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Read this first Zetasizer nano series Quick start & Self installation guide Malvern...
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Zetasizer Nano Quickstart and Self installation guide MAN0383 Issue 5.0 August 2009 Read this manual first English...
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Zetasizer is a registered trademark in the UK and/or other countries, and is owned by Malvern Instruments Ltd. Malvern and the green "hills" logo are registered trademarks in the UK and/or other countries, and is owned by Malvern Instruments Ltd.
Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano Introduction Work through this section to set the instrument up. The other sections show how to make the initial test measurement, then your own measurements in future. Warning! Never lift the instrument by its covers. Always stand it on its feet, not its side.
Chapter 1 Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano Site requirements The site must be: Indoors and away from strong light (avoid windows). Away from heat sources like radiators. On a horizontal vibration-free bench. Well ventilated (if measuring noxious materials). Allow space for the instrument as shown below (the Essentials Manual gives the full requirements): 800 mm...
Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano Chapter 1 ill7932 Connect the power cable to the power socket on the back of the instrument. Make all computer connections (keyboard, power, etc.), following the maker's instructions. Installing the software Insert the Dispersion Technology Software CD in the CD drive. If Autorun is enabled on the computer, the software will display an introduc- tory screen.
Chapter 1 Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano ill 7934 Start the software by double-clicking the icon. If this window is displayed, it will show your Windows login name. Click OK. The instrument must be powered up for 30 minutes before a measurement is made to ensure its temperature has stabilised Checking the system The status light...
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7933 In case of failure If the light is not green, use this table to try and solve the problem. If the status light still does not turn green after this, contact the local Malvern representative. Light appearance Action to take Light not This shows there is no power.
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Chapter 1 Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano Page 1-6 MAN 0383...
Part 2: Running the Installation T est Introduction This chapter shows how to make a size and/or zeta potential measurement to test the installation of the Zetasizer Nano. Work through the steps in the order given here. Power on If it is not already switched on, turn on the instrument and start the software, as described in the previous chapter.
Chapter 2 Part 2: Running the Installation Test Note This new test macro will only be updated for the user that is currently logged on to the PC. If a different user subsequently logs on, they will need to reinstall this program before it can be used to test the operation of the system.
Part 2: Running the Installation Test Chapter 2 Fill the cuvette and/or cell Prepare the appropriate cuvette/cell for size and/or zeta potential measurement as described here. For example, if the instrument reported just now that it will test only zeta potential measurement, skip the Size test procedure below. Important Always hold the cuvette or cell near its top, not the optical area near its base.
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Chapter 2 Part 2: Running the Installation Test The sample depth should be between 10 and 15 mm. This can be checked by placing the cuvette against the diagram on the inside of the cell area lid. Max: 15mm Min: 10mm ill 7936 Push the lid securely onto the cuvette: ill 7937...
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Part 2: Running the Installation Test Chapter 2 Invert the cell ill 7938 Slowly inject the Zeta potential transfer standard from its syringe into the cell, filling the U tube to just over half way Check no air bubbles form in the cell. Tap the cell gently to dislodge any that do form.
Chapter 2 Part 2: Running the Installation Test Remove the syringe and insert a cell stopper in each port: ill 7940 Remove any liquid spilt on the outer part of the electrodes and the outside of the cell. Load the cell Depending on the test being run, one of these prompts is displayed: For a Size test: For a Zeta potential test:...
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Part 2: Running the Installation Test Chapter 2 Size test Press the button to open the measurement chamber lid: ill 7942 Most cuvettes have a triangle or spot mark. This must face towards the front of the Nano: ill 8487 Push the cuvette down so it is firmly located then push down the chamber lid: ill7944 Zetasizer Nano Quickstart...
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Chapter 2 Part 2: Running the Installation Test Zeta potential test Press the button to open the measurement chamber: ill7942 The cell has a weld line just behind the front surface, as shown here: ill 7945 Holding the cell near its top, turn the weld towards the front of the instrument. It must face the front of the Nano when inserted.
Part 2: Running the Installation Test Chapter 2 Push the cell into the cell holder until it stops. ill 7946 Close the measurement chamber lid to cover the cell. The test runs - pass or fail? Each test should take no longer than about six minutes. After a two minute thermal equilibration period, the window will show the test running, like this: Zetasizer Nano Quickstart...
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Chapter 2 Part 2: Running the Installation Test The test reports whether the system passed or failed, thus: The instrument is setup correctly if the performed test or tests pass. If testing both size and zeta potential, after the Size test the instrument prompts for the capillary cell for the Zeta potential test.
Check that the capillary cell is full. Ensure that the cell plugs are inserted firmly. Finally..If the test continues to fail, contact the local Malvern representative (before calling make a note of the instrument’s serial number.) Zetasizer Nano Quickstart...
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Chapter 2 Part 2: Running the Installation Test Page 2-12 MAN 0383...
Once the instrument is setup (chapter 1) and its performance validated (chapter 2), it is ready for use. Measurements are made using Standard Operating Proce- dures (SOPs) as described in this chapter. Malvern Instruments supplies some default SOPs, others may be created by super- visors/advanced users. To run an SOP: Select the command Measure-Start SOP: Available SOPs are listed in a selection window.
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Chapter 3 Part 3: Making other measurements Note the messages in the black status bar (near the base of the window) which show the progress of the measurement. When the measurement finishes, close the window using its button. The results will be stored as the latest record in the measurement file currently open.
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Part 3: Making other measurements Chapter 3 Intensity PSD (M) report for a size test ill 8488 Zeta potential (M) report for a zeta potential test ill 8189 Zetasizer Nano Quickstart Page 3-3...
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Chapter 3 Part 3: Making other measurements Page 3-4 MAN 0383...
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Printed in England Malvern Instruments Limited MRK1378-01 Enigma Business Park Grovewood Road, Malvern Worcs, WR14 1XZ, U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456 Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789...
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