Axis ATS60 User manual

USER MANUAL
MOISTURE ANALYZER
ATS and BTS series
File: 2018-06-06-BTS_ATS-150 ATS117 GB

2USER MANUAL
Content:
1. Security rules ____________________________________________________3
2. Set ____________________________________________________________3
3. Navigation –fast start _____________________________________________4
4. Moisture analyzer menu diagram_____________________________________6
5. General description _______________________________________________7
6. Technical data ___________________________________________________7
7. Keys and indicators _______________________________________________8
8. Preparation to work _______________________________________________9
9. Interfaces ______________________________________________________12
10. General working rules ____________________________________________12
11. Description of thermogravimetric analysis _____________________________12
11.1 Infrared radiation source __________________________________________13
11.2 Infrared radiation drying description__________________________________13
11.3 Drawing and preparation of a sample ________________________________13
11.4 Tools requirements ______________________________________________14
11.5 Single-use pans _________________________________________________14
11.6 Placing a sample ________________________________________________14
11.7 Glass fibre filter _________________________________________________15
11.8 Selection of drying parameters to the sample material ___________________15
11.9 Other practical notes_____________________________________________16
12. Moisture analyzer start____________________________________________17
13. Drying parameters settings ________________________________________17
13.1 Setting drying temperature_________________________________________19
13.2 Calculation methods______________________________________________19
13.3 Drier working modes, drying time, sample time _________________________20
13.4 Drying profiles __________________________________________________22
13.5 Moisture analyzer memory_________________________________________22
13.5.1 Saving settings__________________________________________________23
13.5.2 Loading saved settings ___________________________________________24
13.6 Initial moisture analysis ___________________________________________25
14. Proper moisture _________________________________________________27
15. Connecting to a printer or computer –drying report______________________28
16. Moisture analyzer options _________________________________________30
17. Testing and calibration ____________________________________________33
18. Moisture analyser as a balance _____________________________________34
18.1 Units__________________________________________________________34
18.2 Auto-zeroing____________________________________________________35
18.3 Calibration _____________________________________________________36
19. Maintenance and repairs of small defects _____________________________38
Appendix_______________________________________________________40

USER MANUAL 3
1. Security rules
To avoid electrical shock or damage of the moisture
analyzer or connected peripheral devices, it is necessary to
follow the security rules below.
To feed the analyser use only mains socket with ground contact.
Fuse is situated under the analyzer cover.
During heating, the halogen heaters warm up to very high temperature. Avoid touching
the heaters as it may cause severe burns!
Dryer chamber cover heats up to 60°C, but perforated cover at the top may heat up over
100°C. Do not touch the cover top during drying as it may cause severe burns.
All repairs and necessary regulations can be made by authorised personnel only.
Do not use the analyser when its cover is opened.
Do not use the analyser in explosive conditions.
Do not use the analyser in high humidity.
If the device seems not to operate properly, plug it out of the mains and do not use it until
checked by authorised service.
Please return wasted device to the point of purchase or other company specialised in
recycling of wasted electronic components.
According to legal regulations it is forbidden to dispose
wasted electronic equipment in waste containers.
2. Set
The full set consists of:
1. Moisture analyzer,
2. Pan shield, pan support, pan handle,
3. Single-use pans –10 pcs.,
4. Power supply cord,
5. User manual and guarantee card
Option on demand:
1. PT-105 thermometer with GT-105sk-8 probe
2. Distance sleeves 20mm –2 pieces + additional sleeve 15mm for AGS moisture
analyzers

4USER MANUAL
3. Navigation –fast start
After turning on the moisture analyzer, after autotests and tare, moisture analyzer starts
initial heating until the drying chamber heats up to 105°C. The moisture analyzer is now
ready to measure density with inscribed earlier heating parameters.
To set heating parameters use USER MENU and choose Drying settings.
To move cursor between menu positions
use and key.
Entering chosen menu position is made by
using or ENTER key.
Return .
Entrance to parameters is made after
choosing or ENTER key.
Parameter value modification is made by
using and key, moving to another digit
by key.
Confirmation using ENTER key.
Selection of one of the available parameter
options is made by and key.
Confirmation using ENTER.
USER MENU
1. Drying settings
2. Memory settings
3. Drying options
4. Drying raport
5. Configuration
6. Settings default
1. Drying settings
2. Memory settings
3. Drying options
4. Drying raport
5. Configuration
6. Settings default
DRYING SETTINGS
1. Drying temp.
2. Mode
3. Calculation
4. Samples quantity.
5. Sampling interv.
6. Drying time
: 160 C
: Time mode
: m0-m/m*100%
: 3
: 1sek
: 00:15:00s
DRYING SETTINGS
1. Drying temp.
2. Mode
3. Calculation
4. Samples quantity.
5. Sampling interv.
6. Drying time
: 160 C
: Time mode
: m0-m/m*100%
: 3
: 1sek
: 00:15:00s
ENTERENTERENTERENTER
DRYING SETTINGS
1. Drying temp.
2. Mode
3. Calculation
4. Samples quantity.
5. Sampling interv.
6. Drying time
: 160 C
: Time mode
: m0-m/m*100%
: 3
: 1sek
: 00:15:00s
ENTERENTERENTERENTER

USER MANUAL 5
Moisture analyzer can work in one of two modes, changed by key:
1) Drying (density measurement)
2) Weighing (mass measurement)
actual temperature
actual drying time
mass on pan
initial mass
closed (CSD)
/open(OPN)
formula evaluation drying inscribed drying sample
time profile temperature
scale stabilization mark mass indication

6USER MANUAL
4. Moisture analyzer menu diagram
1. Drying settings
2. Memory settings
3. Drying options
4. Drying raport
5. Configuration
6. Settings default
7. Exit
1. Drying temp.
2. Mode
3. Calculation
4. Samples quantity
5. Sampling interv.
6. Drying time
7. Drying profile
8. Settings storing
9. Exit
1. Memory locat.
1. Average
2. Drying chart
3. Transmission
4. Temp. correction
5. Exit
1. Product name
2. Operator
3. Remarks
4. Print settings
5. Exit
1. Units
2.
10. Info
11. Exit
Auto-zeroing
3. Interface
4. LCD settings
5. Language
6. Time&Date
7. Keyboard
8. Defaults
9. Calibration
1. Date
2. Time
3. Nr
4. Name
5. Drying temp.
6. Profile
7. Mode
8. Method
9. Finished
10. Initial weight
11. Final weight
12. Drying time
13. Sampling int.
14. Moisture
15. Quantity
16. Average
17. Remarks
18. Performance
19. Signature
MODEL
S/N
SOFT
AXIS Sp. z o.o.
<PL><ENG><DE><ESP><ITA><FRA>

USER MANUAL 7
5. General description
Moisture analyzers ATS and BTS are designed for fast and precise moisture
determination of a sample based on mass loss during heating process.
Drying proces parameters are set by user on the basis of law norms, available chemical-
physics data or they are matched experimentally. Parameters table for typical materials
is contained in the A appendix.
Moisture analyzers are designed to work in food industry, construction materials industry,
biotechnology, pharmacy, environment protection and others. Main field of use is quality
control.
6. Technical data
Supply protection: fuse WTA-T 3,15A 250V

8USER MANUAL
7. Keys and indicators
I/
-on / off (standby),
MENU
CLR
-enter to menu,
-deleting operation,


-switching modes drying/ weighing,
- navigation key,
START

-measurement start (drying),
-navigation key,
STOP

-natychmiastowe zakończenie suszenia,
-navigation key,

-printout (transmission) of the result,
-navigation key,
ENTER
T
-confirmation / option choice,
-tare (zeroing) scale,
Indicators:
CSD/OPEN
-signalling stabilization of measurement result,
-signaling closed/open drying chamber
CLRCLR STARTSTART STOPSTOP
ENTERENTER
m0-m/m0*100% Td=105C ts= 10s
T = 32.23C
t =0:00:00s
m= 0.000g
m0= 0.000g
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CSD 00:02:00s
CSD 00:02:00s
0.00 %

USER MANUAL 9
8. Preparation to work
During heating, the halogen heaters 1warm up to very high
temperature. When drying chamber is opened avoid touching the
heaters as it may cause severe burns or damage the heaters!
Dryer chamber cover 3heats up to 60°C, but perforated cover may heat
up over 100°C. Do not touch the top cover during drying as it may cause
severe burns!

10 USER MANUAL
1. Take all contents out of a package: the moisture analyser and packed separately: the
tin pan shield, single use pans, the pan handle and the pan support. It is recommended
to keep the original scale package in order to transport the moisture analyzer safely in
future.
2. Place the moisture analyzer on a stable ground not affected by mechanical vibrations
and airflows.
3. Level the moisture analyzer with rotating legs 9so that the air bubble in water-level 10
at the back of the moisture analyzer is in the middle and the moisture analyser rests
on all four legs.
4. Open the drying chamber 3by lifting it by a grip at the front. Insert the window 13 into
chamber cover, edges of the window should be located in the latch grooves 14 (push
the window until You hear a “click” from all four latches).
5. Put drying chamber floor board 12 on four position pegs in moisture analyzer cover.
Put covering plate 4on three distance pegs 8. Put carefully pan mandrel 5into scale
mechanism hole.
6. Put on empty single-use pan 7on grip 6and using the grip place the single pan on
scale’s carrying pan (grip ring 6will be located inside the plate but due to longer
diameter it will not rest on carrying pan 5).
7. Close the moisture analyzer chamber 3and connect the scale to 230V supply.
8. This will start moisture analyzer autotests and after stabilization zero indication will
show up. Moisture analyzer will start initial heating signalled by a proper communicate
on the screen. After initial heating moisture analyzer is ready to work.

USER MANUAL 11
Removing the glass (to clean or remove radiators):
1. Open the moisture analyzer chamber.
2. Raise glass 13 until it will be released from lower glass supports 14 .
3. Remove the glass by diverting lower limb (look at the picture above).
4. Moisture analyzer shouldn’t be used to weigh ferromagnetic materials due to
deterioration of measurement precision.
When temperature during initial heating exceeds 105°C or heating time
is longer than 3 minute, terminate initial heating with STOP key and
check if the temperature sensor 2works properly and if both halogen
heaters light 1(see chapter 15).
In case any defect occurs contact an authorised service point.
The fuse 11 is available after cover opening and putting out floor board
12. During damaged fuse exchange use a fuse with parameters
presented in technical data (ch. 6). Using other fuse may cause
electrical shock.

12 USER MANUAL
9. Interfaces
The moisture analyser is equipped with RS23C interface to connect a printer or a
computer and with PS2 port to connect an external computer keyboard.
10. General working rules
1. Distribute a sample all over the pan. A sample surface should not touch temperature
sensor placed above the pan.
2. The balance is equipped with the tare equal to its range. To tare the balance press
 T  key. Writing the tare does not extend measuring range, but only subtracts the
tare value from a load placed on the pan. To make weight control easier and to avoid
range overdrawing, the balance is equipped with weight indicator (graduated in
percentages).
3. Do not overload the moisture analyzer more then 20% of maximum load (Max).
4. The mechanism of the moisture analyzer is a precise device sensitive to mechanical
strokes and shocks. Do not press the pan with a hand.
11. Description of thermogravimetric analysis
This section gives some practical details about moisture analysis using infrared radiation
for reliable results and easier use of moisture analyser. The description is based on a pre-
production experience and customers’ suggestions.
During transportation remove the pan, the pan support and the pan shield
and place it in a separate package..
Data
+5V
Clock
GND
PS2USB
12 3
4
5
6
RxD (receive)
TxD (transmission)
mass
housing
RS232C
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

USER MANUAL 13
Moisture in substances is an essential quality factor of technical and economical
importance.
Methods of determining moisture may be grouped in two main categories: absolute and
deductive.
Absolute methods are based on simple relations, e.g. weight decline during drying.
Thermogravimetric analysis used in AXIS moisture analyser is an example of this method.
Deductive (indirect) methods measure physical quantity related with moisture, e.g.
electromagnetic waves absorption, electrical conductance, acoustic wave speed. Some
of these methods, unlike thermogravimetric analysis, enable to determine water content.
Thermogravimetry - lat. thermo –heat, gravi –weight, metry –method
Thermogravimetric analysis –a process of determination of a substance mass decline
as a result of heat-up. The sample is weighed before and after heating-up, the difference
is calculated in relation to initial weight or final weight (dry mass).
Moisture in substances
Thermogravimetric analysis includes all ingredients evaporating from substances during
heating-up, which results in weight decrease.
In result of the above, determining of moisture content in substances is not equal water
content. Beside water, moisture consists of all other volatile matter: fats, alcohol, aromas,
organic dissolvent and other substances resultant as en effect of thermal decomposition.
Thermogravimetric analysis does not distinguish water from other volatile matters.
Infrared radiation drying is more effective than traditional methods (e.g. in an oven) as
the radiation deeply penetrates the substance, which shortens drying time.
11.1 Infrared radiation source
ATS/BTS series moisture analyser uses 2 halogen heaters (rated power 100W, l=78mm)
in serial connection as a radiation source. The heaters emit also visible radiation, which
does not affect drying process.
11.2 Infrared radiation drying description
Sample drying is a result of absorption of infrared radiation, which results in sample
temperature increase and evaporation of volatile matters.
Infrared radiation penetrates surface layers, the depth depends on penetrability of a
sample (different in various substances). Part of radiation is reflected by the sample
surface. Penetrated layers absorb the radiation and convert its energy into heat. Emitted
heat propagates inside the sample. Effectiveness of the propagation depends on thermal
conductivity of the sample. The better the conductivity, the faster drying process and
volatile matter evaporation. During drying process sample parameters change, its thermal
conductivity decreases so there is a risk of burning the sample. Some parameters may
be estimated “by sight”, e.g. smooth and light surfaces reflect radiation better. This must
be taken into account when setting drying parameters.
11.3 Drawing and preparation of a sample
As sample of given substance must be representative, drawing and preparing a sample
is very important process as it affects repeatability of measurements. The most common
method of homogenizing a sample is mixing. The other method is to draw few samples
from different but specific points in a substance and calculate an average value. Another

14 USER MANUAL
–to draw few samples from different points in a substance, mix them and draw a sample
from the mixed samples.
Sampling method depends on the object of a research. For quality purpose many
representative samples are analysed. In production control it is enough to assure
sampling repeatability, which enables to study a tendency.
While preparing and drawing, it is important that the sample does not absorb moisture
from the environment –it is advised that operation time is as short as possible.
If it is necessary to analyse more than one sample at the same time, the samples should
be closed in plastic bags or other isolated containers. Give attention that samples must
not lose moisture inside the container (the container should not consist of to much air, the
moisture condensed on the sides of the container should be mixed with the sample
again).
11.4 Tools requirements
Tools and instruments used in preparation process may affect measurement accuracy,
so it is advised not to use tools that transmit heat, as it makes the sample lose moisture
before analysis.
Use only special mills and pestles.
In case of liquids with consisting of solid materials use a glass mixer, a spoon or a
magnetic mixer.
11.5 Single-use pans
To analyse the moisture, put a sample on a single-use pan and place it in the dryer
chamber.
Using non-reusable pan helps to avoid false results by remains of previous samples.
10 single use pans are provided with the moisture analyser. Any quantity may be
delivered on demand.
11.6 Placing a sample
A sample should be placed uniformly all over the pan, so that heat propagates equally all
over the sample and dries whole sample effectively and quickly without leaving “wet”
places.
Correct Incorrect
Attention:

USER MANUAL 15
Due to temperature sensor localisation, max sample height is 10mm.
When substance ply is too thick, surface layers will be heated too much and internal –
not enough. This may result in burning the sample or surface incrustation, which will make
drying process difficult and measuring result false.
A sample should be placed in uniformed layers 1÷3mm thick, weighing 1÷10g, depending
on a substance.
11.7 Glass fibre filter
When drying liquids, pastes or substances that may melt or loose liquid during drying, it
is advised to use glass fibre filters.
Filters ensure equal liquid distribution or, in case solid materials, avoiding burning a
sample.
11.8 Selection of drying parameters to the sample material
Selection of proper temperature and drying time is essential to achieve precise humidity
measurement. Drying parameters are selected properly if repeatability is on satisfactory
level, usually between 0,11%.
Parameters choice should be made in 3 steps:
Step 1: Drying temperature is related to the physico-chemical properties of the sample.
It is determined by the number of tests carried out in several successive temperatures,
e.g., at intervals of 10 ° C. Proper temperature is the highest value for which the sample
for a few minutes does not change color and smell. Changing the color or odor indicates
the start of the oxidation of the sample, which changes the properties of the sample, which
usually affects the measurement accuracy.
Step 2: Weight of sample used should be large enough to use the entire surface of the
pan, however, the thinner the layer of sample the better the drying process proceeds. The
top and bottom layers of the material should be dried similarly at the same time. If the
material is covered with shell and some moisture is trapped in the material, user should
disintegrate the material or reduce the drying temperature. For liquid materials is
preferable to use filter which accelerates the drying.
Step 3: Select drying time to chosen mass of sample. To do this, set the moisture
analyzer’s drying time as long as possible and observe the drying process. Minimum
drying time is the one at which the sample doesn’t change its weight by more than allowed
by the examiner measurement error. Proper drying time is designated minimum drying
time with reserve. The percentage value of the reserve must exceed the mass of the
sample dispersion - the drying sample time is proportional to the mass of the sample.
After a few measurements with the designated drying parameters and making sure that
the reproducibility of the results is satisfactory user can proceed to optimize the
measurement time by selecting favorable Drying profile and using Short measurement
mode. Of course you should check that the reproducibility of the results was not
seriously affected.
Sample values for the most common materials are given in the Appendix, however, be
regarded only as preliminary data and it is recommended to carry out the procedure for
parameters selection for the test material.

16 USER MANUAL
11.9 Other practical notes
It is preferable to work with the same mass of the sample at each measurement to
measure the size of the sample in a reproducible way. It is best to use the same
instruments for the application of the sample.
Put a sample on the pan as quickly as possible to avoid losing moisture.
Temperature inside the chamber is much higher than outside, so the sample may
evaporate partly before measurement begins, which will result in a false result.
When analysing the same substance quantity in successive measurements, use the
same tools to put a sample to be sure that samples are each time of the same size.
Before putting a sample, tare a single-use pan and take it out of the chamber. Right after
putting a sample on the pan, place it inside the analyser chamber, close the chamber and
press START.
Be sure that no dirt sticks under the pan, as it may increase sample weight and result in
false values.

USER MANUAL 17
12. Moisture analyzer start
After switching-on the moisture analyser proceeds with self-tests and displays company
logo.
Next the moisture analyzer is taring (- - - - - -). After taring initial heating starts in order
to create proper conditions inside drying chamber.
Initial heating should warm the drying chamber up to 105°C within 3 minute.
When temperature during initial heating exceeds 105°C or heating time is longer than 3
minute, terminate initial heating with STOP key and check if the analyser is not damaged
(see chapter 15).
After initial heating is completed (or terminated), the device displays the following
information:
Legend:
m0-m/m0*100% - formula used to calculate the moisture
Td –defined drying temperature
ts –defined sample drying time
T –current temperature in the drying chamber
m –current weight,
t –current drying time
m0 –initial weight
-Graphical marking of drying profile
-
CSD –closed cover indication
(centrally in lower line) –inscribed drying time
13. Drying parameters settings
In order to achieve proper density measurement results following parameters should be
set:
m0-m/m0*100% Td=105C ts= 10s
T= 32.23C
m=0.000g
INITIAL HEATING …
m0-m/m0*100% Td=105C ts= 10s
T = 32.23C
t =0:00:00s
m= 0.000g
m0= 0.000g
CSD 00:02:00s
0.00 %

18 USER MANUAL
- Drying temperature (to 160oC),
- Mode : time mode (ends after inscribed time) or short mode (ends after fulfilling drying
criterion),
- Calculation method –humidity calculation formula,
- Samples quantity (only for short mode),
- Sampling interval –interval between successive mass measurements (1180s.),
- Drying time (1s.10h) (in short mode it’s the maximal drying time),
- Drying profile (standard, slow, step or fast),
- Settings storing–number of place in memory (110), where the setting will be stored.
In case of choosing short mode additionally set:
- Samples quantity (2, 3, 4 or 5) –the decisive quantity concerning drying ending.
During setting parameters use navigation keys and ENTER key according to description
in Navigation.
In order to save settings (also after turning off the scale from supply), use Exit option after
making all changes.

USER MANUAL 19
13.1 Setting drying temperature
During setting drying temperature set successively values of individual digits.
USER MENU
1. Drying settings
2. Memory settings
3. Drying options
4. Drying report
5. Configuration
6. Settings default
7. Exit
DRYING SETTINGS
1. Drying temp. : 60C
2. Mode : short mode
3. Calculation : m0-m/m0*100%
4. Samples quantity : 2 samples
5. Samplingkowania: 10s
6. Drying timeenia : 0:00:10s
7. Drying profileil suszenia......: wolny
8. Settings storing ustawień : 1
Exit
DRYING SETTINGS
1. Drying temp. : 20C
2. Mode : short mode
3. Calculation : m0-m/m0*100%
4. Samples quantity : 2 samples
5. Samplingkowania: 10s
6. Drying timeenia : 0:00:10s
7. Drying profileil suszenia......: wolny
8. Settings storing ustawień : 1
Exit
DRYING SETTINGS
1. Drying temp. : 160C
2. Mode : short mode
3. Calculation : m0-m/m0*100%
4. Samples quantity : 2 samples
5. Sampling: 10s
6. Drying time : 0:00:10s
7. Drying profile : wolny
8. Settings storing : 1
Exit
DRYING SETTINGS
1. Drying temperature : 120C
2. Mode : short mode
3. Calculation : m0-m/m0*100%
4. Samples quantity : 2 samples
5. Sampling : 10s
6. Drying time : 0:00:10s
7. Drying profile : slow
8. Settings storing : 1
Exit

20 USER MANUAL
13.2 Calculation methods
Humidity may be calculated upon the basis of various mathematic formulas, defined in
balance –drier as Calculation method:
1. Relative humidity, defined in relation to initial mass
w [%] = m0-m/m0*100% ,
where m0–initial mass, m- current mass
2. Relative humidity, defined in relation to current mass
w [%] = m0-m/m*100% ,
3. Percent current mass content in sample
w [%] = m/ m0*100% .
USER MENU
1. Drying settings
2. Memory settings
3. Drying options
4. Drying report
5. Configuration
6. Settings default
7. Exit
DRYING SETTINGS
1. Drying temperature : 120C
2. Mode : short mode
3. Calculation : m0-m/m0*100%
4. Samples quantity : 2 samples
5. Sampling : 10s
6. Drying time : 0:00:10s
7. Drying profile : slow
8. Settings storing : 1
Exit
DRYING SETTINGS
1. Drying temperature : 120C
2. Mode : short mode
3. Calculation : m0-m/m0*100%
4. Samples quantity : 2 samples
5. Sampling : 10s
6. Drying time : 0:00:10s
7. Drying profile : slow
8. Settings storing : 1
Exit
DRYING SETTINGS
1. Drying temperature : 120C
2. Mode : short mode
3. Calculation : m0-m/m0*100%
4. Samples quantity : 2 samples
5. Sampling : 10s
6. Drying time : 0:00:10s
7. Drying profile : slow
8. Settings storing : 1
Exit