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56 . DSC 6000 Installation and Hardware Guide
DSC 6000
The DSC 6000 Differential Scanning Calorimeter is a single-furnace, heat-flux DSC. Heat flow
is determined by measuring a temperature difference over a very accurately known thermal
resistance. This analyzer is used to characterize materials, design products, predict product
performance, optimize processing conditions, and improve quality. The DSC 6000 system
permits the direct calorimetric measurement, characterization, and analysis of thermal
properties of materials. Under the control of the Pyris software on your PC, the DSC 6000 is
programmed from an initial to a final temperature through transitions in the sample material
such as melting, glass transitions, solid-state transitions, or crystallization. Usually the
DSC 6000 is programmed to scan a temperature range at a linear rate for the study of these
endothermic and exothermic reactions. Endotherms and exotherms can be shown as an
upward or downward deviation from the baseline. The DSC 6000 can also be used to perform
isothermal experiments.
The DSC 6000 with Pyris software offers StepScan DSC. The use of StepScan DSC helps in
the clearer interpretation of transitions (for example, glass transition or Tg) which may be
masked or obscured with interfering irreversible events, such as enthalpic relaxation, stress
relief, moisture evolution, crystallization, curing, etc. The technique uses a series of heat-hold
steps, repeatedly measuring the heat flow to a known amount of sample at a constant
heating rate and comparing with that of the heat flow in an adjacent isotherm.
The DSC 6000 has an integrated cooling system which accepts various types of cold liquids.
This allows operation from –170 °C to 445 °C. The DSC 6000 can be used with a range of
commercial circulating coolers, and for occasional subambient operation can be used with the
Portable Cooling Device. The DSC 6000 with CryoFill is also available for operation in the
range –170 °C to 300 °C.
Furnace and Sensor Design
A low-mass, alumina-coated aluminum furnace forms the heart of the DSC 6000. The furnace
is designed for ruggedness and resistance to chemical corrosion. Because of its low mass,
the furnace can heat and cool rapidly. A platinum resistance sensing device measures and
controls the furnace temperature.
The atmosphere surrounding the sample is controlled very efficiently since the gas enters
above the sample crucible. This is extremely important when performing oxidative stability
experiments. The purge gas is also preheated resulting in minimal disturbance of the signal.
The sample is placed on a precisely machined sensor disk constructed of 90% nickel/10%
chromium. This rugged and durable disk provides high thermal conductivity and a very low
time constant for superior instrument response. Highly sensitive thermocouples measure the
temperature at both the sample and reference positions. The DSC 6000 accommodates a
wide range of PerkinElmer sample pans. Over two dozen different pan types are available.
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