1 About this manual About this manual This manual describes the NIRMaster including its standard software and provides all information required for its safe operation and to maintain it in good working order. It is addressed to laboratory personnel and operators in particular.
It serves to determine the matter and concentration of substances in samples above its measuring tolerance limit (not suitable for trace analysis). The NIRMaster system can be applied in the laboratory, in production environments (at-line) and in production processes for the following tasks: Qualitative analysis •...
List of measures to avoid the herein described, hazard or hazardous situation. information • symbols. • Table of supplementary safety information symbols The reference list below incorporates all safety information symbols used in this manual and their meaning. Symbol Meaning General warning Electrical hazard LASER emission NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
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Explosive gases, explosive environment Hot item, hot surface Device damage Inhalation of substances Fragile components Magnetic field Unplug device Wear protective goggles Wear protective gloves Carry load with two persons Do not dispose as unsorted household waste! NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
2 .5 Product safety The NIRMaster has been designed and built in accordance with state-of-the-art technology, at the time of development. Safety warnings in this manual (as described in section 2.4) serve to make the user alert to and avoid hazardous situations emanating from residual dangers by giving appropriate counter measures.
2 Safety 2 .5 .2 Warning labels on housing and assemblies The following warning sticker(s) can be found on the housing or assemblies of the NIRMaster: Symbol Meaning Location Hot item, hot surface Inside housing, next to lamp modules Sticker at the rear side...
Modifications to the instrument are only permitted after prior consultation and with the written approval of the manufacturer. Modifications and upgrades shall only be carried out by an authorized Buchi tech- nical engineer. The manufacturer will decline any claim resulting from unauthorized modifications.
This section introduces the reader to the instrument specifications. It contains the technical data and materials used. Information on type plate: Example: Instrument type code NIRM54P = NIRMaster + 54 (IP class) + P (Pro version, steel) Serial Number Supply voltage range / type Frequency of supply voltage Nominal power rating...
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1 x GbE internal (via cable feedthrough) Add-on connector LEMO socket, external (with cap) Embedded PC data Intel® Core™2 Duo 3 GB Hard drive 64 GB SSD (Solid State Drive) Operating system Windows 7 embedded NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
4 .1 Functional principle The NIRMaster is an optical instrument to determine the matter and concentration of substances in samples. In detail, the NIRMaster is a Fourier Transform Near Infrared spectrometer (FT-NIR). It gener- ates an invisible beam containing many different wavelengths of near infrared radiation at once, the interferogram, which interacts with the molecules of a sample, generating a characteristic feedback.
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Second polarizer Sample Interferogram detector Reference laser signal path Laser output window Second polarizator (works as a beam splitter for the laser) Laser output-power sensor First polarizer Laser feedback detector Linear motor for wedge movement NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
4 .2 Measurement modes and setups At the NIRMaster, different measurement setups can easily be attached to the basic intrument to meet the individual sample requirements. To choose the best setup for a specific range of samples the optical properties of the sample material must be known.
• The samples should either be measured at a constant temperature or the temperature influences must be considered during calibration. • Recommended number of scans: Qualitative calibration: 4−16; quantitative calibration: 16−32 • Most liquid sample materials can be constantly analyzed with the help of a flow-cell adapter. NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
It communicates with the spectrometer via internal network adapter. A second network interface is available to connect the NIRMaster to a local network, e.g. for data backup or to communicate with enterprise resource planning etc.
Safe environmental conditions depend on the respective IP ( I ngress P rotection) class of the system. The IP class is labelled on a sticker close to the type plate at the rear side of the NIRMaster. Compare the actual IP class of your system with the table below to find out about the allowed, safe environ-...
When moving the instrument from a colder to a warmer environment, let it acclimatize to the ambient temperature befor switching it on! NOTICE Risk of instrument damage by moisture condensate. • Let the instrument sufficiently acclimatize at relocation NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
. After the pre-installation procedure (all internal connections have been established and transportation lock is in unlocked position) has been completed successfully, the power plug of the NIRMaster can be connected to mains.
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Additional electrical safety measures such as residual current breakers may be necessary to meet local laws and regulations! • External connections and extension lines must be provided with a grounded conductor lead (3-pole couplings, cord or plug equipment). All used power cords must meet the input power requirements. NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
Initializing the system Before starting the NIRMaster, switch ON the monitor a. To start the NIRMaster press the green power button on the left side of the instrument for 1 – 3 seconds b. The indicator light at the housing front will light up yellow, to indicate the bootup process.
The S ystem S uitability T est (SST) serves as an internal functionality and performance test of the spec- trometer. It is recommended to run an SST after each restart of the NIRMaster to monitor and verify the system performance.
The acquisition of an internal reference is usually done automatically. The internal referencing is used to minimize the need for external referencing and user interaction. ➥ Internal referencing is performed by the NIRMaster automatically. The interval between two tests can be set via the NIRWare Application Designer.
The software guides the user through the process: When the External reference b has been positioned properly Press the ‘Checkmark’ button. The NIRMaster will automatically measure the referance spectrum. External reference positioning with installed Spinner: NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
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For proper device calibration, the External reference must be placed plane on top of the sample window of the NIRMaster. It is not necessary to remove the spinner! In case the Spinner is installed, turn the External reference until it fits perfectly.
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Transflectance adapter positioning with / without Spinner: NOTE For proper device calibration, the Transflectance adapter must be placed plane above of the sample window of the NIRMaster. When working with the Transflectance adapter, the Spinner device is a recommended accessory. In detail, the Transflectance adapter: •...
• at every system start / restart 6 .4 Operator software – the user interface Every NIRMaster comes installed with two different user interfaces of the Operator software. Operator NIRMaster Operator NIRMaster is optimized for touch-screen usability in production environment (large buttons, extra large character height).
6 Operation 6 .4 .1 Starting the NIRMaster Operator software The Operator software can be set to start automatically (via Autostart folder entry) after login proce- dure or manually. This requires administrative rights. To start the program manually, use the program icon on the desktop.
Step 5: Perform another batch operation, rerun current measurement or close batch operation Applications contain all values and settings for a measurement (e.g. calibration data and operator configuration) NOTE Sample handling is described in section 4.2 ff. NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
‘Exit’ button. NOTE • Only applications dedicated to the NIRMaster will be shown. • Some applications require special measurement setups. Adapt the setup accordingly to the measurment accessories (e.g. Spinner or XL-add-on)! •...
If the new entry contains a character (which is not valid for the selected application) the batch cannot be stored and must be adapted according to the help text pattern. NOTE Contact the local NIRWare administrator for more information about valid batch entries! NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
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Application name Batch name Unique identifier To finish the wizard and to go to the main window of the NIRWare Operator software press the ‘Checkmark’ button. Proceed with section 6.5.3 . NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
6.3, Reference measurements). After referencing, the sample has to be placed into the inter- ferogram beam at the sample window. • Place the sample material onto the sample window of the NIRMaster according to the chosen measurement setup. • Press the ‘Start’ button. A progress bar at the window bottom informs about the status! •...
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6 Operation ‘Overview’ tab • Standard tab view • Shows the main measurement value as defined in the application NOTE *Press* on the ‘Checkmark‘ button to open the ‘Detailed result’ window. NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
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Press on the printer button to send the report to an installed printer or use the toolbar buttons to review the report at the monitor. NOTE The software can be configured to automatically print out a report after each measurement. NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
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6 Operation ‘Spectra’ • View detailed spectrum-graph • Print graph by pressing the printer button NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
Press the ‘Close batch’ button when all measurements for the batch are finished. A popup window with a safety confirmation appears. To finalize the batch, acknowledge the safety confirmation. After finalization, a batch can not be reopened. NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
6 .6 .1 Standard shutdown instructions Press the on/off button on the left side of the instrument for 1 – 3 seconds to switch off the NIRMaster. Subsequently, the embedded Windows will shutdown the computer, spectrometer and internal elec- tronic. In case the shutdown procedure is interrupted and in case of a power outage the embedded Windows and especially the internal database with applications and user data may be damaged! 6 .6 .2...
The table below shows the maintenance material and recommended interval. NOTE When the instrument is used in dusty environment, a more frequent filter exchange might be neces- sary to ensure good cooling. A sign for clogged filters is increasing heat inside the NIRMaster. User maintainable For service personnel only...
NOTE • Switch off the NIRMaster and all directly connected eletronic devices i.e. monitors before cleaning the housing. • Never use any objects for cleaning which might scratch the optical surfaces or add-ons of the NIRMaster.
The External reference is sensitive to scratches. External referencing can only be performed manu- ally via the Operator, not with the NIRMaster Operator software. Therefore for all NIRMaster Operator applications the external referencing must be set to ‘interval’! The external reference is not IP protected.
Many sample vessels made of glass only, such as Petri dishes, can be cleaned in a washer with stan- dard detergents. However, all BUCHI add-ons can be rinsed and cleaned with Meliseptol® liquid or spray by B.Braun (disinfectants on alcohol basis).
• Connect the USB storage b to the NIRMaster • Perform a backup as described in section 7.3.1 . • Copy the backup onto the USB storage. • Safely remove the USB storage from the NIRMaster and reinstall the dust cap Backup NOTE •...
7 .3 .3 Backup on network storage The preferred method for backups is to connect the NIRMaster to a local network. A copy of the data- base backup-files to a network drive can easily be done manually. How to perform a backup via network •...
This can easily be done with compressed air if available. To get access to the light source and the interferometer for example, it is necessary to remove the top cover of the NIRMaster. Lift the four black dust flaps a (two at each side of the instrument) to get access to the latches.
• Pull off the filter frames, holding the filter pad. • Exchange the filter pads. • At remount, make sure the ventilation slots of the filter frames show into opposite direction to avoid a shortcut of the cooling airflow. NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
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7 Maintenance and repairs Cooling airflow NOTE When changing the outer filters, do not tilt the NIRMaster – direct access is possible from the side! NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
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• Pop out the sandwich filters • For each filter, place a new filter pad between the metal grids b and remount it in its holder • Push the drawers back into position c • Close the housing again NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
7 Maintenance and repairs 7 .6 NIRMaster basic instrument The drawing below shows the main components of the NIRMaster at open housing. Interferometer Primary lamp LASER assembly Interferometer interface panel Internal fuses ON / OFF button Cable feedthrough USB Connector Add-on Connector 7 .6 .1...
7 .6 .2 Lamp exchange The light source of the NIRMaster has a life expectancy of approx. 6000 hours. After this time, it needs to be replaced. To avoid downtime, the NIRMaster is equipped with an independent secondary backup lamp.
To correctly monitor the lamp lifetime the software hour counter has to be reset after each lamp replacement. At lamp exchange, the secondary lamp module is active. Proceed as follows to establish the standard working conditions of the NIRMaster: • Open the Operator software (non-Wizard user interface), press F4 •...
Here, enter the new password and store it by pressing the ‘Checkmark’ button. NOTE The password has to be filled in a second time for confirmation. If the new password is not accepted, make sure no special key (e.g. “Caps lock”) is activated! NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
Spinner contaminated with oil or fat Clean spinner in dishwasher Malfunctions or errors which are not listed in the table are to be corrected by a Buchi trained technical engineer who has access to the official service manuals or a trained system administrator. In case external service is required, please refer to your local Buchi customer service agent.
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The test result can be found at the “Datafile” location as displayed (last entry of the program window) in an *.xml file. The actual location may vary according to local settings. For problem evaluation, send this file to the local Buchi representative. For example: “C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\MyNadiaFiles\11-2007-01-12_09-16-17.xml”...
• Defective instrument (e.g. electronic damage) • After lamp-module exchange Remedy • Clean the External reference and the NIRMaster output window • Place the External reference onto the output window and press the ‘Rerun’ button to repeat the measurement If measurement still fails, a new reference spectrum can be stored by pressing the ‘Checkmark’...
The embedded PC is equipped with two Ethernet (LAN) sockets. LAN 2 The secondary network connector (LAN2) can be used to connect the NIRMaster to a local Ethernet network. By default, LAN 2 is configured to obtain an IP address automatically (via DHCP). A customer specific static IP-address and subnet mask for LAN 2 can be configured if required by a local network admin- istrator with administrative rights on the NIRMaster.
Clean the instrument thoroughly before storage or transport. Store and transport the instrument in its original packaging. When returning the instrument to BUCHI fill out the „Health and Safety Clearance“ form and safely attach it at the outside of the transport box.
How to lock/unlock the interferometer Switch off the NIRMaster and the display and unplug the power cord. See safety warning in section 5.1! Unlock the housing and lift off the top cover to get free access to the locking mechanism.
You have to follow valid regional and local laws concerning disposal. For help, please contact your local authorities! NOTE When returning the instrument to the manufacturer for repair work, please copy and complete the health and safety clearance form on the following page and enclose it with the instrument. NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
This section lists spare parts, accessories and options of the instrument including their ordering infor- mation. Order the spare parts from Buchi. Always state the product designation and the order number when ordering spare parts. Use only genuine consumables and genuine spare parts for maintenance and repair to assure good system performance and reliability.
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10 Spare parts Spare parts Description Order no. External reference 11056371 Spinner (Easy-Spin drive) 11056771 Spinner (inlay-) ring 11056772 Unbreakable cup 11055058 Transflectance adapter for 11055998 unbreakable cup (0.3 mm gap) NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
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041636 cup or petri dishes (0.3 mm gap) Transflectance cover for high performance (on request) cup or petri dishes (0.5 mm gap) Pressing stamp for unbreakable cup, high 11057584 performance cup or glass petri dishes NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
L’utilisation de cet appareil dans les zones résidentielles peut causer des interférences néfastes, auquel cas l’exploitant sera amené à prendre les dispositions utiles pour palier aux interférences à ses propres frais. NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
11 Declarations and requirements 11 .2 Declaration of conformity NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
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Company name or stamp: Place, date: Name (print), job title (print): Signature: Health and Safety Clearance_20081110.doc_20081110 Version 1.0 Page 1/1 NIRMaster Operation Manual, Version B...
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BÜCHI Labortechnik AG CH-9230 Flawil 1 / Switzerland T +41 71 394 63 63 F +41 71 394 65 65 www .buchi .com Quality in your hands...
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