Arometrix FRACTION FINDER User manual

FRACTION FINDER
USER MANUAL for Firmware Version 1.2.3
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APPLICATION NOTES
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YOU MUST READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USE
WARNING: NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE LIGHT SOURCE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Section 1: Description and Principles of Operation 3
Section 2: Construction 4
Section 3: Unpacking and Inspecting 4
Section 4: Understanding the Interface 4
Section 5: Installation 9
Section 6: General Procedure for Short-Path Distillation 10
Section 7: Issues 15
Section 8: Software Update Instructions 16
Section 9: Factory Repairs 16
Section 10: Optical Measurement 17
Section 11: Specifications 17
Section 12: Appendix 19
Section 13: Terms and Conditions 20
Application Notes: Flip to the back of this manual to find Application Notes for Wiped/Thin Film Evaporation
and Ethanol /Centrifuge Extraction.
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Section 1: Description and Principles of Operation
The patent-pending FRACTION FINDER is the world’s first in-line molecule monitoring system for botanical
oil production. The technology uses “in-situ fluorescence spectroscopy” to measure molecules based on
how they interact with light. The FRACTION FINDER is used to identify the contents of a flow through a
glass tube in-situ, in real-time. Knowing the flow and the relative concentration of molecules, and whether
that purity is increasing, or decreasing can help make optimal process decisions. In our work, we found
processors were proudest of their craft when they could get the purest, most consistent batches for their
clients. It is with this goal in mind that the FRACTION FINDER was developed.
The result is the FRACTION FINDER, a real-time process monitoring system that allows the user to see:
●The relative concentration of Cannabinoids
●The flow of Cannabinoids
This spectroscopic technique was borrowed from other industries and empirically applied to in-situ
Cannabinoid processing. Our research was conducted in processing labs that were running first and second
pass short path distillation for the purpose of creating the purest Cannabinoids oils.
The ability to directly track molecules of interest during the process comes with a few key benefits:
●The data to improve purity and reduce by-products
●The information to improve process techniques and enhance process repeatability
●The ability to quickly train staff and have run traceability
What the FRACTION FINDER is not:
The FRACTION FINDER is not a quantitative measure. It provides qualitative process information that directly tracks the relative
concentration of Cannabinoids. It is Arometrix’s goal to amass enough spectral data from the FRACTION FINDER to eventually be
able to determine quantitative purity in the  future  .
The FRACTION FINDER cannot replace good laboratory practice and experience. The FRACTION FINDER’s data, in combination with
temperature, vacuum, good laboratory practice, and experience will help technicians further perfect their craft.
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Section 2: Construction
The FRACTION FINDER is composed of two key components: the sensor and the display.
Sensor: The sensor  contains the “eyes” of the system”. This optical transducer uses a light source and a
full wavelength spectrometer along with signal conditioning circuitry and advanced analytics. The sensor
is mounted on size 29 or 34 glass, depending on the sensor size option ordered. Adapters are also
available for purchase to get the sensor on smaller glass, such as size 24 glass.
Display: The display  contains the “brains” of the system. This 7 inch LCD TFT display consists of a
compute module. The information from the sensor is digitally transmitted via the sensor cable to the
display  , where the spectra are cataloged, analyzed, graphed and displayed as a function of time. The
display  then does additional math on this multi-wavelength spectral temporal data (hence the term
“compute module”) and creates a visualization for the user where both flow and relative potency are
deduced. The display  has a pole-mounting bracket installed in the back of it so it can easily be mounted to
a lab pole.
Note: This unit is intended for lab use. Care should be taken not to spill anything on it, as it is not waterproof.
Section 3: Unpacking and Inspecting
After the instrument is received, it should be carefully
unpacked and inspected for damage during shipment
and to confirm that all components are present.
Each FRACTION FINDER comes with:
●Fraction Finder Sensor (Size 29 or 34)
●Display (with pole mounting bracket screw)
●Sensor Cable, USB, 2 feet
●Light-Blocking Tape
●International Power Supply
●Glass Adapter (optional/if required)
●Warranty Card
●Instructions
Section 4: Understanding the Interface
After installation, the system is ready for immediate operation. The FRACTION FINDER is meant to be an
additional reference to existing methods for determining the current part of the distillation fraction. NOTE:
This section focuses on using the FRACTION FINDER for fractional distillation. If you are looking to use the
unit for extraction or chromatography, visit arometrix.com/resources to read our different application
notes.
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Layout of Software and Different Viewing Options
There are currently two viewing options: the Spectrum view  and the Wavelength view  . These display
options can be toggled between each other by tapping the “display” button (located in the top-left
corner).
Spectrum View (Spectrograph)
What it does: Displays current background/ambient light corrected spectral measurement.
How it should be used:
1) Give a broad indication of whether the system is detecting Heads or Main Body/Tails
a. This is an instantaneous representation of the current spectral state.
b. This tab is difficult to track the Main Body and Tails change; use the Overlay button to
assist with this.
c. The peak at 360-390nm is an internal excitation/reference peak (not a process indicator);
tap the small circle on the top-left corner of the graph to remove this peak
2) Analyze current Exposure time and assist in “tuning” of exposure time parameter
Understanding the Graph (X-Y Axis)
●X-axis = Wavelength (nm)  : The location of where the line shoots up (or fluoresces) indicates the
molecule; different molecules have different wavelength regions
●Y-axis = Intensity (counts)  : The height of this line, in general,  indicates how much of that substance
is present at that moment relative to earlier.
Wavelength View
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What it does: Displays and tracks the interpreted values from your measurement. This plot reduces the
raw data and shows you the “highlights” of the run.
How it should be used:
1) Used to identify when the distillation is transferring from Heads to Main Body, or Main body to
Tails
a. Due to the massive amount of data reduction, this plot is hard to analyze when trying to
assess issues with individual measurements from the FRACTION FINDER
2) Analyze noise in your measurement over time, and assist in “tuning” of scans to average
3) This view is especially useful for tracking particular chemical oddities that occur at specific
wavelengths. (One example is tracking both Chlorophyll and D9 during an extraction run.)
Understanding the Graph (X-Y Axis)
●X-axis = Time (HH:MM:SS)  : As opposed to the Spectrum view, this tracks fractions as a function of
time.
●Y-axis = Intensity (AU)  : The height of this line indicates how much of that substance is present at
that moment relative to earlier. (Note: These are AU as in Arbitrary Units; this is not quantification
of potency.  )
Setup Screen Tutorial
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List of buttons:
A. Display: Toggles between the two viewing options (Spectrum View & Wavelength View)
B. Details: Expands the graph and removes the data on the right-hand side
C. Overlay: Traces or “overlays” a peak of interest so you can compare it to a future peak
D. Clear: Clears an “overlay” that you no longer want to track
E. Transfer: Transfers recorded run data to a flash drive
F. Reference Peak Remover: Removes the internal reference/excitation peak from Spectrum view
G. Auto-Zoom: Returns zoom view to normal. You can zoom with 1 finger by drawing a bounding
box.
H. Home: Returns you to the Home if you are in Settings
I. Settings: Allows you to adjust settings, such as Auto Integration Time, Scans to Average, and the
Wavelength Tracker
J. Region 1-3 Checkboxes: Use only when in Wavelength viewFor Wavelength View - By checking this
box, it will populate the Wavelength plot with the corresponding molecule tracking. For Spectrum
View - By checking this box, it will highlight the Spectrum plot with the region that molecule
fluoresces at. ThisRegions setting can be adjusted and edited in Settings.
K. Region 2 Checkbox  : See I.
L. Region 3 Checkbox  : See I.
M. Light on/off: Turns the light on. This toggles between states.
N. Record on/off: Turns the recording mode on. This toggles between states.
Settings Page Tutorial
When you tap the Settings  button, you will see:
●Wavelength Settings
●Set Integration Time
●Set Scans to Average
●Clock Settings
●System Data
Wavelength Settings
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In this tab, you will see:
●Edit Wavelength 1
●Edit Wavelength 2
●Edit Wavelength 3
These correspond with the Region 1, Region 2, and Region 3 that are shown on the plots. When you press
one of these, you will see a Wavelength range. These will come preset with manufacturer’s defaults;
however, you can edit the From  and To  how you see fit. See below.
Click “Default” to return back to manufacturer default. Next to the “Default” button, you will see a
molecule dropdown. When you press the Molecule Indicator dropdown, you will see different molecule
tracking options. You can select any of them, or set your own “Custom” molecule and region. See below.
Set Integration Time
This is meant to enable “AID (Auto)” by clicking the checkbox in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Auto
integration ensures that the signal from the spectrometer is maximized. It is not recommended  to
manually tune Integration Time, but it is feasible. See Appendix for more information on manual tuning.
Set Scans to Average
This sets how many optical readings the sensor takes before plotting and displaying a result. More
readings that are averaged imply less noise, but less information. Arometrix recommends that you select
5.
Clock Settings
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This should be set during initial acquisition. Set the Date Settings and the Time Settings. Then, Submit.
System Data
This will display “Bytes Available”, “Bytes Used”, and “Bytes Total”. It will also show you % memory used,
and give you an option to “Clear Data”.
Section 5: Installation
The equipment should be in a clean, dry environment for the best results. Care should be taken to avoid
any spillage. NOTE: If you are using the system with a Wiped Film Evaporator and/or Extractor, please
also read the Application Notes in Section 7 and Section 8, respectively.
1. Apply the light-blocking tape  to the glassware apparatus, leaving an area for the sensor to be
installed. This is important as it will block ambient light from saturating your sensor’s readings.
2. Install the optical sensor with the thicker part of the sensor down  . For short-path distillation, the
sensor  should be installed on the condenser just before the cow as shown.
(1) Having the glass be of high quality will help increase the signal to noise ratio – which will
yield better information.
(2) The sensor fits on most glass, but in some cases may require a slight extension; on
Arometrix.com/shop, there are adapters that will satisfy a wide range of applications,
including short-path distillation systems with Size 24 glass or “Hot Tech” condensing
processes, as well as wiped film evaporators and extractors.
3. Insert the sensor cable  into the back of the sensor  .
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4. Connect the other end of the sensor cable  to the bottom of the display  . The sensor’s  light  will
begin to “blink”, indicating that it has turned on. Give the sensor ~2-5 minutes to boot up.
5. Mount the display  to a lab pole. The back of the display has a pole-mounting bracket
pre-installed. Simply use the screw for the mounting bracket  on the bracket to install and keep it
snug on the pole. Alternatively, it can be placed on a desktop by placing the unit in a separate
tablet stand.
6. Use the supplied AC adapter to power your display. This adapter provides clean short protected
power to protect and ensure the accuracy of the internal circuitry.
7. The display will take a few seconds to turn. You will see splash screens, followed by the interface
screen. (  Section 5  will delve further into the interface.)
8. Ensure that the Device Status and Server Status indicator on the bottom left-hand side of the
display  are green – If not, make sure the cords are properly connected.
9. Ensure that the “Light On/Light Off” toggle button is turned on. The light above it should be green.
Section 6: General Procedure for Short-Path Distillation
The Fraction Finder was designed initially for short path distillation applications. Thus, the general
procedure in this standard user manual focuses on how to operate the Fraction Finder for this specific
application. However, the Fraction Finder can also integrate into processes such as Wiped Film
Evaporation, Ethanol Extraction, and soon Chromatography.  NOTE: If you are using the system with a
Wiped Film Evaporator and/or Extractor, you may advance to Sections 7 and Section 8, respectively.
Once you’ve read the appropriate application note, continue at Section 9 to learn more about how to
troubleshoot issues and more.
Overview
1) Set Up Distillation System and Install Fraction Finder Equipment (as detailed in  Section 4  )
2) Set Integration Time to Auto
3) Set Scans to Average to 5
4) Identify Transition from Heads to Main Body
5) Perform Flask Transfer & Let Distillation System Equilibrate
6) Identify Transition from Main Body to Tails
7) Perform Flask Transfer & Let Distillation System Equilibrate
8) Turn off Recording
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