Ametek Davenport PET Plus User manual

PET Plus User Manual 1
Part No. 01/3514
June 2011
PET Plus
Viscometer
including Polymer Dryer and Polymer Grinder
User Manual

2 PET Plus User Manual
WARRANTY
This instrument is warranted against defects in workmanship, material and design for one (1) year
from date of delivery to the extent that AMETEK will, at its sole option, repair or replace the instrument
or any part thereof which is defective, provided, however, that this warranty shall not apply to instru-
ments subjected to tampering or, abuse, or exposed to highly corrosive conditions.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
AND AMETEK HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITA-
TION, ANY WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY.
AMETEK SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY ANTICIPATED OR LOST PROFITS.
This warranty is voidable if the purchaser fails to follow any and all instructions, warnings or cautions
in the instrument’s Instruction Manual.
If a manufacturing defect is found, AMETEK will replace or repair the instrument or replace any defec-
tive part thereof without charge; however, AMETEK’s obligation hereunder does not include the cost
of transportation, which must be borne by the customer. AMETEK assumes no responsibility for dam-
age in transit, and any claims for such damage should be presented to the carrier by the purchaser.
TRADEMARKS
AMETEK is a registered trademarks of AMETEK, Inc.
LLOYD INSTRUMENTS is a trademark of AMETEK, Inc.
DAVENPORT is a trademark of AMETEK, Inc.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SUPPORT
AMETEK Lloyd Instruments Ltd
Steyning Way
Bognor Regis
West Sussex
UK
PO22 9ST
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.lloyd-instruments.co.uk
AMETEK Measurement and Calibration Technologies
8600 Somerset Drive
Largo, FL 33773
USA
Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone] (within USA only)
Email: chatillon.[email protected]

PET Plus User Manual 3
ICONS
WARNING
The raised hand icon warns of a situation or condition that may lead to personal injury
or death. Do not proceed until the warning is read and thoroughly understood.
Warning messages are shown in bold type.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
The lightning icon warns of the presence of an uninsulated dangerous voltage within
theproductenclosurethatmightbeofsufcientmagnitudetocauseseriousshocks
ordeath.Neveropentheenclosuresunlessyouareanauthorizedandqualied
LLOYD INSTRUMENTS’ service personnel. Never open any enclosure when power
is connected to the system or its components.
CAUTION
The exclamation point icon indicates a situation or condition that may lead to equip-
ment malfunction or damage. Do not proceed until the caution message is read and
thoroughly understood. Caution messages are shown in bold type.
NOTE
The note icon indicates additional or supplementary information about the action,
activity or concept. Notes are shown in bold type.
CAUTION
THIS EQUIPMENT IS ONLY FOR USE BY TRAINED
PERSONNEL
IF NOT USED IN MANNER STATED MAY CAUSE
HAZARD
ALL SPECIFIED SAFETY PROCEDURES SHOULD BE
STRICTLY ADHERED TO
HIGH TEMPERATURES AND MOLTEN POLYMER ARE
INVOLVED IN THE VISCOMETER TESTING PROCESS-
ES - ALWAYS WEAR HEAT PROTECTING GLOVES
WHEN HANDLING THE DIE, FOLLOWERS, PROBE,
CLEANING TOOL AND AREAS AROUND THE HEATED
BARREL
THE VISCOMETER AND SOME OF ITS ACCESSORIES
ARE POWERED BY MAINS SUPPLY VOLTAGE
TO MAINTAIN ALL ASPECTS OF THE SPECIFICATION,
ONLY DAVENPORT/LLOYD INSTRUMENTS APPROVED
ACCESSORIES CONNECTIONS AND COMPONENTS
SHOULD BE USED
NITROGEN GAS UNDER PRESSURE IS USED - WORK-
ING PRESSURE 30 BAR - MAX PRESSURE 35 BAR
READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING THE VISCOM-
ETER OR ANY OF ITS ACCESSORIES
General Safety
General safety precautions must be followed
when using this LLOYD INSTRUMENTS prod-
uct. Failure to observe precautions and warn-
ings may result in damage to the equipment, or
injury to personnel.
It is understood that safety rules within compa-
niesvary.Ifaconictexistsbetweenthemate-
rial contained in all LLOYD INSTRUMENTS’
User’s Guides and the rules of a company using
a DAVENPORT product, the more stringent rules
should take precedence.
Safety Considerations
The PET Plus is completely enclosed and pro-
vides no potentially hazardous outputs. Safety
considerations are related to the power connec-
tions and physical mountings.
Electronic and mechanical components housed
within the PET Plus covers are to be serviced by
authorized DAVENPORT representatives only.

4 PET Plus User Manual
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................ 6
1.1 General ........................................................... 6
1.2 Equipment....................................................... 7
1.3 Equipment Operation...................................... 7
1.4 Uses of the Equipment ................................... 8
1.5 Measurement Range ...................................... 8
1.6 Advantages of the PET Plus........................... 9
2.0 EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES................... 10
2.1 PET Plus and Accessories............................. 10
2.2 Consumable Items......................................... 11
2.3 Polymer Drier and Accessories...................... 12
2.4 Vacuum Pump................................................ 12
2.5 Polymer Chip Transfer Vessel ....................... 13
2.6 Sample Melt Pop ........................................... 13
2.7 Polymer Chip Grinder .................................... 13
2.8 Industrial Grinder ........................................... 14
2.9 Required Equipment & Materials ................... 14
2.10 Optional Spare Items ..................................... 14
2.11 Optional Equipment ....................................... 14
3.0 INSTALLATION ............................................. 15
3.1 Considerations............................................... 15
3.2 Safety Considerations.................................... 16
3.3 Siting the Equipment...................................... 16
3.4 Connecting to the Mains ................................ 16
3.5 Connecting the Nitrogen Supply .................... 17
3.6 Connecting the Probe .................................... 18
3.7 Vacuum Pump................................................ 18
3.8 Filling the Pump with Oil ................................ 19
3.9 Fitting the Oil Mist Filter ................................. 19
3.10 Connecting the Vacuum Pump ...................... 20
3.11 Connecting the Pump to Drier ....................... 21
3.12 Connecting Mains to Drier ............................. 22
3.13 Connection Mains to Pump............................ 23
3.14 De-gassing the Oil ......................................... 24
3.15 Setting for Maximum Vacuum ........................ 25
3.16 Polymer Chip Grinder .................................... 26
3.17 Industrial Grinder ........................................... 28
4.0 SETTING UP THE VISCOMETER ................ 29
4.1 InitialConguration ........................................ 29
4.2 Over Temperature Device.............................. 32
4.3 Setting the Test Temperature......................... 32
4.4 Which Test Temperature to Use..................... 32
4.5 Which Die Size to Use ................................... 32
5.0 CREATING A TEST SETUP.......................... 33
5.1 Default Test Setups........................................ 33
5.2 Renaming an Existing Test Setup .................. 34
5.3 Creating a New Test Setup ............................ 35
5.4 DeningaTestSetup..................................... 36
5.5 Password Protection...................................... 37
6.0 TRAINING MODE.......................................... 39
6.1 Selecting Training Mode ................................ 39
7.0 PERFORMING A TEST................................. 40
7.1 Selecting the Required Test Setup ................ 40
7.2 Test Procedure............................................... 42
7.3 Check that the Barrel is Clean ....................... 42
7.4 Prepare Follower and Funnel ........................ 43
7.5 Clean the Die Bore ........................................ 43
7.6 Purge the Barrel............................................. 43
7.7 Inserting Polymer into Barrel ......................... 44
7.8 Apply Pressure to Barrel................................ 45
7.9 Fit Probe to Barrel.......................................... 45
7.10 Wait Until Test has Finished........................... 46
7.11 Cleaning the Barrel ........................................ 48
7.12 Cleaning the Die Bore.................................... 49
7.13 Storing the Die ............................................... 49
7.14 Cleaning the Followers .................................. 49
7.15 Viewing Previous Test Data ........................... 51
8.0 SAMPLE PREPARATION ............................. 54
9.0 SUPPLIED PET (GRANULES) ..................... 55
9.1 Testing Principles........................................... 55
9.2 Polymer Grinder............................................. 55
9.3 Chip Size ....................................................... 56
9.4 Drying Principle.............................................. 56
9.5 Drying Procedure........................................... 56
9.6 Testing the Polymer ....................................... 57
10.0 SUPPLIED PET (POWDER) ......................... 59
10.1 Testing Principles........................................... 59
10.2 Polymer Drier................................................. 59
10.3 Chip Size ....................................................... 60
10.4 Drying Principle.............................................. 60
10.5 Drying Procedure........................................... 60
10.6 Setting the Timer............................................ 63
10.7 Testing the Polymer ....................................... 65
11.0 PRODUCTION DRIER .................................. 67
11.1 Testing Principles........................................... 67
11.2 Polymer Chip Transfer Vessel ....................... 67
11.3 Checking the Dispensed Volume................... 68
11.4 Adjusting the Dispensed Volume ................... 68
11.5 Using the Transfer Vessel.............................. 69
11.6 Testing the Polymer ....................................... 70
12.0 MOLTEN EXTRUDIATE ................................ 71
12.1 Testing Principles........................................... 71
12.2 Sample Melt Pot ............................................ 71
12.3 Using the Sample Melt Pot ............................ 71
12.4 Testing the Polymer ....................................... 72
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Page

PET Plus User Manual 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
13.0 FINISHED PRODUCT ................................... 73
13.1 Testing Principles........................................... 73
13.2 Industrial Grinder ........................................... 73
13.3 Using the Industrial Grinder ........................... 74
14.0 MAINTENANCE ............................................ 75
14.1 Fitting a New O-ring....................................... 75
14.2 Cleaning the Die Retaining Nut ..................... 76
14.3 Servicing the Polymer Chip Grinder .............. 76
14.4 Tensioning the Drive Belt ............................... 77
14.5 Replacing the Drive Belt ................................ 78
14.6 Result Discrepancies ..................................... 79
14.7 Faults in Pressure System............................. 79
14.8 Basic Electrical Checks ................................. 79
14.9 Changing a Damaged Probe Rod.................. 80
15.0 CALIBRATION .............................................. 81
15.1 Selecting the Calibration Mode...................... 81
15.2 Temperature Calibration ................................ 82
15.3 Pressure Calibration ...................................... 84
15.4 Probe Calibration ........................................... 86
16.0 NEXYGEN PLUS SOFTWARE ..................... 89
16.1 NEXYGEN PLUS PET................................... 89
16.2 Advanced Security......................................... 89
16.3 Installing the Software ................................... 90
16.4 ConguringtheConsole ................................ 92
16.5 Creating a Test File ........................................ 93
16.6 Performing a Test........................................... 96
17.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................. 102

6 PET Plus User Manual
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE PET
PLUS VISCOMETER
1.1 GENERAL
The PET Plus is a microprocessor controlled, capil-
laryMeltViscometerthatisspecicallydesigned
totesttheowpropertiesofPET.Thesystemcan
be used to test other polymers and because it does
not require solvents, it can also be used to test
insoluble polymers.
It consists of a heated vertical barrel, a calibrated
die, a small piston called a “follower”, a displace-
ment transducer called a “probe” and control
systemsforthenitrogengasowandextruder
temperature.
The equipment is based on a system developed
by ICI. It is designed for both research and quality
control of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which
is hygroscopic and liable to degrade due to
oxidation in the melt phase. The apparatus is
recommended for use in the quality control of poly-
ester polymers to measure the Intrinsic
Viscosity and degradation rates.
The Viscometer extrudes molten PET similar to
an MFI but is specially developed to prevent the
polymer from degrading due to contact with the
atmosphere. The polymer is isolated from moisture
and oxygen because the barrel is sealed and the
polymer is extruded through the die using pure
nitrogen at high pressure.
Therefore, an external supply of Nitrogen gas of 30
Bar pressure is required. This nitrogen gas not only
provides an oxygen and moisture free environment
for the sample but also applies the extrusion force.
The quantity of polymer extruded is calculated
similar to the MFI method B using an LVDT “probe”
to measure the movement of the
“follower”.
The rate of extrusion is accurately measured by
the “probe”, which is designed to operate under the
high-pressure conditions within the barrel during
extrusion.
The system calculates the total thermal and hydro-
lytic degradation.
Therefore, a “Melt” test can show the degradation
due to the presence of moisture in the polymer
so can be used to check the performance of the
production drying system. A “Melt” test can also
be used to measure the thermal degradation factor
caused by the production extruder.
PET has historically been measured using the
solution method and this indicates the POTENTIAL
Intrinsic Viscosity (IV) of the polymer but does not
show how the polymer will behave or degrade
during extrusion.
The solution technique is being phased out due to
the insoluble nature of highly crystalline polymer
plus high environmental and disposal costs of
solutions. It is also not so suitable for testing
reground or recycled material because the quantity
tested is very small and may not show the “Average
IV” of the mixed granules.
The PET Plus is designed to replace the solution
method so directly reports the Intrinsic Viscosity
(IV) of the polymer and not the Melt Flow Rate.
PET is hygroscopic and any water molecules
present at melt temperatures > 250C will give an
irreversible break in the chain at the ester linkage,
which gives a drop in the IV.
Therefore, the PET Plus can ONLY give the same
IV as the solution method if ALL the moisture is
removed from the polymer before it is tested (less
than 20ppm moisture).
The PET Plus is a semi-automatic system so can
be left unattended after the sample has been
loaded and pre-conditioned. The test takes a total
of 17 minutes after loading the sample.

PET Plus User Manual 7
1.2 EQUIPMENT
Theequipmentisttedwithacontrolconsolecontainingablue4lineby40-characterbacklitLCD
display and a membrane keypad. The LCD can display the test set-up, test procedure and test results
in various languages as selected by the user.
The equipment can be used stand-alone or can be connected to a PC running the optional NEXYGEN
Plus software.
When a test is performed in the stand-alone mode, the test results are stored using a Date-Time ID that
is created from the internal clock inside the equipment.
This internal clock has been set during the production process at Davenport / Lloyd Instruments Ltd but
should be checked during the initial installation. Note that if the equipment is used with the NEXYGEN
Plus PET software, then the internal clock will be automatically synchronised to the PC clock when the
software is connected to the equipment.
The internal clock always operates on UTC (GMT) time so the time displayed on the control console
should be altered if the local time is not UTC, e.g. British Summer Time or if the equipment is used in a
country other than the UK.
The equipment can store up to 600 test results internally and the statistics and results can be easily
viewed on the control console display. If 600 tests are already stored, then when the next test is
performed,thersttestwillbedeletedtoallowthenewtesttobestored.Thisfeatureallowsthelast
600 test results to be stored.
There are connection points on the cabinet for the nitrogen gas supply and the optional computer.
Afusedswitchedsocketisttedforconnectiontothemainselectricitysupply.
Ancillary equipment developed for use with the PET Plus to handle the grinding, drying and transfer of
samples is available as either a package or as individual items.
1.3 EQUIPMENT OPERATION
Whentheequipmentisrstswitchedon,the“SelectTest”screenisdisplayedasshownbelow.
When this “Select Test” screen is initially displayed, the heaters and nitrogen gas valves are automatically
switched off. The heaters will operate when any of the test set-ups are selected by pressing the key under
SELECT.
However, note that there is a special test set-up called TRAINING and the heaters do NOT operate
when this set-up is selected.
The nitrogen gas valves are can only be operated when the relevant screens are displayed and the
gas valves are automatically switched OFF when any other screen is displayed.

8 PET Plus User Manual
1.4 EQUIPMENT USE
The “Incoming” or “Supplied” Resin can be checked before acceptance of delivery.
The“Dried”resincanbecheckeddailyfromthedryinghoppertochecktheefciencyofthedrying
heaters and / or drying desiccant.
The preforms can be checked before and after storage to monitor the IV drop in the extruder and also
to check the suitability of the storage area (humid storage conditions will reduce the IV of the preform
and cause problems during the blow moulding stage).
Note that the drier and preforms CANNOT be checked using the solution method because this checks
the IV of the polymer and NOT the changes in IV due to the production process.
The PET Plus also reports the Thermal Degradation Factor, which is a combination of the Thermal
Degradation Rate and the Hydrolytic Degradation Rate.
It is found in practice that the IV drop from polymer chip to preform is usually in the range of 0.02 to
0.03 IV.
1.5 MEASUREMENT RANGE
The IV measurement range is approximately 0.45 to 1.40 using dies from 0.015 in (0.0381cm) to
0.040 in (0.1916cm).
Everydieismachinedtobe0.5in(1.27cm)longandhasaveryaccuratelydenedbore.Eachdieis
suppliedwithacalibrationcerticate,whichstatestheexactsizeofthedie,andthesevaluesareto
be entered into the test parameters.
The software calculates Intrinsic Viscosity (IV) and the degradation rate according to the ICI algorithm
for PET.
Although primarily designed to test hygroscopic polymers in an oxygen and water free environment,
theowproperties,viscosityanddegradationofmostpolymersmaybetested.
The range of IVs that can be measured using the available dies is shown below:
Die IV Range IV Range
Die Internal at at
Size Diameter (cm) 284 º C 295 º C
15 thou 0.0381 0.43 to 0.62 NA
20 thou 0.0508 0.53 to 0.70 0.70 to 0.83
30 thou 0.0762 NA 0.74 to 1.14
40 thou 1.1016 NA 0.93 to 1.43

PET Plus User Manual 9
1.6 PET PLUS ADVANTAGES
1. Avoids handling toxic chemicals, which are not only expensive but are costly to dispose of.
2. Crystalline samples can easily be measured - as crystallinity INCREASES solubility
DECREASES.
3. Samples can be taken directly from the plant to measure: -
 • IVofincomingrawmaterial.
 • IVofregrind/virginpolymermixture.
 • DrierEfciency
 • DropofIVinextruder.
 • Targetvalueformoisturedetermination.
 • Meltstability/degradationrate.
 • IVinnishedproduct/re-grind.
4. Relativelyeasytesttooperate-doesnotneedskilledlaboratorystaff,soshopoorstaffcan
easily be trained to obtain reliable and consistent results.
5. Saves time - quicker than the solvent method - results can be obtained in twenty minutes.
6. Saves money - after initial cost of equipment and accessories, electricity and nitrogen gas are
the only on-going costs.

10 PET Plus User Manual
2.0 EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
2.1 PET PLUS AND ACCESSORIES
The PET Plus is supplied with the following tools
and accessories.
1. Top Blanking Nut and PTFE Sealing
Washer (p/n 778/98 & 778/99)
Used during die cleaning and pressure
testing.
2. Follower (p/n 750/45)
Follows the movement of the polymer
down the barrel during extrusion.
3. Contraction Taper Tool
(part of p/n 750/41)
Usedtotanew“O”ringtothedie.
4. Expansion Taper Tool
(part of p/n 750/41)
Usedtotanew“O”ringtothedie.
5 Tightening Tool (p/n 778/35)
Usedtotandremovethedieretaining
nut, top blanking nut and bottom blanking
plug.
6. Barrel Cleaning Tool (p/n 778/55)
Used to charge the sample, push a clean-
ing cloth down the barrel and for die “O”
ringtting.
7. Die Retaining Nut and Fibre Sealing
Washer ( p/n 778/53 & 778/54)
Secures the die in the barrel.
8. Die and PTFE O Ring
(p/n 778/82 & 750/1019)
Certieddieusedforextrusiontesting.
9. Bottom Blanking Plug and PTFE
Sealing Washer (p/n 778/51 & 778/52)
Used during pressure testing.
10.Standard Filling Funnel (p/n 778/50)
Used for loading dry granules into the
barrel.
11.Long Filling Funnel (p/n FND/0114/00))
Used for loading dry powder into the
barrel.
12.Probe, Probe Sealing Washer and
Connecting Cable
(p/n 750/048 & 750/76 & 09/0980).
Displacement transducer used to measure
the movement of the follower to calculate
theowrate.
Shown: PET PLUS with Probe attached

PET Plus User Manual 11
13. Barrel Cleaning Brush (p/n 750/1020)
Used for cleaning a badly crusted barrel.
14. Coiled Nitrogen Connecting Hose
(p/n 778/31)
Used to connect the PET Plus to the nitrogen supply.
15. Thermometer 283ºC - 287ºC
(p/n 338/104/16)
Used when calibrating to 284ºC.
16. Thermometer 293ºC - 297ºC
(p/n 338/104/1032)
Used when calibrating to 295ºC.
17. Tweezers (p/n 92/0404)
Used to hold hot die and followers.
18. RS232 Cable (p/n 09/0639)
2.2 CONSUMABLE ITEMS
The PET Plus is supplied with the following consumable items.
QTY Description Part No.
4 Box of Cleaning Patches 338/132
50 Die “O” Ring 750/1019
5 Probe Sealing Washer 778/67
5 Plug Sealing Washer 778/52
5 Die Nut Washer 778/54
12 Follower 750/45
5 Top Cap Sealing Washer 778/99

12 PET Plus User Manual
2.3 POLYMER DRYER AND ACCESSORIES
The Polymer Drier is an optional item and is
used to dry PET samples before testing to
measure the POTENTIAL IV.
It MUST be used with a high quality vacuum
pump that can achieve a very good vacuum of
better than 0.1mm Hg and Davenport recommend
the BOC Edwards RV rotary vane pump.
The Polymer Drier is supplied with the following
accessories.
1 Sample Phials (p/n 757/14) Quantity 6.
Used to hold PET granules or powder
when drying in the polymer drier.
2 Vacuum Taps and Hose Quantity 6.
Shown: Polymer Dryer
This assembly is used to connect the
phials to the polymer drier.
It is also used to isolate the phials from the
vacuum line at the end of the drying time.
3 Hose for Vacuum Pump (p/n 468/27)
Quantity 1
Used to connect the polymer Drier to the
Vacuum Pump.
2.4 VACUUM PUMP
The Vacuum Pump is an optional item and is
used together with the Polymer Drier to dry
PET samples before testing to measure the
POTENTIAL IV.
A high quality vacuum pump that can achieve
a very good vacuum of better than 0.1mm Hg
MUST be used.
AMETEK recommends the BOC Edwards RV
rotary vane pump, which is shown above.
Shown: Vacuum pump wiith oil mist lter attached.

PET Plus User Manual 13
2.5 POLYMER CHIP TRANSFER VESSEL
The Polymer Chip Transfer Vessel is an optional
item and is used to collect dried polymer from
the production hopper to check the IV of the
polymer before it is extruded.
2.6 SAMPLE MELT POT
The Sample Melt Pot is an optional item and is
used to collect molten polymer from the produc-
tion extruder to check the IV of the polymer
during the extrusion process.
It is mainly used to collect a sample from a
textile spinneret and is not usually used when
making preforms etc.
2.7 POLYMER CHIP GRINDER
The Polymer Chip Grinder is an optional item
and is used to grind polymer chips to a powder
to allow a much faster drying time.
Shown: Polymer chip transfer vessel
Shown: Sample melt pot illustration
Shown: Polymer chip grinder

14 PET Plus User Manual
2.8 INDUSTRIAL GRINDER
The Industrial Grinder is an optional item and is
usedtogrindpre-formsorothernished
products to produce polymer chips.
AMETEK recommends the Fritsch Pulverisette 15.
2.9 EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL
REQUIRED (Not Supplied by AMETEK)
2.9.1 Nitrogen Supply
1. Nitrogen gas supply with a water content of
less than 5ppm (parts per million), oxygen
 free,‘whitespot’specication.
2. Thesupplyistobettedwithanon/off
gas tap and a regulator that can be set to
30 bar (440 psi).
2.9.2 Safety Equipment
1. Cut resistant gloves made of DYNEEMA
material. Useful when removing O Ring
from die or scraping polymer off die or
follower.
2. Heat resistant gloves.
3. Safety glasses.
2.9.3 Hot Plate
To aid cleaning of follower, put the dirty followers
on the hot plate, PET will carbonate and be
easier to remove.
2.9.4 PTFE Tape
To seal gas connection joints.
2.9.5 Razor Blade, Scalpel
To scrape molten polymer off dies and followers.
2.9.6 Scotchbrite Pad
To polish followers and dies until shiny.
Shown: Industrial grinder
2.10 OPTIONAL SPARE ITEMS
The following optional spares items are avail-
able.
QTY Description Part No.
1 Probe Rod 750/1042
1 Probe Calibration Tool 750/35
1 Probe Repair Kit 778/103
1 Chip Transfer Vessel
Repair Kit MT/CON/CTV
2.11 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
(Not Supplied by AMETEK)
COMPUTER
Acomputerwiththeminimumspecication
as stated below will be required if the optional
NEXYGEN™ Plus software is to be used.
• 2GHzPentium®III or better
• RAM256MBormore
• Monitorresolution1024x768orhigher
• CDROMdrive
• UnusedCOMPortwitha16550UART
• Microsoft®Ofce2000orlaterforreports

PET Plus User Manual 15
3.0 INSTALLATION
3.1 CONSIDERATIONS
Consideration should be given to the following before starting to set up the supplied equipment.
1. The location and strength of the bench where the equipment is to be used. The bench must
be strong enough to support the equipment without deforming and be solid enough not to
vibrate. Consider that:
 • TheViscometerweighs34Kg
 • ThePolymerGrinderweighs41Kg.
 • ThePolymerDryerweighs15Kg.
 • Theweightoftheoptionalcomputersystem
Plus, when cleaning the barrel of the Viscometer a large proportion of the operator’s weight may be
applied to the top of the barrel via the cleaning tools.
2. The equipment should only be used in a well-ventilated environment, however the area needs
to have a stable temperature and be draught free.
3. The Viscometer requires an Oxygen free Nitrogen supply with <5ppm of water (White Spot).
The Polymer Grinder requires a compressed air supply capable of delivering 16cfm
(0.45m³/min) at 80psi (5.5 Bar). The Polymer Dryer requires a vacuum line capable of
maintaining a 0.1mm Hg vacuum.
CAUTION: The Viscometer and Polymer Grinder are heavy instruments. Great care must
be taken when lifting the equipment, EMPLOY SAFE LIFTING PRACTICES. Use lifting
equipment and/or two persons to lift the equipment into position. Do not position hands or
ngerssothattheymaybecometrapped.

16 PET Plus User Manual
3.2 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
1 Before connecting the equipment to the mains supply make sure that it is marked with the
voltage of the power supply to be used. The Viscometer and its accessories are not adjustable
for different supply voltages and must only be used on the supply that they were originally
ordered for.
2 There are 2 standard versions, one for 230V ac ±10% and the other for 115V ac ±10%.
3 This equipment complies with electrical safety grade Class 1, which means that it is earthed
apparatus and requires the mains plug to contain a protective earth terminal. The mains plug
shall only be inserted in a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. The protective
action must not be negated, e.g. by the use of an extension cord without a protective conductor.
3.3 SITTING THE EQUIPMENT
The Viscometer should be situated within two metres of both electrical and nitrogen gas supplies.
The polymer grinder must be situated as close as possible to the vacuum pump if this drying option is
used. The polymer grinder is operated by compressed air so should be situated close to a suitable air
line if this grinding option is used.
The industrial grinder (cutting mill) can be noisy in operation so this may need to be sited outside of
the testing laboratory.
The polymer grinder and industrial grinder require liquid nitrogen and this should be handled with care
and the user should wear protective gloves because of the danger of cold burns (this has a
temperature of -196ºC).
3.4 CONNECTING THE PET PLUS TO THE MAINS
Connect the mains supply lead to the switched
and fused input connector on the rear of the
vertical column. The mains switch is marked
O and I. The switch is ON when the I end is
pressed and OFF when the O end is pressed.
Onlyconnecttothesupplyspeciedonthe
Serial Number nameplate situated under the
mains input connector.
Shown: PET Plus On/Off Switch

PET Plus User Manual 17
3.5 CONNECTING THE NITROGEN GAS SUPPLY
Connect the viscometer to a 30 Bar nitrogen
supply via a gas regulator and / or gas tap. Turn
offthegassupplythenconnecttheexibleinter-
connection tube between the regulator / tap and
the inlet connector on the left hand side of the
Viscometer base.
Theconnectionsmustbermlytightenedto
ensure that they are gas tight.
Check for gas leaks around the inlet connection
by:
• Obvioushissing
• Soapsolutionaroundthejoints.
If hissing is heard or a leak is shown up by soap
solution then gas will escape allowing a drop in
pressure. A leak can usually be cured by using
PTFE tape on the leaking connection and then
re-connecting and tightening using a spanner.
Shown: Nitrogen supply connection
WARNING: Never subject the viscometer, the connecting hose or any of the accessories
to pressures greater than 35 Bar.
Have your gas regulator checked at regular intervals.
NOTE: The Viscometer has an overpressure detector that disconnects the Nitrogen
Supply if a pressure exceeding 35 Bar is inadvertently applied. Should this detector be
activated; it can only be re-set by reducing the pressure then switching the viscometer off
then on again.

18 PET Plus User Manual
3.6 CONNECTING THE PROBE
The probe is connected to the socket on the top
rear of the vertical column.
Store the probe in the probe holder at the right
hand side of the vertical column. Ensure that the
body of the probe rests onto the probe holder so
that the large knurled nut is below the holder.
Shown: Probe connection
3.7 VACUUM PUMP
The recommended pump is a BOC Edwards RV rotary vane pump, which is a two-stage, oil-sealed,
sliding-vane vacuum pump. The pump has a NW25 inlet port (item 4) and a NW25 outlet port (item
7), a gas ballast control (item 5) and a mode selector (item 11). When the pump is switched off, an
inlet-valve seals the inlet and prevents the suck-back of air and oil into the vacuum system.
An internal oil pump delivers pressurised oil to the vacuum pumping mechanism in the RV pump.
Thelevelandconditionoftheoilcanbeviewedthroughasightglass(item8).Twooilller-plugs
(item 6) and an oil drain-plug (item 9) are provided on the oil-box.
Themotoristtedwithanon/offswitch(item12)andaninternalthermaloverloaddevice.Whenthe
motor is too hot, the thermal overload device switches off the pump. The thermal overload device has
an automatic reset and when the motor cools down, the device resets.

PET Plus User Manual 19
3.8 FILLING THE PUMP WITH OIL
The recommended oil is Edwards Ultragrade 19 (hydrocarbon oil). The maximum volume is 0.7 litres
and the minimum level is 0.42 litres.
Removeoneoftheoilllerplugs(item6)thenpourtheoilintothepumpuntiltheoilleveljustreaches
the MAX mark on the bezel at the top of the sight glass (item 8). If the oil level goes above the MAX
mark, remove the drain plug (item 9) and drain the excess oil from the pump.
Afterafewminutes,rechecktheoillevelandtopupifnecessary.Rettheoilllerplugandtighten
rmlybyhandbutdonotovertighten.
3.9 FITTING THE OIL MIST FILTER TO THE PUMP
Unscrew the red thumb nut from the bolt in the securing clamp then remove the through bolt.
Place the rubber seal washer over the top of the outlet port (item 7).
Removethecapsfrombothendsoftheoilmistlterthenplacetheoilmistlterontopofthewasher.
Fittheclamparoundthebossontheoutletportandthebossonthebottomoftheoilmistlter.
Retthethroughboltandredthumbnuttothesecuringclamp.Handtightentheredthumbnutto
securethelter.

20 PET Plus User Manual
3.10 CONNECTING THE VACUUM HOSE TO THE PUMP
Unscrew the red thumb nut from the bolt in the securing clamp then remove the through bolt.
Placethespecialrubberseallterwasheroverthetopoftheinletport(item4)notingthattheconical
ltermustbepositioneddownwardsintotheport.
Placethehoseconnectorontopofthelterwasher.
Fit the clamp around the boss on the outlet port and the boss on the hose connector.
Retthethroughboltandredthumbnuttothesecuringclamp.
Hand tighten the red thumb nut to secure the connector.