Buchi NIRMaster Essential User manual

NIRMaster™
Operation Manual
11593580 | E en

Imprint
Product Identification:
Operation Manual (Original) NIRMaster™
11593580
Publication date: 09.2022
Version E
BÜCHI Labortechnik AG
Meierseggstrasse 40
Postfach
CH-9230 Flawil 1
E-Mail: [email protected]
BUCHI reserves the right to make changes to the manual as deemed necessary in the light of experience,
especially with respect to structure, illustrations and technical details.
This manual is copyrighted. Information from it may neither be reproduced, distributed, or used for
competitive purposes, nor made available to third parties. The manufacture of any component with the
aid of this manual without prior written agreement is also prohibited.

Büchi Labortechnik AG Table of contents
Operation Manual NIRMaster™ iii
Table of contents
1 About this document...........................................................................................................6
1.1 Mark-ups and symbols ..........................................................................................................6
1.2 Trademarks ...........................................................................................................................6
1.3 Connected devices ................................................................................................................6
2 Safety....................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Proper use .............................................................................................................................7
2.2 Use other than intended ........................................................................................................7
2.3 Staff qualification ...................................................................................................................7
2.4 Warning notices in this document..........................................................................................8
2.5 Warning and directive symbols..............................................................................................8
2.6 Residual risks ........................................................................................................................9
2.6.1 Glass and acrylic breakage ......................................................................................9
2.6.2 Faults during operation.............................................................................................9
2.6.3 Data loss...................................................................................................................9
2.7 Personal protective equipment ..............................................................................................9
2.8 Modifications........................................................................................................................10
3 Product description...........................................................................................................11
3.1 Description of function .........................................................................................................11
3.1.1 Effective NIR light path ...........................................................................................12
3.1.2 Reference laser signal path....................................................................................12
3.1.3 NIRWare software suite..........................................................................................12
3.2 Measurement modes...........................................................................................................13
3.2.1 Diffuse reflection mode...........................................................................................13
3.2.2 Transflectance mode ..............................................................................................14
3.3 Configuration .......................................................................................................................14
3.3.1 NIRMaster instrument.............................................................................................14
3.4 Scope of delivery .................................................................................................................14
3.5 Type plate............................................................................................................................15
3.6 Technical data .....................................................................................................................15
3.6.1 NIRMaster™ Essential ...........................................................................................15
3.6.2 Ambient conditions .................................................................................................16
3.6.3 Materials .................................................................................................................16
3.6.4 Installation site........................................................................................................17
4 Transport and storage ......................................................................................................18
4.1 Transport .............................................................................................................................18
4.2 Storage ................................................................................................................................18
4.3 Lifting the instrument ...........................................................................................................18
4.4 Lock / unlock the transportation lock ...................................................................................19

Table of contents Büchi Labortechnik AG
iv Operation Manual NIRMaster™
5 Installation..........................................................................................................................21
5.1 Before installation ................................................................................................................21
5.1.1 Electrical connections requirement.........................................................................21
5.2 Establishing electrical connections......................................................................................21
5.2.1 Connect the mains cable ........................................................................................22
5.3 Connect the instrument to the PC using the supplied ethernet cable..................................22
5.4 Install the BUCHI NIRWare software on the computer........................................................22
5.5 Setting up the network connection between Computer and instrument ..............................23
6 Operation............................................................................................................................24
6.1 Initializing the instrument .....................................................................................................24
6.1.1 System warm-up.....................................................................................................24
6.2 System Suitability Test ........................................................................................................24
6.2.1 Temperature tests ..................................................................................................24
6.2.2 NIR linearity test .....................................................................................................25
6.2.3 Signal-to-noise ratio determination.........................................................................25
6.2.4 Wavenumber stability test ......................................................................................25
6.3 Reference measurements ...................................................................................................25
6.3.1 External reference ..................................................................................................25
6.3.2 Internal reference ...................................................................................................25
6.3.3 Performing a reference measurement....................................................................26
6.4 How to perform a measurement ..........................................................................................28
6.5 Shutting down the instrument ..............................................................................................29
7 Cleaning and servicing .....................................................................................................30
7.1 Regular maintenance work..................................................................................................30
7.2 Cleaning the housing...........................................................................................................30
7.3 How to lift off the top cover ..................................................................................................31
7.4 Exchanging the outer filters .................................................................................................33
7.5 Exchanging the inner filters .................................................................................................34
7.6 Cleaning the external reference ..........................................................................................34
7.7 Cleaning the spinner............................................................................................................35
7.8 Cleaning the add-ons and the custom sample vessels .......................................................35
7.9 How to reset the system fuses ............................................................................................35
7.10 Exchanging the lamp ...........................................................................................................36
7.11 Resetting the lamp lifetime counter .....................................................................................37
7.12 Exchanging the laser unit ....................................................................................................37
7.13 Extended system service and testing ..................................................................................38
8 Help with faults ..................................................................................................................39
8.1 Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................39
8.2 Enhanced system diagnose (NADIA) ..................................................................................39
8.3 Reference measurement fails..............................................................................................40
9 Taking out of service and disposal..................................................................................41
9.1 Taking out of service ...........................................................................................................41
9.2 Disposal...............................................................................................................................41
9.3 Returning the instrument .....................................................................................................41

Büchi Labortechnik AG Table of contents
Operation Manual NIRMaster™ v
10 Appendix ............................................................................................................................42
10.1 Spare parts and accessories ...............................................................................................42
10.1.1 Spare parts .............................................................................................................42
10.1.2 Accessories ............................................................................................................43

1 | About this document Büchi Labortechnik AG
6/46 Operation Manual NIRMaster™
1 About this document
This operation manual is applicable for all variants of the instrument.
Read this operation manual before operating the instrument and follow the
instructions to ensure safe and trouble-free operation.
Keep this operation manual for later use and pass it on to any subsequent user or
owner.
BÜCHI Labortechnik AG accepts no liability for damage, faults and malfunctions
resulting from not following this operation manual.
If you have any questions after reading this operation manual:
uContact BÜCHI Labortechnik AG Customer Service.
https://www.buchi.com/contact
1.1 Mark-ups and symbols
NOTE
This symbol draws attention to useful and important information.
RThis character draws attention to a requirement that must be met before the
instructions below are carried out.
uThis character indicates an instruction that must be carried out by the user.
ðThis character indicates the result of a correctly carried out instruction.
Mark-up Explanation
Window
Software Windows are marked-up like this.
Tab
Tabs are marked-up like this.
Dialog
Dialogs are marked-up like this.
[Button] Buttons are marked-up like this.
[Field names] Field names are marked-up like this.
[Menu / Menu item] Menus or menu items are marked-up like this.
Status Status is marked-up like this.
Signal Signals are marked-up like this.
1.2 Trademarks
Product names and registered or unregistered trademarks that are used in this
document are used only for identification and remain the property of the owner in
each case.
1.3 Connected devices
In addition to these operating instructions, follow the instructions and specifications
in the documentation for the connected devices.

Büchi Labortechnik AG Safety | 2
Operation Manual NIRMaster™ 7/46
2 Safety
2.1 Proper use
The instrument is designed and built for laboratories and production environments
(at-line). It serves to determine the concentration of selected constituents contained
within a substance.
The instrument can be used for the following tasks:
Determination of quantifiable product properties.
2.2 Use other than intended
Use of any kind other than that described in Chapter2.1 "Proper use", page7 and
any application that does not comply with the technical specifications (see
Chapter3.6 "Technical data", page15) constitutes use other than that intended.
In particular, the following applications are not permissible:
Use of the instrument in rooms which require Ex-protected instruments.
Use of samples, which can explode or inflame (example: explosives, etc.) due to
shock, friction, heat or spark formation.
2.3 Staff qualification
Unqualified persons are unable to identify risks and are therefore exposed to greater
dangers.
The device may only be operated by suitably qualified laboratory staff.
These operating instructions are aimed at the following target groups:
Users
Users are persons that meet the following criteria:
They have been instructed in the use of the device.
They are familiar with the contents of these operating instructions and the
applicable safety regulations and apply them.
They are able on the basis of their training or professional experience to assess
the risks associated with the use of the device.
Operator
The operator (generally the laboratory manager) is responsible for the following
aspects:
The device must be correctly installed, commissioned, operated and serviced.
Only suitably qualified staff may be assigned the task of performing the
operations described in these operating instructions.
The staff must comply with the local applicable requirements and regulations for
safe and hazard-conscious working practices.
Safety-related incidents that occur while using the device should be reported to
the manufacturer ([email protected]).

2 | Safety Büchi Labortechnik AG
8/46 Operation Manual NIRMaster™
BUCHI service technicians
Service technicians authorized by BUCHI have attended special training courses and
are authorized by BÜCHI Labortechnik AG to carry out special servicing and repair
measures.
2.4 Warning notices in this document
Warning notices warn you of dangers that can occur when handling the device.
There are four danger levels, each identifiable by the signal word used.
Signal word Meaning
DANGER Indicates a danger with a high level of risk which could result in
death or serious injury if not prevented.
WARNING Indicates a danger with a medium level of risk which could result in
death or serious injury if not prevented.
CAUTION Indicates a danger with a low level of risk which could result in mi-
nor or medium-severity injury if not prevented.
NOTICE Indicates a danger that could result in damage to property.
2.5 Warning and directive symbols
The following warning symbols are displayed in this operation manual or on the
instrument.
Symbol Meaning
General warning
Dangerous electrical voltage
Laser beam
Laser class 1
Avoid exposure to laser beam
Hot surface
Device damage
Breakable items

Büchi Labortechnik AG Safety | 2
Operation Manual NIRMaster™ 9/46
Symbol Meaning
Magnetic field
Unplug device
Wear safety goggles
Wear protective gloves
Heavy weight, lifting requires more than one person
2.6 Residual risks
The instrument has been developed and manufactured using the latest technological
advances. Nevertheless, risks to persons, property or the environment can arise if
the instrument is used incorrectly.
Appropriate warnings in this manual serve to alert the user to these residual
dangers.
2.6.1 Glass and acrylic breakage
Broken glass and acrylic can cause severe cuts.
Broken glass or acrylic can enter production.
uHandle the Petri Dishes and other glass and acrylic components carefully and do
not drop them.
uAlways visually inspect glass and acrylic components for damage every time they
are to be used.
uDo not continue to use glass and acrylic components that are damaged.
uAlways wear protective gloves when disposing of broken glass and acrylic.
2.6.2 Faults during operation
If a device is damaged, sharp edges or exposed electrical wires can cause injuries.
uRegularly check device for visible damage.
uIf faults occur, switch off the device immediately and inform the operator.
uDo not continue to use devices that are damaged.
2.6.3 Data loss
In the event of a power failure, e.g. due to lightning or interruption of power supply,
measurement data may be lost.
uCarry out regular data backup.
2.7 Personal protective equipment
Depending on the application, hazards due to heat and/or corrosive chemicals may
arise.

2 | Safety Büchi Labortechnik AG
10/46 Operation Manual NIRMaster™
uAlways wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety goggles,
protective clothing and gloves.
uMake sure that the personal protective equipment meets the requirements of
the safety data sheets for all chemicals used.
2.8 Modifications
Unauthorized modifications can effect safety and lead to accidents.
uUse only genuine BUCHI accessories, spare parts and consumables.
uCarry out technical changes only with prior written approval from BUCHI.
uOnly allow changes to be made by BUCHI service technicians.
BUCHI accepts no liability for damage, faults and malfunctions resulting from
unauthorized modifications.

Büchi Labortechnik AG Product description | 3
Operation Manual NIRMaster™ 11/46
3 Product description
3.1 Description of function
The instrument is a benchtop Fourier Transformation Near Infrared spectrometer
(FT-NIR) to identify and quantify analytes of interest. It generates an invisible near
infrared interferogram beam which interacts with the mole- cules of a sample,
generating a characteristic feedback. The feedback is picked up via a measurement
cell by a detector and mathematically processed via Fourier transformation into a
spectrum. This spectrum is charac- teristic for a given sample and allows
identification as well as quantification of its components.
How the interferogram is generated
An interferogram is an interference pattern of phase-shifted beams. The instrument
is a single-beam polarization interferometer, generating its interferogram in four
steps:
1. Polarization of the light source output
The polarizer
2
generates a well-defined polarization output of the undefined
polarized light, emitted by the light source
1
. Thus, only diagonally polarized
light is transmitted.
2. Beam splitting and orthogonal polarization
The polarized light enters a double refracting block (comparator)
3
. Here, the
light is broken down into two, orthogonally polarized components with a small,
static phase shift.
3. Generating the ongoing phase shift
An assembly of two double refracting wedges is arranged after the comparator.
Wedge
4
is stationary, while wedge
5
is constantly shifted back and forwards
by a fast linear-drive. The movement and the geometric arrangement provides a
change of thickness in the light path. This leads to an ongoing phase shift
between the light beams.
4. Beam recombination and interferogram output
A second polarizer
6
converts the phase shifted beams into a single light output
with intensity variation – the interferogram

3 | Product description Büchi Labortechnik AG
12/46 Operation Manual NIRMaster™
8 7 5 4 3 2
1
1
2
6
4
3
6
5
LASER – 633 nm
Spare lamp
3.1.1 Effective NIR light path
Number Explanation
1
NIR light source assembly with spare lamp and motorized parabolic re-
flector
2
First polarizer
3
Comparator (double refracting block)
4
Stationary double refracting wedge
5
Moving double refracting wedge
6
Second polarizer
7
Sample
8
Interferogram detector
3.1.2 Reference laser signal path
Number Explanation
1
Laser output window
2
Second polarizator (works as a beam splitter for the laser)
3
Laser output-power sensor
4
First polarizer
5
Laser feedback detector
6
Linear motor for wedge movement
3.1.3 NIRWare software suite
NIRWare is the interface program suite between the instrument and the operator.
All program parts need to be hosted on a separate PC.

Büchi Labortechnik AG Product description | 3
Operation Manual NIRMaster™ 13/46
All measurements are performed using the NIRWare Operator. The NIRWare
Operator includes the following program elements by default:
Operator interface(s)
Administrative tools
Report templates
Software to run routine analysis
Comprehensive database with analysis data and other
Advanced software and system management is done with the NIRWare
Management Console tool.
The NIRWare Management Console combines various software modules
NIRWare Application Designer to define NIRWare Operator applications.
NIRWare Sample Manager to administrate all samples and reference values.
NIRWare Administrative Tools for applications and calibrations interchange and
other administrative tasks.
NIRWare Security Designer to define users and user groups according to custom
security policies.
The BUCHI Database Manager is used for any database operations.
Optional:.
NIRWare LIMS to import and export sample information and measurement data.
NIRWare Library Designer is a powerful software module for substance identity
control using full spectral comparison. It is designed for the development of
spectral libraries tailored to individual user requirements
To connect the instrument with a PC see Chapter5.5 "Setting up the network
connection between Computer and instrument", page23.
3.2 Measurement modes
3.2.1 Diffuse reflection mode
Non-translucent materials can be ana-
lyzed via diffuse reflection.
NIR light penetration is limited by the
sample material. It interacts with the
sample, is refracted and diffusely re-
flected into the sensor. The reflected rays
contain the spectral information of the
sample.
1
3
2
1
Sample
2
Sensor
3
Light

3 | Product description Büchi Labortechnik AG
14/46 Operation Manual NIRMaster™
3.2.2 Transflectance mode
Translucent and opaque liquids can be
analyzed via transflectance mode. The
light penetrates the liquid, is diffusely re-
flected by the reference plate and passes
through the sample a second time. The
transflected rays contain the spectral in-
formation of the sample.
2
1
4
3
1
Transflectance cover
2
Sample cup
3
Sensor
4
Light
3.3 Configuration
3.3.1 NIRMaster instrument
Primary lamp
Internal fuses
Interferometer
Interferometer
interface panel
LASER assembly
Cable
USB Connector
ON / OFF button
Add-on Connector
feedthrough
Fig.1: Shows the main components of the instrument at open housing.
3.4 Scope of delivery
NOTE
The scope of delivery depends of the configuration of the purchase order.
Accessories are delivered as per the purchase order, order confirmation, and
delivery note.

Büchi Labortechnik AG Product description | 3
Operation Manual NIRMaster™ 15/46
3.5 Type plate
The type plate identifies the instrument. The type plate is located at the rear of the
instrument.
6
7
8
11
9
10
3
2
1
5
4
Fig.2: Type plate
1 Symbol for "electronics recycling" 2 Initial product code
3 Approvals 4 Symbol for "Do not dispose of as
household waste"
5 Year of manufacture 6 Power consumption maximum
7 Frequency 8 Input voltage range
9 Serial number 10 Instrument name
11 Company name and address
3.6 Technical data
3.6.1 NIRMaster™ Essential
Specification NIRMaster™ Essential
Dimensions (W x D x H) 420 x 560 x 360 mm
Weight 43 kg
Minimum clearance on all sides 150 mm
Connection voltage 100 – 240 VAC ± 10 %
Frequency 50 / 60 Hz
Power consumption 150 W
IP Code 54
Internal fuse 4A / 240V
Type of interferometer Polarisation interferometer with
TeO2 wedges
Spectral range 800 – 2500 nm
12 500 – 4000 cm–1
Resolution
(with boxcar apodization)
8 cm–1
Wavenumber accuracy
(at an ambient temperature of 25°C ± 5°C)
± 0.2 cm–1

3 | Product description Büchi Labortechnik AG
16/46 Operation Manual NIRMaster™
Specification NIRMaster™ Essential
Signal-to-noise ratio 10000
(peak-to-peak noise of a linear
corrected base- line between
5600−6000 cm-1)
Number of scans/sec. 2 - 4
Illumination spot diameter 9 mm
Analog digital converter 24 bit
Lamp type Tungsten-halogen
Average life
(lamp)
6000 h
Type of laser 12 VDC HeNe, wavelength at
632.992 nm
Connection voltage 100 – 240 VAC ± 10 %
Detector Extended range InGaAs (temper-
ature controlled)
Internal reference Gold plate
External reference Spectralon®
Sample rotation Easy-spin drive, a magnetic spin-
ner is included for high perfor-
mance measurement of inhomo-
geneous sample
3.6.2 Ambient conditions
For indoor use only.
Max. altitude above sea level 2000 m
Ambient temperature 5 - 40 °C (25 °C)
Maximum relative humidity 80 % for temperatures up to 31
°C
decreasing linearly to 50 % rela-
tive humidity at 40 °C
Storage temperature max. 45 °C
3.6.3 Materials
Component Material of construction
Spectrometer base Aluminum
Wedges TeO2
Polarizers Glass
Upper housing part PMMA, food grade
Lower housing part Stainless steel, food grade 1.4301
Spinner PETP, stainless steel 1.4305 / 1.4301
XL add-on Stainless steel 1.4305, glass

Büchi Labortechnik AG Product description | 3
Operation Manual NIRMaster™ 17/46
Component Material of construction
External reference Aluminum, glass inlay, PTFE inlay
Transflectance adapter Stainless steel 1.4435
Detector InGaAs
Magnets NdFeB
3.6.4 Installation site
The installation site allows that the power supply can be disconnected at any time
in an emergency.
The installation site has a firm, level and nonslip surface.
The installation site has a fume hood.
The installation site has an own mains outlet socket for the instrument.
The installation site has enough space that cables / tubes can be routed safely.
The installation site has no obstacles (e.g. water taps, drains, etc.).
The installation site is not exposed to external thermal loads, such as direct solar
radiation.
The installation site is not located near vibration-sensitive devices.
The installation site meets the requirements for the connected devices. See
related documentation
The installation site meets the requirements of the safety data sheets for all
solvents and samples used.
The installation site meets the safety requirements. See Chapter2 "Safety",
page7
The installation site meets the specifications according to the technical data (e.g.
weight, dimension, etc.). See Chapter3.6 "Technical data", page15

4 | Transport and storage Büchi Labortechnik AG
18/46 Operation Manual NIRMaster™
4 Transport and storage
4.1 Transport
NOTICE
Risk of breakage due to incorrect transportation
uMake sure that all parts of the device are safely packed in such a way as to
prevent breakage, ideally in the original box.
uAvoid sharp movements during transit.
uAfter transportation, check the device for damage.
uDamage that has occurred in transit should be reported to the carrier.
uKeep packing for future transportation.
4.2 Storage
uMake sure that the ambient conditions are complied with (see Chapter3.6
"Technical data", page15).
uWherever possible, store the device in its original packaging.
uAfter storage, check the device for damage and replace if necessary.
4.3 Lifting the instrument
WARNING
Danger due to incorrect transportation
The possible consequences are crushing injuries, cuts and breakages.
uThe instrument should be transported by two persons at the same time.
uLift the instrument at the points indicated.

Büchi Labortechnik AG Transport and storage | 4
Operation Manual NIRMaster™ 19/46
4.4 Lock / unlock the transportation lock
NOTICE
Risk of instrument damage at use with engaged transportation lock.
uDisengage the transportation lock prior use.
uSwitch off the instrument.
uUnplug the power cord.
uUnlock the housing.
uLift off the top cover.
ðThe locking mechanism is accessible.
Locked
Locked
uTurn the knob in clockwise direction.
ðThe locking mechanism is unlocked and the linear drive of the interferometer is
freely moveable.

4 | Transport and storage Büchi Labortechnik AG
20/46 Operation Manual NIRMaster™
Locked
Locked
uClose the top cover.
uLock all four latches.
uPlug in the power cord.
uSwitch on the instrument.