Instruction Manual:
ATS & BTS Moisture Analyzers
ATS
BTS
Instruction Manual –ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers
Table of Contents
1. Cautionary Notes 2
1.1 Important Safety Warnings 2
Hot Parts and Surfaces 4
1.2
1.3 More Cautionary Notes and Precautions 5
2. Specifications 6
3. Introduction 7
4. Keys and Display Indicators 8
5. Parts Description 9
6. Unpacking and Getting Started 10
7. Main Menu 11
8. Configuring Drying Settings and Understanding the parameters 12
8.1 Configuring Drying Settings 12
8.2 Saving drying settings 12
8.3 Understanding drying parameters and settings 13
9. Preparing the Sample 15
10. Performing Moisture Analysis 16
11. Determining Drying Parameters for Unknown Samples 18
11.1 Activating the Drying Chart 18
11.2 Setting trial parameters and performing trial-and-error analysis 19
11.3 Interpreting the Trial Analysis, making adjustments, and finalizing the settings 19
12. Loading Saved Profiles and Parameters 20
13. Temperature Correction and Adjustment 21
13.1 Installing the external temperature probe 21
13.2 Obtaining temperature correction readings and enabling Temperature Correction 22
14. Drying Options 23
15. Report Printing Configuration and Data Transmission 24
16. RS232 (Port 1) and USB (Port 2) Interface Ports 25
17. Configuration 26
18. Restoring Factory Defaults 27
19. Testing the Analyzer with Sodium Tartrate Dihydrate 28
20. Replacing the Halogen Lamps and cleaning the chamber 29
21. Calibration 30
22. Weighing 32
22.1 Taring 32
22.2 Clearing a Tare 33
23. Common Errors and Troubleshooting 34
24. Warranty 35
25. Drying parameters for common materials and substances 36
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Instruction Manual – ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers Torbal Moisture Analyzer
Chapter 1: Cautionary Notes
The TORBAL Moisture Analyzer is a sensitive and a delicate instrument that generates heat up to 160°C. Many
parts and surfaces of the moisture analyzer get extremely HOT. Always handle the analyzer with care and use
EXCESSIVE CAUTION when operating the moisture analyzer.
1.1 Important Safety Warnings:
WARNING:
• Do not test flammables, explosives, or
things that produce dangerous or noxious
vapors.
• Do not test unknown substances.
• Do not place anything on top of the
analyzer’s venting grill (perforated top
cover of the unit).
• Do not pass anything over the top of the
unit when drying is in progress. Never
pass fluids over the perforated cover (a
spill can be disastrous).
• If a sample catches fire, first pull the
power plug from the power outlet, and
then extinguish the flame.
• Always assume the Drying Chamber is
hot when you open the cover. As the
internal parts can retain heat, allow
adequate time for cooling before touching
any of the internal surfaces.
• Never touch a halogen lamp unless you
are about to replace it, and you are sure
the analyzer is off and halogens have
cooled down.
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Instruction Manual –ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers
WARNING:
• If a mistake creates a dangerous situation, immediately press the STOP key to terminate the
drying.
• Use extreme caution when touching parts of the analyzer they may be very HOT. Wear
protective gloves when removing hot samples, even when using the pan handle (it can get very
hot).
• Use the cover handle to open and close the Drying Chamber.
• Always use forceps or needle-nose pliers to remove the hot disposable sample pan from the larger
permanent pan.
• When loading a new sample into the Drying Chamber use the pan handle. Make sure the
disposable sample pan and sample are centered and that the sample has been leveled.
• Be sure the Analyzer is in an area with good air circulation (to diffuse the heat generated by the
Drying Chamber or vapors generated from your sample), relatively low (less than 85%) or
controlled humidity (for accurate measurements), and an ambient temperature between 18ºC and
30ºC.
• If you suspect that the analyzer has malfunctioned or it is not operating properly, immediately
STOP use and contact technical support.
Legal regulations forbid disposal of electronic
equipment in waste containers.
• Please return this device to the point of purchase or another company that
specializes in recycling of waste electronic components.
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1.2 Hot Parts and Surfaces
Instruction Manual –ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers
Many parts of the Moisture Analyzer get very HOT during use. Familiarize yourself with these internal parts
and always allow adequate time for cooling before touching or handling. Never touch any areas of the analyzer
that with hot symbol.
The analyzer’s venting grill can reach a temperature in excess of 100°C (212°F).
NEVER touch the grill during or soon after use as severe burning may occur. The
analyzer’s housing can reach a temperature of 60°C (140°F).
Venting Grill can reach temperatures in
excess of 100°C (212°F). NEVER touch
the grill during or soon after use as severe
burning may occur.
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1.3 More Cautionary Notes and Precautions
Correct location and proper environment has a significant impact on the accuracy of the weighing results of the
TORBAL Moisture Analyzer.
• Stable, vibration-free base as horizontal as possible
• Away from direct sunlight
• Not exposed to high temperature variations
• Away from direct drafts
• Best location: stable bench away from direct drafts, doors, windows, radiators, and air conditioner vents.
Instruction Manual –ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers
The optimal location for your unit:
WARNING:
WARNING:
• The Analyzer is designed for indoor use only.
• Do not operate the unit in hazardous areas or conditions.
• Never Operate the Analyzer near combustive or explosive vapors
• Do not use the Analyzer in locations subject to high humidity or dust levels.
• Do not connect cables in ways other than those designated in this manual.
• Be sure to set the Analyzer on a firm, stable horizontal surface.
• Never stand on or lean on this product. Equipment may fall or collapse, causing
breakage and possible injury.
• Before moving the product, unplug it and unplug all cables connected to it.
• When storing, transporting, or returning the unit for service, always use the original
packaging.
• Never attempt to repair, disassemble, or modify the Analyzer yourself.
Tampering with the unit may result in injury and cause more damage to the
equipment.
• Never use different halogens than what is specified in operators manual
• Be sure to use the specified power source.
• Do not allow foreign matter to fall into the unit.
• If water or other liquid spills into the Analyzer, do not continue to use it. Unplug the
power cord immediately and contact technical support.
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Chapter 2: Specifications
Instruction Manual –ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers
Model
Maximum Capacity 50g 100g 110g
Readability (d) 0.001g 0.01g
Repeatability
(Standard Deviation)
Linearity +/- 0.002g +/- 0.02g
Tare Range -60g -120g -110
Accuracy Class II III
Calibration Weight 10g, 20, 50g 20g, 50g, 100g 20g, 50g, 100g
Operating
Temperature
Analyzer Resolution 0.01% 0.1%
Moisture
Measurement
Repeatability
Maximum Drying
Temperature
Maximum Drying
Time
ATS60 ATS120 BTS110
0.001g 0.01g
+18C to +33C
+/-0.1% (2g sample)
+/-0.04% (5g sample)
160°C
9 hours
+/-1% (2g sample)
+/-0.4% (5g sample)
Drying Power 200W (2 x 100W)
Halogen Size 78mm, 100W
Warm-up time Approximately 90 sec.
RS232C Port DB9 Female
USB Port B Type
PS2 External Keyboard
Pan Size 90mm
Dimensions 185mm x 290mm x 170mm (7.3” x 11.4” x 6.7”)
Unit Weight 3.9kg (8.5lbs) 2.8kg (6.2lbs)
Power 110VAC, 60Hz
Warranty 12 months
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Instruction Manual –ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers
Chapter 3: Introduction
3.1. Function of the Moisture Analyzer
• The primary function of the device is to make precise measurements that allow the user to determine the
moisture content of various materials using the principle of thermo-gravimetric analysis – mass loss of a
sample caused by rapid drying due to an increase in temperature.
• Drying and configuration parameters such as the drying time, temperature, and sample weight, are
determined by the user. Parameter should be established by evaluating the physiochemical properties of a the
sample which will undergo the analysis. Optimum configuration parameters are also often derived through
trial-and-error.
3.2. Good Practices and General Rules
• Larger samples take longer to dry, but produce more accurate results. When accurate results are required,
try to stay in the 5 to 15 gram range. Use the Drying Chart feature to help in optimizing the Sample Size,
Drying Time, and Temperature.
• For uniformity of results, it is better to set the Drying Time for a little longer rather than shorter.
• Lower temperatures take longer, but produce more uniform results in many materials. This is especially true
if thermal decomposition is encountered in which added moisture is driven off as drying continues because
of decomposition.
• Prepare the sample properly. This includes: obtaining uniformity of initial weight, leveling the sample,
using a glass fiber disc with fluid samples or samples that produce fluids when heated, and avoiding
carbonization of the sample when possible (lower heat helps).
• Prepare the sample quickly and get it into analysis before its moisture content is altered by its surroundings.
• The more samples tested, the better the statistical reliability of the results.
• If solvents are required, be very careful of the vapors produced—they can be flammable or even explosive.
Safety first!
• Keep the Analyzer clean, keep the area around the Analyzer clear, calibrate the weighing unit periodically,
and test the unit for moisture accuracy using the Sodium Tartrate Dihydrate chemical standard whenever
problems are suspected (or periodically).
• Above all, remember the Drying Chamber can run at high temperatures, so use caution whenever opening
the cover or handling sample pans. The internal surfaces retain heat for some time.
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Instruction Manual –ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers
Chapter 4: Keys and Display Indicators
Key Primary Function Secondary Function
I/
ENTER
→T←
MENU
CLR
START
↑
STOP
↓
←
→
Turns analyzer ON / OFF n/a
Tare – tares gross weight / zero the scale
Enter – used to enter menu folders and accept
Menu – accesses the Main Menu Clear and Exit
Starts moisture analysis UP navigation key
Stops moisture analysis DOWN navigation key
Function toggle key - Weighing / Drying LEFT navigation key
Data Transfer / Print RIGHT navigation key
Display Indicator Description
m0 – m/m0 * 100%
Calculation formula used for calculating the result
Td Set Drying time
ts Set Sampling Interval
T Current Temperature in the drying chamber
m Current weight
m0 Initial starting weight
t
Current drying time
Current drying profile in use
CSD / OPEN Drying Chamber Closed / Drying Chamber Open
00:02:00s Drying Time
Command or Abbreviation Description
commands
Drying temp. Drying Temperature
Sampling Interv. Sampling Interval
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Instruction Manual –ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers
Chapter 5: Parts Description
Halogen Lamps
1
Temperature Sensor
2
Drying Chamber
3
Pan Shield
4
Pan Support
5
Pan Handle
6
Disposable Pan
7
Pan Shield Posts
8
Adjustable Leveling Feet
9
Bubble Level Indicator
10
Fuse
11
Base Plate
12
Glass Plate
13
Latches
14
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Instruction Manual –ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers
Chapter 6: Unpacking and getting started
1. Carefully remove the Moisture Analyzer and all its components from the packaging and place them on a
stable base where the unit will not be affected by any mechanical vibrations or air movements.
2. After removing the Pan Shield (4), Pan Support (5), and Pan Handle (6) from their packaging, open the
Drying Chamber (3) and carefully install the Pan Shield (4) on the three Pan Shield Posts (8).
3. Once the Pan Shield is installed on the shield posts, gently insert the Pan Support (5) into the opening of the
Analyzer’s mechanism.
4. After installing the Pan Support, place a Disposable Pan (7) on the Pan Handle (6), then place it on the Pan
Support so that the handle rests on the Pan Shield without touching the Pan Support.
5. After installing all pan components, close the Drying Chamber and level the Analyzer by adjusting the
leveling feet until the level indicator shows the “air bubble” is in the center position of the sight glass. The
level indicator is located on the rear left side of the unit.
6. After leveling the scale, plug the power supply cable into the power supply socket (Marked 110V) located
in the rear of the Analyzer.
7. Make sure the drying chamber is closed, and then plug the power cable into the wall outlet.
8. When the cable is plugged into the wall outlet, the Analyzer will turn “ON” automatically and initialize
itself. The Initial Heating is designed to drive any residual moisture from the heating chamber. The internal
temperature is raised to 105°C.
9. Upon completion of the power-up sequence, the unit comes up in the Moisture Analyzer Mode and is then
ready to be used.
WARNING: Please be careful and remember the drying
chamber has been heated and will retain heat for some time.
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Instruction Manual –ATS / BTS Moisture Analyzers
Chapter 7: Main Menu
1. Drying Settings: Used to configure and define essential drying parameters and profiles which are necessary to perform
moisture analysis.
2. Memory Settings: Allows to recall a previously saved set of parameters from the analyzers memory.
3. Drying Options: Allows to enable statistical information, as well as a drying chart which is often used when
establishing drying parameters for unknown samples. The transmissions option allows to transmit samples which are
taken during the moisture analysis. Data can be transferred to a PC or an external printer.
4. Drying Report: Used to configure and customize the drying report which can be printed at the end of each moisture
analysis.
5. Configuration: Allows to configure the analyzers weighing function, as well as general settings such as Interface Ports
(RS232 and USB), LCD Contrast, Time and Date, and Calibration.
6. Settings Default: Restores all factory settings and parameters
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