Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Manual
Nicolet FTIR Spectrometers
Nicolet Summit
User Guide
269-334400 Revision E December 2019
© 2019 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.
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United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
and its subsidiaries.
For technical support, please contact: www.thermofisher.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product purchase to use in the
product operation. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of the whole or any part of this
document is strictly prohibited, except with the written authorization of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. All technical information in this
document is for reference purposes only. System configurations and specifications in this document supersede
all previous information received by the purchaser.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. makes no representations that this document is complete, accurate or errorfree and assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, damage or loss that might
result from any use of this document, even if the information in the document is followed properly.
This document is not part of any sales contract between Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and a purchaser. This
document shall in no way govern or modify any Terms and Conditions of Sale, which Terms and Conditions of
Sale shall govern all conflicting information between the two documents.
For Research Use Only. This instrument or accessory is not a medical device and is not intended to be used
for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment or cure of disease.
WARNING Avoid an explosion or fire hazard. This instrument or accessory is not
designed for use in an explosive atmosphere.
C
Contents
Chapter 1 Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Conventions Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Ordering Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacting Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 2 Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Before Your Summit Spectrometer Arrives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Personal Safety with the Summit Spectrometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Unpack and Get Started with the Spectrometer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Back up and Recover Your Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connect an External Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Install a Sampling Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Understand the Spectrometer LightBar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
View Your Data with the OMNIC Anywhere App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Chapter 3 Options and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Sampling Accessories for the Summit Spectrometer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Install and Maintain a Purge Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Chapter 4 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Maintenance Schedule for the Summit Spectrometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Align the Spectrometer Optics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Calibrate the Laser Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Clean the Spectrometer and Touchscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Replace the Desiccant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Replace the Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Install the Touchscreen Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Replace the Sample Compartment Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide iii
1
Welcome
The Thermo Scientific Nicolet™ Summit Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer lets
you perform chemical analyses of sample materials by collecting data in the mid-IR spectral
range using a variety of accessories. The system has integrated verification features, a powerful
software suite, and many other features that make data collection easy. You can install optional
hardware and perform several service and maintenance procedures yourself. This document,
or other provided documentation, contains the information you need.
Be sure to read the safety guide that came with the system before operating the instrument.
Note We recommend that you maintain seal and desiccation and/or purge your
instrument at all times. Equipment damage due to failure to maintain seal and desiccation
and/or purge is not covered by the warranty. If you have questions about this requirement,
please contact us.
Conventions Used
Safety precautions and other important information use the following format:
WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE Follow instructions with this label to avoid damaging the system hardware or
losing data.
Note Contains helpful supplementary information.
Tip Provides information that can make a task easier.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 1
1
Welcome
Ordering Parts
Ordering Parts
Contacting Us
To o r de r p ar t s , contact us.
If you need to send the instrument or an accessory to us for repair, call or e-mail us first for
any shipping requirements or other instructions.
For Technical Support, please contact: www.thermofisher.com
If you have problems with your system, call Technical Support.
2 Nicolet Summit User Guide Thermo Scientific
2
Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer
To get started with your new Nicolet Summit Spectrometer, review the site and safety
requirements before the instrument arrives, unpack and setup the instrument, and connect
any additional accessories.
Contents
• Before Your Summit Spectrometer Arrives
• Personal Safety with the Summit Spectrometer
• Unpack and Get Started with the Spectrometer
• Back up and Recover Your Data
• Connect an External Monitor
• Install a Sampling Accessory
• Understand the Spectrometer LightBar
• View Your Data with the OMNIC Anywhere App
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 3
Before Your Summit Spectrometer Arrives
Prepare a suitable workspace for your spectrometer before it arrives to ensure the most
accurate data and the best long-term performance.
This article explains what to do when your spectrometer arrives and introduces environmental
and electrical factors that can influence your spectrometer’s performance. For a more
comprehensive explanation of these requirements, see the Site and Safety Information
installed on your Summit spectrometer.
Contents
• Unpacking the Spectrometer
• Preparing the Workspace
Unpacking the Spectrometer
Before you open the box, there are two important steps to take as soon as the instrument
arrives:
• Check the exterior of the shipping box for damage
If you notice any signs of damage, contact us or your local distributor for instructions.
• Allow the spectrometer to come to room temperature
Inside the shipping box, the spectrometer is sealed in a plastic bag to keep it dry. You
must allow 24 hours for the spectrometer to reach room temperature before you
open the bag. If you open the bag before the spectrometer is warmed up, condensation
could form that could damage internal optical components and cause permanent damage.
The warranty will not cover damage due to improper moving techniques or to removing the
sealed plastic bag before the instrument has come to room temperature.
Preparing the Workspace
Before your instrument arrives, make sure your workspace will be able to properly support the
spectrometer. In addition to allowing enough room for the spectrometer, consider several
environmental and electrical requirements.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 4
Before Your Summit Spectrometer Arrives
Spectrometer Dimensions
The Summit spectrometer requires a fairly small space, but make sure you also leave room
around the instrument so that heat can dissipate from the vents and so that you can easily
access the instrument’s ports, power button, and cables.
• Summit instrument weight: 10.9 kg (24 lbs)
• Summit instrument weight with touchscreen option: 12.6 Kg (27.8 lbs)
• Dimensions (W x H x D):
– 34 cm x 24 cm x 32 cm; (13.3 in. x 9.6 in. x 12.7 in.)
• Dimensions with touch screen display option (W x H x D):
– 53 cm x 43 cm x 32 cm; (20.8 in. x 17.0 in. x 12.7 in.)
Environmental Factors
The Summit spectrometer is a robust instrument designed to be used in many environments.
However, for best performance, keep it in a relatively dust-free and low-humidity
environment. The spectrometer operates reliably at temperatures between 15 and 35 °C, but
for optimal performance should be kept between 20 and 22 °C.
Humidity can cause condensation to form inside the instrument, which could damage
internal components. A few precautions can typically protect your instrument from humidity:
• Maintain the instrument’s desiccant, including while the instrument is in storage.
• Avoid rapid changes in temperature.
– Keep the instrument away from sources of cool or hot air, such as near heating and air
conditioning vents or large windows.
If your spectrometer will be kept in an especially humid environment, consider installing a
purge gas kit.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 5
Before Your Summit Spectrometer Arrives
Electrical Requirements
Power supplied to the spectrometer must be from dedicated, uninterrupted sources and free
from the following issues:
• Voltage dropouts
• Transient spikes
•Frequency shifts
• Other line disturbances
If you suspect problems with your power, we recommend a power quality audit. Contact us or
your local electrical authority for more information.
Electrical Service Specifications
The following table lists specifications for electrical service. Contact our service representative
in your area if you have questions about the requirements.
Requirements Specification
Input Current 1.6 A Max
Input Voltage 100–240 VAC
Line Frequency 47–63
Line Disturbances Sags, surges, or other line disturbances must not exceed 10% of
input voltage
Noise Less than 2 V (common mode)
Less than 20 V (normal mode)
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 6
Personal Safety with the Summit Spectrometer
While the Nicolet™ Summit™ Spectrometer is designed to be a safe instrument, you should
take a few precautions to protect yourself from potential hazards that can arise during normal
use and maintenance.
CAUTION This guide is an introduction to potential dangers that you should be aware of,
but it is not a comprehensive guide. Before using the instrument, see the Site and Safety
Information for a full description of these potential hazards.
Potential Hazards during Normal Use
During normal use, most hazards are due to following sources:
• Potentially hazardous samples and solvents
• Parts of the spectrometer that are hot or emit heat
• The instrument’s laser
You can avoid possibly harming yourself or damaging the instrument by understanding
potential hazards and by taking a few precautions.
Hazardous Samples and Solvents
Take special precautions if you are using or plan to measure potentially hazardous samples or
solvents, such as pressurized gases or corrosive or flammable solvents.
Use Proper Ventilation
There are no special ventilation requirements for your spectrometer, but you may need
additional ventilation during certain types of analysis. Ensure that you have proper ventilation
if you will be analyzing highly toxic samples, dissolving your samples in solvents that may
interact with the infrared source, or sampling flammable gases.
The pyrolysis of solvents containing halogenated hydrocarbons may produce hydrochloric
acid (HCl), hydroflouric acic (HF), or phosgene (COCl
WARNING Avoid toxic inhalation. Hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and phosgene
are highly toxic. If you are using solvents containing halogenated hydrocarbons, ensure
your work area is properly ventilated.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 7
).
2
Personal Safety with the Summit Spectrometer
Volatile and Flammable Solvents
The infrared source inside the spectrometer can ignite flammable and volatile samples and
solvents. Take the following actions when working with samples and solvents that are
flammable:
• Work with the sample compartment windows installed.
• Ensure that the workspace is properly ventilated with an active venting system that is free
of spark or other sources of ignition and that prevents flammable vapors from collecting
in the atmosphere surrounding the instrument.
• Do not leave flammable solvents or samples near the instrument.
• Do not leave flammable solvents or samples in the sample compartment for longer than
necessary.
• Purge the spectrometer with clean, dry air or nitrogen.
Corrosive Solvents
Solvents that produce HCl or HF vapors in the sample compartment may severely damage the
system. If you are using halogenated solvents, purge the instrument with clean, dry air or
nitrogen.
NOTICE Your warranty does not cover equipment damage that is due to a failure to
purge the instrument.
HCl and HF vapors may also compromise the coating of KBr sample compartment windows.
If you are planning to work with corrosive solvents regularly, consider installing ZnSe sample
compartment windows, instead.
Biohazard or Radioactive Materials and Infectious Agents
Biological samples, such as tissues, body fluids, infectious agents, and blood, have the
potential to transmit infectious diseases. Follow your organization’s Biosafety Program
protocols for working with potentially infectious materials.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 8
Sources of Heat
Vents
Heat from infrared
source (underneath
the instrument)
Personal Safety with the Summit Spectrometer
Parts of the spectrometer can become quite hot during normal use. Be careful around the
spectrometer’s infrared source and the vents.
Figure 1. Take care around the instrument’s infrared source and the vents
The outward facing surface of the infrared source is located on the bottom of the instrument
and can become quite hot. Do not touch the underside of the instrument during operation or
shortly after use.
The spectrometer’s vent is located on the left side of the instrument. During normal use, the
spectrometer dissipates hot air from internal components to the area outside the spectrometer
through these vents. Leave enough space around the instrument vents for hot air to dissipate.
Laser and Optical Safety
You will never be exposed to unsafe levels of laser radiation during normal use of the
spectrometer. If the cover is removed during a service procedure, you may need to take special
precautions, such as using protective eyewear. Your service person will notify you if this is
necessary.
WARNING Avoid personal injury. Never stare into the laser beam or at its reflection.
Never tamper with the laser, even if you are replacing a defective laser, or you could be
exposed to laser light or to high voltage.
Potential Hazards during Maintenance
You may be exposed to different hazards while performing maintenance on the instrument
than you would encounter during normal use. During maintenance, the primary hazards
involve purging the instrument and working with the instrument’s internal components.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 9
Purging the Instrument
In especially humid environments, we recommend installing a source of clean, dry air or
nitrogen to purge the spectrometer. Purging the instrument can help protect internal optical
components from damage caused by a moist environment or corrosive solvents, and it can
ensure more accurate results.
See “Install and Maintain a Purge Kit” for details on purchasing and installing a purge kit for
your spectrometer.
DANGER Avoid fire and explosion hazard.
• Use only dried air or nitrogen to purge your spectrometer.
• Never use a flammable, combustible, or toxic gas to purge this instrument. The purge
gas must be free of oil and other reactive materials. Heat from the source or from laser
absorption may ignite flammable gases or reactive materials in the purge gas.
Working with Internal Components
Personal Safety with the Summit Spectrometer
Typically, there should be no reason for you to remove the instrument cover or attempt to
replace internal components. However, if you need to remove the cover for maintenance, be
aware that you risk being shocked, burned, and exposed to laser light.
CAUTION Avoid shock hazard.
Even after this instrument has been disconnected from all voltage sources, capacitors may
remain charged for up to 30 seconds and can cause an electrical shock.
CAUTION Avoid burn hazard.
Internal components, especially the infrared source, can become extremely hot during
normal operation. Turn off the instrument and wait at least 10 minutes before replacing
any components.
WARNING Avoid personal injury.
• Never stare into the laser beam or at its reflection. Never tamper with the laser. You
could be exposed to laser light or high voltage.
• If you adjust the laser or perform procedures that are not described in the user guides
and manuals, you could be exposed to hazardous radiation.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 10
Personal Safety with the Summit Spectrometer
Replacing the desiccant
When you open the desiccant compartment, you must prevent flammable liquids or gases
from entering the compartment. For instructions on changing the desiccant, see “Replace the
Desiccant.”
DANGER Avoid explosion hazard.
Before you open the desiccant compartment, turn off the instrument power, unplug the
power cord and remove all accessories and samples from the system. Entry of flammable
liquids or gases into the desiccant compartment could cause an explosion. If such entry
occurs, contact us immediately and do not apply power to the instrument until the
condition has been corrected.
Replacing the IR Source
The IR source becomes extremely hot during use. If you need to replace the IR source, avoid
burn and explosion hazards.
CAUTION Avoid burn hazard.
Summary
The source becomes extremely hot during normal use. Always allow the source to cool for
at least 10 minutes after the spectrometer is turned off before you work with the source.
DANGER Avoid explosion hazard.
Before you remove the source from the spectrometer, turn off the instrument power,
unplug the power cord, disconnect any purge lines, and remove all accessories and samples
from the system. Entry of flammable liquids or gases into the source compartment could
cause an explosion. If such entry occurs, contact us immediately and do not apply power
to the instrument until the condition has been corrected.
The Nicolet Summit spectrometer is a safe and rugged instrument, but you can be exposed to
hazards during use and maintenance. During normal operation, use caution when handling
potentially hazardous samples and solvents and avoid parts of the spectrometer that are hot or
emit heat. During maintenance, take precautions to avoid harm or damage that could occur
when purging the instrument, handling internal components, or changing the desiccant.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 11
Unpack and Get Started with the Spectrometer
Unpacking and setting up your Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ Summit Spectrometer requires
you to place the instrument in your workspace, to connect and power on the spectrometer,
and to run a short performance test.
Before You Begin
Wait 24 hours before taking the spectrometer out of its plastic shipping bag to prevent
condensation from forming that can damage internal optics. The warranty will not cover
damage due to opening the sealed plastic bag before the instrument has come to room
temperature.
Reminder: Review the spectrometer's Site and Safety Information to ensure that the
workspace is safe and suitable for the instrument.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 12
What’s in the Box?
Unpack and Get Started with the Spectrometer
The Summit spectrometer comes with several accessories and options. The following image
shows what comes with your spectrometer, including many optional add-ons.
1. Summit or Summit PRO Spectrometer
2. Power cord
3. Ethernet cable
Optional
4. Everest ATR Accessory
5. Touchscreen monitor
6. ZnSe window replacement kit, including
window replacement tool and nitrile gloves
7. Purge kit
8. Wireless keyboard and mouse (not
shown: USB extension cable)
9. Mini DisplayPort cable (included with
the optional 22” high-definition monitor)
10. Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
11. WiFi access dongle (comes pre-installed
if purchased)
Not shown: Optional 22” High-Definition
Monitor
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 13
Unpacking and Setup
The steps for unpacking and setting up your spectrometer vary somewhat depending on the
options you purchased.
1. Unpack the shipping box.
Unpack and Get Started with the Spectrometer
Remove the spectrometer from the shipping box and bag and remove additional packing
materials.
NOTICE Use care when lifting the spectrometer.
• Do not grasp the touchscreen monitor to lift the spectrometer.
• Do not touch the sample compartment windows while unpacking the
instrument. Touching the windows could cause permanent damage.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 14
Unpack and Get Started with the Spectrometer
1. Ethernet port
2. Power input
3. Mini DisplayPort
4. USB ports (2)
5. Power button
6. WiFi adapter port
(under the top cover)
2. Set up the monitor.
• If you have the attached touchscreen monitor, grasp the monitor by the sides and
position it to face the front of the instrument.
• If you are using an external monitor, connect the monitor to the spectrometer using
the Mini DisplayPort. If you are also using the optional wireless mouse and keyboard,
use the provided USB extension cable to position the wireless receiver farther from
the USB inputs.
Note Some USB and Mini DisplayPort devices are known to interfere with the
signal from wireless USB devices, such as wireless keyboards and mice. If you
notice performance issues with your wireless keyboard and mouse, such as lag or
delayed or missed input, use the provided USB extension cable to position the
wireless USB receiver farther from the USB ports.
3. (Optional) Replace the sample compartment windows.
If you purchased the ZnSe windows option, replace the windows. For instructions on
replacing the windows, see Replace the Sample Compartment Windows.
4. Turn on the spectrometer.
NOTICE You must create a new password the first time you power on the
spectrometer. If this password is lost or forgotten, all data saved on the spectrometer
will be unrecoverable. It is recommended that you leave the password blank during
initial setup and later create a secure password and additional user accounts as needed.
a. Connect the power supply to the spectrometer and to a properly grounded AC power
source.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 15
Unpack and Get Started with the Spectrometer
b. Press the instrument’s power button to turn on the spectrometer. The spectrometer’s
LightBar will display a cycling green light while the instrument warms up and will
show a solid green bar when the instrument is ready for use.
5. Verify the spectrometer’s performance.
Performance verification and qualification workflows use a polystyrene reference material
inside the spectrometer to run a series of standard tests to verify your instrument
operation and to ensure the accuracy of your data.
a. Launch the Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ Paradigm software. The first time the
software starts, it will open with the touchscreen interface. Later, you can switch
between the touchscreen and the desktop interfaces.
b. Using the touchscreen interface, navigate to the Workflows tab and select Nicolet
FTIR – Factory Qualification. To run the workflow, touch the Run icon and follow
the on-screen prompts.
For more on performance verification and qualification workflows, see Qualify Your
Spectrometer.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 16
Unpack and Get Started with the Spectrometer
6. Insert a sampling accessory
To install the optional Everest ATR accessory or iD1 Transmission accessory, grasp the
accessory by the front and rear handholds and lower the accessory onto the spectrometer.
Sampling accessories fit over two alignment pins on the spectrometer baseplate and are
held in place by strong magnets.
Next Steps
• For details on installing an accessory, see Install a Sampling Accessory.
• For details on using the Everest ATR accessory, see Sampling Accessories.
Congratulations! Your instrument is ready for use. However, before you start collecting data,
back up your system and create a recovery drive to protect your system from potential
problems in the future. Windows 10 includes several built-in tools for backing up and
recovering your data.
For instructions on creating a recovery drive and system image and on restoring your system,
see “Back up and Recover Your Data.”
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 17
Back up and Recover Your Data
Before you start collecting data, you should take a few precautionary steps to protect your
system from potential problems in the future. Windows 10 includes several built-in tools for
backing up and recovering your data.
IMPORTANT! To ensure that you can recover any data in the event of damage to the hard
drive or operating system, create recovery media, create a system image, and establish
procedures for backing up your data.
Create a Recovery Drive
Create a recovery drive so that you can access advanced startup options in Windows 10—such
as System Image Recovery, System Restore, and Startup Settings—even in your installation of
Windows becomes damaged.
Required Materials
• FAT32 formatted flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage
NOTICE Everything on the drive will be deleted during this process. Before you proceed,
make sure you have backed up any files you wish keep.
To create a recovery drive
1. Insert the flash drive in one of the USB ports on the side of the spectrometer.
2. In the Windows 10 search box in the taskbar, search for “Create Recovery Drive” and
select Create Recovery Drive.
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 18
Back up and Recover Your Data
3. When asked to allow changes to your device, select Yes .
4. De-select “Back up system files to the recovery drive” and click Next.
5. Select your drive from list of available drives and click Next.
6. Click Create. When the process is finished, click Finish to close the window.
7. Safely remove the flash drive and store it in a safe place. It’s a good idea to label the drive
as Summit Recovery Drive.
For more on creating recovery media, see Microsoft’s online help.
Create a System Image
A system image is a snapshot of your entire system, including your data and files, installed
applications, and other settings. In case of complete hard drive or operating system failure,
you can use the system image to restore your device to the state it was in when the image was
created. It is up to you how often you want to update the system image, but it’s a good idea to
keep an image of a clean installation from the first time you set up your instrument.
Depending on how much data you copy to the system image, the process may take a while. If
you are copying a large amount of data, it may take more than an hour for the process to
complete.
Required Materials
• NTFS formatted SSD
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit User Guide 19
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