Hydro 2000 · Hydro 2000SM Page 1-1 1 Introduction to this manual Introduction This manual describes the operation of th e Hydro 2000SM sample dispersion unit: This manual is a supplement

I N S T R U M E N T S

Printed in England MRK0868-01Malvern Instruments Limited

Enigma Business Park

Grovewood Road, Malvern

Worcs, WR14 1XZ, U.K.

Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456

Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789

www.malvern.com

user manual

Hydro 2000SM

Hydro 2000SMUser Manual

MAN0388 Issue 1.0 March 2007

MAN0388-1.0 Hydro 2000SM.book Page i Friday, March 16, 2007 4:06 PM

MAN0388-1.0 Hydro 2000SM.book Page ii Friday, March 16, 2007 4:06 PM

© Malvern Instruments Ltd. 2007

Malvern Instruments makes every effort to ensure that this document is correct. However, due to Malvern Instruments’ policy of continual product development we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of this, or any other document after the date of publication. We therefore disclaim all liability for any changes, errors or omissions after the date of publication. No reproduction or transmission of any part of this publication is allowed without the express written permission of Malvern Instruments Ltd.

Head office:

Malvern Instruments Ltd.Enigma Business Park,Grovewood Road,Malvern,Worcestershire WR14 1XZUnited Kingdom.

Tel + [44] (0)1684-892456Fax + [44] (0)1684-892789

Windows 2000 and XP are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

Tygon is a registered trademark of Norton Co.

Perlast is a registered trademark of Precision Polymer Engineering.

Printed in England

Table of Contents


Part 1 - Operator’s Guide

Introduction to this manualIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1Access to the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2Assumed information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3Where to get help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Hardware featuresIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1What the dispersion unit does . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1How the dispersion unit works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2How the dispersion unit is controlled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Features of the dispersion unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Software featuresIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1Making a measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1Writing an SOP for the dispersion unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Hydro 2000SM Page i

Table of Contents Hydro 2000SM


Part 2 - Appendices

SpecificationSpecification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1

Chemical compatibilityIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Regulatory statementsCE Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-2

Index

Page ii MAN 0388

MAN0388-1.0 Hydro 2000SM.book Page 1 Friday, March 16, 2007 4:06 PM

Part 1 - Operator’s Guide


1


Introduction to this manual

IntroductionThis manual describes the operation of the Hydro 2000SM sample dispersion unit:

This manual is a supplement to the following manuals:

Mastersizer 2000 User Manual (termed “the main User Manual”).

Mastersizer 2000 Essentials Manual (termed “the Essentials Manual”).

This dispersion unit manual focuses on some specific issues of the dispersion unit that are not covered by the above manuals. It aims to:

Describe what the dispersion unit is and explain in simple terms how it works.

Identify the physical features of the dispersion unit.

Describe the software and explain how to use the dispersion unit to make a measurement on the system.

Warning!The dispersion unit or the samples to be measured may be hazardous if misused. Users must read the Health and Safety information in the Essentials Manual before operating the system.

We recommend that users who have never operated a Malvern particle analyser before read this manual fully before starting the first measurement.

Those who are more familiar with particle size analysers may wish to proceed straight to Chapter 4 of the main User Manual which gives details on making measurements. However, the importance of sample preparation before measure-

Instrument Model number

Hydro 2000SM ADA2002

Hydro 2000SM Page 1-1

Chapter 1 Introduction to this manual1


ment cannot be overstated so we recommend reading the chapter on sample prepa-ration (Chapter 8 of the main User Manual) as a priority.

Access to the instrumentWithin this manual, reference is made to the various people who will have access to the dispersion unit. Below is a list of these people and their responsibilities:

Malvern personnelMalvern personnel (service engineers, representatives, etc.) have full access to the dispersion unit and are authorised to perform all service procedures that may require the removal of the covers.

SupervisorThe supervisor is the person responsible for the management/safety of the disper-sion unit and its operation. The supervisor is responsible for the training of the operators. The supervisor can perform all user maintenance routines identified in Chapter 4 of the Essentials Manual.

Warning!The supervisor/operator must never remove the covers of the instrument or dispersion unit. Removal of the covers by unauthorised personnel inval-idates the warranty of the dispersion unit.

OperatorAn operator is a person trained in the use of the dispersion unit. The operator can perform all user maintenance routines identified in Chapter 4 of the Essentials Manual.

Warning!Failure to follow this guideline could result in exposure to hazardous voltages.

Page 1-2 MAN 0388

Introduction to this manual Chapter 1


Assumed information

Naming conventionWithin this manual:

The Mastersizer 2000 optical bench is referred to as “the optical bench” or “the instrument”.

The sample dispersion unit is referred to in full (“the Hydro 2000SM”) or as “the dispersion unit”.

The combination of the optical bench, one or more dispersion units and the computer is referred to as “the system”.

Menu commandsMenu commands from the Malvern software are referred to in the form main menu-menu item. As an example, the command Configure-New SOP refers to selecting the New SOP item in the Configure menu. The same rules apply for sub-menus of sub-menus, so that Tools-Options-Instrument Port refers to the Instrument Port item in the Options sub-menu, which itself is a sub-menu of the Tools menu. Menu commands are always shown in bold text.

Where to get helpFull details on where and how to obtain help can be found in Chapter 1 of the main User Manual.

The Essentials Manual gives information on the following:

Site requirements.

Health and Safety.

Maintenance.

Installation (in case the system has to be moved after its initial installation by Malvern Instruments personnel).


Chapter 1 Introduction to this manual


Page 1-4 MAN 0388

2


Hardware features

IntroductionThis chapter gives a simple overview of the dispersion unit. It covers:

What the dispersion unit does.

How the dispersion unit works.

How the dispersion unit is controlled.

The physical features of the Hydro 2000SM in detail.

What the dispersion unit doesThe sole purpose of any sample dispersion unit is to prepare the sample then deliver it to the optical bench so it can be measured.

The Hydro 2000SM allows the Mastersizer 2000 to be used for particle-in-liquid particle sizing. It is designed for use where the amount of sample available limits the amount of dispersant that can be used to dilute it, or where just a small volume of dispersant is available. This is ideal when the sample or dispersant is toxic or expensive, for example.

The dispersion unit delivers sample to the flow cell in the Mastersizer 2000, using only 50-150ml of dispersant in the tank, depending on the length of tubing used.

The materials used in the manufacture of the dispersion unit maximise the range of samples which can be handled. The variable pump/stirrer speed allows a wide range of particle sizes and densities to be suspended and circulated.


Chapter 2 Hardware features2


How the dispersion unit worksThe dispersion unit has three components:

The dispersion unit – this houses the pump and stirrer.

The controller unit – controls and displays the pump/stirrer speed.

The flow cell – situated in the optical bench, the cell allows the sample to pass through the analyser beam.

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The dispersion unit comprises an electric motor that drives a stirrer and impeller in the dispersion tank to provide a simultaneous stirring and pumping action. The sample is manually added to the tank using a pipette. The stirrer agi-tates the sample and stops it from separating or settling. The pump impeller forces the sample from the sample out port to the cell located in the optical bench via the sample tubing.

When the cell is full of sample the pressure exerted by the pump forces the sample through the outlet port located at the top of the cell. The sample then passes back to the dispersion unit via the sample tubing and the sample return port . In this way the sample is continuously agitated and kept circulating through the cell.

NoteThe sample is always pumped into the cell in an upward direction. This is to allow any trapped air to percolate up through the system. On comple-tion of a measurement, the drain is used to empty the tank, tubes and cell under gravity.

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Page 2-2 MAN 0388

Hardware features Chapter 2


How the dispersion unit is controlledThe dispersion unit is controlled using its controller unit. When controlled through a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the software tells the user what to do at the controller unit.

Features of the dispersion unitThis illustration identifies the main features of the dispersion unit:

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These are the following:

Controller unitThe controller unit is used to power and control the dispersion unit.

Dispersion unitThe dispersion unit is where the sample and the dispersant is mixed and then pumped to the flow cell of the optical bench.

Flow cellThe cell is located in the optical bench. It allows the sample to be passed through the analyser beam.

Sample out portThe sample out port is the exit point where the sample/dispersant leaves the disper-sion unit for the optical bench and cell.

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Chapter 2 Hardware features


Sample return portThe sample return port is the entry point where the sample/dispersant returns to the dispersion unit from the cell in the optical bench.

DrainThe drain is the exit point where sample/dispersant drains from the dispersion unit.

Drain controlThe drain control is a lever that opens and closes the drain. The drain is closed when the lever is fully back and opened by moving the lever forward.

Tank coverThe tank cover stops ingress of dust when the system is left for extended periods and prevents evaporation or the release of fumes when the system is in use (e.g. when using a noxious solvent or sample).

Pump speed displayIndicates the speed of the pump stirrer in rpm.

Speed controlThis control alters the speed of the stirrer/pump and thus the flow rate of sample/dispersant through the cell. When it is turned fully anti-clockwise the pump speed is zero. When it’s turned fully clockwise, the pump speed is at its maximum.

Controller unit rear panelThis illustration identifies the main features of the rear panel:

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Page 2-4 MAN 0388



These are the following:

Mains power switchThe mains power switch controls the mains power supply to the dispersion unit.

Dispersion Unit connectorThe dispersion unit connector carries the power supply and control signals to the dispersion unit from the control electronics located in the controller unit.

Mains power cableThe mains power cable connects the mains power supply to the dispersion unit.

Digital I/O connectorThis is not used by this dispersion unit.

Mains voltage selectorThis can be switched between 115/230V dependent on local voltage requirements. Select 115V for supply voltages 100-120V and 230V for supply voltages 200-240V.

Mains input connectorThe mains power supply is connected here.

FuseDispersion Unit fuse holder. Chapter 4 of the Essentials Manual has details on changing the fuse.




Flow cellThe flow cell passes the sample/dispersant through the analyser beam of the optical bench so it can be measured. The cell windows are part of the optical path of the system and should be kept clean and free from scratches at all times. The cell is encoded so the system detects and identifies it when it is loaded in the optical bench.

Chapter 4 of the Essentials Manual details cleaning/maintenance of the cell.

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The components are as follows.

Cell shroudThe cell shroud prevents stray light entering the measurement area and affecting a measurement. More importantly, the cell shroud stops human access to laser radia-tion. The system should never be used if the cell shroud is damaged.

Cell windowsThe cell windows allow the analyser beam of the optical bench to pass through the cell and hence the particle field. The cell windows can be removed to allow clean-ing (the cell window tool used to remove the window is located within the cell holder). Chapter 4 of the Essentials Manual has details on cleaning these win-dows.

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Caution!The flow cell is an optical device. Treat it as carefully as an expensive cam-era. Scratches to the surfaces of the windows may affect performance.

Cell window sealsThe cell window seals prevent the windows from leaking. Inspect them regularly, especially if aggressive solvents are used as a dispersant. For details on changing the seals see Chapter 4 of the Essentials Manual.

Locking handleThe cell locking handle must be rotated anti-clockwise to lock the cell in place on the optical bench. To remove the cell, turn the handle clockwise and lift the cell clear.

Warning!Never attempt to lift the optical bench by the locking handle of the cell. See the Health and Safety information for details on correct moving techniques.

Drip trayAny small leaks are captured in the drip tray and drained through a drain port in the base of the optical bench. If any liquid is seen in the drip tray, remove the cell and tip the contents away. Locate and fix any leaks.

“Cell in” connectorThe sample tube from the dispersion unit is connected here. It is important that the sample flows up through the cell so that any bubbles in the flow path can escape.

The sample tube connector has a quick-release mechanism that allows the tube to be pulled off easily. Obviously the cell and sample tube must be fully drained before attempting to disconnect the cell.

“Cell out” connectorThe sample return pipe from the cell to the dispersion unit is connected here.

The sample tube connector has a quick-release mechanism that allows the tube to simply be pulled off. The cell and sample tube must be fully drained before attempting to disconnect the cell.




Pipe grommetsThe pipe grommets prevent light entering the measurement area. These must be replaced if they are damaged in any way.

Page 2-8 MAN 0388

3


Software features

IntroductionThis chapter describes the features of the software which are specific to the disper-sion unit. It covers:

Making a measurement – the basics of making a measurement using the dis-persion unit.

Writing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the dispersion unit.

Making a measurementMaking a measurement using the Hydro 2000SM is basically the same as discussed in Chapter 4 of the main User Manual except that the Hydro 2000SM is control-led from its own controller unit, not the software. In practice, this means some important points should be considered.

As there is no computer feedback from the dispersion unit, some important information regarding the measurement (e.g. pump speeds) is not automati-cally written to the measurement record. It is always important to document a measurement properly so that it can be repeated at a later date.

Use the Document button in the software’s Measurement Display during a measurement to record this information manually. The details will be saved with the measurement record.

There is no automatic flushing routine for the Hydro 2000SM. The dispersion unit must be manually flushed between measurements (by operating the drain and refilling with clean dispersant a few times) to avoid cross-contamination of samples. See Chapter 4 of the Essentials Manual more details.


Chapter 3 Software features3


Writing an SOP for the dispersion unitA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) can be written for a Hydro 2000SM. The SOP does not directly control the dispersion unit, but displays messages telling the operator the correct settings for the pump/stirrer speed. The operator must then manually set these values using the controller unit as described in Chapter 2.

The SOP wizard is described in full in the main User Manual. Here we just describe those dialogues which have parameters specific to the Hydro 2000SM. These are the Sampler Selection and Sampler Settings dialogues.

Sampler Selection dialogueThe Sampler Selection dialogue is shown below:

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Select the dispersion unit to be used from the drop down list . All dispersion units will be listed, even those that are not attached to the system. This enables an SOP to be written remotely from the system.

All systems the SOP is distributed to must have the appropriate dispersion unit connected.

The system allows up to two of each dispersion unit to be connected to the optical bench. In this situation, the dispersion units will be identified as unit A and B - in the case of this dispersion unit there would be an entry for Hydro 2000SM (A) and Hydro 2000SM (B). If using just one dispersion unit, select the “A” option.

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Software features Chapter 3


Sampler Settings dialogueThe Sampler Settings dialogue specifies the pump/stirrer setting for the disper-sion unit. The dialogue is shown below:

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Pump and stirrer settingsThe speed of the pump/stirrer is specified by moving the Pump/Stir Speed slider.

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Chapter 3 Software features


Page 3-4 MAN 0388


Part 2 - Appendices


A


Specification

SpecificationThis specification covers the Hydro 2000SM only. For specific information on the optical bench, refer to the Essentials Manual.

Physical dimensions - Controller Unit

Height 80mm

Width 225mm

Depth 180mm

Weight 1.5kg

Physical dimensions - Dispersion Unit

Height 390mm

Width 140mm

Depth 175mm

Weight 8.75kg

Power requirements

Voltage 240V, 50Hz, 250mA, 110V, 60Hz, 250mA.

Capacities

Measurement volume 40 - 130ml (including flow cell and tubing.)

Stirrer speed 350 - 3,500 rpm

Maximum particle size Up to 600 microns, depending on particle size and density.

Hydro 2000SM Page A-1

Appendix A SpecificationA


Page A-2 MAN 0388

B


Chemical compatibility

IntroductionThe Hydro 2000SM is manufactured from materials that give the widest protection from chemical attack. However, it is important to check that any sample or disper-sant used is chemically compatible with the materials that they will come into con-tact within the dispersion unit.

This appendix lists all materials that come into contact with the sample and disper-sant during normal operation of the dispersion unit.

Components in contact with sample/dispersantThe following materials are in contact with the sample and dispersant.

Highly flammable and volatile solvents such as Methanol, Ethanol, Acetone and Benzene may be used in the dispersion unit with care. It should however be noted that the dispersion unit contains a brushed DC motor which is not vapour pro-tected.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone may be used in the dispersion unit. If it is, the sample tubing should be replaced with silicone tubing and, if exposure is prolonged, the Viton seals in the flow cell should be replaced with, for example, Perlast seals.

For advice on chemical compatibility contact a Malvern representative.

Component Materials

Cell and dispersion unit body Stainless steel

Cell windows Glass

Window and cell seals Viton (Perlast™ available as an option)

Sample tubing Tygon™

Drain seal PTFE and Perlast™

Hydro 2000SM Page B-1

Appendix B Chemical compatibilityB


Always consult the Material Safety Data Sheets for any substance used in this system.

Page B-2 MAN 0388

C


Regulatory statements

This appendix presents regulatory information.

Hydro 2000SM Page C-1

Appendix C Regulatory statementsC


CE Declaration of ConformityThe CE badge on this product signifies conformance to European Commission Directives.

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Page C-2 MAN 0388

Index


C

CE Declaration C-2Cell 2-3

overview 2-2Cell encoding 2-6Cell in connector 2-7Cell out connector 2-7Cell shroud 2-6Cell window seals 2-7Cell windows 2-6

function 2-6Chemical compatibility B-1Controller Unit

rear panel 2-4Controller unit 2-3

overview 2-2

D

Digital I/O connector 2-5Dimensions A-1Dispersion unit

features 2-3overview 2-2

Dispersion Unit connector 2-5Documenting a measurement 3-1Drain 2-4Drain control 2-4Drip tray 2-7

F

Featureshardware 2-3

Flow celldetails 2-6locking handle 2-7

Flushingno automatic routine 3-1

Fuse 2-5

H

Hardware features 2-3

Help 1-3

I

Impeller 2-2

L

Locking handle 2-7

M

Main components 2-2Mains input connector 2-5Mains power cable 2-5Mains power switch 2-5Mains voltage selector 2-5Measurement

need for documentation 3-1overview 3-1

Measurement volume A-1Menu commands 1-3Model number 1-1

O

Operator functions 1-2

P

Pipe grommets 2-8Power requirements A-1Pump settings 3-3Pump speed display 2-4Pump/stirrer speed 3-2Pumping direction 2-2Purpose of dispersion unit 2-1

S

Sample out port 2-2, 2-3Sample return port 2-4Sampler Selection dialogue 3-2Sampler Settings dialogue 3-3Seals 2-7SOP control 3-2Specification A-1

Hydro 2000SM Page i

Index Hydro 2000SM


Speed control 2-4Stirrer 2-2Stirrer settings 3-3Stirrer speed 3-2, A-1Supervisor functions 1-2

T

Tank cover 2-4

W

What the dispersion unit does 2-1

Page ii MAN 0388

Documents

Hydro 2000 · Hydro 2000SM Page 1-1 1 Introduction to this manual Introduction This manual describes the operation of th e Hydro 2000SM sample dispersion unit: This manual is a supplement