Sartorius MA37-1 Instruction Manual

Operating Instructions

Sartorius Moisture Analyzer

Model MA37

Electronic Moisture Analyzer

98648-019-93

Contents

User Information ........................................3

Safety Information

General View of the Equipment

Startup

.................................................8

Transporting the Analyzer

Basic Principles

Operating the Moisture Analyzer

......................................4

..........................7

..............................12

.........................................13

.......................20

Switching the Analyzer On and Off (Standby) ...........20

Setting the Language .................................21

Operating Concept ...................................22

Menu ...............................................23

Entering Numbers on the Number Pad .................24

Entering Text and Characters ..........................24

Scrolling in the Display ...............................25

System Settings (Setup Menu)

..........................26

Opening the Menu and Changing the Settings ..........26

List of Available Settings ..............................27

Performance Test

......................................39

Starting the Performance Test .........................39

Performance Test Measurement Not Successfully Comple-

ted ..................................................41

Performance Test Successfully Completed ..............41

Calibration and Adjustment

.............................42

Weighing ............................................45

ISO/GLP-compliant Printout

USB Interface

..........................................48

............................46

Communication with Peripheral Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Interface Specification ................................51

Error Messages

Shipping the Analyzer

Care and Maintenance

Disposal

Specifications

.........................................53

..................................55

.................................57

................................................61

..........................................62

Moisture Analysis

......................................33

Viewing and Changing Method Parameters .............33

Performing the Moisture Analysis ......................35

Accessories

Analyzer Dimensions

.............................................63

....................................64

Declaration of Conformity

..............................65

Betriebsanleitung Moisture Analyzer MA37

User Information

Warning/Danger Symbols Used in these Instructions:

These notes identify hazards which have a high probability of resulting in death

or serious physical injury if not avoided.

These notes identify hazards that can result in moderate or mild injuries if not

avoided.

These notes identify hazards associated with the risk of material damage.

Explanation of Symbols

The following symbols are used in this manual:

Useful information and tips

Hot surface: Warning – Risk of severe burns!

Note regarding device operation

When individual buttons are displayed, they should be pressed.

The following symbols are used in these instructions:

t Indicates a required action

y Describes what happens after you have performed a particular step

Perform steps in the specified order:

1. First action

2. Second action

3. … – Indicates an item in a list

Application Advice/Technical Support

Addresses for applications advice and technical support can be found on the website at: http://www.sartorius.com

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Safety Information

Guidelines and General Information

– The analyzer complies with EU Directives and standards, among other

regulations, for electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility*. Improper use or handling can, however, result in damage to objects injury. Any improper use or operation of the analyzer that is not consistent with the instructions will result in forfeiture of all claims under the manufacturer’s warranty.

– Personnel need to have read and understood these installation instructions,

including the safety instructions.

– In the event of use in systems and ambient conditions which have greater

safety requirements, you must observe the requirements and provisions applicable in your country.

– Always keep the equipment and analyzer freely accessible.

Any improper installation of the analyzer that is not consistent with the instructions will result in forfeiture of all claims under the manufacturer’s warranty.

* = see “Specifications”

Danger of Explosion!

The analyzer must not be operated in potentially explosive atmospheres. Materials liable to catch fire or explode may not be used as samples for moisture analysis.

Danger of severe personal injury or property damage due to faulty analyzer

Danger of Electric Shock!

Before initial startup, ensure that the voltage rating printed on the manufacturer’s ID label of the analyzer matches the voltage of the local AC power.

Installation Instructions

components! Do not operate the analyzer if the housing or power supply cable, including any connections, is damaged. Immediately disconnect the damaged analyzer from the power by pulling the plug.

The analyzer has a power supply cable with a protective grounding conductor. Only standard-compliant extension cords with protective grounding conductors are permitted for use with the analyzer.

Do not expose the analyzer, its power supply cable, or accessories supplied by Sartorius to extreme temperatures, aggressive chemical vapors, moisture, shock, vibrations, or strong electromagnetic fields. Observe the conditions of operation described in the Specifications.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

The operator shall be solely responsible for any modifications to the equipment and for connecting any cables or equipment not supplied by Sartorius. Information on operational quality is available upon request from Sartorius. Only use original Sartorius accessories!

Safety Information

Before cleaning the analyzer: Unplug the power supply cable from the socket.

Position the power cable so that it cannot touch the hot surfaces of the analyzer

– Flammable or explosive substances

– If in doubt, carry out a careful risk analysis.

Note the IP protection class of the analyzer! Do not allow liquid penetration. The protection class specifies the suitability of equipment for various environmental conditions (moisture, foreign bodies).

and is not a trip hazard. Disconnecting the grounding conductor is prohibited.

The device may only be opened by specialized personnel trained by Sartorius.

Danger due to Fire or Explosion!

– Substances containing solvents – Substances that release flammable or explosive gases or vapors during the drying

process: When working with these types of samples, use a drying temperature that is low enough to prevent a fire or explosion from occurring.

– Wear safety glasses. – Always work with small sample quantities.

Never leave the analyzer unattended in these cases.

No modifications are permitted to the analyzer.

The device may only be opened by specialized personnel trained by Sartorius.

Symbols Used on the Device

When setting up the moisture analyzer, leave enough space to prevent heat from

building up and to keep the analyzer from overheating: – 1m above the analyzer – 20cm around the analyzer

The vent above the sample must not be covered or modified in any other way. During operation do not open the hood, because the heating unit may be very hot.

Do not put any flammable substances on, under, or near the moisture analyzer because the area around the heating unit will heat up.

Be careful when removing the sample: The sample itself, the heating unit, and the sample pans may still be extremely hot.

Observe the additional safety and danger information in the following chapters.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment

When operating the analyzer, suitable protective equipment must be worn in order to minimize dangers to health. – During work, always wear the protective equipment needed for the task

at hand.

– Follow any instructions posted in the work area pertaining to personal

protective equipment.

Wear the following personal protective gear during all work:

Protective Clothing

Wear a laboratory coat. This lab coat protects the user from hazards due to the dangerous substances or is prescribed for your process.

Safety Glasses

Wear safety glasses to protect yourself from liquid spray and splashes, and substances escaping under high pressure.

Safety Gloves

Wear suitable safety gloves when handling chemicals or hazardous substances. Check that the gloves are not worn and do not have any holes or tears before putting them on.

Intended Use

The moisture analyzer can be used for quick and reliable determination of the moisture content of materials of liquid, pasty, and solid substances using the thermogravimetric method. Only use the analyzer for this purpose. Any other use outside the limits of the technical specifications is not permitted. Moisture analysis applications must be optimized by the user in accordance with local regulations. Appropriate containers must be used for each type of sample material.

All other applications are not considered the intended use. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

General View of the Equipment

Item Name and Function

1 Heating module 2 Heating element

3 Disposable sample pan

4 Pan support 5 Sample chamber bottom

6 Locking socket (bayonet)

7 Process status light 8 Unlocking handle for heating module

5 6

9 Power socket for country-specific power cable 10 Fastening point for an optional Kensington

key lock 11 Leveling feet 12 USB port for mini AB 13 Display and control unit (touch screen)

13111411

11 12

14 Temperature sensor

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Startup

Unpacking and Equipment Supplied

t Open the packaging, making sure to remove all parts carefully.

t After unpacking the analyzer, check it immediately for any external damage.

– If you detect any damage, proceed as directed in “Care and Maintenance.”

– Save the box and all parts of the packaging for any future transport. During

shipment, please do not leave cables plugged in!

The following parts are included in the equipment supplied:

– Moisture analyzer – Country-specific power cable – Pan support – Protective cover for the control panel – 80 disposable aluminum sample pans

Choosing a Location

t Select the proper setup location:

An optimal location guarantees accuracy and reliability. Ensure that the following ambient conditions are met: – Set up the analyzer on a stable, even surface that is not exposed to vibrations

(e.g., weighing stone). – Maintain free access to the analyzer at all times. – Make sure to choose a place where excessive heat cannot build up. – Leave enough space between it and materials that are affected by heat.

Choose a location that is not subject to the following negative influences: – Heat (heater or direct sunlight) – Drafts from open windows, AC systems, and doors – Extreme vibrations during measurement – Heavy traffic areas (personnel) – Extreme humidity – Electromagnetic fields

Acclimatization

Condensation from humidity can form on the surfaces of a cold device when it is brought into a substantially warmer area. You should therefore let a device that has been disconnected from its power source acclimatize for approximately 2 hours before reconnecting it to the power.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Startup

Setting Up the Analyzer

t Assemble the parts in the following order:

– Pan support

– Disposable sample pan

– The protective cover over the control panel is pre-assembled at the factory.

Compensating for Unevenness of the Setup Surface

t Twist the leveling feet until any slight unevenness in the setup surface is

rectified and the analyzer is stable.

Anti-theft Locking Device

– To protect against theft, the analyzer has a fastening point for a security lock

if required.

t A Kensington key lock can be installed at the fastening point on the back of

the analyzer if required.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Startup

Opening and Closing the Sample Chamber

t Open or close the sample chamber by hand. Always open the heating module

fully.

Power Connection (Power Supply)

Connecting the Analyzer to AC Power

– Using the wrong power cables may cause fatal electric shock and damage the equipment.

– Never plug the power cable into the socket when it is disconnected from the analyzer (danger of electrical shock).

– Only connect the analyzer to an AC socket with a protective grounding conductor.

– Only standard-compliant extension cords with protective grounding conductors are permitted for use with the analyzer.

– Intentionally disconnecting the analyzer from the protective grounding conductor is not permitted.

t Check the plug design of the power cable.

If the plug design of the power cable does not comply with your country’s

standard, please inform the nearest Sartorius representative or your dealer.

The power must be connected in accordance with the regulations applicable

in your country. In order to connect the equipment to the power supply

(protection class 1), use a correctly installed wall outlet with a protective

grounding conductor (PE) and a fuse of a maximum 16 A. The power plug or

another suitable disconnecting device for the power must be easily accessible

so that the analyzer can be disconnected from the AC power supply in the

event of an emergency.

t Connect the analyzer to the AC power.

t Position the cable so that it cannot be damaged or hinder the measurement

process.

Safety Precautions

If you use an electrical outlet that does not have a protective grounding

conductor, ensure that an equivalent protective conductor is installed by a

certified electrician (as specified in the applicable regulations for installation in

your country). The protective effect must not be negated by using an extension

cord without a protective grounding conductor.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Startup

Power Cable Versions

Item No. Region/Country 69 00900 Europe/EU (except the UK, Denmark, Italy, and Switzerland) 69 00901 USA, Canada, and Japan 69 00902 South Africa 69 00905 Australia, New Zealand 69 71945 UK 69 71972 Brazil 69 71973 India 69 71975 Israel 69 71976 Italy 69 71977 Argentina 69 71978 China 69 71979 Switzerland 69 71980 Denmark

Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: – Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. – Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

Warm-up Time

To return precise results, the analyzer must warm up for at least 30 minutes after initial connection to the power supply. Only after this time will the analyzer have reached the required operating temperature.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Transporting the Analyzer

Moving the Analyzer in the Lab

Avoid shocks and vibrations:

t Never lift and carry the analyzer by its heating module.

t Hold the analyzer under the housing, lift it up carefully, and carry it to its new

location.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Basic Principles

Purpose

The moisture analyzer can be used for quick and reliable determination of the moisture content of materials of liquid, pasty, and solid substances using the thermogravimetric method.

Material

The moisture of a material is often mistakenly equated to its water content. In fact, the moisture of a material includes all of the volatile components which are emitted when the sample is heated, irrespective of the type of material. Among such volatile substances are:

– Water – Fats – Oils – Alcohols – Organic solvents – Flavorings – Volatile components, products of decomposition (when a sample is overheated)

There are many methods for determining the moisture content of a substance. Basically, these methods can be divided into two categories:

When absolute methods are used, the moisture content is directly determined (for example, as a weight loss registered during the drying routine). These methods include oven drying, infrared drying, and microwave drying. All three of these methods are thermogravimetric.

When deductive methods are used, the moisture content is indirectly determined. A physical property related to the moisture in the substance is measured (e.g., absorption of electromagnetic rays). These methods include Karl Fischer titration, infrared spectroscopy, microwave spectroscopy, etc.

Thermogravimetry is the process of determining the loss of mass that occurs when a substance is heated. In this process, the sample is weighed before and after being heated, and the difference between the two weights is calculated.

In a conventional drying oven, circulating hot air warms the sample from the outside to the inside. Efficiency is lost during drying because as the moisture evaporates, it cools the sample surface.

By contrast, infrared rays (IR rays) penetrate a sample without being impeded. Having reached the interior of a sample, they are converted into heat energy.

IR-Strahlung

Wärmeenergie

Substanz

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Basic Principles

A small part of the IR rays is reflected from the surface of the substance. The number of reflected IR rays depends to a great extent on whether the substance is light or dark in color.

– Dark substance – low reflection – Light substance – high reflection

How the rays penetrate the sample depends on the permeability of the sample. If the degree of light-transmitting capacity is low, the rays can penetrate only the uppermost layers of the sample. The heat conductivity of the sample dictates the degree to which the heat can be transmitted to the underlying layers. The higher the conductivity, the faster and more uniformly the substance is heated.

The substance should be applied to the sample pan in a thin, even layer. A height of approximately 2–5 mm for 5–15 g substance weight has proved to be ideal. Otherwise, the sample will not be dried completely or the analysis time will be unnecessarily extended, a crust/skin will form on the surface of the sample or the sample will scorch, and the analysis results obtained will not be reproducible (and hence cannot be used).

While preparing substances for measurement, no processes may be used that generate heat. The heat generated may result in a loss of moisture prior to the measurement.

Perform initial analysis of a new substance to test how the IR rays are absorbed by the sample and converted into heat. A printout of the intermediate values of the drying process provides information on this at an early stage.

Experience has shown that the temperature setting selected for infrared drying is usually lower than the temperature setting used when working with a drying oven.

In many cases, the fully automatic switch-off mode will meet your requirements. If the final result is higher or lower than expected, try varying the temperature setting before resorting to a different switch-off criterion.

When analyzing the samples that lose their moisture only very slowly or when operating a cold moisture analyzer, the fully automatic mode may end the drying routine too early since no analyzable progress in the drying routine can be detected. In this case, preheat the moisture analyzer for two to three minutes before starting the drying routine, or select a different switch-off criterion.

The Application Guide for the Sartorius Moisture Analyzer provides you with important information on the use of your moisture analyzer.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Basic Principles

Preparation

Before drying a sample, you must carry out the following preparations:

– Adjust against the existing measurement system – Prepare the sample – Set the drying program parameters

Adjusting against an Existing Measurement System

A moisture analysis method often replaces another drying method (such as oven drying method) because it is simple to use and requires shorter analysis time. In this case, you should adapt this method to that of the moisture analyzer in order to obtain values comparable to those yielded by your standard reference method.

Perform parallel measurements:

t Take a fresh sample and divide it in half t Determine the moisture content of the first half using your standard method of

analysis

t Determine the moisture content of the second half using the following settings:

– Fully automatic mode for the switch-off criterion – Lower temperature settings than for the oven drying method – Temperature setting for organic substances: 80–100°C – Temperature setting for inorganic substances: 140–160°C

If the result of the second analysis does not correspond to that of the first:

1. First, repeat the analysis using a different temperature setting

2. Then use the semi-automatic mode for the switch-off criterion (for example with a different loss rate per 24 s)

Change the switch-off criterion if required:

– Increase end-point recognition: Set the parameter to 2 mg/24 s or 1 mg/24 s – Decrease end-point recognition: Set the parameter to 10 mg/24 s or 20 mg/24 s

Preparing the Sample

Select a sample:

t Select a representative part of the whole substance as a sample.

– Choose a representative number of individual samples for quality control – Choose enough samples to indicate a trend for in-process control

t If required, homogenize the product before a sample is taken by:

– Mixing or stirring – Taking several samples from different areas of the product – Taking several samples at defined intervals

t Take only one sample at a time for a given analysis and prepare it as quickly as

possible. In this way, it will not lose or gain moisture as a result of the ambient conditions.

t If several samples need to be taken simultaneously, the samples must be sealed

in airtight containers to ensure that the storage conditions do not alter the state

or condition of the samples: – Warm or highly volatile substances lose their moisture very quickly. – If you store the samples in a container, the moisture can condense on the walls

of the container.

– If the container is too big and not filled completely, the sample can exchange its

moisture with the air remaining in the container.

t Mix the condensed moisture back in with a sample if necessary.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Basic Principles

Prepare the sample:

t When crushing a sample, avoid any contact with heat.

Heat results in moisture loss.

t Crush the sample using:

– Pestle – Lab mill

If the sample is liquid containing solids, use one of the following tools:

– Glass stirrer – Spoon – Magnetic stirrer

t Use an appropriate tool for grinding the sample.

Use a disposable sample pan:

t Use only Sartorius disposable sample pans (inner diameter of 92 mm). Reusing

sample pans leads to poor repeatability of results:

– After cleaning, sample residues can still remain on the pan. – Residues from cleaning agents can evaporate during the next moisture

analysis.

– Scratches and grooves made during cleaning result in damage that forms

points of attack for hot, rising air produced during the drying process (more pronounced buoyancy).

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Basic Principles

Apply the sample to the sample pan:

t Apply the sample to the sample pan in a thin, even layer (height: 2 to 5 mm,

weight: 5 to15 g); otherwise:

– A sample applied unevenly will result in a nonuniform distribution of heat – A sample will not be dried completely – The analysis time will be unnecessarily extended – The sample will burn or a crust/skin will form on its surface as a result of a

very thick layer

– The crust makes it difficult or impossible for moisture to escape from the

sample during the drying process

– An uncertain and unknown quantity of moisture will remain in the sample

t

Apply liquid samples, pasty samples, or samples that can melt to a glass-fiber

filter (order no. 6906940); this provides the following benefits:

– Uniform distribution due to the capillary effect – Liquids are prevented from beading together and forming drops – With larger surfaces, the moisture can evaporate faster – Colorless/transparent samples do not reflect – Considerably more convenient than the “sea-sand method”

When drying samples containing sugar, a crust or skin can form and seal the surface. A glass-fiber filter is particularly useful in such cases. The moisture can evaporate downwards through the surface of the filter. Crust/skin formation can be prevented or limited by placing the glass-fiber filter on top of the sample.

t Cover solid, heat-sensitive samples with a glass-fiber filter (order no. 6906940);

this provides the following benefits:

– Gentle heating, because the sample surface is shielded from excessive heat – Higher temperature setting can be selected – Uniformity of the sample surface – Fast evaporation of the moisture – Excellent repeatability for samples containing fat

Heating Programs

Two heating programs are available for performing moisture analysis of a substance:

– Standard drying – Delicate drying

T [°C]

Standardtrocknung

t [s]

Standard drying: For standard drying, you need to enter the final temperature. The final temperature is reached using an overshoot if necessary. The maximum set temperature is 160°C.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Basic Principles

T [°C]

Delicate drying: For delicate drying, you need to enter the final temperature. The maximum set temperature is 160°C. The target temperature is reached more slowly and the measurement time is extended. Delicate drying is recommended for sensitive samples.

Standardtrocknung

t [s]

Standby Temperature

Temperature set to defined value when the sample chamber is closed. Heating only occurs when the analyzer is in a measurement cycle. The standby temperature is not the same as the measurement temperature.

The “Timeout Standby Temp.” can be set to 1 to 24 hours and is preset to 2 hours. To change the setting, see Chapter “System Settings (Setup Menu)”.

Initial Weight

The target weight (as a guide for applying a sample to the analyzer – not as a starting condition) can be entered by the user. The tolerance range can be freely selected, e.g., ± 0.5 g.

Print Lines

When print lines are activated (1 or 2 lines with 20 characters each), additional information about the method, entered by the user, appears on the report and printout.

Filter

The user has the option of selecting between 0, 1, or 2 filters. During taring a message appears indicating that the configured number of filters must be placed with the sample pan for taring.

Target Value

The user can enter a target value with a tolerance range. During analysis a progress bar appears, indicating the progress of the measurement. At the end of the analysis, you can see whether the value is within the tolerance range.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Weight

Moisture (steam)

Autom. stopping

Basic Principles

Starting the Analysis

– After closing the hood:

If the initial weight condition is met, the analyzer prompts you to close the hood. The start weight is accepted as soon as the sample chamber is closed.

End of Analysis

– Fully automatic:

The analysis ends as soon as the weight loss per 24 s is below an automatically detected threshold.

– Semi-automatic, absolute:

The analysis ends as soon as the weight loss per the set interval is lower than a user-defined threshold (set in milligrams). The weight loss is entered by the user.

Time

– Semi-automatic, percentage:

The analysis ends as soon as the weight loss in percent is lower than a userdefined threshold (set in percent). The percentage is entered by the user.

– Time

The analysis ends as soon as the specified time has elapsed.

– Manual:

Switch off using the END key. The maximum analysis duration is 24 hours.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Operating the Moisture Analyzer

Switching the Analyzer On and Off (Standby)

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 16:50

Moisture in %M

Start new measurement

Standard

105 °C

End autom.

Moisture in %M

Standard drying 105 °C Standby temperature Initial weight End Fully automatic Target value -

No automatic printout

y The main screen appears after the moisture analyzer has been switched on.

– The default language for the display text is English. – You can change the language (see “Setting the Language” on page 21).

t To switch the moisture analyzer to standby, select the menu key at the bottom

left of the main screen on the display.

y The menu is displayed.

t Select the

j button in the menu.

y The moisture analyzer switches to standby mode.

t To switch the moisture analyzer on again: Select j on the display.

The moisture analyzer starts in the method most recently used before the analyzer was last switched off.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

Moisture in %M

Standard drying 105 °C Standby temperature Initial weight End Fully automatic Target value -

No automatic printout

Operating the Moisture Analyzer

Setting the Language

The default language for the display text is English. To change the language, proceed as follows:

t Select the menu key at the bottom left of the main screen on the display.

y The menu is displayed.

Settings

Language

Date and Time

Device information

Calibration/Adjustment

Language

English

Deutsch

Français

t Select the

i (Setup) button in the menu.

y The Settings window appears.

t Select Language or the top entry in the list.

y The Language settings window appears.

t Select the desired language, such as Deutsch (German). t Select l to confirm.

y The display changes directly to the desired language.

t Select o to return to the menu.

Operating Instructions Moisture Analyzer MA37

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