AQUANTIS MICROFREEZE User manual

MICROFREEZE®
USER’S GUIDE
Document No: MICROFREEZE2019-1
April 2019

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Microfreeze User’s Guide 2
1Contact information
Aquantis S.A.
EPFL Innovation Park Bâtiment C
CH-1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
Tel: [phone]
Aquantis Belgium B.V.B.A.
Generaal De Wittelaan 17C
B-2800 Mechelen
Belgium
Tel: [phone]
E-mail : [e-mail]
Website : www.aquantis.org

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Microfreeze User’s Guide 3
Contents
1Contact information........................................................................................................................................ 2
2About the user guide....................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Nomenclature........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Publication............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.4 Additional Documents ........................................................................................................................... 5
3Disclaimer........................................................................................................................................................ 6
4Safety information .......................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 General safety instructions.................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Laser classification (Class II)................................................................................................................... 7
5Transport and storage..................................................................................................................................... 8
5.1 Transport ............................................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Transport inspection.............................................................................................................................. 8
5.3 Storage................................................................................................................................................... 8
6Sensor installation and integration................................................................................................................. 9
6.1Installation guidelines............................................................................................................................ 9
6.2 Power supply cables ............................................................................................................................ 10
6.3 Data interconnection........................................................................................................................... 11
7Operation ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
7.1 Sensor power-on and shutdown ......................................................................................................... 12
7.1.1 Power on ......................................................................................................................................... 12
7.1.2 Shutdown ........................................................................................................................................ 12
7.2 Connectivity......................................................................................................................................... 12
7.2.1 Connecting to the sensor via a PC................................................................................................... 12
7.2.2 Connecting to the sensor via the network infrastructure............................................................... 13
7.3 User Interface ...................................................................................................................................... 14
7.3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 14
7.3.2 Description of operation ................................................................................................................. 14
7.3.3 Display............................................................................................................................................. 14
7.3.4 Webserver interface........................................................................................................................ 17
7.3.5 Modbus TCP/IP interface ................................................................................................................ 32
8Maintenance & Disposal ............................................................................................................................... 33
8.1 Daily maintenance ............................................................................................................................... 33
8.2 Yearly maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 33
8.3 Disposal................................................................................................................................................ 33
9Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................ 34

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Microfreeze User’s Guide 4
9.1 Unexpected stop and restart............................................................................................................... 34
9.2 Returns ................................................................................................................................................ 34
9.3 Repairs................................................................................................................................................. 34
10 Technical data .......................................................................................................................................... 35
10.1 General specifications ......................................................................................................................... 35
10.2 Electrical specifications........................................................................................................................ 35
10.2.1 High frequency electronics –GHz Technology............................................................................ 35
10.2.2 Low frequency electronics .......................................................................................................... 35
10.3 Mechanical specifications.................................................................................................................... 36
10.3.1 Materials..................................................................................................................................... 36
10.3.2 Computer-box............................................................................................................................. 36
10.3.3 HF measurement units................................................................................................................ 37

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Microfreeze User’s Guide 5
2About the user guide
2.1 Introduction
The Microfreeze is intended to determine the level-of-frozenness (LOF) of your food products. This device is
developed and manufactured by Aquantis. The product number is indicated on the device and has the format:
AQMF-XXX-XX-2019-X. Please provide the product number during every communication with Aquantis.
This user’s guide is intended for the personnel in charge of the process and quality control of frozen products
and/or freezing or thawing processes. When using the Microfreeze according to the user’s guide, no specific
qualifications are required to operate the system. Read this user guide carefully since the installation and
operation in accordance with these instructions is a prerequisite for proper functioning of the Microfreeze
sensor.
The pictures in the user guide are for illustrative purposes only. The illustrations can differ in minor details from
your sensor, they are only intended to provide general information. Aquantis pursues a policy of ongoing product
development with all sensors. Changes in terms of supply scope are possible at any time with regards to design,
features and technology. The information listed in this user guide corresponds to the information available at
the time of going to press. Therefore, legal claims cannot be made based on the technical data, illustrations and
information contained in the user guide.
The following nomenclature will help when reading this user guide.
2.2 Nomenclature
BMU bottom measurement unit: emitter of receiver unit placed underneath the conveyor belt
CSV comma separated values
dB decibels
EM(W) electromagnetic (waves)
GHz-waves electromagnetic waves in the GHz frequency range
HF high frequency, typically referring to the GHz frequency range
LF low frequency
LOF level-of-frozenness
TMU top measurement unit: emitter of receiver unit placed above the conveyor belt
UINT16 unsigned integer of 16 bits
2.3 Publication
Manual version 1.0 with Document No: MICROFREEZE2019-1 was published on April 1st, 2019.
2.4 Additional Documents
Additional documents for the MICROFREEZE include:
▪MICROFREEZE Fabrication Instructions (Document No: MICROFREEZE2019-FAB-1): Protocol for
fabrication, adjustments and testing the Microfreeze including its different components. This document
is solely meant MICROFREEZE manufacturers.
▪MICROFREEZE Bill of Materials (Document No: MICROFREEZE2019-BOM-1): Overview of the
components used in the Microfreeze. This document is solely meant MICROFREEZE manufacturers.
▪MICROFREEZE Product Label (Document No: MICROFREEZE2019-LABEL-1): The label can be found on
the product.

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Microfreeze User’s Guide 6
3Disclaimer
In no respect shall Aquantis incur any liability for any damages, including, but limited to, direct, indirect, special,
or consequential damages arising out of, resulting from, or any way connected to the use of the sensor, whether
or not based upon warranty, contract, tort, or otherwise; whether or not injury was sustained by persons or
property or otherwise; and whether or not loss was sustained from, or arose out of, the results of, the item, or
any services that may be provided by Aquantis.

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Microfreeze User’s Guide 7
4Safety information
This sensor has been designed for save use but must be operated with caution. If used properly according to this
user’s guide, the Microfreeze poses no health concerns for the personnel.
4.1 General safety instructions
•Check the voltage rating before you connect the equipment to an electrical power source to ensure that
the required voltage and frequency match the available power source.
•Do not connect the equipment power cables the power outlet if the power cable is damaged.
•If you use an extension power cable, ensure that the total ampere rating of the products plugged in to
the extension power cable does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.
WARNING: The customer is responsible to connect all metal parts of the Microfreeze to protective earth via a
low resistive path (< 1 Ohm).
WARNING: A minimum distance of 1 meter from the emitter unit should be respected to stay within the
maximum electromagnetic exposure limit.
CAUTION: If any smoke or unusual odours are detected, disconnect the device from the electrical outlet and
contact Aquantis immediately. See page 2 for the appropriate contact information.
4.2 Laser classification (Class II)
The Microfreeze sensor system includes a visible class 2 laser for measuring the product (layer) thickness. The
laser-beam is normally pointed downwards to the conveyor belt on which the products pass. Do not stare into
the beam or direct the beam to anyone’s eyes.
WARNING: Do not directly view or point the laser pointer at an eye. Low power visible lasers do not normally
present a hazard but may present potential for hazard if viewed directly for extended periods of time.
Permitted sensor uses:
The Microfreeze system is designed for use in industrial environments
▪Measure LOF of products (layers) on a conveyor belt or free-fall.
▪Measure product thickness of products (layers) on a conveyor belt or free-fall.
No other uses are permitted.
Prohibited sensor uses:
▪Compromising or deactivating safety systems built into the sensor
▪Removal of hazard or explanatory labels affixed to the sensor
▪Opening the sensors enclosure (during operation or cleaning)
▪Modifying or converting the instrument
▪Using third party accessories
Notices:
▪Avoid shocks and impacts to the sensor.
▪Protect the sensor cables against damage.
▪Avoid exposure of sensor to aggressive media.
▪Mount the sensor only by means of the foreseen mounting spaces according to the installation
guidelines.

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Microfreeze User’s Guide 8
5Transport and storage
5.1 Transport
For your own safety and to avoid damage to the sensor due to improper transport, respect the following
considerations:
•Transport should be performed by trained specialist staff only.
•The utmost care and attention are required at all times during unloading and transportation on
company premises.
Do not remove packaging until immediately before you start mounting
5.2 Transport inspection
Upon receipt, please check the delivery for completeness and for any damage that may have occurred in transit.
In the case of transit damage that is visible externally, proceed as follows:
•Do not accept the delivery or only do so conditionally.
•Note the scope of damage on the transport documents or on the transport company's delivery note.
•Contact Aquantis.
Complaints regarding defects should be filed as soon as these are detected. Damage claims are only valid before
the applicable complaint deadlines.
5.3 Storage
Store the sensor under the following conditions:
•Do not store outdoors.
•Store in a dry area that is protected from water and dust.
•Do not expose to any aggressive substances.
•Protect from sunlight.
•Avoid mechanical shocks.
•Storage temperature: between –40 and +50 °C
•Relative humidity: max. 95%, non-condensing
•For storage periods of longer than 3 months, check the general condition of the individual units and
packaging on a regular basis.

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Microfreeze User’s Guide 9
6Sensor installation and integration
6.1 Installation guidelines
The installation will be conducted by Aquantis engineers or Aquantis-certified engineers. Therefore, no specific
tools nor materials will be provided. Calibration of the sensor can be conducted with your own products.
WARNING: The customer is responsible to connect all metal parts of the system to protective
earth via a low resistive path (< 1 Ohm). Aquantis is not responsible for any damage or
dysregulation of the system and other equipment due to no or a bad connection to earth.
The best sensor performance can be achieved by following these installation guidelines:
✓In case a conveyor belt is used, the conveyor belt material should be rather transparent for microwaves.
The insertion loss caused by the belt may not exceed 3 dB. Most plastic conveyor belt materials comply
with this requirement, metal conveyor belts don’t.
✓The HF emitter is mounted as close as possible above (or underneath) the conveyor belt or products by
which sufficient space should be foreseen for the products to pass. The HF receiver is placed underneath
(or above) the conveyor belt, well aligned with the emitter as shown in
✓Figure 1. It is strongly recommended to have as few as possible metal parts near the electromagnetic-
axis. The distance between the emitter and receiver (from antenna cover –to –antenna cover) should
be kept to a minimum. Foresee sufficient margin (> 2 cm) such that under all conditions moving parts
are not touching the instrument.

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Microfreeze User’s Guide 10
FIGURE 1: ORIENTATION OF THE SENSOR RELATIVE TO THE CONVEYOR BELT AND PRODUCT MOTION AXIS.
✓Please foresee free space (minimum 50 cm) around the top measurement unit (TMU) to facilitate the
installation of the product-thickness sensor at the antenna side as indicated in Figure 2. The product
thickness sensor is attached to a stainless-steel base plate which is mounted to the two wall-mount
spacers of the HF receiver unit. All units need to be mounted on metal frame which needs to be
accessible from the back to fix the different units.
✓Mount the computational unit in the vicinity of the TMU and BMU with the cable glands pointed towards
the floor. Please foresee a save and easy access to the TMU, BMU and the computational unit to
facilitate the maintenance on the MICROFREEZE measurement system.
FIGURE 2: STAINLESS STEEL BASE PLATE FOR MOUNTING THE SENSOR MODULE AND THICKNESS SENSOR.
✓The conveyor belt thickness at the electromagnetic-axis should be constant (toothed sections of the
conveyor belt should not be placed in the EM field-of-view).
✓The HF units and the computational unit should be mounted rigidly on a frame limiting any vibrations
as much as possible.
✓Make sure there is no electromagnetic coupling from other devices operating in the same HF frequency
range: 2.4-2.5 GHz and 5.725-5.875 GHz. Respect a distance of 1 m from the MICROFREEZE system.