Anton Paar MCR Evolution Series User manual

Reference Guide
MCR Evolution Series
Modular Compact Rheometer
MCR 102e / MCR 302e / SmartPave 102e
MCR 502e Power / MCR 702e MultiDrive

Reference Guide
MCR Evolution Series
Modular Compact Rheometer
MCR 102e / MCR 302e / SmartPave 102e
MCR 502e Power / MCR 702e MultiDrive
(Original Instruction)
Disclaimer
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more information in this document, please contact us at our address below. Anton Paar assumes no liability
for any errors or omissions in this document.
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Further information
Published and printed by Anton Paar GmbH, Austria
Copyright © 2022 Anton Paar GmbH, Graz, Austria
Address of the instrument producer: Anton Paar GmbH
Anton-Paar-Str. 20
A-8054 Graz / Austria – Europe
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.anton-paar.com
Date: December 2022
Document number: C92IB046EN-C

Contents
4C92IB046EN-C
Contents
1 Safety Instructions.................................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 General Safety Instructions............................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Special Safety Instructions................................................................................................................ 7
1.3 Conventions for Safety Messages .................................................................................................... 7
1.4 Safety Symbols on the Instrument .................................................................................................... 7
1.5 Remaining Risks ............................................................................................................................... 8
2 MCR Evolution - An Overview ............................................................................................................. 10
2.1 Overview of the MCR Connections................................................................................................. 11
2.1.1 Connections on the Right Side ............................................................................................... 11
2.1.2 Connections on the Left Side.................................................................................................. 11
2.1.3 Connections on the Left Side Panel ....................................................................................... 12
2.1.4 Connections on the Rear Side................................................................................................ 12
2.2 Operating Panel .............................................................................................................................. 13
2.3 Operating Modes ............................................................................................................................ 13
3 Checking the Supplied Parts ............................................................................................................... 14
3.1 MCR Modular Compact Rheometer................................................................................................14
3.2 Accessory Kit for MCR.................................................................................................................... 15
3.3 Optional Accessories and Parts...................................................................................................... 17
4 Installing the Instrument ...................................................................................................................... 19
4.1 Installation Requirements ............................................................................................................... 19
4.1.1 Fluid Circulator........................................................................................................................ 19
4.1.2 Installing Flow Indicators ........................................................................................................ 20
4.2 Software Installation........................................................................................................................ 20
4.3 Connecting the MCR to the Air Supply ........................................................................................... 21
4.4 Connecting the MCR to Power ....................................................................................................... 21
4.5 Removing the Transport Protection ................................................................................................ 21
4.6 Connecting to the PC...................................................................................................................... 21
4.6.1 USB ........................................................................................................................................ 22
4.6.2 Ethernet .................................................................................................................................. 22
4.7 Leveling the Instrument................................................................................................................... 22
4.8 Mounting and Connecting a Temperature Device for PP / CP Measurements............................... 23
4.9 Connecting a Fluid Circulator.......................................................................................................... 24
4.10 Installing a Hood ........................................................................................................................... 25
4.11 Mounting a Measuring Geometry.................................................................................................. 26
4.12 Mounting a Flow Meter Unit (FMU)............................................................................................... 26
4.13 Mounting the Hose Holder ............................................................................................................ 27
4.14 Using Inert Gas ............................................................................................................................. 28
4.15 Mounting a Magnetic Valve........................................................................................................... 28
5 Operating the Instrument ..................................................................................................................... 29
5.1 Switching on the Instrument............................................................................................................ 29
5.2 The MCR Display............................................................................................................................ 29
5.3 The MCR Operating Panel.............................................................................................................. 30
5.4 MCR Menu...................................................................................................................................... 32
5.5 MCR Maintenance Indicator ........................................................................................................... 33
6 Performing a Measurement.................................................................................................................. 34
6.1 Start-up and Initialization ................................................................................................................ 34
6.2 Sample Loading .............................................................................................................................. 35
6.2.1 Concentric Cylinder Systems.................................................................................................. 35
6.2.2 Plate-Plate Systems ............................................................................................................... 35
6.2.3 Cone-Plate Systems ............................................................................................................... 36
6.2.4 Double Gap Systems.............................................................................................................. 36
7 Upkeep and Cleaning ........................................................................................................................... 37
7.1 Cleaning a Jammed Coupling......................................................................................................... 38

Contents
C92IB046EN-C 5
7.2 Wetted Parts ................................................................................................................................... 38
7.3 Storing the Instrument..................................................................................................................... 38
7.4 Packing the Instrument for Transport.............................................................................................. 39
8 Maintenance and Repair....................................................................................................................... 42
8.1 Maintenance Performed by an Authorized Anton Paar Service Engineer ...................................... 42
8.2 Repair Performed by an Authorized Anton Paar Representative ................................................... 42
Appendix A: Technical Data ................................................................................................................... 43
Appendix A.1: Pin Assignments............................................................................................................ 45
Appendix B: Declaration of Conformity................................................................................................. 48

1 Safety Instructions
6C92IB046EN-C
1 Safety Instructions
• Read this manual before using the MCR.
• Follow all tips and instructions contained in this
manual to ensure the correct use and safe func-
tioning of the MCR.
• Read and follow the safety instructions in the
documentation of any accessory that is used
together with the MCR.
• All personnel involved in the operation and / or
maintenance of the equipment must be properly
instructed in its use.
• This manual contains important information on
operating and handling the instrument. You are
therefore required to keep the manual with the
instrument, especially when transferring the
instrument to other persons.
1.1 General Safety Instructions
Liability
• This manual does not claim to address all safety
issues associated with the use of the instrument
and samples. It is your responsibility to establish
health and safety practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations.
• Anton Paar GmbH only warrants the proper
functioning of the MCR if no adjustments have
been made to the mechanics, electronics, and
software.
• Only use the MCR for the purpose described in
this manual. Anton Paar GmbH is not liable for
damages caused by incorrect use of the MCR.
Installation and use
•TheMCRisnot an explosion-proof instrument
and therefore must not be operated in areas
with risk of explosion.
• The installation procedure should only be car-
ried out by authorized persons who are familiar
with the installation instructions.
• Do not use any accessories or spare parts other
than those supplied or approved by Anton Paar
GmbH.
• Make sure all operators are trained to use the
instrument safely and correctly before starting
any applicable operations.
• In case of damage or malfunction, do not con-
tinue operating the MCR. Do not operate the
instrument under conditions which could result
in damage to goods and/or injuries and loss of
life.
• Make sure the MCR is chemically resistant to
the samples and cleaning agents you want to
use.
• The MCR must not be operated in any other
atmosphere than air.
• The MCR must not be operated at an air pres-
sure considerably below usual ambient air pres-
sure.
Maintenance and service
• The results delivered by the MCR not only
depend on the correct functioning of the instru-
ment, but also on various other factors. We
therefore recommend you have the results
checked (e.g. plausibility tested) by skilled per-
sonnel before consequential actions are taken
based on the results.
• Service and repair procedures may only be car-
ried out by authorized personnel or by Anton
Paar GmbH.
Disposal
• Concerning the disposal of the MCR, observe
the legal requirements in your country.
Return shipment
• For repairs send the cleaned MCR to your
Anton Paar representative. Only return the
instrument together with the filled out RMA
(Return Material Authorization) and the form
"Safety Declaration for Instrument Repairs".
Please download the Safety Declaration form
from our website www.anton-paar.com.
• Do not return instruments which are contami-
nated by radioactive materials, infectious agents
or other harmful substances that cause health
hazards.
Precautions for highly flammable samples and
cleaning agents
• Observe and adhere to your national safety reg-
ulations for handling the measured samples
(e.g. use of safety goggles, gloves, respiratory
protection etc.).

1 Safety Instructions
C92IB046EN-C 7
• Only store the minimum required amount of
sample, cleaning agents and other flammable
materials near the MCR.
• Do not spill sample/cleaning agents or leave
their containers uncovered. Immediately remove
spilled sample/cleaning agents.
• Make sure that the setup location is sufficiently
ventilated. The environment of the MCR has to
be kept free of flammable gases and vapors.
• Connect the MCR to the electrical power via a
safety switch located at a safe distance from the
instrument. In an emergency, turn off the power
using this switch instead of the power switch on
the MCR.
• Supply a fire extinguisher.
• During operation the MCR must be under con-
stant qualified supervision.
1.2 Special Safety Instructions
• Do not use the MCR to measure fluids of the IIC
group according to EN 60079-14, such as e.g.
carbon disulfide or acetylene.
• Do not operate the MCR or move and touch the
coupling unless you have connected a suitable
compressed air supply with correct pressure.
• Parts of the instrument and its accessories, as
well as the measuring geometry and the sample
may become very hot or cold during operation.
Touching these areas may cause severe burns.
Do not touch any surface without adequate pro-
tective measures at these temperatures.
• Heated or cooled areas may take considerable
time to reach room temperature. Allow these
areas to cool down / warm up to room tempera-
ture and / or wear adequate protection before
touching them.
• Some materials may evaporate during measure-
ment, especially at high temperatures. Ensure
adequate protection from hazardous gases. The
measuring temperature should be set in such a
way that no explosive substances can develop.
Ensure adequate handling routines, such as
protective clothing and good ventilation, when
you are measuring potentially hazardous or vol-
atile samples. Wear protective gloves and gog-
gles when handling the MCR.
• Stay clear of the MCR head when it is moving.
Do not place your hands or other parts of your
body between the MCR head and the plate or
hood. Keep a safe distance as long as parts of
the instrument are still in motion.
• Always wear adequate protective equipment
(goggles, gloves) when operating the MCR.
1.3 Conventions for Safety Messages
The following conventions for safety messages are
used in this document:
1.4 Safety Symbols on the Instrument
There are three warning symbols on the MCR. All
three are on the front of the main girder, two at the
bottom and one at the top.
DANGER
Description of risk.
Danger indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Description of risk.
Warning indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION
Description of risk.
Caution indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.
NOTICE
Description of risk.
Notice indicates a situation which, if not avoided,
could result in damage to property.

1 Safety Instructions
8C92IB046EN-C
1 CAUTION - General risk
2 CAUTION - General risk
3 CAUTION - Moving parts
Fig. 1: Position of warning symbols on the instrument.
1.5 Remaining Risks
Some of the accessories and measuring geometries
may represent an additional risk; e.g.:
• The SCF (solid cylindrical fixture) and SRF
(solid rectangle fixture) measuring geometries
allow mounting sharp objects.
• The BIC (bicone) measuring geometries have a
very sharp edge that additionally may be rotat-
ing at a high speed (up to 3000 rpm).
• The CC (concentric cylinder) or DG (double
gap) measuring geometries may expose a
shearing hazard between the cylinder and the
cup when the cylinder is immersed into the cup.
CAUTION
General risk.
There is a general risk in the area marked with
this symbol. Carefully read the documentation
and observe all safety notes.
CAUTION
Danger of hand injuries
In areas marked with this sign there is the possi-
bility of hand or finger injuries through moving
parts. Keep a safe distance as long as parts of
the instrument are still in motion.
NOTICE
It is imperative that the warning symbols remain
clearly legible.
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WARNING
Sample Decomposition
Depending on the used heating device the sam-
ple may be heated up to 1000 °C. At these tem-
peratures the sample may emit harmful gases.
Stay well below the samples decomposition tem-
perature or supply sufficient venting.
CAUTION
Hot surface.
Parts of the instrument may become very hot
during operation.
Do not touch these parts of the instrument with-
out adequate protective measures or let it cool
down before handling.
CAUTION
Moving parts.
Moving parts may generally expose a risk of get-
ting injured.
Keep clear of moving parts.
CAUTION
Heavy object.
The MCR is heavy (up to 60 kg with accesso-
ries), therefore adequate lifting by two persons is
required to prevent injuries and instrument dam-
age. Never lift the MCR by its head.
There are recessed grips at the bottom of the
instrument (Fig. 2, r), which should always be
used to lift the MCR.

1 Safety Instructions
C92IB046EN-C 9
• The surroundings and objects near the heating
devices may also become hot.
Wear protective gloves
Wear protective gloves when handling
the MCR.
Wear safety goggles
Wear safety goggles when handling
the MCR.
NOTICE
Observe the safety information in the documen-
tation of the accessories and measuring geome-
tries.

2 MCR Evolution - An Overview
10 C92IB046EN-C
2 MCR Evolution - An Overview
The Modular Compact Rheometer Evolution series
incorporates an EC-motor with air bearings and is
designed for a wide range of measurement tasks.
Temperature control and sample-specific accesso-
ries adapt the instrument to the desired application.
The rheometer software together with Toolmaster
(the automatic recognition and configuration sys-
tem) provide a user-friendly interface.
All mechanical and electrical control components
are incorporated into one unit. The movable mea-
suring head ensures sufficient space for sample
loading and trimming.
1 Connection panel
2 Three adjustable feet
3 Inside connectors
4 Recessed grip
5 Operating panel
6 Flange ring (Temperature device holder): mechanical
self-alignment of all accessories
7 Trimming mirror
8 MCR coupling for measuring geometry
9 MCR measuring head
Fig. 2: Overview of MCR (left and front) with side covers
removed
1 TD4 connector
2 Recessed grip
3 Three adjustable feet
4 Compressed air distributor
Fig. 3: Overview of MCR (right and rear)
Fig. 4: PP50 measuring geometry
Anton Paar's MCR measuring geometries can be
used with all suitable temperature devices and are
interchangeable within their category of accesso-
ries. For example, a PP 25 parallel-plate measuring
geometry can be used with all plate accessories,
like the LTD (Liquid Temperature Device), PTD
(Peltier Temperature Device), ETD (Electric Temp-
erature Device) or CTD (Convection Temperature
Device) systems. All geometry dimensions, safety
limitations and calibration constants are saved in
the Toolmaster chip located in the shaft of every
measuring geometry. Made from various materials
and featuring different surfaces and dimensions, all
measuring geometries are optimized regarding
compliance, thermal expansion and thermal con-
ductivity.
Information: The measuring geometries are not
part of the MCR delivery and need to be ordered
separately.
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