PCE Instruments PCE-MA, PCE-MA 110, PCE-MA 100, PCE-MA 202, PCE-MA 200 Series Manual

Manual

Version 1.2

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

www.pce-instruments.com/english

www.pce-instruments.com

Laboratory Balances PCE-MA Series

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.

Units 12/13

Southpoint Business Park

Ensign way

Hampshire / Southampton

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF

From outside UK: +44

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

Date of creation: 24.05.2016

Date of last change: 27.04.2018

Manual

Contents

1 Safety notes ............................................................................................................. 3

2 Specifications .......................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Technical specifications .............................................................................................................. 4

2.2 Delivery content .......................................................................................................................... 4

2.3 Optional Accessories .................................................................................................................. 4

3 System description ................................................................................................. 5

3.1 Device ......................................................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Display ........................................................................................................................................ 6

3.3 Function keys ............................................................................................................................. 7

3.4 RS-232 interface / printer ........................................................................................................... 8

4 Preparation .............................................................................................................. 9

4.1 Preparation of sample ................................................................................................................ 9

4.2 Tools for sample preparation ...................................................................................................... 9

4.3 Disposable aluminium sample pan ............................................................................................. 9

4.4 Spreading of the sample ............................................................................................................. 9

4.5 Glass fibre filter circle ............................................................................................................... 10

4.6 Practical advice ........................................................................................................................ 10

5 Operation ............................................................................................................... 10

5.1 Measurement ............................................................................................................................ 10

5.2 Drying modes ........................................................................................................................... 11

5.2.1 Specify heat-up mode .................................................................................................................. 11

5.2.2 Specify measurement / stop mode .............................................................................................. 12

5.2.3 Setting the drying temperature ..................................................................................................... 13

5.2.4 Setting the drying / measuring time ............................................................................................. 13

5.3 Adjustment / calibration ............................................................................................................ 14

5.4 Print out results (optional)......................................................................................................... 15

6 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 15

7 Warranty ................................................................................................................. 16

8 Disposal ................................................................................................................. 16

9 Contact ................................................................................................................... 16

9.1 PCE Instruments UK ................................................................................................................ 16

9.2 PCE Americas .......................................................................................................................... 16

2

Manual

Symbol

Designation / description

General safety symbol

Non-observance can cause personal injury and/or damage to the device.

Warning of hot surface

Non-observance can cause burns.

Thank you for purchasing a moisture balance from PCE Instruments.

1 Safety notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device
may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. Damage or injuries
caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and not covered by our warranty.

• The device must only be used as describes in this instruction manual. If used otherwise, this can

cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.

• The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity,

…) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose the device to
extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.

• The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.

• Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.

• You must not make any technical changes to the device.

• The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner, no

abrasives or solvents.

• The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.

• Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not use the

device.

• Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.

• The limit values for the measuring variables as stated in the specifications must under no

circumstances be exceeded.

• If possible, the device should be transported horizontally, bottom down and well-cushioned.

Remove the loose attachment parts from the measuring chamber to avoid damage. We
recommend to use the original packaging for transport.

• Only use IEC power connectors with a PE (ground) contact.

• Do not touch the halogen lamps or the cover during the measurement as this can cause severe

burns.

• After the measurement, let the sample cool down before touching it.

• Never operate the device when the cover is open.

This instruction manual is published by PCE Instruments without any guarantee.

We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of business.

If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments.

Safety symbols

Safety-related instructions the non-observance of which can cause damage to the device or personal
injury carry a safety symbol.

3

2 Specifications

Model

PCE-MA 100

PCE-MA 110

PCE-MA 200

PCE-MA 202

Weighing range

110 g

110 g

200 g

200 g

Readability

1 mg / 0.001 g

10 mg / 0.01 g

1 mg / 0.001 g

10 mg / 0.01 g

Heating element

Halogen lamp / round / approx. Ø 90 mm

Drying temperature adjustable

+40…+199 °C

Drying time (time mode)

1…99 min adjustable

Measurement range moisture

0…100 %

Readability moisture

0.01 %

0.1 %

0.01 %

0.1 %

Memory

16 drying programmes (parameters)

Interface

RS-232

Display

LCD, 17 mm digit height

Power supply

220 V / 50 Hz or 110 V / 60 Hz

Dimensions

200 x 180 x 380 mm

Weight

Approx. 4.4 kg

Parcel details

500 x 350 x 360 mm / approx. 7 kg

2.1 Technical specifications

Manual

2.2 Delivery content

1 x moisture balance PCE-MA series
1 x wind shield
10 x sample pan
1 x mains cable
1 x sample pan holder / handle
1 x 100 g weight in plastic box
1 x instruction manual

2.3 Optional Accessories

- PCE-BP 1 thermal printer

4

3 System description

3.1 Device

Manual

1. Heat protection plate

2. Wind shield

3. Insertion aid

Assemble the parts as illustrated above.

1. Start with the heat protection plate (1).

2. The notch in the side wall of the wind shield (2) must be placed in a way that it faces the user.

3. The handle of the insertion aid (3) is placed to rest in this notch.

4. Place the sample pan retainer (4) in the middle of the measuring chamber. Make sure that the
cone of the sample pan retainer rests in the guide properly

4. Pan retainer

5. sample pan

5. The sample pan (5) is the last part you need to install.

5

3.2 Display

Manual

- Heat-up mode (Standard / Quick / Slow)

- Measuring / stop mode (constant reading / user / time lapse)

- Drying temperature (40°C bis zu 199°C)

- Drying time / Duration of drying process

- Percentage moisture

- Percentage dry weight / dry matter %

- Grammes

6

Key

Function

Power on / off

Start / stop measurement

Tare / Leave settings

Open settings

Switch between absolute and relative measuring result

Confirm current settings / go to next setting

Return to weighing mode (short keystroke) /
Calibration (long keystroke)

Change settings

3.3 Function keys

Manual

7

Manual

SUB-D 9 plug for RS-232

interface on the PCE-MA

series

MAS60 930 017-517

DIN 45 322

plug for printer interface

3.4 RS-232 interface / printer

The RS-232 interface is used for connecting the optional PCE-BP 1 printer to the scales. To do so, you
have to set the following on the printer:

The printer comes with an RS-232 cable which is used for connecting both devices:

8

Manual

4 Preparation

4.1 Preparation of sample

You should always prepare only one sample for measurement to avoid that it loses moisture to the
environment or absorbs air humidity. In case several samples have to be taken at the same time, they
should be put into airtight containers to make sure their characteristics do not change when stored.
Spread the sample on the sample pan evenly and in a thin layer to get reproducible results.
Uneven application of the sample causes inhomogeneous heat distribution in the sample to be dried. This
means that the sample is dried incompletely or that the drying time is increased. Due to piling material,
the upper layers will heat up more strongly, which will cause combustion or incrustation. An excessively
high thickness of the layer or possible incrustations prevents the moisture from leaving the sample. The
residual moisture makes the measurement results non-verifiable and non-reproducible.

4.2 Tools for sample preparation

The tools and instruments used for sample preparation have a huge effect on the accuracy and reliability
of the measurement. You should avoid tools with heat-conducting properties, i. e. which are able to
transfer heat to the sample. Improper handling and preparation of the sample will falsify the end result of
the measurement.

4.3 Disposable aluminium sample pan

To be able to measure the moisture content of the sample, the sample should be spread on the sample
pan evenly and then be placed in the drying chamber of the moisture balance. Re-using a sample pan
can falsify the end result of the measurement because of the adhering residues.

4.4 Spreading of the sample

ATTENTION:

The samples should not exceed a thickness of 8 mm and a diameter of 90 mm.

If the max. height of the sample is exceeded, this can lead to combustion or incrustation of the
sample.

The sample should be spread on the sample pan evenly, ideally in layers of 2 … 5 mm.

Make sure that the temperature probe, which is located in the cover of the moisture balance,
does not touch the sample as this will falsify the result.

Solids:

- Spread powdery and grained samples evenly on the sample pan.

- Crush coarse-grained samples using a mortar or similar device. Avoid any heat supply when
crushing the sample as this will cause moisture loss.

Liquids:

For liquids, pastes or melting samples, it is recommended to use the glass fibre filter.

9

Manual

4.5 Glass fibre filter circle

Glass fibre filter circles ensure that liquid samples are evenly spread on the sample pan and prevent the
combustion of solids.

The glass fibre filter circle has the following advantages:

- even spreading due to capillary action

- no formation of drops

- quick evaporation due to larger surface

4.6 Practical advice

Before starting the measurement, place the sample pan and, if appropriate, the glass fibre filter on the
pan retainer and tare it to make sure that only the weight of your sample is assessed.

If you carry out several consecutive measurements, keep in mind that the temperature from the previous
measurement still obtains in the measuring chamber and that evaporation already takes place when the
cover is closed. This might affect the measuring results.

Therefore, you must either allow some time for the drying chamber to cool down or accept the deviations
and start the next measurement as soon as possible.

5 Operation

5.1 Measurement

The moisture balance saves the drying parameters last used after switching off and back on. These are
shown in the display.

Prepare the sample and place it in the drying chamber. You can now start the measurement by pressing

the key.

After the measurement, the measured values will be available until they are deleted. You can use the

key to switch between the weight indication / dry matter indication in % and the indication of

the moisture content in % during and after the measurement. After the measurement, the measurement

values last determined must be deleted from the memory. To do so, press the key.

ATTENTION: Before placing the next sample on the sample pan, make sure that the display shows 0.0 g

respectively 0.00 g. If this is not the case, press the key.

If, however, different drying parameters are necessary due to the different samples, you can use up to 16
memory locations. You can save the selected heat-up mode / termination criterion / drying temperature,
as well as the drying time if necessary, to each of the memory locations.

ATTENTION:

Do not touch the halogen lamps or the cover during the measurement as this can cause severe
burns.

After the measurement, let the sample cool down before touching it.

10

Manual

5.2 Drying modes

Press the key to get to the drying mode selection screen. Here you can select different drying modes
and set up new ones.

A number which indicates the memory location flashes on the left-hand side of the display. The user can

retrieve up to 16 different memory locations, using the arrow keys and . The saved drying
parameters are displayed along with the selected memory location.

If you wish to use the drying parameters of a certain memory location, press the key. The moisture
balance will then take over the drying parameters and you can start the measurement.

If you want to save some new drying parameters to a memory location, select the memory location and

confirm with the key.

5.2.1 Specify heat-up mode

After the selection of the memory location, the drop icon will flash in the upper side of the display.

The user can select one out of three heat-up speeds.

Standard heat-up mode
This is the default mode which is suitable for most sample types.
In this heat-up mode, 120 °C are reached after approx. 4 minutes.

Quick heat-up mode
This mode is suitable for samples with a high moisture content.
In this heat-up mode, 120 °C are reached after approx. 1 minute.

ATTENTION: When using this heat-up mode, there might be increased temperatures in the
drying chamber for a short period as the sensor and the control need some time to regulate the
temperature.

Slow heat-up mode
This mode is suitable for samples with a low moisture content.
In this heat-up mode, 120 °C are reached after approx. 8 minutes.

ATTENTION: When using this heat-up mode, it is particularly important that the drying time of the
sample is adapted to the drying mode as otherwise the drying process could be terminated (time
expired) although there is still some residual moisture in the sample.

You can select the desired heat-up mode using the arrow keys and .

To confirm the selected heat-up mode, press the key.

11

Manual

Stop conditions

<period of time (weight change)>

Fast
heat-up mode

Standard
heat-up mode

Slow
Heat-up mode

PCE-MA 110

36 s (<20 mg)

45 s (<20 mg)

60 s (<20 mg)

PCE-MA 202

36 s (<20 mg)

45 s (<20 mg)

60 s (<20 mg)

PCE-MA 100

36 s (<3 mg)

45 s (<2 mg)

60 s (<2 mg)

PCE-MA 200

36 s (<3 mg)

45 s (<2 mg)

60 s (<2 mg)

5.2.2 Specify measurement / stop mode

After the selection of the heat-up mode, the bar icon will flash in the upper side of the display.

The user can select between three measurement / stop modes.

Constant measurement value

In this measurement / stop mode, the measurement is stopped automatically when the
measurement value is constant over a certain period of time.
The following table shows the stop conditions:

ATTENTION: In this mode, it is not possible to set a measuring time.

Manual / user stop mode
In this measurement / stop mode, the measurement can be ended by the user. To do so, press

the key.

ATTENTION: Depending on the temperature, combustion of the sample can easily occur in this
measurement / stop ,mode. This mode should only be used if constant monitoring can be
guaranteed. The advantage of this mode is that the sample can be dried for a long time to allow
moisture to escape which is located very deep in the sample.

Time stop mode

In this measurement / stop mode, the measurement is stopped automatically when the set

measuring / drying time has passed.

ATTENTION: The maximum measuring / drying time you can set is 99 minutes.

The desired measurement / stop mode can be selected by means of the arrow keys and .

To confirm the selected measurement / stop mode, press the key.

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Manual

5.2.3 Setting the drying temperature

After selecting the measurement / stop mode, the temperature indication will flash in the upper side of the
display.

You can set the drying temperature using the arrow keys and . The first setting can be made in

steps of 10 %. After confirming with the key, the setting can be carried on in increments of 1 °C.

ATTENTION: During temperature regulation, temperature fluctuations of approx.. 4 °C can occur. Mind
this when selecting the temperature to make sure the sample does not scorch. Otherwise, the moisture
reading will be falsified.

5.2.4 Setting the drying / measuring time (only in time stop mode)

Depending on the previously set measurement / stop mode, the time indication flashes in the upper side
of the display.

The drying / measuring time can be set using the arrow keys and .

To confirm the set drying / measuring time, press the key.

ATTENTION: The maximum drying / measuring time you can set is 99 minutes.

13

Manual

5.3 Adjustment / calibration

The moisture analyser consists of a weighing unit and a drying chamber. The moisture measurement is
carried out on the basis of the weight loss. This can be easily reproduced by a rule of three.

ATTENTION: The moisture analysers of the PCE-MA series have a higher weighing resolution than the
one indicated. The moisture balance uses the higher resolution which is invisible to the user for
calculation. This can result in deviations after the decimal point when trying to reproduce the result.

The weighing unit can be adjusted by means of a 100 g external test weight (min. M1). Special care must
be taken when positioning the scales (as little vibration as possible and balanced by means of the level).
The adjustment of the weighing unit should only be carried out after a heat-up time of approx. 30 minutes.

To do so, press and hold the key for approx.. 6 seconds. “-CAL-” will be displayed.

After the “-CAL-” indication, “100.00 g” will flash.

Now place the 100 g calibration weight in the middle of the weighing platform. The indication will change
from “100.00 g” to “=====”.

When the indication changes from “=====” back to “100.00 g”, remove the weight from the weighing
platform. After this, the display will show “=====” again and change to “0.00 g” automatically.

The adjustment of the balance is now finished.

14

Manual

Error message

Error cause

Possible solution

-Err 1-

Sample weight below 1 g

Put more than 1 g of the sample on the scales
and start the measurement.

-Err 2-

Temperature setting below +40
°C

Restart the scales.

-Err 3-

Measuring time setting below 30
seconds.

Restart the scales.

-Err 4-

Halogen lamp problem

Please contact our technical support.

-Err 5-

Time setting for slow heat-up
mode below 3 minutes

Restart the scales.

-Err 6-

Temperature sensor broken

Please contact our technical support.

5.4 Print out results (optional)

You can print out the measurement results by using the optional PCE-BP 1 printer. To do so, follow these
steps:

1. Make sure that the printer is set up properly and both devices are connected to each other.

2. During operation, press and hold the key until “PrInT” appears in the display.

3. After this, the options “L-C” (Chinese print-out) and “L-E” (English print-out) will appear in the

display. Use the arrow keys and to select the desired option and press the key to
confirm.

4. After this, numbers from 1 to 5 will appear in the display which represent the last 5
measurements (which are stored in the device). Select a measurement by using the arrow keys

and and press the key to confirm.

5. The data is now sent to the printer via the RS-232 interface.

Print-out:

6 Troubleshooting

15

Manual

7 Warranty

You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here:

https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/agb.

8 Disposal

For the disposal of batteries, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the

contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste. They must be given to
collection points designed for that purpose.

In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use them or
give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

9 Contact

If you have any questions about our range of products or measuring instruments please contact PCE
Instruments.

9.1 PCE Instruments UK

By post:

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13 Southpoint Business Park
Ensign Way, Southampton
Hampshire

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF

By phone:
02380 987 035

9.2 PCE Americas

By post:

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
33458 FL
USA

By phone:
561 320 9162

16

Manual

D

Konformitätserklärung

Wir erklären hiermit, dass das Produkt, auf das sich diese Erklärung
bezieht, mit den nachstehenden Normen übereinstimmt.

E

Declaración de
conformidad

Manifestamos en la presente que el producto al que se refiere esta
declaración está de acuerdo con las normas siguientes.

I

Dichiarazione di
conformitá

Dichiariamo con ciò che il prodotto al quale la presente dichiarazione si
riferi-sce è conforme alle norme di seguito citate.

GB

Declaration of conformity

We hereby declare that the product to which this declaration refers
conforms with the following standards.

F

Déclaration de
conformité

Nous déclarons avec cela responsabilité que le produit, auquel se rapporte
la présente déclaration, est conforme aux normes citées ci-après.

TR

Uygunluk Beyanı

Bu bildirime bağlı ürünün aşağıdaki standartlara uygun olduğunu beyan
ederiz.

NL

Conformiteit-verklaring

Wij verklaren hiermede dat het product, waarop deze verklaring betrekking
heeft, met de hierna vermelde normen overeenstemt.

RUS

Заявление о
соответствии

Мы заявляем, что продукт, к которому относится данная декларация,
соответствует перечисленным ниже нормам.

P

Declaração de
conformidade

Declaramos por meio da presente que o produto no qual se refere esta
declaração, corresponde às normas seguintes.

PL

Deklaracja zgodności

Niniejszym oświadczamy, że produkt, którego niniejsze oświadczenie
dotyczy, jest zgodny z poniższymi normami.

CZ

Prohlášení o shode

Tímto prohlašujeme, že výrobek, kterého se toto prohlášení týká, je v
souladu s níže uvedenými normami.

Mark applied

Standards

2004/108/EC
EN61000-6-3:2007+ A1:2011
EN61000-3-2:2006+ A1:2009+A2:2009
EN61000-3-3:2013
EN61000-6-1:2007

PCE Deutschland GmbH

Im Langel 4

59872 Meschede

Tel: [phone] / 976 99 0

Fax: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

Internet: https://www.pce-instruments.com/

EC-Konformitätserklärung EC- Declaración de conformidad
EC- Dichiarazione di conformitá EC- Declaration of conformity
EC- Déclaration de conformité EC- Uygunluk Beyanı
EC- Conformiteit-verklaring EC- Заявление о соответствии
EC- Declaração de conformidade EC- Deklaracja zgodności
EC- Prohlášení o shode

Moisture Analyzer: PCE-MA 110, PCE-MA 50, PCE-MA 105, PCE-MA 102,

PCE-MA 100, PCE-MA 202, PCE-MA 50T, PCE-MA 100T, PCE-MA 200T,

PCE-MA 202T

Meschede, 04.07.2014

Ort und Datum

17