ABLE Computrac Vapor Pro Rx Installation & Maintenance Instructions Manual

Moisture analyser

Advertisement

Quick Links

Installation & Maintenance Instructions
Computrac® Vapor Pro® Rx
Moisture Analyser
Reading Office
Aberdeen Office
Cutbush Park, Danehill, Lower Earley,
Unit 6 Airside Business Park, Kirkhill Industrial Estate,
Reading, Berkshire. RG6 4UT. UK.
Dyce, Aberdeen. AB21 0GT. UK.
Tel: +44 (0)118 9311188
Tel: +44 (0)1224 725999
Email: info@able.co.uk
Email: ab@able.co.uk
Internet: www.able.co.uk
e-procurement: www.247able.com
Registered in England No: 01851002
VAT No: GB 417 2481 61

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for ABLE Computrac Vapor Pro Rx

  • Page 1 Moisture Analyser Reading Office Aberdeen Office Cutbush Park, Danehill, Lower Earley, Unit 6 Airside Business Park, Kirkhill Industrial Estate, Internet: www.able.co.uk Reading, Berkshire. RG6 4UT. UK. Dyce, Aberdeen. AB21 0GT. UK. e-procurement: www.247able.com Tel: +44 (0)118 9311188 Tel: +44 (0)1224 725999 Registered in England No: 01851002 Email: info@able.co.uk...
  • Page 2 ® ® Computrac VAPOR PRO PROPRIETARY RIGHTS NOTICE The material in this manual contains valuable information developed by Arizona Instrument LLC for use with ® the Computrac line of moisture analyzers. No part of this manual can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, or otherwise.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents WARNINGS AND SAFETY INFORMATION ....................4 INTRODUCTION .............................. 6 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION ........................7 UNPACKING ..............................8 INSTALLATION ............................... 9 CHECK SENSOR STATUS ..........................13 DRYNESS TEST ..............................14 RH SENSOR CALIBRATION CHECK ......................15 RH SENSOR CALIBRATION ......................... 17 10.
  • Page 4: Warnings And Safety Information

    WARNINGS AND SAFETY INFORMATION • The VP-Series Moisture Analyzers comply with the Use only AZI supplied accessories and options with VP- Underwriter Laboratories Inc. standards and European Council Series Moisture Analyzers or check with AZI before Directives for Electrical Equipment for Laboratory Use, using any third party accessories, such as printers and electromagnetic compatibility, and the stipulated safety analytical balances, to verify compatibility.
  • Page 5 OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS – INDOOR USE. • Substances that release caustic vapors such as acids • should be analyzed in the smallest sample size possible to Optimum results will be achieved when the unit is set on still achieve satisfactory results. If vapors condense on the a smooth, level surface in a non-condensing, non- VP-Series Moisture Analyzers housing parts, stop the explosive environment of 0-40º...
  • Page 6: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION Arizona Instrument is proud to continue its leadership role in developing new technology for the ® ® VAPOR PRO Rx is a giant step forward in the moisture analysis industry. The Computrac measurement of very low moisture levels. ® VAPOR A revolutionary moisture analyzer with a detection limit of 100 ppm, the Computrac ®...
  • Page 7: Principles Of Operation

    PRINCIPLES of OPERATION ® ® VAPOR PRO Rx utilizes a cylinder shaped bottle heater, a dry air-carrier The Computrac gas flow system and a moisture sensor. The instrument heats a sample of test material contained in a 20 ml septum bottle or sealed freeze dried container. Volatiles, driven off from the sample, are carried by the air system through the sensor block containing the Relative Humidity (RH) sensor.
  • Page 8: Unpacking

    UNPACKING Unpack the instrument and locate the following items: AZI Part Number ® Computrac ® CT 3500-L or CT 3500L-220V VAPOR PRO (CT-3500 or CT-3500-L) CT-3500-L-100V differences Accessory Kit Y990-0151 Power Cord (varies with area) 200-0002 200-0003 200-0008 USA/Canada England Europe Clear Tubing, 1/8"...
  • Page 9: Installation

    INSTALLATION ® ® VAPOR PRO Rx on a solid level surface that is large enough to Place the Computrac accommodate the instrument and any accessories or materials that may be required for your work (balance, printer, sample bottles, samples, etc.). AZI clear Using 1/8"...
  • Page 10 • Instructions on the Drierite ® ® website tell how to regenerate the Drierite continued use. For further information, contact W.A. Hammond Drierite Co Ltd at (937) 376-2927 or at www.drierite.com. The following diagrams are not to scale but illustrate the preferred connecting arrangements. For all but the dry air generator, adjust the pressure to the instrument between 17 and 22 psi (118-152 kPa) with 20 psi (138 kPa) preferred.
  • Page 11 If you plan to use a printer, electronic balance, and/or computer, connect them to the marked connectors at the back of the instrument. The accessory keyboard connects to a fitting on the side nearest the printer connector of the instrument. Connect all accessories while the instrument is turned OFF, and power ON the accessories before powering ON the instrument.
  • Page 12 After a quick view of the instrument identification and the firmware version, the Main Test Screen will appear. Allow the instrument to warm up for 20 minutes. Page 12...
  • Page 13: Check Sensor Status

    CHECK SENSOR STATUS The display shows the function of the soft-keys at the bottom of the screen. Use the soft-key buttons below the display on the front panel to move through the menu screens and system settings. The function of each soft key will change as needed to provide the selection and input requirements of each menu screen.
  • Page 14: Dryness Test

    DRYNESS TEST ® For all tests using a bottle, ENSURE the slick Teflon side of the septum is to the inside of the bottle or the moisture trapped in the septum will cause false moisture indications. When the display on the Main Test Screen indicates “Ready to Test”: •...
  • Page 15: Rh Sensor Calibration Check

    RH SENSOR CALIBRATION CHECK The water calibration test verifies that the instrument is working properly. This test only takes a few minutes. Arizona Instrument recommends that this test be run every day to verify the system’s calibration and accuracy. For greatest accuracy, each test should be run with new septa. ®...
  • Page 16 When “READY TO TEST” is displayed on the Main Test Screen: • Press [Memry] • Highlight   RH SENSOR CAL • Press [START] Accuracy of results should be within five (5) percent of the capillary capacity, usually 1000 micrograms (950 to 1050 µg). If using a different value capillary tube, use ±5% of the value listed on the container for the tolerance.
  • Page 17: Rh Sensor Calibration

    RH Sensor Calibration The Relative Humidity Sensor is calibrated using the same technique as for the calibration check. The difference is in what happens to the results. The calibration calculation may be used to calibrate the sensor, whereas the check calculation is only for information. Therefore, the first portion of the sensor calibration is like the calibration check.
  • Page 18 When “READY TO TEST” is displayed on the Main Test Screen: • Press [Memry], • Highlight  RH SENSOR CAL  • Press [START] Allow the test to proceed until completed. It should take five to seven (5 to 7) minutes. NOTE: At least five (5) tests are required for the proper analysis and correction factors to be calculated.
  • Page 19: Temperature Calibration

    TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION TIP: The temperature calibration and verification take approximately five (5) hours. Parts Required in addition to the VAPOR PRO ® Amt. AZI Part Number Description Temperature Calibration Kit with 9 VDC, 100 mA, 3.5 Y990-0142 (110 VAC) mm male plug, positive tip, DC Adaptor Y990-0165 (220 VAC) Y990-0098 or Graphics or Mini Printer kit with cable (optional)
  • Page 20 Rx ON. From the Main Test Screen, press [Menu] to bring up the ® Turn the VAPOR PRO MAIN MENU. Press [Down] (if necessary) so that CALIBRATION MENU is highlighted - press [Selct]. At the Calibration Menu, press [Down] until TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION is highlighted - press [Selct].
  • Page 21: Running Moisture Tests

    RUNNING MOISTURE TESTS ® ® VAPOR PRO Rx has 102 available positions to store test parameters for The Computrac different materials. Storing the parameters ensures that each test of the same material will use the same parameters to assure accurate, reliable, and repeatable testing. Selecting Test Settings •...
  • Page 22: Selecting Programmed Test Temperature

    Selecting Programmed Test Temperature • Determining the Test Temperature  Generally, use the highest temperature possible without causing other ‘undesirable’ conditions (such as melting or excessive release of other volatiles). The instrument is relatively insensitive to the exact temperature used. Too low a temperature will result in long test times and possibly low results.
  • Page 23: Selecting Sample Weight Entry Method

    PREDICT: Ends the test when the built-in programmed criteria that mathematically calculate the end point moisture content have been satisfied. Use PREDICT if you want to more accurately determine the actual moisture content or are working independently of other standards or methods.
  • Page 24: Selecting Bottle Purge Control

    Selecting Bottle Purge Control • Highlight BOTTLE PURGE CONTROL. • Press [Selct], then [Edit]. The bottle purge time is the time dry carrier gas flows through the sample bottle before a test begins. A value of 000 will disable the bottle purge. Any number other than 000 will adjust the purge time to that number of seconds.
  • Page 25: Determining Optimum Parameters

    DETERMINING OPTIMUM PARAMETERS Correlation to Reference Method For best accuracy and speed, the sample should evolve between 200 and 5,000 micrograms of water during the test. Larger amounts will not significantly improve accuracy and will only add to the test time. Smaller quantities will result in faster tests but may degrade accuracy, depending on the properties of the sample.
  • Page 26 The following table gives general guidance for the selection of sample size for various expected moisture levels. Note that the maximum sample size is also limited by the sample bottle. Do not fill the bottle over half full. Table 1 - Sample Size Expected Moisture .001 - .015% or 50-150 ppm 1.5 - 2 grams...
  • Page 27: Running Moisture Tests Using Unsealed Bottles

    RUNNING MOISTURE TESTS USING UNSEALED BOTTLES Tare a clean, empty sample bottle, including the septum and cap. Based on the expected moisture content of the sample, determine optimum sample size using the chart on page 26. However, do not fill the bottle over ½ full so that sufficient carrier gas may flow and pick up evolved moisture.
  • Page 28 CAUTION The bottle transport, holder lever, and bottle are very hot when the test is finished and the transport extends. Do not touch the bottle with your bare hands until it has had time to cool. A glove may be needed to press the lever to open the bottle holder. Use the extractor tab at the bottom of the ramp to lift the bottle from the transport while opening the wire bottle holder with the lever.
  • Page 29: Computrac Vapor Pro Rx Menu System

    COMPUTRAC Rx MENU SYSTEM ® ® VAPOR PRO In the idle state, the Main Test Screen displays menu access soft keys at the bottom. From left to right they are: • [Memry] key - for accessing stored memory start selections, •...
  • Page 30 The [Menu] key brings up a screen showing the following options: • MEMORY START MENU • STORED DATA MENU • CALIBRATION MENU • SETUP MENU • DIAGNOSTIC MENU EMPTY BOTTLE WEIGHT TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION TDLTO: THIRTY DAYS: NO • Use the [Up] and [Down] keys to scroll through the selections. •...
  • Page 31: Memory Start Menu

    Memory Start Menu • ADD/EDIT MEMORY START - lists of stored test parameter sets.  Sample ID: (Name)  Test Temperatures  Result Display Type  Ending Criteria  Method of Entering Sample Weight  Bottle Purge Control. • REORDER MEMORY START - Allows the stored parameter sets to be rearranged, deleted, or copied.
  • Page 32: Calibration Menu

    Calibration Menu • PERFORM RH SENSOR CAL - A program to be used carefully and only when required to calibrate the moisture sensor. This selection uses stored data sets and calibrated microcapillary tubes to calculate and execute the automatic adjustment of the instrument.
  • Page 33: Setup Menu

    Setup Menu • CLOCK SETUP - Set the internal clock for the correct time and date. • EXT BALANCE SETUP - Select the type of external balance: AZI ZSP150/SP150 or SCI SA80. For more information, see COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS.  Select the tare mode. (Fixed weight, manual bottle weight entry, or balance entry) ...
  • Page 34 • ACCESS KEY SETUP - Allows entry of the passwords used to prevent unauthorized alteration of stored parameter sets, or stored data sets.  KEY ENABLE - OFF to disable access protection and ON to enable access protection  MASTER KEY - controls all functions. ...
  • Page 35: Diagnostic Menu

    Diagnostic Menu • VIEW SYSTEM SENSOR STATUS - Displays the current value of:  RH measured by the RH sensor (RH SENSOR),  Flow in rate in milliliters per minute (FLOW IN),  Sensor block temperature (BLOCK RTD), RTD stands for Resistive Temperature Detector and describes the solid-state devices used throughout the instrument to measure temperatures.
  • Page 36: Condition Prompts And System Failure Codes

    CONDITION PROMPTS and SYSTEM FAILURE CODES ® ® To assure proper performance, your Computrac VAPOR PRO uses an intelligent self- diagnostic system to detect any problems in the hardware, software, sensors or flow system. Operating abnormalities and fault conditions will result in condition prompts or system failure codes.
  • Page 37: System Failure Codes

    System Failure Codes Occurring less frequently than condition prompts, system failure codes require the instrument to be switched off and then powered back up. It is possible for a failure to occur due to a transient condition. However, if the failure persists or occurs frequently, call Arizona Instrument Customer Service at (800) 528-7411 or (602) 470-1414.
  • Page 38: Commonly Asked Questions

    COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS Below are some commonly asked questions with answers and possible solutions. Q: “What if my calibration check results are out of range?” Perform a sensor calibration. The Computrac ® ® VAPOR PRO Rx self-adjusts the internal calibration factors to the high precision moisture sensor, due to varying conditions (temperature, product accumulation in the flow system, component wear, etc.).
  • Page 39 Q: “What if the instrument indicates low flow when the input pressure is adequate?” #1 The needle may be clogged. Use the following procedure to clean the needle assembly and sensor chamber. For assistance, call AZI Customer Service at 800-528-7411 or 602-470-1414.
  • Page 40 Q: “What about interferences?” The only known interferences are from ammonium hydroxide, ethanol, methanol and acetone. Samples containing these and similar chemicals should never be used. Additionally, never use these substances as cleaning agents in or on ® ® VAPOR PRO Rx.
  • Page 41 ® ® Q: “How do I set up the Computrac VAPOR PRO Rx to use the AZI ZSP150/SP150 or SCI SA800 digital balance?” Follow the steps below. • Beginning at the Starting Screen, select the prompts in order: • Main •...
  • Page 42: Repair And Maintenance

    REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE Routine maintenance consists of checking the Hydrophobic Filter for clogging or contamination, checking the needles for clogs, and cleaning the flow path between the needle and the filter. For clean samples, such as most plastic resin pellets, this is seldom necessary. For very dusty, high moisture or high volatile content samples, it may be necessary more often.
  • Page 43: Instrument Cover Removal

    INSTRUMENT COVER REMOVAL • Remove the access cover. See ACCESS COVER REMOVAL on page 42. • The sensor block is hot (68 °C); do not touch it with bare hands until it has been allowed to cool down. • Remove the instrument cover by unlatching the two latches on the back chassis wall. A long screwdriver is helpful.
  • Page 44: Q: "How Do I Change The Filter?" Not On All Instruments

    When used, the Hydrophobic Filter on top of the Sensor Block must be replaced if it becomes contaminated. Replace it only with the Hydrophobic Filter available from Arizona Instrument (AZI Part No. 990-0059). Before replacing a filter, it is good practice to flush the new filter with dry carrier gas to remove moisture adsorbed to the interior of the filter.
  • Page 45: Q: "How Do I Adjust The Dry Air Flow

    • Install a new filter by rotating it clockwise until finger tight. Reattach the clear tubing. If condensed material is visible in the tubing, replace the tubing. Note that this is a special type of hydrophobic tubing. The proper tubing is available from AZI as AZI Part Number 345-0050.
  • Page 46 • If FLOW IN is not 75 ± 2 mL/min (CT-3500-L) or 100 ± 10 mL/min (CT-3500), adjust the pressure regulator. There are two configurations of the flow regulator. • On older instruments:  Locate the flow regulator that is mounted to the right of the display.
  • Page 47: Specifications And Ratings

    SPECIFICATIONS AND RATINGS These specifications are intended as a guide to proper use of the instrument. Specifications and features will vary with application. AZI product specifications are controlled by ISO-9001 procedures and are established and verified during design. They are not to be construed as test criteria for every application.
  • Page 48: Warranty

    WARRANTY ® ® VAPOR PRO Rx to be free from defects in Arizona Instrument LLC warrants the Computrac materials or workmanship for two (2) years from the date of purchase for those instruments sold in the USA. All international sales normally carry a one (1) year warranty. AZI will repair or replace, at its option, products that AZI determines to be defective during the warranty period.
  • Page 49 TRADEMARK AND COPYRIGHT PROTECTION ® ® ® ® , VAPOR PRO , Arizona Instrument Computrac , AZI and the stylized AZI are all registered trademarks of Arizona Instrument LLC. Instrument firmware is copyright protected. All specifications subject to change without notice. US Patents Nos.

This manual is also suitable for:

Ct-3500Ct-3500-l

Table of Contents