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Summary of Contents for Microtrac S3500
- Page 1 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance Manual OM0006 1/04...
- Page 2 In no event is Microtrac liable to anyone for any indirect, special or consequential damages. The information and specifications in this document are subject to change without notice.
- Page 3 About This Document Abstract This manual describes the operation and maintenance of the Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer. The operating portion of this manual is intended for use with the Microtrac Flex Software Operations Manual. Revision Notes The following list provides notes concerning all revisions of this document.
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Page 4: Table Of Contents
3.4.1 Background Offset......................20 3.4.2 Run Data Parameters ......................21 3.4.3 Running a Sample......................22 Collector Lens Change ......................... 22 MAINTENANCE ....................24 Introduction ..........................24 Cleaning Optical Elements ......................24 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 9/03... - Page 5 Figure 2-4 Vacuum Connections ........................ 13 Figure 2-5 Air and Electrical Connections ....................13 Figure 2-6 Linear Dry Feeder with S3500 and SDC .................. 15 Figure 2-7 Sample Delivery Tube Fittings, Installation ................16 Figure 3-1 Microtrac Tri-Laser Laser Diffraction Particle Size Measurement........... 17 Figure 3-2 Recirculator Flow Diagram.......................
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Page 7: Introduction
1. Introduction 1.1 Description The S3500 uses the phenomenon of scattered light from multiple laser beams projected through a stream of particles. The amount and direction of light scattered by the particles is measured by an optical detector array and then analyzed by the Microtrac Software Particulate samples may be delivered in a wet or dry state, depending on the characteristics of the sample and the sample delivery equipment configured with the system. -
Page 8: S3500 Configurations And Ranges
0.7 – 1000 um Basic System Has all of the benefits of Microtrac technology with multiple lasers and a full software feature set. The Basic System is designed to be a cost-effective particle size analyzer while meeting a broad range of application requirements. -
Page 9: Safety Considerations
1.3.1 Electrical The S3500 is normally powered from a 115 VAC source and optionally powered from a 230 VAC source. The hot and neutral leads (or both hot leads when using 230 VAC) of the AC power input are individually fused. -
Page 10: Laser Safety
Please refer to the manual for the appropriate Microtrac sample delivery device for information on compatibility with various solvents and sample materials. Please refer to section 1.4 for a list of materials in the S3500 that come in contact with samples and solvents. -
Page 11: Figure 1-2 Laser Safety Labels
The interlock safety feature consists of three microswitches in series which must be closed to allow the lasers to operate. One safety interlock microswitch is closed when the access cover of the S3500 is closed. Two additional microswitches close when the sample cell chamber access cover is closed. With both access covers closed, the lasers can be activated under computer control. -
Page 12: Specifications
Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 1.4 Specifications Electrical AC Input: 90-132 VAC, 47-63 Hz, single phase 200-265 VAC, 47-63 Hz, single phase Line Cord: IEC320/UL498 input connector. Replacement cord must have safety-ground wire, and must have a current rating greater than the fuse ratings listed below. - Page 13 Case Material: Steel and impact-resistant plastic Finishes: Exterior surfaces finished with corrosion resistant paint or plating Dimensions: 14H x 22W x 18D in. (360H x 560W x 460D mm) Weight: 60 lbs. (27 kg) 9/03 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance...
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Page 15: Installation
2. Installation 2.1 General Installation of the S3500 analyzer requires connecting the unit to the personal computer and sample delivery system. These instructions cover the analyzer and an overview of the entire system. Please refer to the manual associated with your sample delivery device to ensure a proper installation. This section covers installation of both wet and dry systems. -
Page 16: Sample Delivery Connections
Wet and Dry Sample Cells The S3500 was designed for quick and easy conversion from wet operation to dry and vice versa. The following instructions describe changing the S3500 sample cell from wet to dry. To change from dry to wet, simply reverse the procedure. -
Page 17: Fluid Connections For Wet Sample Delivery
This includes all tubing fittings and also the fluid paths inside the SDC and the Analyzer. • Manual shutoff valves should be installed wherever appropriate in the liquid supply lines within easy reach of the operator in case of emergency. 9/03 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance... -
Page 18: Dry Sample Delivery Connections
Refer to the appropriate recirculator manual for tubing connection details. The fluid path through the S3500 sample cell is from bottom to top. The inlet fitting is on the bottom, the exit fitting on top. Large- radius tubing elbows are provided to simplify the connections and ensure a smooth fluid path. Note that the knurled nuts attaching the tubing elbows to the wet sample cell holder should be tightened hand-tight only. -
Page 19: Figure 2-4 Vacuum Connections
Installation Clean-up Wand Maintaining a clean work area can be difficult with a dry system. Microtrac provides a clean-up wand to assist. Remove the plastic plug in the vacuum tube elbow and replace it with the plastic 90° hose barb. -
Page 20: Electrical Connections
Some sample delivery devices require a communication connection to the S3500. Consult the appropriate manual for details. The S3500 connector for such devices is J2. Insert the end of the cable into the S3500 J2 connector and tighten the screws hand-tight. -
Page 21: Dry System Connections
µm. It is particularly well suited to samples that are prone to agglomeration. Note: The air regulator and gauge in the Linear Dry Feeder are not used. No pressurized air connections are made to it. Eductor air and vacuum are connected to the S3500 as described above. Figure 2-6... -
Page 22: Figure 2-7 Sample Delivery Tube Fittings, Installation
Sample Delivery Tube Connect the suction tube from the Linear Dry Feeder to the S3500 Dry Delivery Cup. Use the short sections of ¼” Teflon tubing and push-to-connect fittings at either end. See Figure 2-7. Make sure the suction tube is long enough to prevent binding as the traveling arm moves through its stroke. -
Page 23: Operation
Laser Diffraction Particle Size Measurement 3.2 Sample Delivery The S3500 can measure size distributions of particles in dry form or suspended in a liquid. A variety of sample delivery devices are available from Microtrac to fit the specific needs of your materials, application environment and budget. -
Page 24: Figure 3-2 Recirculator Flow Diagram
“particles” of air. Sample is added to the reservoir either manually or by a Microtrac autosampler. Please refer to the appropriate manual if your system is so equipped. Precise measurement of sample quantity is unnecessary. -
Page 25: Dispersion
In general, a valid measurement depends on a sample in which individual particles are viewed by the S3500. Some materials are easy to disperse into discrete individual particles and may be added to the system with no prior preparation. Other materials tend to agglomerate, or form larger groups of particles that need to be broken apart. -
Page 26: Dry Sample Dispersion
The S3500 uses air flow to an eductor to disperse dry samples. If the particle size is large or the material inherently disperses well, air to the eductor is not required. If dispersion is necessary, first set the eductor gap. -
Page 27: Run Data Parameters
With the correct information, the measuring instrument can extract the particle size distribution from the measured optical response. The S3500 measures particle size through the analysis of light scattered from particles into angular measurement zones. The size range of the instrument is divided into N intervals, each represented by an angular pattern response function. -
Page 28: Running A Sample
Remove the top cover of the optics module by loosening the knurled thumbscrews. Engage the lens wrench in the face of the lens retaining nut as shown and rotate it toward the front of the S3500. If it was over-tightened before, it may be necessary to tap lightly on the wrench to loosen the nut. Loosen the nut only until it turns freely on the lens body. -
Page 29: Figure 3-4 Collector Lens Change
Service Figure 3-4 Collector Lens Change 9/03 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance... -
Page 30: Maintenance
Cleaning only as necessary helps to ensure continued optimum performance of your S3500. Cleaning procedures can be performed at intervals that are determined by the amount and severity of S3500 use. If the SETZERO numbers are within limits, cleaning of the optical sample cell and optics system is not necessary and not recommended. -
Page 31: Cleaning The Sample Path
Service Recommended Cleaning Materials Use cleaning materials provided by Microtrac. Other types of cleaning materials which are acceptable substitutes are listed below: Lens Tissues (may substitute Thomas, Fisher, Eastman Kodak, Carter-Rice, Stoors & Bement) Lens cleaning solution Pipe cleaner Canned compressed air... -
Page 32: Figure 4-1 Sample Module
5. Prepare a lens tissue as follows: a) Wrap the lens tissue around a wooden splint or Microtrac cell cleaning paddle. Alternatively, use a 6” length of pipe cleaner to form a loop by twisting the ends (see section 5.4). The loop should be wide enough to gently rub the sides of the interior of the sample cell. - Page 33 All Microtrac dry delivery devices are designed for easy cleaning. Please consult the appropriate manual for specific cleaning instructions. The S3500 dry cell tends to be self-cleaning. The actual flow path resists accumulation of sample materials, although some material may deposit outside the flow path on the nozzle exterior and the inner cell wall.
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Page 34: Service
Microtrac Technical Support. Actions the user can take include the following: CAUTION Turn off all power to the personal computer and all devices in the Microtrac analysis system before performing any actions on any electrical cables or components. External Cables 1. -
Page 35: General Fault Isolation
A troubleshooting chart for general fault isolation is provided in Table 5-1. In the event that a fault cannot be resolved by performing the corrective actions in Table 5-1, please call Microtrac Technical Support. Table 5-1... -
Page 36: Accessories And Replacement Parts
Please contact Microtrac Technical Support for details. Table 5-3 Diagnostic Sample Test Materials Description Part Number BCR66 Wet 159236 Glass 1 Wet 159242 Glass 1 Dry 159666 Glass 2 Wet 51205673 Glass 2 Dry 159672 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 9/03... - Page 38 Microtrac Inc. 12501-A 62 Street North Largo, FL 33773...
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