TIME

adjustable feet at the rear of the analyzer until the bubble in the spirit level is centred.

Attach the power supply cable to the connector on the rear of the analyzer. The master power switch is on the rear panel, next to the mains cable. Turn the power on. The display will indicate the analyzer serial number and the software revision number followed by the capacity of the analyzer. Next the analyzer will run a self-test by displaying all segments. The display will show zero weight

accompanied by the Î0Í symbol. Before you start weighing, you have to wait for the analyzer to achieve a stable internal temperature. In addition it may be necessary for some material test to preheat the weighing chamber so that the delay to reach operating temperature is minimised.

A stable sign

~ is shown when the analyzer is in

stable condition. It will turn off if the analyzer is

not stable.

Exact zero is shown when the “Î0Í “ symbol

is on to the left of the display area.

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3.5 LOCATING AND PROTECTING YOUR ANALYZER

In order to keep your analyzer functioning at its best we suggest that you do the following:

Avoid extremes of temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight or near air conditioning vents.

Make sure there are no heat sensitive or flammable material above the analyzer. The exhaust from the weighing chamber can be very hot.

Make sure the analyzer is located on a strong table and free from vibration.

Avoid unstable power sources. Do not use near large users of electricity such as welding equipment or large motors.

Keep free from vibration. Do not place near heavy or vibrating machinery.

Avoid high humidity that might cause condensation. Keep away from direct contact with water. Do not spray or immerse the analyzers in water.

Do not place near open windows, airconditioning vents or fans that may cause a draft and unstable readings.

Keep the analyzers clean. Clean up spills in the weighing chamber before they become baked on.

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3.6 SAFETY

This Moisture Analyzer complies with the European Council Directives and international standards for electromagnetic compatibility, and safety requirements.

Improper use or handling can result in damage or injury. To prevent damage to the equipment, read these operating instructions

thoroughly. Keep these instructions in a safe place. For safe and dependable operation please follow these instructions.

• The Moisture Analyzer is used for determination of the moisture in

samples. Do not use it for any other purpose. Improper use is dangerous and can cause injury or damage to other property.

• The Moisture Analyzer must be operated as described in this manual. The

environment must be controlled so that hazardous materials or conditions are not present.

• The Moisture Analyzer must be operated only by trained personnel who

are familiar with the properties of the samples used and with the operation of the instrument. Do not leave the analyzer unattended when running a test.

• Make sure before getting started that the voltage printed on the rear panel

is identical to your local voltage.

• Your Moisture Analyzer is supplied with a 3-pin power cable with a

grounding conductor. Use cables that meet the safety standards for your location and include the earth ground conductor.

• DO NOT disconnect the earth ground connection.

• The mains cable should not touch the enclosure where it can be heated

during the test.

• Remove the power cable if the Moisture Analyzer is serviced.

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• Protect the Moisture Analyzer from external liquids. Clean any spills

immediately.

• If there are any visible damage to the Moisture Analyzer or the power

cable, Stop using the instrument immediately. Unplug the power and isolate the analyzer. Do not use until the faults have been repaired.

• All repairs must be done by a trained technician. There are no user

serviceable parts in the enclosure.

• Contact Adam Equipment or your dealer for assistance.

HOT SURFACES

• During test the cover of the heating chamber can become very hot,

especially near the top vent. Keep all material away from the vent area. Do not touch hot surfaces.

• leave 20 cm (about 8 inches) around the moisture analyzer and 1 m (3 ft.)

above.

• Samples will be hot after a test. Do not use bare fingers to pick up any

samples pans or touch the materials. The internal surfaces of the weighing chamber may be hot for some time after a test.

MATERIALS

• The PMB moisture analyzer is not suitable for all materials. During the

drying process samples will be heated to high temperatures. Materials that are flammable or explosive should not be tested.

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• Materials that emit toxic, caustic or noxious fumes should only be tested in

suitable fume hoods or with other ventilation.

• Materials that will have a film on the surface during drying may cause high

internal pressures to be present. These materials should not be tested using this method.

• Materials that emit aggressive or corrosive fumes (such as acids) should

be tested using small quantities of material in an area with good ventilation.

• See Section 14 for further information on sample preparation.

The user shall be liable and responsible for any damage that arises in connection with this moisture analyzer.

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4.0 DISPLAY AND KEYPAD

The LCD has unique symbols to indicate the following:

Î0Í

Zero Stable

Net

Net weight A bar graph indicating the proportion of

the analyzer capacity being used by the weight on the pan

Note: Some symbols shown on the display are not used in the analyzers. During the moisture test the main display will show the percent moisture. It can be switched to other values using the [Dspl] key. For example current mass. The secondary display will show the elapsed time and temperature during a test. Typical Displays that would be used are:

Weighing: Showing no weight on the pan, stable and at zero point.

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During a typical Moisture test:

Showing a test in progress for 13:25, with a current temperature of 123ºC and

20.05% moisture, the test is still running.

The keypad has second function keys to allow a selected menu item or value to be incremented or changed. Right/left shift to change the active digit and up/down to increment or decrement a value. The keypad has the following keys to operate the analyzer.

Keys Primary function Secondary function

[Î0/TÍ] or [Esc]

[Start]

[Test] / Ð or

[Down]

To turn the analyzer to ON or Standby

A combined zero and tare function To escape from setup functions

To begin the moisture test after all settings and sample preparation has been completed. During a test, used to stop the test.

-Selects moisture test parameters such as temperature, method, results.

and modes

-Scrolls through menu options To decrement or change a displayed value

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[PST] / Î or

[Right]

[Print] / Í or

[Left]

[Dspl] / Ï or

[Up]

[Setup/Enter]

Store or Recall pre-stored test parameters.

Instructs the analyzer to print data To advance a flashing digit by

Changes the display to read other data during a moisture test.

Enters the Setup parameters (Supervisor Menus)

4.1 NUMERIC ENTRY METHOD

To advance a flashing digit by one position to the right. To go back by one step during setup functions

one position to the left To increase or change a

displayed value or scroll through options forward

Enters a function or saves a value while manually entering unit weight or check weighing limits

To set a value when required, use the keys as given below-

- [Dspl/Up] and [Test/Down] keys to increase or decrease the flashing digit

- [Print/Left] and [PST/Right] keys to advance or move back the digit

- [Setup/Enter] key to accept the value

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5.0 REAR PANEL INTERFACES

The rear panel has connectors for the data interface, fuse holder, security lock location and power supply input.

POWER

5.1

Make certain your analyzer is compatible with the mains power supply in your area. If the voltage is not the same the analyzer can be damaged. Contact your supplier if you require assistance.

The fuse should only be replaced with a time lag type fuse of the correct current rating. The fuse is a standard 5 x 20mm size. To replace the fuse remove all power from the analyzer, unscrew the fuse holder cover to extract the old fuse, replace with a new fuse. If the fuse should blow again, the analyzer must be serviced by a qualified service representative. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Contact your supplier.

5.2 DATA

INTERFACES

The analyzer has data interfaces for a variety of applications. The RS232 interface is a general purpose serial interface for communications

with the analyzer, using a DE-9P type connector. Refer to section 11.0 for details of the interface.

The USB I/O interface is similar to the RS-232 in that it is also a serial interface. The functions of the RS-232 and USB I/O are similar. See section

11.0 for more details on using the USB I/O.

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The USB Host is designed to allow a USB memory device to be used as an external memory for the analyzers. The set-up parameters for operation and test procedures can be stored and up-loaded from the memory device. Results of drying test can be stored in the USB memory device. See sections

6.5 and 9.0 for further details on using the USB Host with a memory device. Adam Equipment supply AdamDU Data Collection software that will allow

the user to use the full capabilities of the data interfaces. Contact your supplier or Adam Equipment for more details.

5.2.1 FILES ON A USB MEMORY DEVICE When a USB memory device is used the analyzer will create a series of folders used to store files. These folders are called, REPORT, PRESET, CONFIG and RESULT, all under a master folder called MOISTURE .

X:\ MOISTURE X:\ MOISTURE\REPORT X:\ MOISTURE \PRESET X:\ MOISTURE \CONFIG

X:\ MOISTURE \RESULT Where X is the device letter your computer will assign to the memory device. When the memory device is first plugged into the PMB the memory is

inspected and the folders will be created if they do not already exist. This process may take a few seconds before the analyzer will show a display allowing access to the USB memory.

All files are stored in a text format with a file type of .txt. The files used by the analyzer are all small enough that any size memory device will work.

5.3 SECURITY

LOCK

The centre of the rear panel has a location to mount a Kensington type security lock. Refer to the instructions that come with the lock for details.

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6.0 BASIC OPERATION

When first turned on the analyzer will act as a basic balance showing grams weight on the display.

If a passcode has been set to limit access to the weighing functions of the analyzer the display will show “PASSCODES”. The display will change to show 7 digits set to zero with the rightmost digit flashing. Use the numeric entry method (see section 4.1) to enter the code. Make sure to enter the correct passcode to continue. See the Section 10.1.4 for details.

While in the weighing mode the test conditions for a drying test can be set.

6.1 SETUP

OF MET H O D

The PMB analyzer is set to perform a drying test using a method determined by the user. The drying method can be input from a number of different sources.

• Using the keyboard

• Recalled from the internal memory of the analyzer

• Recalled from a memory stick plugged into the USB host connector

• Entered from a PC using the RS232 or USB interface.

Regardless of the method used it will be necessary to program the analyzer with the following:

Type of test:

• % moisture =100 * ((initial mass - dry mass)/initial mass)

• % solid =100 * (dry mass/initial mass)

• % moisture vs. dry weight =100 * ((initial mass - dry mass)/dry mass)

Also called ATRO Moisture

• % solid vs. dry weight = 100 * (Initial mass/dry mass) Also called ATRO Solid

ATRO Moisture or Solid test are special applications specific to some industries. %Moisture and %Solid are the more common calculations.

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Heat Control

• Single temperature, heat to a set temperature.

• Ramp to temperature, Ramp to final temperature in a user set time.

• Step temperature, heat to Temp 1, for X minutes, then temp 2 for X

minutes, then Temp 3 for X minutes. A maximum of 3 steps can be used.

Set temperatures as required for these options. 50-160ºC. For Ramp set the time to final temperature. For Step set the temperature and the time at each step.

Interval

Set the time interval at which the results are computed and printed. Range is 1 to 99 seconds.

Rapid heat

Set the rapid heat function to be on, off or under user control.

Rapid heat will cause the target temperature to be 145% (or 160ºC, which ever is less) of the value set for Single or the first Step for a time of 3 minutes. For example is the Single temperature is 105ºC, the rapid heat will heat to 105X 1.45= 152ºC for 3 minutes then maintain 105º after that time.

If set to Rapid = Off The rapid heat function is disabled.

Rapid =On The rapid heat function will occur every time a test is started, either manually or automatically.

Rapid = MANUAL When a test is started Manually, the user will be asked if Rapid heat should be used or not.

End Point Determination (manual stop active in all tests)

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• Time, Test ends at the end of a preset time.

• Stable result, test ends if the results are stable within a value set by the

user.

• Time or stable result, combines both methods. Stop whichever occurs

first, a stable result or the end of a preset time.

For timed test the user sets a time of typically 5 minute to 99 minutes

Set stable results criteria. The test will stop when the weight changes less than a preset amount in a preset time. The default setting is 0.002g in 15 seconds for PMB 53, and 0.02g in 15 seconds for PMB 202. The user can set other values depending upon model.

Start Criteria

• Start Manually when the [Start] key is pressed

• Start Automatically when cover lowered.

Delays 5 seconds after cover is down before beginning.

Print settings:

To set if the analyzer should print and store results and when printing if the compete test results or only the summary is printed and stored in the analyzers internal memory.

Default settings (stored in PST 00, see section 6.3) are:

% Moisture Single Temperature = 110ºC Rapid = Off Interval Time = 5 seconds End Point Determination = Time and stable result Time 60minutes, and Stable PMB 53 = 0.002g/15 seconds or Stable PMB 202 = 0.02g/15 seconds Start Criteria = manual start. Print Test = on Print Format = Complete

6.1.1 MANUALLY SETTING TEST PROCEDURES

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Press the [Test] key to set the test procedure. During the process use the numeric entry procedure described in section 4.1 to enter or change a setting.

Pressing [Print] at any time during this procedure will print a list of the current settings. See 6.1.2

Pressing [Tare] will always escape back to normal weighing without a change to the parameter being displayed. Any parameter changed before this time will be accepted.

PROCEDURE

Press [Test] to show “rESULt” with the current setting displayed, Options are “Moisture”, “Solid”, “ATRO Moist”, “ATRO Solid”

Use arrow keys, [Dspl] and [Test], to change and press [Setup/Enter] to continue.

Heating Control, show “HEAt” Options are: “Single”, “Ramp”, “Step”

The next settings will depend upon which heating option was selected:

MOISTURE

result

SINGLE

Keat

ATRO MOIST

result

“Single” Selected Show “Single” “123 C” with the left digit flashing. The user can use the [Menu] key (right arrow) to select another digit or the up and down arrows to set the temperature, Range is 050 C to 160 C

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“Ramp” Selected Show “Ramp” the temperature as above for setting the temperature and then change to “Ramp Time” and “ XX:XX ”, minutes and seconds. Use the arrow keys to select the digit to change. The user can select a time up to 99:59.

RAMP ºC

123

time should be set long enough to allow the heater to warm the sample gently.

SINGLE

123

RAMP TIME

10:00

ºC

RAMP TIME

06:00

The ramp

“Step” Selected Show “Step 1” and set the temperature of step one as for the single heat settings above. When the value is set the display will show “Time 1” to set the time the first step is held. Enter the value as above. The minimum time for step 1 is 3 minutes.

When set press [Setup/Enter] to show “Step 2” and set this temperature and time and then go to “Step 3” and set this temperature and time. If only 2 steps are required set the time for step 3 to 00:00. The analyzer will ignore this setting.

Interval Setting The next setting will be to set the time interval the analyzer uses to determine results and to print the current result. The analyzer will compute the percent moisture or solid at the time interval desired. The new result will be displayed and printed as described below.

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Display “Interval” “Sec XX” The user can change the value using the arrow keys. Range is 01 to 99 Seconds. Typical results will be computed every 515 seconds.

The next setting is the operation of the Rapid heat Function.

Display will show “Rapid”

OFF

rapid

Options are to set Rapid heat to Off, On or User selectable. The Rapid heat function is only active for single or step heating. For ramp heating it is disabled.

INTERVAL

se[10

rapid

USER

rapid

The next setting is the End Point Determination or Stop Condition. Display will show “STOP”

Options are “Time”, “Stable” or “Time/Stab” The next steps will depend upon the option selected.

TIME

St0p

TIME/STAB

St0p

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“Time” selected Enter the time the test should run. The test will stop when this time is reached. Display will show “Min XX”. This sets the minutes to run a test. The range is 04 to 99 minutes.

“Stable” selected Enter the conditions to be used to determine if the results are stable. The amount of weight change to be used to determine if the test is finished, followed by the time to be used for the weight to change. For example 0.006g in 15 seconds would be a typical setting. Longer times or (smaller weight changes) could be used to ensure better stability or shorter times (larger weight changes) to ensure a faster determination. For example 0.006g in 5 seconds will end a test quicker (but possibly less accurately ) than 0.002g in 15 seconds. The user sets the weight first, then the time,

Display shows “ STAB RANGE” “ XX”. Set the range from 1 to 10 display divisions. For the PMB 50 1 division = 0.002g, For the PMB 200 1 division =

STOP TIME

Min 30

0.02g. Then the display shows “ Stop Time” “ Sec XX”. Range is 01 to 99 seconds.

Time/Stable will combine these 2 settings.

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STABLE

St0p

TIME/ STAB

St0p

STAB RANGE

STOP TIME

min 30

STAB TIME

sec15

STOP RANGE

STOP TIME

sec15

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