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Micromeritics SmartPrep 065 Operator's Manual

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SmartPrep 065
Operator's Manual
V2.02
065-42801-01
March 2002

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  • Page 1 SmartPrep 065 Operator’s Manual V2.02 065-42801-01 March 2002...
  • Page 2 ©Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, 2002. All rights reserved. The software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
  • Page 3 MICROMERITICS shall not be liable for consequential or other type damages resulting from the use of any of its products other than the liability stated above. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for use.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Installing the Software ......1-9 Installing the SmartPrep 065 Program ....1-10 Configuring Devices .
  • Page 6 Table of Contents SmartPrep Performing an Automatic Degas Operation ....2-27 TriStar 3000 V1.00 ......2-28 Monitoring a Degas Operation .
  • Page 7 SmartPrep Table of Contents 5. ORDERING INFORMATION APPENDICES Appendix A: Forms Appendix B: Error Messages Oct 01...

  • Page 9: Installation

    CHAPTER 1 INSTALLATION • Organization of the Manual • Conventions • Description • Specifications • Unpacking and Inspeciton • Installation...
  • Page 11 Chapter 5 - Ordering Provides part numbers and descriptions of the Information SmartPrep system components and accessories that may be ordered from Micromeritics. Appendix A - Forms Contains a form used to record degas conditions. Appendix B - Error Lists the error messages displayed by the Smart- Messages Prep software;...

  • Page 12: Description

    Description SmartPrep Description The SmartPrep 065 degasser prepares samples for adsorption analysis by remov- ing adsorbed contaminants from the surface and pores of the samples. It contains six heating stations, which enable you to degas up to six samples simultaneously.

  • Page 13: Specifications

    SmartPrep Specifications Specifications The SmartPrep degasser has been designed and tested to meet the specifications provided in the following table. Table 1-1. SmartPrep Specifications Characteristic Specification Degas Method Flowing gas Number of Stations Temperature Range Ambient to 425 C, in 1 C increments;...

  • Page 14: Unpacking And Inspection

    If equipment is damaged or lost in transit, you are required to make note of the damage or loss on the freight bill. The freight carrier, not Micromeritics, is re- sponsible for all damage or loss occurring during shipment. If you discover dam- age or loss of equipment during shipment, report the condition to the carrier immediately.

  • Page 15: Installation

    SmartPrep Installation Installation Rear Panel Connections Insert one end of the power cord into the input power connector at the rear of the degasser (refer to Figure 1-4) and the other end into an appropriate power source. Attach an appropriate regulator to the gas bottle. Leave the gas bottle shut- off valve closed until instructed otherwise.
  • Page 16 Installation SmartPrep Attach the other end of the copper tubing to the gas fitting on the back of the degasser. Figure 1-3. Attaching Copper Tubing to the SmartPrep Open the gas bottle shut-off valve. Use the regulator pressure control knob to set the pressure to 15 psi (103 kPa).
  • Page 17 SmartPrep Installation 12. Connect the cable from the control module to the left (data-in) connector of the first SmartPrep and tighten the retaining screws. Power Supply Filter Data-In Connector Data-Out Connector (Control Module or (Next SmartPrep) previous SmartPrep) Power Cord Connector Figure 1-4.

  • Page 18: Attaching Gas Delivery Tubes

    Installation SmartPrep Attaching Gas Delivery Tubes Six gas delivery tubes are included in the accessories kit. Attach one to each flex- ible tube by pressing the flexible tube completely over the barbed end of the gas delivery tube. Place the delivery tubes in the storage cavities behind the heating stations.

  • Page 19: Software Requirements

    If the Print Manager is not used, it may take longer to print reports. Installing the Software The SmartPrep 065 software can be used in one of two modes: • As an embedded program in the Micromeritics TriStar 3000 analysis system software.

  • Page 20: Installing The Smartprep 065 Program

    Installation SmartPrep Installing the SmartPrep 065 Program Insert the SmartPrep 065 (Standalone) diskette labeled Disk 1 into a diskette drive. Choose one of the following: If... Then... You are using Windows Select File from the Windows Program Manager. 3.1 or later: Select Run from the File manu.
  • Page 21 Select . File names are displayed as the SmartPrep files are loaded. Insert the SmartPrep 065 (Standalone) diskette labeled Disk 2 into the disk- ette drive when instructed to do so. When installation is complete, the following dialog box is displayed.

  • Page 22: Configuring Devices

    Installation SmartPrep Configuring Devices The Setup software enables you to configure your control module (PC) so that it detects attached SmartPreps. The control module cannot communicate with the SmartPrep(s) until the Setup software has recorded your configuration(s). The number of SmartPreps connected to the control module must always remain accurately defined.
  • Page 23 SmartPrep Installation Choose ; the following dialog box is displayed. Configure Device Select the application which will be used to control the SmartPrep. Press ; the following dialog box is displayed. Select the number of SmartPrep units connected to the control module and the communication port to which the first SmartPrep is connected, then select 10.

  • Page 24: Advanced Functions

    Installation SmartPrep Advanced Functions If you select from the initial Setup utility, the following dialog is Advanced displayed: Advanced functions consist of: • Download Application: used to install an update of the software resi- dent in the SmartPrep. The initial download is performed at the factory. •...
  • Page 25 SmartPrep Installation Attach a communications cable from a serial port on the control module (PC) to the serial port on the SmartPrep. Select the serial port on the control module to which you connected the ca- ble, then select A message is displayed indicating that the process will begin; click After the configuration process is complete, a message is displayed inform- ing you that the process has been successfully completed.

  • Page 27: Operation

    CHAPTER 2 OPERATION • Front Panel Controls and Indicators • Rear Panel Controls • Menu Structure • Creating Sample Information Files • Preparing Samples for Degassing • Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters • Degassing Samples • Performing an Automatic Degas Operation •...
  • Page 29 SmartPrep Front Panel Controls and Indicators OPERATION Front Panel Controls and Indicators Gas Flow Control Knob Status Indicator Heating Station Figure 2-1. Front Panel Do not place your fingers inside the heating stations; the stations may be hot enough to cause burns. Gas Flow Control Knobs Each heating station has a gas flow valve that con- trols the flow of gas to the station.
  • Page 30 Front Panel Controls and Indicators SmartPrep Status Indicators Each heating station has three lights that indicate the current status of the station. The lights flash when gas is flowing through the heating station. Ready The green Ready light comes on when the set- point temperature is below 30 C and the actual temperature is below 60...
  • Page 31 SmartPrep Rear Panel Controls Rear Panel Controls Power On/Off Switch Figure 2-2. Rear Panel Power On/Off Switch Place the switch in the up position (On) to turn on the degasser. Place it in the down position (Off) to turn off the degasser. Sep 98...

  • Page 32: Menu Structure

    Menu Structure Main Menu All the functions in the SmartPrep 065 program are accessed from the Main Menu. Brief descriptions of the functions are provided below. Refer to the chap- ter given in parentheses for a detailed description of the functions contained in that menu.

  • Page 33: Windows Menu

    Arrange Icons Arranges all minimized icons in an orderly manner. The Windows menu also displays a list of all open files. Help Menu About SmartPrep 065 Displays information about the SmartPrep 065 program. Sep 98...

  • Page 34: Creating Sample Information Files

    Creating Sample Information Files SmartPrep Creating Sample Information Files Sample information files include the information required by the SmartPrep to perform degas operations. The files are comprised of two components: • Sample identification information • Degas conditions Whether you choose to create sample information files in advance or at the time of a degas operation, you must enter a sample information file for each degas op- eration.
  • Page 35 SmartPrep Creating Sample Information Files Click on the down arrow to the right of the Degas Conditions field to choose a degas conditions file. If you have an existing sample information file containing the options you wish to use for this file, select to choose the file and copy Replace All..

  • Page 36: Advanced Format

    Creating Sample Information Files SmartPrep Advanced Format The Advanced format presents sample information and degas conditions in a tabbed dialog box. This format gives you access to both sample information and degas conditions and lets you edit parameters. Refer to Sample Information, Ad- vanced Format in Chapter 3 for a description of the fields in this dialog box.
  • Page 37 SmartPrep Creating Sample Information Files You may enter up to five stages of the following degas conditions: Soak Temperature, Temperature Ramp Rate, and Soak Time. (Refer to Degas Con- ditions in Chapter 3 for a more detailed description of this dialog box.) Save After you have entered all degas conditions, select , then...

  • Page 38: Preparing Samples For Degassing

    The following procedures are recommended. Refer to Table 2-1 for a list of materials needed to clean and weigh sample tubes. Table 2-1. Materials Required to Clean and Weigh Sample Tubes Supplied by Micromeritics Supplied by User Sample tube...
  • Page 39 SmartPrep Preparing Samples for Degassing Figure 2-3. Cleaning Sample Tubes Using rubber gloves, remove the sample tubes and filler rods from the reservoir. Clean the interior of the sample tubes with a brush. Rinse the sample tubes and filler rods thoroughly with hot water. Then rinse them with isopropyl alcohol or acetone using a waste container to collect used solvent.
  • Page 40 Preparing Samples for Degassing SmartPrep Using nitrogen, dry the interior of the sample tubes and filler rods under a vent hood. Use a tubing extension long enough and small enough in diame- ter to fit inside the tubes. Figure 2-5. Drying Sample Tubes Stand the sample tubes on the sample tube rack and place the filler rods in a basket or in the rack.

  • Page 41: Weighing Samples

    SmartPrep Preparing Samples for Degassing Weighing Samples Place the sample weighing support on the balance. Tare the balance and al- low it to stabilize at zero (0). Place the sample tube set on the sample weighing support. Record the stabi- lized weight as empty sample tube weight.
  • Page 42 Preparing Samples for Degassing SmartPrep Figure 2-7. Placing Sample in Sample Tube If some sample clings to the inside of the sample tube above the last 3 in. (7.5 cm) of the tube, remove it using a pipe cleaner or lint-free wipe. Replace the rubber stopper.

  • Page 43: Inserting And Removing Heating Station Adapters

    SmartPrep Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters Heating station adapters enable you to use a variety of sample tubes with the SmartPrep. There are three models of heating station adapters. Use the appropri- ate model as shown in Table 2-2 and follow the instructions in this chapter for re- moving and inserting adapters.
  • Page 44 Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters SmartPrep Table 2-2. Heating Station Adapters Analyzer Model Sample Tubes Adapter Model TriStar 3000 ASAP 2000 ASAP 2010 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2-in. Stem; 1-in. Bulb P/N 065-25815-00 Gemini (Bulb Tube) 3/8-in. Stem; 3/4-in. Bulb P/N 065-25811-00 Gemini (Straight-Wall Tube)

  • Page 45: Tristar 3000, Asap 2000, And Asap 2010 Sample Tubes

    SmartPrep Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters TriStar 3000, ASAP 2000, and ASAP 2010 Sample Tubes Adapters for these sample tubes are included as a standard accessory with the SmartPrep. Additional adapters may be ordered if needed (refer to Chapter 5 for ordering information).
  • Page 46 Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters SmartPrep Hold the adapter handle and sample tube stem and place the sample tube and adapter in the heating station. Alternately, you may insert the sample tube in the heating station, then place the adapter over the sample tube in the station. Figure 2-9.

  • Page 47: Removing Adapters

    SmartPrep Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters Removing Adapters It is best to allow heating stations to cool before removing sample tubes and adapters. If the heating stations are not cool, use caution when removing sample tubes and heating station adapters. Sample tubes and heating station adapters may be very hot.
  • Page 48 Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters SmartPrep Place the adapter and sample tube in a cooling rack. Alternately, you may place the adapter back into the heating station from which you removed it. Place heating station adapters in a cooling rack after you remove them from the heating stations.

  • Page 49: Gemini Sample Tubes

    SmartPrep Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters Gemini Sample Tubes Adapters for these sample tubes are not included with the SmartPrep. Refer to Chapter 5 for ordering information. Allow heating stations to cool before removing adapters from the SmartPrep. Always use the adapter-removal tool provided in the Adapter Option kit when removing adapters.

  • Page 50: Removing Adapters

    Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters SmartPrep Removing Adapters Allow heating stations to cool before removing adapters from the SmartPrep. Always use the adapter-removal tool provided in the Adapter Option Kit when removing adapters. The adapters may become hot enough to cause severe burns. It is best to allow heating stations to cool before removing adapters.
  • Page 51 SmartPrep Inserting and Removing Heating Station Adapters Pull the tool upward (with adapter in place) to remove the adapter from the heating station. Do not attempt to catch the adapter if the tool should slip out of place. The adapter may still be hot enough to cause burns. Figure 2-15.

  • Page 52: Degassing Samples

    Degassing Samples SmartPrep Degassing Samples Setting the Gas Flow Rate Make sure the degasser On/Off switch is in the On position. Open the SmartPrep program. Select SmartPrep, select the unit number, then select Show Status to dis- play the Show Status dialog box. Turn on gas flow to the desired heating station using the associated push button on the dialog box (refer to Show Status in Start gas flow...
  • Page 53 SmartPrep Degassing Samples To insert the gas delivery tube, tilt the sample tube nearly horizontal and tap the tube to open a passageway through the sample. Insert the gas delivery tube, then tilt the sample tube back to a vertical position and tap the tube to settle the sample bed around the gas delivery tube.
  • Page 54 Degassing Samples SmartPrep Figure 2-17. Inserting Sample Tube Into Heating Station Repeat Steps 4 and 5 under Setting the Gas Flow Rate and Steps 1through 4 above to insert additional sample tubes. 2-26 Aug 98...

  • Page 55: Performing An Automatic Degas Operation

    SmartPrep Degassing Samples Performing an Automatic Degas Operation Select SmartPrep, select the SmartPrep Unit number, then select Start De- gas from the Main menu. The following dialog box is displayed. If you are running SmartPrep as an embedded application in TriStar 3000 V1.00, refer to TriStar 3000 V1.00 on the following page.

  • Page 56: Tristar 3000 V1.00

    Degassing Samples SmartPrep TriStar 3000 V1.00 For TriStar V1.00 only: the following dialog box is displayed. The six heating stations available on the degasser are represented in the Degas Port area of the dialog box. You may select only one heating station at a time. Click on the port you wish to use for the degas operation Press .

  • Page 57: Monitoring A Degas Operation

    SmartPrep Degassing Samples Monitoring a Degas Operation The SmartPrep Status dialog box, shown below, enables you to monitor degas op- erations and stop gas flow after samples are degassed. (Refer to Show Status in Chapter 3 for a detailed description of this dialog box.) When the degas opera- tion is complete, refer to Completing a Degas Operation in this chapter.

  • Page 58: Performing A Manual Degas Operation

    Degassing Samples SmartPrep Performing a Manual Degas Operation Select SmartPrep, select the SmartPrep Unit number, then select Show Status from the Main menu. The following dialog box is displayed. Press Set temperature for the desired heating station (the heating station must be Idle).

  • Page 59: Completing A Degas Operation

    SmartPrep Degassing Samples Press to start the flow of gas to the heating station. Start gas flow When the sample has been degassed for an adequate amount of time, press button for the appropriate station. The Set SmartPrep Port Set temperature Temperature dialog box is displayed.

  • Page 61: Smartprep Menus

    CHAPTER 3 SMARTPREP MENUS • File Menu • SmartPrep Menu • Reports Menu • Options Menu...

  • Page 63: Description

    SmartPrep File Menu SmartPrep Menus This chapter describes the functions accessed from the SmartPrep main menu. It includes: • File Menu • SmartPrep Menu • Reports Menu • Options Menu The Windows and Help menus are described in Chapter 2. File Menu The File menu contains options which allow you to manage sample information and degas conditions files.

  • Page 64: Save

    File Menu SmartPrep Save Saves the file in the active window. Save As Saves the file in the active window with a differ- ent name. Save All Saves all open files. Close Closes the file in the active window. Close All Closes all open files.
  • Page 65 SmartPrep File Menu Open Open allows you to create a new sample information or degas conditions file or edit an existing one. Regardless of which file type you select, a dialog box similar to the one shown below is displayed. File Name For sample information files, this field contains the next sequenced file name generated by the...
  • Page 66 File Menu SmartPrep You may limit the list of files displayed in the Files: list box by choosing one the following: • Use wildcard characters in the path name you enter in the File name: field. Wildcard characters such as * and ? can be used to filter file names. For example, you can limit the list of files displayed to those containing Sp0 as the first three characters by entering SP0*.smp.
  • Page 67 SmartPrep File Menu The following function keys are available when the Select Dates dialog box is is displayed. Clears the field. Inserts the current date. Displays a calendar from which you may select a date. You may change the date format by using the International Date Format function on the Windows Control Panel.
  • Page 68 File Menu SmartPrep Basic Format Sample Displays the next sequenced file description or the name of the file you are opening. You may add a new description or use the one displayed. Length: 50 alphanumeric characters Degas Conditions Click the down arrow to display a list of pre- viously defined degas conditions files.
  • Page 69 SmartPrep File Menu Advanced Format When you open an existing sample information file or create a new one using the Advanced format, both components of the file, sample information and degas con- ditions, are displayed in a tabbed dialog box. Sample Displays the next sequenced file description or the name of the file you are opening.
  • Page 70 File Menu SmartPrep Displays a dialog box in which you may enter in- Add Log Entry formation relating to the sample file. Enter desired information, then select Information you enter here is printed as part of the sample log report. You may make multiple en- tries by selecting this push button as many times as you wish.
  • Page 71 SmartPrep File Menu Degas Conditions Degas conditions can be entered as part of a sample file or as a separate file. If you enter degas conditions as a separate file, you may use the file in as many sample files as you wish. Description If you are opening an existing file, this field con- tains the description.
  • Page 72 File Menu SmartPrep Soak Temperature Enter the temperature at which the sample is to soak while gas flows through the heating station. Range: 20 to 450 Default: 30 Temperature Enter the rate at which the temperature will Ramp Rate change when advancing to the soak temperature. Range: 5 to 20 C per minute...
  • Page 73 SmartPrep File Menu Save Save enables you to save any changes you have made to the file in the active window. The file is saved under its current name. Save As Save As enables you to save the file in the active window under a new name. Saving the file under a new name allows you to make modifications without changing the original file.
  • Page 74 File Menu SmartPrep Save All Save All enables you to save all open files under their current names. Close Close enables you to close the file in the active window. The following message is displayed if changes have been made to the file: [file name] has been changed.

  • Page 75: Print

    SmartPrep File Menu Print Print enables you to print the entire contents of a file. When you select File, Print from the main menu, two choices are displayed: Sample information and Degas conditions. Select the type of file you wish to print. A dialog box similar to the following is displayed.

  • Page 76: List

    File Menu SmartPrep List List enables you to generate a listing of the following information for a selected file. You may view, print, or store the listing in a file. • File name • Date the file was created (or last edited) •...
  • Page 77 SmartPrep File Menu Settings Copies Click on the up and down arrows to select the number of copies you wish to print. You may print up to four copies. Destination Choose one of the following: • File to store the listing in a file. When you choose File, the File name field is enabled so that you can enter a name (or accept the de- fault).

  • Page 78: Exit

    File Menu SmartPrep Exit Exit enables you to exit the SmartPrep 065 program. If a window containing a modified file is open, the following message is displayed. Choose one of the following: • Select to save changes and exit the SmartPrep program •...

  • Page 79: Smartprep Menu

    SmartPrep SmartPrep Menu SmartPrep Menu The SmartPrep menu contains options which allow you to start degas operations, monitor the status of degas operations, and view the system configuration. Listed below are brief descriptions of the SmartPrep menu options. Detailed de- scriptions follow this section.

  • Page 80: Show Status

    SmartPrep Menu SmartPrep Show Status The Status dialog box enables you to monitor degas operations, set the tempera- ture for a manual degas operation, and start and stop gas flow. The information shown in this dialog box includes: Sample Displays the name and path of the sample infor- mation file being used.
  • Page 81 SmartPrep SmartPrep Menu Temp Displays the current temperature (+10 C) of the sample being degassed. Gas Valve Informs you whether the heating station’s gas valve is opened or closed. Press this button if you wish to select a tempera- Set temperature ture other than the temperature selected in the de- gas conditions file or to perform a manual degas operation.

  • Page 82: Start Degas

    SmartPrep Menu SmartPrep Start Degas The Start Degas dialog box enables you to start an automatic degas operation Sample Choose one of the following for each heating sta- tion you wish to use: • Enter the name of a sample information file. •...

  • Page 83: Configuration

    SmartPrep SmartPrep Menu Configuration The Configuration dialog box enables you to view the SmartPrep configuration. Configuration Displays the number of the port (Comm Port) cur- rently used to control the analyzer, the SmartPrep unit number, and the serial number of the selected analyzer.

  • Page 84: Reports Menu

    Reports Menu SmartPrep Reports Menu The Reports menu enables you to start and cancel reports. Start report Select Start Report to print a log report. The Start Report dialog box is displayed. This dialog box contains the same fields as the Print dialog box (refer to Print in this chapter for field descrip- tions).

  • Page 85: Log Report

    SmartPrep Reports Menu Log Report The following is a sample log report produced by the SmartPrep program. Aug 98 3-23...

  • Page 86: Options Menu

    Options Menu SmartPrep Options Menu The Options menu contains choices that enable you to: • Select basic, advanced, or restricted sample information file format • Select a report font • Edit default values for sample information and degas conditions files •...

  • Page 87: Option Presentation

    SmartPrep Options Menu Option Presentation The Option Presentation dialog box enables you to display sample information in one of three formats: Restricted, Basic, or Advanced. Restricted Restricted format: • Displays the Basic format dialog box (refer to Basic on the following page).

  • Page 88: Basic

    Options Menu SmartPrep Basic This push button does not display when in the Restricted format. The Basic format is used to create sample information files using previously de- fined degas conditions files. This format: • Displays the sample information file, with its associated degas conditions file, in a single dialog box.

  • Page 89: Advanced

    SmartPrep Options Menu Advanced The Advanced format is used to create customized files. This format: • Displays sample information and degas conditions files in a tabbed index format, allowing users to edit sample information and degas conditions. • Allows you to switch to Basic format if desired. Refer to Advanced Sample Information in this chapter for a detailed description of this dialog box.

  • Page 90: Report Font

    Options Menu SmartPrep Report Font The Report Font dialog box enables you to select the font used in printed reports. Font Use the up and down arrows to scroll through the list of fonts. Click on the font you wish to use for reports.

  • Page 91: Sample Defaults

    SmartPrep Options Menu Sample Defaults The Sample Defaults option enables you to enter default values for sample infor- mation files in Basic and Advanced formats and for degas conditions files. Basic Format When you select Sample Defaults while in the Basic format, the following dialog box is displayed.
  • Page 92 Options Menu SmartPrep Sample Allows you to enter additional information to iden- tify a sample. In the field on the left, you may edit the prompt for Sample. For example, you wish to use Test or Material. Length: 40 alphanumeric characters In the field on the right, specify a format for the sample identification.
  • Page 93 SmartPrep Options Menu Advanced Format When you select Sample Defaults while in the Advanced format, the following dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to enter default sample information. You can also en- ter default degas conditions by clicking on the Degas Conditions tab or Next >>...
  • Page 94 Options Menu SmartPrep Sample Allows you to enter additional information to iden- tify a sample. In the field on the left, you may edit the prompt for Sample. For example, you wish to use Test or Material. Length: 40 alphanumeric characters In the field on the right, specify a format for the sample identification.
  • Page 95 SmartPrep Options Menu Operator You may include the automatically-generated file Submitter name as part of the identification by using the $ symbol where you want the sequence number to (continued) appear. Refer to the example in the previous sec- tion. Length: 42 alphanumeric characters Omit If you wish to omit either the Operator or Submit-...

  • Page 96: Degas Conditions Defaults

    Options Menu SmartPrep Degas Conditions Defaults When you select Degas Conditions while in the Advanced sample information dia- log box, the following dialog box is displayed. Description Enter a description of the degas conditions file. Length: 40 alphanumeric characters (at least one character is required) Allows you to copy the values of an existing de- Replace.
  • Page 97 SmartPrep Options Menu Conditions Table Enter up to five stages of the following degas con- ditions. Soak Temperature Enter the temperature at which the sample is to soak while gas is flowing through the heating sta- tion. Range: 20 to 450 Default: 30 Temperature Enter the rate at which the temperature will...

  • Page 98: System Configuration

    Print Manager. If you wish to use another printer, click on Default to remove the checkmark. Then choose an- other printer from the drop-down list. Plotter A plotter is not used with the SmartPrep 065. 3-36 Aug 98...

  • Page 99: Parameter Files Directory

    SmartPrep Options Menu Parameter Files Directory This option allows you to select the location for the predefined degas conditions files. These files are displayed in the drop-down list on the Basic Sample Informa- tion dialog box. When you select this option, the following dialog box is displayed. The directory you select here is the directory to which the program will go to ob- tain the files for the Degas conditions drop-down list.

  • Page 101: Maintenance

    CHAPTER 4 MAINTENANCE...

  • Page 103: Replacing The Power Supply Dust Filter

    SmartPrep Maintenance MAINTENANCE This chapter provides instructions on how to: • Replace the power supply dust filter • Verify the flow rate Replacing the Power Supply Dust Filter The power supply dust filter (located on the back of the SmartPrep) should be checked every 30 days (more often in environments with increased levels of dust).
  • Page 104 Maintenance SmartPrep Verifying the Flow Rate The flow rate for each port of the SmartPrep should be verified every 3 to 6 months to ensure a proper flow of gas. Insert the flow tube from port 1 into a beaker of water. Select the appropriate Unit [n] from the SmartPrep menu.
  • Page 105 CHAPTER 5 ORDERING INFORMATION...
  • Page 107 SmartPrep Ordering Information ORDERING INFORMATION The SmartPrep Degasser components and accessories can be ordered through our Customer Order Entry Department - (770) 662-3636. When ordering, please use the information provided in the following table. Table 5-1. SmartPrep Degasser Components and Accessories Part Number Item and Description 065-00000-00...
  • Page 109 APPENDIX A FORMS...
  • Page 111 FORMS This appendix contains a form that you may use to enter degas information. You may remove the form and make copies as needed.
  • Page 113 Degas Information SmartPrep Sample Tube Identification:________________________________________ SmartPrep Station Number: Automatic Degas Degas Conditions File Name:_______________________________________ Degas Notes _________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Manual Degas Temperature Set Point # 1_______________________ Soak time # 1 _________________________________ Temperature Set Point # 2_______________________ Soak time # 2 _________________________________ Temperature Set Point # 3_______________________ Soak time # 3 _________________________________ Temperature Set Point # 4_______________________...
  • Page 115 APPENDIX B ERROR MESSAGES...
  • Page 117 Error Messages ERROR MESSAGES Error messages for the SmartPrep 065 are listed numerically. If the Action re- sponse instructs you to contact your service representative, record the error message and make backup copies of any files involved in the operation.
  • Page 118 Cause: Several SmartPrep files have been added to this directory by some function other than the SmartPrep 065 program. Action: Select Yes to update the directory information with data from each new file. This operation may take a minute.
  • Page 119 SmartPrep Error Messages Messages 38 - 47 Cause: An unexpected error occurred when you tried to access a data file. Action: Contact your service representative. 38- Disk drive (letter): is inaccessible. 39- Could not register file. 40- Subset not found. 41- Seek within file failed.
  • Page 120 Cause: The ASCII file containing initialization information and system options information used during program startup does not exist. Action: Run the SmartPrep 065 Setup program. (Refer to Configuring Devices in Chapter 1.) 115- This field’s entry is INVALID. Cause: The highlighted field contains an invalid entry.
  • Page 121 SmartPrep Error Messages 119- Invalid number. Cause: The number you entered in the highlighted field is invalid. Action: Check the entry and enter or select a valid number. 120- This field contains an invalid character. Cause: You entered an invalid character in the highlighted field. Action: Check the entry and enter valid characters.
  • Page 122 Error Messages SmartPrep 164- System resources have reached a dangerously low level. Please close some windows to avoid the loss of data. Cause: A large number of windows are open and consuming the system resources available to all applications. Action: Close one or more windows on the screen.
  • Page 123 SmartPrep Error Messages 190- (sample file) Error opening file (name): (error). Reports cannot be pro- duced. Cause: An error occurred while the program was opening a file neces- sary to the report operation. Action: Use the name given in the error message to investigate. Contact your service representative if you continue to receive this error message.
  • Page 124 Action: Close the other program to release the port. Restart the SmartPrep 065 program. 402- The communications port specified for the SmartPrep(s) cannot be accessed. Cannot initialize. 403- Cannot communicate with SmartPrep Unit %d - S/N: %s.
  • Page 125 SmartPrep Error Messages 500- An error occurred while loading the application control information. Data entry cannot be performed. (Code #%d)" Cause: An error occurred accessing the control information disk file re- quired by this application. Action: The disk drive may have failed or be corrupt. Run diagnostics on the disk drive.
  • Page 126 Error Messages SmartPrep 507- The edit session for <name> must be saved before it is prepared for analysis. Save changes and proceed with the analysis? (yes, no) Cause: You are trying to start a degas operation using a file that con- tains unsaved changes and is open for editing.
  • Page 127 INDEX...
  • Page 129 INDEX Delivery tubes See Gas delivery tubes Adapters Devices See Heating station adapters adding to or removing from system, 1-12 Advanced format, 3-5, 3-27 See also Sample information files Electrical specifications, 1-3 Equipment Basic format, 3-5, 3-26 returning, 1-4 See also Sample information files unpacking and inspecting, 1-4 Error messages, B-1 Exit command, 3-16...
  • Page 130 Index SmartPrep List command, 3-14 connecting regulator, 1-5 Log report connecting to degasser, 1-6 entering comments, 3-8 fitting, 1-6 example of, 3-23 flow control, 1-2, 2-1 flow rate, 1-3 flow rate, checking, 2-1, 4-2 flow rate, setting, 2-24 Main menu, 2-4 flow rate, starting/stopping, 3-18 Maintenance procedures, 4-1 starting gas flow, 2-31, 3-19...
  • Page 131 1-9 Reports menu, 2-4, 3-22 main menu, 2-4 Restricted format, 3-5 requirements, 1-9 See Sample information files SmartPrep 065 program diskettes, 1-10 Specifications, 1-3 Start Degas command, 3-20 Status indicators, 1-2, 2-2 Status, system Sample defaults, 2-6 displaying, 2-29, 3-18...

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