TA Instruments ARES-G2 Getting Started Manual
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TA Instruments ARES-G2 Getting Started Manual

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ARES-G2
Rheometer
Getting Started Guide
Revision I
Issued August 2014

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  • Page 1 ARES-G2 Rheometer Getting Started Guide Revision I Issued August 2014...
  • Page 2 TA Instruments may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual prop- erty covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in written license agreement from TA Instruments, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trade- marks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.

  • Page 3: Introduction

    Introduction Important: TA Instruments Manual Supplement Please click the TA Manual Supplement link to access the following important information supplemental to this Getting Started Guide: • TA Instruments Trademarks • TA Instruments Patents • Other Trademarks • TA Instruments End-User License Agreement •...

  • Page 4: Notes, Cautions, And Warnings

    For the European Economic Area: (In accordance with Council Directive 2004/108/EC on the approxima- tion of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.) EN61326-1:2006 Electrical Equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use - EMC requirements - Part 1: General Requirements Class A. Page 4 ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide...

  • Page 5: Safety

    While operating this instrument, you must wear eye protection that either meets or exceeds ANSI Z87.1 standards. Additionally, wear protective clothing that has been approved for protection against the materi- als under test and the test temperatures. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 5...

  • Page 6: Instrument Symbols

    Ce symbole indique que vous devez éloigner vos doigts de la zone de mise ne place des échantillons. Please heed the warning labels and take the necessary precautions when dealing with these areas. The ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide contains cautions and warnings that must be followed for your own safety. Page 6 ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide...

  • Page 7: Electrical Safety

    You must unplug the instrument before doing any maintenance or repair work; hazardous voltages are present in this system. WARNING: There are no customer-replaceable fuses in the ARES-G2. High volt- ages are present in this instrument. If you are not trained in electrical proce- dures, do not remove the cabinet covers unless specifically instructed to do so in the manual.

  • Page 8: Mechanical Safety

    Lifting/Moving the Instrument The ARES-G2 is a very heavy instrument. Use three people to lift and/or carry the instrument. The instru- ment is too heavy for one person to handle safely. In order to avoid injury, particularly to the back, please follow the procedure below.
  • Page 9 Moving the ARES-G2 Without a Cart When moving the ARES-G2 without a cart, you must have three people to perform this procedure: The handling points on the instrument are shown. Please grasp the instrument at those points. Support top section...
  • Page 10 Using proper lifting technique, lift and carry the instrument to the desired location. When you have positioned the instrument at the desired location, remove the lifting handles and replace the corner plugs. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 10...

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Important: TA Instruments Manual Supplement ........
  • Page 12 Unpacking/Repacking the ARES-G2 ........
  • Page 13 Powering Off the ARES-G2 ........

  • Page 14: Introducing The Ares-G2

    (sinusoidal) strain deformation, steady shear strain deformation, or a combination of dynamic and steady strain. The ARES-G2 measures the resultant torque generated by the sample in response to this shear strain. The figure below shows the ARES-G2 test station equipped with a forced convection oven. Shear strain is applied by the motor;...

  • Page 15: System Components

    System Components The ARES-G2 system can be set up in several different configurations depending upon your needs. The following items may be part of a system: • ARES-G2 test station • Modular power supply • Geometries • Forced Convection Oven (optional) •...

  • Page 16: Stage

    Stage Up Button: Raises the stage. The light beside the button indicates the state of the stepper motor. • Stage Down Button: Lowers the stage. The light beside the button indicates the state of the stepper motor. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 16...

  • Page 17: Ares-G2 Touch Screen

    ARES-G2 Touch Screen The ARES-G2 instrument has an integrated touch screen display for local operator control. Interactive functions such as gap zeroing, sample loading, and setting temperature can be performed on the instrument touch screen. The functions shown on the screen change depending upon the menu being used. This sec- tion briefly describes the interactive functions shown on the touch screen displays.

  • Page 18: The Ares-G2 Status Touch Screen

    The ARES-G2 Status Touch Screen Status tab (shown in the figure below) displays the instrument status regarding air pressure, tempera- ture sensors, system status, and network communication status. It also provides easy access to system information and diagnostics that may be used to troubleshoot your instrument.

  • Page 19: The Ares-G2 Messages Touch Screen

    The ARES-G2 Settings Touch Screen Settings tab is used to identify your ARES-G2 instrument, its location, and network (IP) address infor- mation. In addition you can perform the normal force tare function, adjust FCO camera focus and light, and calibrate the touch screen.

  • Page 20: Transducer

    Transducer The ARES-G2 utilizes a Force Rebalance Transducer (FRT), shown below, to measure torque and normal force generated by the sample. Figure 8 ARES-G2 linear transducer. The FRT consists of independent rotational (torque) and axial (normal force) servo control systems. Each of these systems uses position feedback to maintain the FRT shaft in a constantly null position.

  • Page 21: Air Bearing Motor

    The larger unit on the bottom (see the figure below) is used by the ARES-G2 test station. The smaller top units are designed to be used by the optional environmental units such as the Forced Convection Oven (FCO) or the Peltier Plate system.

  • Page 22: Environmental Control Units

    CAUTION: Make sure the purge air is flowing when the oven is on. Failure to do so could cause damage to components inside the oven. The purge line connects to the back of the ARES-G2, to the port labeled OVEN PURGE.
  • Page 23 La conduite de drainage se raccorde à l'arrière de l'ARES-G2, au port étiqueté DRAINAGE DU FOUR. The oven is a forced convection environmental chamber that encloses the sample. Mounted in the oven are two resistive heaters, which are used to control the temperature of the gas flowing through them.

  • Page 24: Oven Temperature Control

    Lower Air PRT (Used for fast-response temperature control.) Using the default system settings, the ARES-G2 will report and control the measured temperatures that are in closest proximity to the geometry or sample. If Upper and/or Lower Geometry PRTs are connected to the system, combinations of these measurements will be used to control and measure the Oven tempera- ture.

  • Page 25: Ln2 Cooler

    150°C. The LN2 cooler is – connected between an external liquid nitrogen source and the ARES-G2 test station. Controlled by the oven supply enclosure through the software, the LN2 cooler consists of a Dewar flask, a solenoid valve to control liquid nitrogen flow into the Dewar, and hardware to control the boiling of the liquid nitrogen to produce cold nitrogen gas within the flask.

  • Page 26: Acs-3 And Chiller Panel

    TA. Supported instruments and environmental systems include the DMA Q800 with standard furnace (-100°C), Discovery Hybrid Rheometer models with Environmental Test Chamber (-85°C), and ARES-G2/ RSA-G2 with Forced Convection Oven (-100°C). The ACS-3 features low-noise durable compressors (approx. 55 dB), small footprint, uninterrupted operation, CFC- free, and for specified temperature ranges, eliminates the recurring cost and safety concerns associated with handling and use of liquid nitrogen.
  • Page 27 134 kg (295 lbs) Dimensions of Chiller Panel Height: 86.4 cm (34 in) Width: 48.3 cm (19 in) Depth:38.1 cm (15 in) Weight of Chiller Panel 18.2 kg (40 lbs) Lowest Temperature ARES-G2/ RSA-G2 FCO: -100°C ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 27...

  • Page 28: Lower Peltier Plate

    The devices are placed between the lower geometry and a heat sink. A source of water is needed for the Peltier to remove the heat generated by the Peltier elements. Figure 15 Lower Peltier Plate. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 28...
  • Page 29 Heating Rate up to 30°C/min Precision +0.05°C Stability +0.1°C Geometry Compatibility All ARES-G2 upper Cone and Plate geometries (up to 50 mm diameter) Optional Accessory Solvent Trap Table 5: Peltier Plate Cooling Options Option Temperature Range ARES Computer-Controlled Circulator –40°C to 180°C...

  • Page 30: Sealed Fluid Bath

    PRT, which mounts through the bath well into the motor. The circulator (as supplied by TA Instruments) is connected to, and is under the control of, the test station and software. The circulator also has its own fluid temperature regulation, which can be used as the tem- perature control loop for the bath.

  • Page 31: Ares-G2 Accessories

    Couette, Double Wall, Parallel Plate, Cone and Plate ARES-G2 Accessories The accessories currently available for use with ARES-G2 include the Camera (for use with the FCO only) and the Solvent Trap (for use with the Peltier Plate and Sealed Fluid Bath).

  • Page 32: Solvent Trap Accessory

    Figure 18 Solvent Trap accessory with carrier lowered. For Peltier Plate, the temperature range is –40°C to 180°C with cooling device. Refer to the table below for solvent trap geometry compatibility. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 32...
  • Page 33 25 mm.04 rad Cone 402273.901 25 mm.10 rad Cone 402274.901 40 mm.02 rad Cone 402275.901 40 mm.04 rad Cone 402276.901 40 mm.10 rad Cone 402277.901 25 mm Cross Hatched 402278.901 40 mm Cross Hatched 402279.901 ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 33...

  • Page 34: Ares-G2 Geometries

    NOTE: For more details on geometries and their usage, please refer to TRIOS software online Help. Available Geometries The following is a list of the geometries that can be used with the ARES-G2. General installation of a geometry is covered in Chapter 2.

  • Page 35: Selecting A Geometry

    Solids Torsion Rectangular/Cylindrical Polymer Melts and Soft Solids Parallel Plates or Cone and Plate Thermosetting Resins and other Parallel Plate. Disposable plates are available for curing studies or Curing Studies other reactive materials. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 35...

  • Page 36: Instrument Specifications

    Instrument Specifications The table found below contains the technical specifications for the ARES-G2. Item/Area Specifications Test Station Depth 56 cm (22 in.) Width 46 cm (18 in) Height 104 cm (39.37 in) Power Supply Enclosure Depth 48 cm (19 in) Width 32 cm (12.5 in)
  • Page 37 5 ms Step Change in Strain 10 ms TEMPERATURE SYSTEMS Smart Swap Standard Force Convection Oven, FCO –150 to 600°C FCO Camera Viewer Optional Peltier Plate –40 to 180°C Sealed Bath –10 to 150°C ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 37...

  • Page 38: Installing The Ares-G2

    • Connecting the ARES-G2 to the controller computer and network. It is recommended that you have your ARES-G2 unpacked and installed by a TA Instruments Ser- vice Representative. Call for an installation appointment upon receiving your instrument. CAUTION: To avoid mistakes, read this entire chapter before you begin installation.

  • Page 39: Inspecting The System

    • A power outlet. An ARES-G2 without an oven, requires from 90 to 264 VAC/ 50 or 60Hz with a 15 amp outlet. Any unit with an oven requires 180 to 264 VAC / 50 or 60Hz with a 20 amp outlet.

  • Page 40: Installing The Ares-G2

    The air source going into the dryer should have a minimum pressure of 100 psi (0.68 MPa). Follow the instructions below to install the air dryer. Mount the air dryer to a wall in close proximity to the ARES-G2 to allow the lines to reach the back of the instrument. See the figure below.
  • Page 41 MISE EN GARDE: Lisez les instructions d'installation, d'utilisation et de maintenance fournies avec votre déshydrateur d'air. L'utilisation et la maintenance inappropriées du déshydrateur d'air entraî- nent d'immenses dégâts sur l'instrument. L'excès de moisissure dans l'alimentation en air peut endommager la station d'essai. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 41...

  • Page 42: Connecting The Test Station Ports

    Connecting the Test Station Ports The ports and connections on the rear of the ARES-G2 are used to connect various components of the sys- tem to the instrument. This section describes these ports. All instructions are based on viewing the instru- ment from the rear.

  • Page 43: Gas Pressure Specifications

    Placez l'interrupteur d'alimentation sur la position d'arrêt. Follow these instructions to connect the oven and the ARES-G2 test station Locate the purge line going to the oven. Push this fitting into the port labeled “Oven Purge.” This is an output line from the test station that provides purge air to the oven.

  • Page 44: Connecting The Signal Panel

    MISE EN GARDE: Assurez-vous que le bloc d'alimentation électrique n'est pas alimenté en courant pendant le réglage des connexions décrites ici. Placez l'interrupteur d'alimentation sur la position d'arrêt. The Signal Panel is the input/output interface for electrical signals entering and leaving the ARES-G2 test station. Upper Set of Signal Connections Figure 24 ARES-G2 upper signal panel.
  • Page 45 The table below contains information regarding the upper set of signal panel connectors. Connector Purpose VIDEO OUT Outputs the video signal from the ARES-G2 camera option to the controller computer for display. ANALOG 1 IN Accepts a ±10 VDC signal that can be sampled and stored in the experiment data file. This input is defined through the TRIOS program.
  • Page 46 Lower Panel Signal Connections The figure below identifies the upper set of connections on the signal panel Figure 25 ARES-G2 lower signal panel. The table below contains information regarding the lower set of signal panel connectors. Connector Purpose TORQUE IN An external user input that can be connected to the internal torque measurement chan- nel instead of the transducer torque signal.
  • Page 47 OSP Panel Signal Connections The figure below identifies the connections on the OSP/GPIB signal panel. Figure 26 ARES-G2 lower signal panel The table below contains information regarding the set of connectors at the OSP/GPIB signal panel.. Connector Purpose ORTHOGONAL IN CMD displacement signal for axial displacement, defined using TRIOS software in Orthogonal Superposition mode (OSP).

  • Page 48: Connecting Cables And Lines

    Connecting Cables and Lines To connect the cables and gas lines, you will need access to the ARES-G2 instrument’s rear panel. All directional descriptions are written on the assumption that you are facing the back of the instrument. CAUTION: Connect all cables before connecting the power cords to the outlets. Tighten the thumb- screws on all computer cables.

  • Page 49: Connecting The Modular Power Supplies

    To connect the power supply, follow these steps: Using the grip holds to move the test station power supply, place it on the floor close to the ARES-G2. Make sure you have access to the rear of the power supply and the ARES-G2. See the figure below.

  • Page 50: Forced Convection Oven Controller Power Supply (Used In Conjunction With An Fco)

    Make sure you have access to the rear of the power supply and the ARES-G2. See the figure below. Obtain the loose end of one of the accessory cables that have already been connected to the lower power...
  • Page 51 Connect the elbowed end of the transfer line to the LN2 Cooler. Connect the opposite end to the FCO LN2 supply connection. Connect the power cable from the LN2 cooler to the connector on the right side, above the communications port. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 51...

  • Page 52: Environmental Control Power Supply

    Using the grip handles, position the power supplies as desired. (They may be placed on the floor or on the table top.) Proceed to the next section to connect the ARES-G2 test station to your network. DO NOT switch on the power supply at this point.

  • Page 53: Router Setup

    Figure 31 Router. Connecting the Instrument to the Router On the ARES-G2 display, press the Display Settings tab and ensure the software knob is set for DHCP. Using Keyboard icons, enter Machine ID and Location. Power down the ARES-G2.

  • Page 54: Connecting The Computer To The Switch

    13 Click on the TA Explorer icon. 14 The ARES-G2 will be recognized based on the Instrument ID. 15 Click on the Instrument Icon and communication between TRIOS and the ARES-G2 will be established. Connecting the Computer to the Switch Locate the Ethernet port on the back of the computer.

  • Page 55: Connecting The Computer To A Lan

    LAN has been properly established, a solid green light and flashing yellow light will appear at the port. For more information regarding network connections and setting the IP addresses, refer to the TRIOS online help. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 55...

  • Page 56: Locking/Unlocking The Motor

    Locking/Unlocking the Motor When you first receive your ARES-G2, the motor will be locked with a motor cover. See the figure below. Unlock the motor as directed below BEFORE powering up the instrument. Remove screws Figure 35 Motor cover installed.

  • Page 57: Locking/Unlocking The Transducer

    Ensure that instrument power is off and air is being supplied to the motor. Turn the locking handle toward the back of the instrument as shown in the figure below. Locking handle Anvil pointing toward back Figure 36 Transducer unlocked. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 57...

  • Page 58: Locking The Transducer

    Figure 37 Transducer locked. Connecting Accessories Follow the instructions in the associated manual or online help for instructions on connecting any accesso- ries to the ARES-G2. To install the various geometries, see Chapter 3 for basic instructions. See the online help for geometry- specific information.

  • Page 59: Connecting The Test Station Power Cable

    Connecting the Test Station Power Cable Once all cables and lines have been connected to the modular power supplies and the ARES-G2 test sta- tion, connect the power cable. Install the power cable as follows: Make sure the power switch on the lower power supply module is in the Off (O) position.

  • Page 60: Leveling The Ares-G2

    Leveling the ARES-G2 The ARES-G2 is levelled using the feet, or levellers, located on each corner. Note that the right rear level- ler is fixed in position; therefore, you will be adjusting the other three levellers. Follow the instructions below to perform this procedure.

  • Page 61: Starting The Ares-G2

    Shutting Down the ARES-G2 Should you need to shut down the ARES-G2, simply press and release the standby button on the front panel. This will safely power down the instrument as soon as the oven comes down to a safe operating tem- perature.

  • Page 62: Powering Off The Ares-G2

    If an error occurs that causes the instrument to not switch into the standby state, the press and hold the Standby button continuously for 10 seconds to force a shutdown to occur. Powering Off the ARES-G2 If the instrument is expected to be disassembled for maintenance, disconnected from its compressed air source, or is being moved, then it is necessary to turn the power to the system completely off.

  • Page 63: Use, Maintenance, & Diagnostics

    Use, Maintenance, & Diagnostics Using the ARES-G2 All ARES-G2 experiments follow the general outline below. In some cases, not all of these steps will be performed. The majority of these steps are performed using the instrument control software. The instruc- tions needed to perform these actions can be found in the online help in the instrument control program;...
  • Page 64 • Calibrated the ARES-G2, if necessary. WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE is used in this instrument. DEATH ON CONTACT may result if operating personnel fail to observe safety precautions. Learn the areas of high voltage connections, and exercise care not to contact these areas when performing instrument calibration.

  • Page 65: Calibrating The Ares-G2

    Calibrating the ARES-G2 To obtain accurate experimental results, calibrate the ARES-G2 when you first install it. For the best results, you should recalibrate periodically. The calibration procedures that you need to perform will vary. See the chart below for a general guide to types of calibration. For details on how to perform that cali- bration, refer to the online documentation accessed through the TRIOS software.

  • Page 66: Torque Calibration

    To check the phase angle using the ARES-G2, a Dynamic Frequency Sweep is run on a steel sample that is loaded into a torsion rectangular geometry. Recall that a purely elastic sample has a phase angle of zero degrees.

  • Page 67: Selecting And Installing A Geometry

    The ARES-G2 utilizes an online hardware correction scheme to adjust for transducer compliance. The sys- tem determines sample deformation (strain) by taking the difference between the (measured) motor and transducer displacement signals.

  • Page 68: Determination Of Operational Range

    être altérée. The following instructions provide some general information for installing a geometry on the ARES-G2. Refer to the online help for further information. The following general sample loading guidelines pertain to all geometries: •...

  • Page 69: Installing The Upper Geometry

    Holding the geometry by the shaft, carefully slide the geometry over the PRT. The PRT temperature sensor is spring loaded and will need to be pushed upward as far as it will go then hold it in place. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 69...

  • Page 70: Installing The Lower Geometry

    Installation with a Motor Mount (Oven or Ambient) To install a lower geometry onto the motor, refer to figures while performing the following steps: Loosen the knob on the motor mount. Knob Figure 44 Lower PRT installed. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 70...
  • Page 71 Tighten the knob. Hand tighten the knob, but do not over-torque it. The retainers will move inward to hold the geometry in place. Geometry Flange Motor mount Knob Figure 45 Installing the lower geometry. NOTE: For more information on the different types of geometries, see TRIOS software online Help. ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 71...

  • Page 72: Creating A Procedure

    Creating a Procedure The ARES-G2 is capable of performing a number of tests individually, oscillation, step (transient), and flow tests. These tests are organized under the following test types categories. (For detailed information, please consult the online help available through TRIOS.) •...

  • Page 73: Running An Experiment

    Running an Experiment Once you have chosen and installed a geometry and loaded the sample into the ARES-G2, you will need to set up and run your experiment. This section provides basic instructions, for details on the steps involved, see the online help accessed through the TRIOS program.

  • Page 74: Maintaining The Instrument

    Maintaining the Instrument This section provides some basic maintenance procedures that you may need to use for your ARES-G2 instrument. Cleaning Geometries After you have finished testing your sample, open the oven (if used), raise the upper geometry and brush or wipe off the sample.
  • Page 75 Make sure the moisture indicator is green. If it turns red, discon- nect the air line, drain the filter bowls, and change the filter cartridges. Make sure the air dryer is set to “2.” ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 75...

  • Page 76: Power Supply Maintenance

    The only maintenance procedure that you can perform for the power supply units is to use a vacuum to remove dust and debris from the fans on the rear of the units. Call TA Instruments if any other service is required.

  • Page 77: Troubleshooting

    Contact TA Instruments regarding service or repairs, as well as the availability of service contracts and plans. Replacement Parts Replacement parts for the ARES-G2 that are available from TA Instruments. See the table below when ordering parts. Part Number Description 1000cP oil 700.01016...

  • Page 78: Index

    22, 31 geometries 34 installation 40 introduction 14 keypad 16 levelling 60 lifting 8 location 39 maintaining 74 moving 8 moving using a cart 9 moving without a cart 9 power supplies 21 preparing 38 ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 78...
  • Page 79 7 Chiller Panel 26 choosing a location 39 compliance 67 computer connecting to Ethernet switch 54 connecting to LAN 55 computer interface 14 connections 42 controller 14 dewar flask 25 diagnostics 18 displacement 67 ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 79...
  • Page 80 68 installing 67 installing lower 70 installing lower with motor mount 70 installing upper 69 selecting 67 gun heater purge lines 43 inspection 38 installation 40 installing geometries 68 instrument cleaning 76 lifting 8 ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 80...
  • Page 81 56 transducer 57 Lower Peltier Plate 28 lower power supply 49 mechanical safety 8 modular power supplies 49 modulus 68 motor locking 56, 74 unlocking 56 motor mount installing lower geometry 70 moving ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 81...
  • Page 82 3 PDMS (polydimethyl siloxane) check 66 PDMS check 65 Phase Angle check 65, 66 ports 42 power cable connection 59 power cords inspecting 74 power supplies 21, 49 power supply oven 50, 52 ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 82...
  • Page 83 73 safety 5 chemical 7 instrument symbols 5 lifting the instrument 8 mechanical 8 thermal 7 Safety Standards 4 safety standards 4 sample deformation 67 sample geometry 67 shut down 61 signal panel 44 ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 83...
  • Page 84 65, 66 touch screen 17 calibration 19 description 17 instrument 17 messages 19 settings 19 status 18 trademarks 3 transducer 20 locking 57, 74 unlocking 57 transducer compliance 67 transducer PRT 69 troubleshooting 19, 77 ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 84...
  • Page 85 56 transducer 57 upper power supply 50, 52 warnings 4 ARES-G2 Getting Started Guide Page 85...

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