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Orbis AirSTAR Operation Manual

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Operation manual
Version 1.8
th
February 4
, 2018

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Summary of Contents for Orbis AirSTAR

  • Page 1 Operation manual Version 1.8 February 4 , 2018...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    INDEX SAFETY NOTES ............1 Equipment identification ............1 1.0 UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION ...... 2 1.1 UNPACKING ..............2 Area conditions ..............2 1.2 Assembly ColdBlock ............3 1.3 Assembly CFPP Head ............9 1.4 Assembly CPPP HeAD ............12 2.0 OVERVIEW ............
  • Page 4 4.1 Tasks menu ..............31 4.1.1 Device and Results ........... 31 4.1.2 Status screen and report screen ........ 32 4.2 Methods menu ..............35 4.2.1 CFPP or CPPP ............36 4.2.2 Creating a CFPP Method ..........36 4.2.3 Creating a CPPP Method ..........41 4.3 System menu ..............
  • Page 5 6.3 CFPP Head Calibration ............57 6.3.1 CFPP Head temperature calibration ......57 6.3.2 CFPP Head vacuum calibration ........58 6.4 CPPP Head Calibration ............60 6.5 Sample Probe Calibration ..........61...

  • Page 6: Safety Notes

    QUALIFIED STAFF. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WHEN OPERATING THE INSTRUMENT EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION A typical AirSTAR instrument consists of 3 modules: • the ColdBlock Cooling unit • the CFPP and/or CPPP Head • the Cleaning-Docking Station The model and serial number of each individual module can be found on an identification sticker on the rear of the instrument.

  • Page 7: Unpacking And Installation

    Verify the voltage and frequency marked on the instrument matches the • local power supply. Report any damage, shortfall or problems with the instrument to ORBIS BV • immediately. Retain all packaging for future use in shipping or long-term storage of the •...

  • Page 8: Assembly Coldblock

    ColdBlock and a european power plug. Box 2 
is labeled with the CFPP or CPPP Head image.
This box contains all parts of the AirSTAR CFPP or CPPP Head. This box also contains the power adapter and tray for the Cleaning-Docking station.
  • Page 9 Image 1 Image 2 Located on the rear side (image 3) of the ColdBlock are the mains power connector and the RJ45 (LAN Ethernet) connector.
  • Page 10 1. Connect the unit to the mains power using the mains power cable. Connect the instrument side of the cable to the mains connector. 2. When working with one AirSTAR unit and one Zebra printer or PC/Server, connect both “clients” directly with network cable (image 4).
  • Page 11 7. For the iPad to communicate with the instrument a WiFi connection has to be established. New instruments usually have this set up already. a) If WiFi isn’t set up already, open the settings screen on the iPad. b) Go to the WiFi tab c) If ColdBlock is switched on, it should appear in the available network list.
  • Page 12 Image 4 Image 5...
  • Page 13 Image 6...

  • Page 14: Assembly Cfpp Head

    1.3 ASSEMBLY CFPP HEAD In order to install and use the CFPP Head, it must be assembled correctly. Follow below steps. 1. All CFPP Head parts which are packed in box 2. 2. Put pipette in the main Head as shown in picture. 3.
  • Page 15 4b. First unscrew/loosen the nut a bit, then place filter unit onto pipette, then screw/tighten the nut onto the filter unit. Tip: practice the above with one hand, using the other hand to hold the main Head. 5. Insert temperature probe. Rotate/twist while gently pushing until in right position.
  • Page 16 8. CFPP Head is now complete. Now place the CFPP Head in the ColdBlock (left picture). Switch on ColdBlock (switch is found on the back side). Switch on the iPad. Start the CFPP application named “iLab CFPP”. A screen similar like this (right picture) will appear.

  • Page 17: Assembly Cppp Head

    1.4 ASSEMBLY CPPP HEAD In order to install and use the CPPP Head, it must be assembled correctly. Follow below steps. 1. All CPPP Head parts which are packed in box 2. 2. Insert temperature probe. (Short probe for Pour Point / long probe for Cloud Point).
  • Page 18 Switch on the iPad. Start the CFPP application named “iLab CFPP”. A screen similar like this (right picture) will appear. On the left side of the screen the Head status should be “idle”. (After a few / 10 minutes of “preparing”)

  • Page 19: Overview

    2.0 OVERVIEW AirSTAR is Orbis BV’s platform for testing Cold Properties of petroleum, oil and lubricant related products. AirSTAR is a module-based concept in which the different modules can be combined with - and added to - each other. The modules currently available are: AirSTAR ColdBlock.

  • Page 20: Technical Specifications

    Voltage 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz Power 150 W Dimensions 16cm x 59cm x 35cm (W x D x H) 16cm x 59cm x 49cm (W x D x H) Weight 25 kg See AirSTAR product brochure for more information...

  • Page 21: Quick Start

    3.0 QUICK START This operation manual assumes that the operator is familiar with the applicable test methods for Cold Filter Plugging Point, Cloud Point and Pour Point testing. Introduction, especially relevant when working with multiple Heads: When a Head is placed in the ColdBlock, the ColdBlock and iLab app automatically recognize the unique ID of each individual Head, and whether it is a CFPP or a CPPP type Head.
  • Page 22 ColdBlock is now building a buffer for high cooling performance. This status may take up to 10 minutes, after which “Idle” will appear. In case it says “Offline”, check whether the iPad’s WiFi is connected to the AirSTAR’s network (name is Bath”xxx”, password orbisdraadloospw). Or see Troubleshooting (Chapter 10).
  • Page 23 - start the test with the first aspiration being made at the sample temperature set in the method (example: “Start at: 10ºC” will command the instrument to cool the sample down to 10ºC before the first aspiration is made). Image 8 Image 9 Alternatively to the above point 11, the default method setting for “Start at temperature”...
  • Page 24 1. Duration of last aspiration - flow up 2. Duration of last aspiration - flow down 3. ST. Actual sample temperature 4. ST. Sample temperature from last aspiration 5. BT. Actual bath temperature 6. BT. Bath temperature from last aspiration Image 10 Image 11...
  • Page 25 Image 12 At the end of the test: The CFPP result will appear in both Status Screen and Report Screen (see • 16. Interpreting the result) The CFPP Head’s status is now “Not clean” and the CFPP Head is blinking •...
  • Page 26 Interpreting the result: This result indicates that -27ºC was the sample temperature at which the sample was not detected at the top of the pipette within 60 seconds. In this case -27ºC should be reported as the CFPP result. Same interpretation as the first result. However in this case accompanied by the “anomalous aspiration”...
  • Page 27 Image 13 Also known as “CFPP-2”, this result indicates that the pipette was not empty before the next aspiration was due. In this case -17 ºC should be reported as the CFPP result with the remark of “not empty before next aspiration”, or “CFPP-2”. NOTE: Optionally, customized “End conditions”...

  • Page 28: Cleaning Cfpp Head

    Note and disclaimer: In order to do a proper cleaning according to the ASTM D6371 method, the filter unit should be dismantled and all filter unit pieces should be washed. For cleaning and drying the pipette and thermometer, AirSTAR CFPP offers a convenient procedure using the wireless Cleaning-Docking Station. Preparing the Cleaning-Docking Station: fill the cleaning beaker with a cleaning solvent such as Heptane.
  • Page 29 Drying procedure: Take the CFPP Head out of the station, remove the cleaning beaker, and put CFPP Head back in the station. Now press the little button on top; drying will start. By default, 180 seconds of drying will be carried out. In the Methods Menu, the number of drying seconds can be changed.

  • Page 30: Starting A Cp Or A Pp Test

    ColdBlock is now building a buffer for high cooling performance. This status may take up to 10 minutes, after which “Idle” will appear. In case it says “Offline”, check whether the iPad’s WiFi is connected to the AirSTAR’s network (name is Bath”xxx”, password AirST*R_ColdBlock). Or see Troubleshooting (Chapter 10).
  • Page 31 It is now time to start the test. Depending on the “Start at” temperature that is set in the method settings (image 9), pressing the “play” button will either command the instrument to: - start the test at “START” (which indicates ambient temperature): the first measurement will be made at the first whole degree lower than the room temperature of the sample (example: sample temperature at start is 21.7 ºC >...
  • Page 32 Explanation of the 4 parameters as shown in image 14: 1. ST. Actual sample temperature 2. ST. Sample temperature from last measurement 3. BT. Actual bath temperature 4. BT. Bath temperature from last measurement At the End Of The Test: The CP or PP result will appear in both Status Screen and Report Screen (see •...
  • Page 33 Interpreting the result Cloud point: The temperature at which the actual cloud point detection took place (the instrument is able to detect cloud point while the jar is inside the bath jacket) is displayed at a 0,01 ºC resolution. However, as per method the Cloud Point Result is rounded down to the whole ºC lower than the actual detection.

  • Page 34: Result Printing / Sending Options

    System menu. Press the upload symbol to upload results (XML or PDF) to the folder on the server pc that is connected to the AirSTAR Analyzer. Enable this option by correctly setting the LIMS settings in the System menu.

  • Page 35: Software Application

    4.0 SOFTWARE APPLICATION The iLab app is divided in the main menus “Tasks”, “Methods” and “System”, and are virtually ordered as a carousel. 1. The first menu after entering the iLab app is always the Tasks menu. The next menu in the carousel is Methods. To enter this menu, press “Methods”...

  • Page 36: Tasks Menu

    4.1 TASKS MENU Accessible with User, Editor and Admin rights 4.1.1 Device and Results The Tasks menu consists of 2 sub menus: “Device” and “Results”. To switch between the two, swipe as shown in below image. 1. Device: In this (sub) menu a test can be started and monitored real-time. On the left side of the screen all available test units are listed (which is one per iPad, usually).

  • Page 37: Status Screen And Report Screen

    4.1.2 Status screen and report screen Both the Device and Results menu both consist of a Status screen and a Report screen. To switch between Status Screen and Report Screen, swipe as shown in below image. 1. Status screen: This screen allows for real time monitoring of a test and shows the relevant parameters in accordance to the type of Head that is placed in the ColdBlock.
  • Page 38 Image 15 In case of a CPPP Head, the explanation of the 4 parameters in image 16 is: 1. ST. Actual sample temperature 2. ST. Sample temperature from last measurement 3. BT. Actual bath temperature 4. BT. Bath temperature from last measurement Image 16 NOTE: Since Status screen is meant for real time monitoring, this screen is mainly/only helpful when in the Device menu and during a test (and not so...
  • Page 39 2. Report screen: This screen displays test data in a table and graph. The report screen is available in the Device menu where it collects data real-time during test, as well as in the Results menu where the data from previously run samples is stored. In case of a CFPP Head, the rows in the table represent individual aspirations per sample temperature with data relevant to that aspiration (such as bath temperature, flow up &...

  • Page 40: Methods Menu

    4.2 METHODS MENU Accessible with Editor and Admin rights only The Methods menu is where methods, or also called programs are made, changed and/or deleted. When entering this menu, the last edited menu is displayed by default. To see the list with all of the created methods, press the name of the currently displayed method in the top of the screen as in image 17.

  • Page 41: Cfpp Or Cppp

    4.2.1 CFPP or CPPP In AirSTAR, the method type and the physical Head type that is placed in the ColdBlock are related. It is not possible, for instance, to start a CFPP test with a CPPP Head.
  • Page 42 temperature when starting the test is 21.7 ºC? Then first aspiration will be done at 20 ºC.) o or “ENTER VALUE HERE” > the first aspiration will be made at the sample temperature set here (example: “Start at: 10 ºC” will command the instrument to cool the sample down to 10 ºC before the first aspiration is made at that temperature).
  • Page 43 • hours.: this is the amount of hours the bath temperature will be active until the next bath step will be activated. • END: The set bath temperature will be active until the end of the test. End of test conditions are set in “End conditions”) After entering the settings, press DONE to create the step and exit the menu.
  • Page 44 End conditions: End conditions determine the end of the test. According to the type of end condition the test result will be reported. Press “+” to add an end condition. Multiple conditions can be added later. Image 21 Pressing the �� symbol gives a few different end condition options (image 21): •...
  • Page 45 Print settings: (De)select the symbols to in- or exclude the following information in the printout (from left to right, image 22): • the table • the graph • the program setting used for the test Image 22 SAVE: Press save to save the new method.

  • Page 46: Creating A Cppp Method

    4.2.3 Creating a CPPP Method First, make sure the method type is switched to CPPP as shown in image 19. Give the method a name. Then, select the desired: • Temperature scale (ºC, ºF, or K) • “Detecting” type. Either: o PP for a Pour Point type method o CP for a Cloud Point type method Then, in case of PP:...
  • Page 47 Tip! - First bath step is a warming step? Make sure “Start at” is at least 3 ºC higher than the sample’s ambient temperature. - With a bath warming step, “Start at” temperature must be entered. - First bath step is a cooling step? Make sure “Start at” is at least 3 ºC lower than the sample’s ambient temperature.
  • Page 48 place. “Start at” does not make the bath skip warming/cooling steps! Make sure that the “Start at” temperature and first cooling step are in logical correlation with each other”. Tip! - First bath step is a warming step? Make sure “Start at” is at least 3 ºC higher than the sample’s ambient temperature.
  • Page 49 NOTE: when choosing this ramping option, make sure the temperature is a negative value, otherwise the bath temperature will increase instead of decrease. • Condition: determines the condition under which the above set bath temperature is active. Pressing the �� symbol gives a few different condition options: o ºC ST: this is the sample temperature (for instance: -20 ºC) until which the above set bath temperature is active.
  • Page 50 Print settings: (De)select the symbols to in- or exclude the following information in the printout (from left to right, image 22): • the table • the graph • the program setting used for the test Image 23 SAVE: Press save to save the new method.

  • Page 51: System Menu

    4.3 SYSTEM MENU Accessible with Admin rights only The systems menu is where system settings are created, changed and deleted. The menu consists of 7 sub menus when logged in with admin rights (image 24), and 8 sub menus when logged in with service engineer rights (image 25), with the latter containing the extra service sub menu.

  • Page 52: System Settings

    Automator setup. NOTE: the CFPP/CPPP Automator is intended for use in combination with an existing manual cooling bath. To learn more about AirSTAR CFPP/CPPP Automator, go to chapter 5 of this manual. Calibration interval Sets the time for which a calibration reminder appears after the previous calibration.

  • Page 53: Connection Settings

    Anomalous time reduction and increase Sets the required time to trigger the start and end of an anomalous aspiration phase. Set by default to 0.3 seconds to eliminate any false microsecond triggers. For more information on anomalous aspiration, see chapter 3.1.16. 4.3.2 Connection settings This page consists of two sections: Active units and Available units.

  • Page 54: Printer Settings

    Name: enter the accounts user name Email: only required for sending results by email to a specific user’s email address. See chapter 4.3.6 on Email Settings. Require password: select whether or not for this account a password is required upon login. Setting a password is done during the first login attempt after the user account is created.

  • Page 55: Email Settings

    To learn more about connection settings for FTP, see chapter -- in the Operation & Service Manual. 4.3.6 Email Settings Results can be sent by email in either XML or PDF format. It requires connecting the instrument with a RJ45 (LAN) cable to a router with internet access. To learn more about how to setup the email settings, see chapter -- in the Operation &...

  • Page 56: Automator

    Heads do not necessarily have to be combined with the AirSTAR ColdBlock cooling unit, but can also operate independently on existing cooling baths that are used for manual Cloud &...

  • Page 57: Controlled By Bath

    5.2.3 Suitability of existing cooling bath Unlike with a manual test where the sample jar stands on the bottom of the bath jacket, the sample jar in AirSTAR is attached to the Head. Although bath dimensions are defined in the applicable method specifications and AirSTAR...

  • Page 58: Calibration

    This chapter describes the procedure and requirements for calibration of the individual aspects of AirSTAR. Orbis BV recommends performing a full calibration at least once a year. In case calibration is combined with annual maintenance, it is recommended to start with the maintenance (chapter 8).

  • Page 59: Coldblock Calibration

    - Class A PT-100 Probe for Testo 735 thermometer. Testo Part # 06091273. Not supplied by ORBIS BV. - Thermometer holder for bath calibration. Orbis BV part number 929027. General description for ColdBlock calibration: Calibration of the bath is performed by offsetting the readout of the 2 temperature sensors (low and high zone inside the bath jacket) on 8 temperature points and in following order: 65 ºC, 25 ºC, 0 ºC, -34 ºC, -51 ºC, -...
  • Page 60 Image 27 Left hand column represents the high zone (TOP) of the jacket. Right hand column represents the low zone (BOTTOM). Image 28 Step 4. To actually start the calibration, select “START”. The bath status in the top of the screen changes from “Idle” to “Calibrating”. Step 5.
  • Page 61 65 ºC. Step 9. The difference between the reading on the thermometer and the AirSTAR application should be entered as an offset in the application (image 6). Press “CALIBRATE” to save the offset. Example: Say the AirSTAR temperature is 65 ºC and the thermometer displays 67 ºC.

  • Page 62: Cfpp Head Calibration

    6.3 CFPP HEAD CALIBRATION Requires: For temperature calibration: - PN - 929037 System Calibration cable AirSTAR Heads and AirProbe - PN - 919044 Resistance decade box for PT-100 simulation Or alternatively: - PN - 929026 Set of 2: PT-100 precision resistors +100/-100 ºC Celsius For vacuum calibration: - Pressure Measuring Device Type “Testo 512, 0-200 hPa”...

  • Page 63: Cfpp Head Vacuum Calibration

    Step 3. Go to the System > Service > Temperature menu of the CFPP Head Step 4. Connect the decade box and calibration cable with the CFPP Head. Set the decade box to -100 ºC. (Alternatively, connect the -100 ºC precision resistor to the Head.) Step 5.
  • Page 64 Step 4. Press “START” in the calibration menu on the iPad. The pump starts to run. Step 5. The readout value on the “MASS-VIEW” should be between 15 l/min and 16 l/min. This can be influenced by changing the “MAX” value in the calibration menu.

  • Page 65: Cppp Head Calibration

    Image 31 6.4 CPPP HEAD CALIBRATION Requires: - PN - 929037 System Calibration cable AirSTAR Heads and AirProbe - PN - 919044 Resistance decade box for PT-100 simulation Or alternatively: - PN - 929026 Set of 2: PT-100 precision resistors +100/-100 ºC Celsius...

  • Page 66: Sample Probe Calibration

    Step 8. When ready, press “DONE” to exit the menu. 6.5 SAMPLE PROBE CALIBRATION Requires: - PN 929042 - PT-100 probe calibration cable AirSTAR and AirProbe - RTD Calibrator Type “Fluke 712B” (Not supplied by ORBIS BV) Each PT-100 comes ORBIS BV factory-calibrated on two temperature points: 0 ºC and -40 ºC.
  • Page 67 In case calibration points are already created from a previous calibration, the existing offset data can be overridden. Since we are only calibrating two points according to “Orbis BV factory calibration”, remove calibration points if there are more than two. (image 32 & 33) Step 9.
  • Page 68 Image 32 Image 33 NOTE: steps 1 – 5 can be performed by an external calibration laboratory. The values on the prodived report should be entered afterwards in the calibration menu, as described in steps 6 – 10.
  • Page 69 For support, contact your local supplier, or email us at service@orbisbv.com. ORBIS BV CONTACT DETAILS: Address: De Regge 32 8253 PG City: Dronten, The Netherlands Tel: +31 321 382354 Fax: +31 321 382357 Email: info@orbisbv.com Website: www.orbisbv.com VAT Nr.: NL 806 541 994 B01...

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