CAMAG TLC SCANNER 4 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
TLC SCANNER 4

TLC Scanner 4
Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 1
Contents
1Introduction 2
1.1 Precautions 3
2Parts information 5
3Unpacking and Installation 6
3.1 Installation environment 6
3.2 Conditions for the installation 7
3.3 Removal of the shipping protection 7
3.4 Connections 8
3.4.1 Power supply 8
3.4.2 Peripheral equipment 9
3.4.4 Nitrogen flushing of the monochromator 9
3.5 Inserting the TLC/HPTLC-plate 9
3.6 Optional Foil-Holder/Plate-Stopper 10
4The keypad and display 11
4.1 ILLUM (Compartment illumination) 11
4.2 LOAD (Table in load position) 11
4.3 Arrow keys (Move stage) 12
4.4 RESET (Warm start of the Scanner 4) 12
5Maintenance 13
5.1 Replacing the lamps 13
5.2 Mercury lamp exchange 13
5.3 Deuterium lamp exchange 14
5.4 (Halogen)-Tungsten lamp exchange 14
5.5 Compartment illumination lamp exchange 15
5.6 Maintenance data sheet 17
6The USER-Dialog 18
6.1 Baud rate 18
6.2 LCD-Contrast 18
6.3 NEW HG LAMP 18
6.4 NEW D2 LAMP 19
6.5 NEW W LAMP 19
6.6 TEST FUNCTIONS 19
7Technical data 19
7.1 UV intensity of compartment illumination 20
7.2 Cut-off Filter position 20
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 2
1Introduction
Intended use:
The CAMAG TLC SCANNER 4 (Fig.1) is designed for densitometric
measurement of thin-layer chromatograms and other objects up
to 200x200 mm in size.
While the Scanner 4 performs the actual densitometric measure-
ment, data is processed by the CAMAG visionCATS/winCATS Pla-
nar Chromatography Manager running on a connected computer.
This manual is about the instrument itself. It describes how to set
up and maintain the device.
Fig. 1: The CAMAG TLC Scanner 4

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 3
1.1 Precautions
•This sign indicates (on instrument and in this manual) that fail-
ure to take note of the accompanying information may result in
damage of the instrument
•Spare fuses must be of the type specified by the instrument
manufacturer. It is forbidden to short-circuit or manipulate fuses
•This symbol indicates that this equipment must not be disposed
of as unsorted municipal waste but is to be collected separately
as electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE-Directive
2002/96/EC). To properly recycle the instrument or parts of it
you are requested to send the equipment back to the distribu-
tor, producer or an adequate collection system at the end of its
life. This will have potential effects on the environment and hu-
man health
•Please read this operating manual before starting the installa-
tion! This manual contains information and warnings the user
has to follow to ensure reliable operation of the instrument
•If the instrument is used in a manner not specified in this man-
ual, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired
•Attention: For safety reasons the instrument may only be used
for the purposes described in the operating manual
•The instrument is manufactured and tested in accordance with
the respective European safety publications shown on the Dec-
laration of Conformity (DoC). The instrument complies with
safety class 1 and has been designed for indoor use only (IP 20).
Further, this device has passed the CAMAG Quality Assurance
tests and has been delivered in safe operation condition. For
detailed instrument data see chapter technical data
•To avoid injury use adequate safety equipment (protective gog-
gles, gloves etc. if applicable) when working with the instru-
ment
•Before first operation, check whether the voltage shown on the
instrument matches your local mains voltage. The power cord
may only be connected to a grounded, fused (not higher than
16A) outlet. Do not use extension cords without ground contact
•The instrument may be used only by properly trained laboratory
staff
•The instrument may not be used in rooms with danger of ex-
plosions

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 4
•The instrument contains highly sophisticated electronics and
optical parts. It may be operated only in a non-condensing at-
mosphere in the temperature range outlined in the chapter
"Technical Data". Before installation and use, the instrument
should be acclimated properly
•Use a damp lint free cloth for cleaning the instrument surface.
Do not employ aggressive detergents
•Protect yourself and the instrument from electrostatic shock
which can cause damage to the electronic parts
•Only authorized personnel may open the instrument. Service
and repair is only to be performed by trained specialists. Use
spare parts and consumables supplied by CAMAG only. The
warranty is voided if parts from other sources are used. Check
the service manual before you start service to reduce product-
specific risks
•The power cord has to be removed before the instrument is
opened. It is not permitted to work on an instrument that has
been opened and is connected to the power supply
•Use only the original, with the instrument delivered power cord
type
•If the instrument is found to be defective, it must be switched
off and steps must be taken to ensure that it cannot be switched
on by mistake
•If liquids penetrate the inside of the instrument, the power has
to be disconnected immediately. Small amounts of liquid can be
wiped off and/or dried with a of a blow dryer, with larger
amounts of liquid a service technician has to be called. A test of
functionality has to be performed in all cases
•Carry out all safety checks and the preventive maintenance as
recommended by the manufacturer in order to assure your per-
sonal safety and the full functionality of the instrument. Have
an authorized service specialist perform any service not de-
scribed by this manual
•See original manufacturers' manuals for further safety data on
third party equipment supplied with the system
•Lift/move/transport the system with the necessary care and with
sufficient manpower (install the transport security devices if ap-
plicable, transport it only in the original packaging)
•The safety of any system incorporate with the equipment is the
responsibility of the assembler of the system

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 5
•When working with UV light, especially with short-wave UV
light, be sure to protect your eyes and skin from direct radiation,
which inevitably causes irritation and inflammation. Ordinary
goggles provide protection, but it is advisable to wear safety
glasses or a face shield and gloves. See table with intensities and
maximum exposure times (daily dose) in this manual
•Servicing the instrument with the lamp compartment open and
the Mercury or Deuterium lamp ON can be dangerous because
of the emitted UV light. Protective goggles and UV absorbent
gloves must be worn
•To ensure sufficient cooling, the ventilation holes of the instru-
ment must never be obstructed
2Parts information
Parts supplied
Part No.
Quantity
Description
140.6200
1
Accessory kit
115.0123
2
L-shaped magnetic strip
115.0124
2
Magnetic strip
115.6217
1
Foil-holder
125.1028
1
RS232 connection cable
362.0008
2
Fuse 230V, 2A slow blow
1
Power cord
705.0018
1
Screwdriver Allen key type 2.5mm
705.0012
1
Screwdriver Allen key type 3.0 mm
B.027.6200E
1
Manual TLC Scanner 4
Spare parts
Part No.
Description
027.6440
Mercury vapor lamp
027.6441
Deuterium lamp
027.6442
Halogen-Tungsten lamp
352.0014
Lamp compartment illumination 254 nm
352.0013
Lamp compartment illumination 366 nm
352.0019
Lamp compartment illumination Cool White

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 6
3Unpacking and Installation
Check with chapter Parts information whether any parts are miss-
ing.
The TLC Scanner 4 is a high precision instrument. Place it on a suit-
able, plain and horizontal working surface. Its measuring sensitivity
is impaired by dust, corrosive vapours, shocks and vibrations.
3.1 Installation environment
The place for installation should meet the following requirements:
Bench space Width 570 (590mm with door open)
(add space (approx. 200mm) for cables, appropriate
ventilation and for emergency switch off on the left
side of the device)
Depth 590 (plus 60mm for extended Table position)
(add space for appropriate ventilation approx. 60mm)
Height 367mm (add space for appropriate ventilation
approx. 200mm)

Add adequate space for a PC next to the instrument.
Operating
temperature
The temperature should be within a range of 20 to 35°
C and free of significant variations.
Humidity Humidity and temperature conditions must not cause
condensation.
Atmospheric
conditions
Adequate ventilation free of
acidic, alkaline or other gas
that may corrode metal or painted surfaces must be se-
cured.
Further
conditions
Pollution Degree 2
Overvoltage Category II
Other requirements:
•Do not place the instrument in a location where the temperature
undergoes significant changes (e.g. under an air conditioning
duct or by a window). Significant changes in temperature will
affect the performance of the unit.
•Do not place the instrument in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight
may create significant temperature changes which will affect the
performance of the system. Direct sunlight may discolor the in-
strument’s painted surfaces.
•Do not use the instrument in an environment with moving am-
bient air (draft).
•Do not expose the instrument to any strong vibration or shock.

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 7
•Avoid placing the instrument near equipment that radiates heat.
Do not place the instrument near gas burners, electric heaters or
ovens.
•Do not place the instrument near equipment that generates in-
tense magnetic fields such as electric welding equipment, high
frequency furnaces, pole transformers, etc.
•Protect the instrument from excessive dust.
•Connect the instrument to power lines that are free from sudden
changes or voltage fluctuations.
•If you must use power motor driven equipment (such as a stirrer
or shaker) in the same line as your instrument, ensure that a
noise reduction unit is in the same power line.
3.2 Conditions for the installation
Check the following requirements before installing the instrument:
Power supply and ground
Line voltage: 115 or 230VAC (make sure the voltage selector
switch is correctly set).
Frequency: 50 or 60 Hz
Power capacity: 180 W
Ground
terminal:
A grounded outlet should be within 2 m of the in-
strument.
Gas supply for flushing the monochromator (optional)
Nitrogen Required pressure 0.5 bar (7 psi)
Gas consumption 6 L/min
3.3 Removal of the shipping protection
Open the Scanner 4 by sliding the door to the right side and remove
the knurled screws and the three brackets (1) (2) (3). Keep the
whole shipping protection set in a suitable place. Prior to shipping
the instrument the brackets must be screwed back on.
Fig. 2: The shipping protection
(1)
(2)
(3)

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 8
3.4 Connections
3.4.1 Power supply
The left side of the Scanner 4 shows the power socket with the
ON/OFF switch (2), the voltage selector-switch (1) and the connec-
tion (tubing nipple) for the nitrogen gas supply (3).
Fig. 3: The power connection
Before connecting the Scanner 4 to the wall outlet check whether
the voltage selector-switch (1) is set in the appropriate position
matching the mains power voltage of your laboratory
The housing of the power socket also contains the two fuses.
All Scanners are fitted with the fuse matching the voltage range of
the voltage selector switch. Two extra fuses are supplied.
Connect the Scanner 4 to the power supply.
(1)(1)
(3)
(2)

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 9
3.4.2 Peripheral equipment
The RS232 plug (1) for connecting the Scanner 4 to the computer
(“Only for connection of IECxxxxx approved equipment”) is located
on the right side of the Scanner 4 housing.
Fig. 4: RS232 connection
3.4.4 Nitrogen flushing of the monochromator
When measuring below 200nm the oxygen in the air absorbs some
UV light reducing UV light intensity and consequently sensitivity of
the measurement. To avoid this, the monochromator housing can
be flushed with nitrogen.
Proceed as follows:
•Remove the nut from the tubing nipple (Fig. 3 (3).
•Push the connecting tubing of the nitrogen supply (3x4.3mm
pneumatic tubing) through the back of the nut over.
•Push the tube over the nipple and tighten the nut manually.
•Start nitrogen flushing at least 5 minutes before measurement
starts.
Nitrogen consumption: approx. 6L/min at 0.5 bar (7 psi)
3.5 Inserting the TLC/HPTLC-plate
•Open compartment door fully!
•To move the scanning table into load position – press the LOAD
POS key.
•Place the TLC/HPTLC plate against the plate stopper with the
application position facing the rear of the instrument.
•Fix the plate with a L-shaped magnetic strip (1)
(1)

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 10
Fig. 5: Placement of TLC/HPTLC plate and magnetic strip
3.6 Optional Foil-Holder/Plate-Stopper
•The standard plate stopper is in a fixed position and is for glass
TLC/HPTLC plates. It can also be used for foils.
Note: with foils there is a 2 mm offset in Y direction!
•When mainly TLC/HPTLC foils are used, replace the standard
plate stopper (2) with the special foil holder 115.6217 (1). Fig.6
•To replace the standard plate stopper remove the two knurled
screws (3) and take out the plate-stopper. Then mount and
screw on the optional foil-holder.
•With the two knurled screws loosened the foil holder can be
moved into the desired position: front position for “foils”, back
position for “plates”. When finished retighten the knurled
screws.

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 11
Fig. 6: Exchanging Foil-holder/Plate-stopper
4The keypad and display
Switch ON the Scanner 4 by pressing the power switch towards I.
(Fig. 3 (2))
4.1 ILLUM (Compartment illumination)
Press the ILLUM key to ignite the compartment illumination. The
Scanner 4 automatically moves the monochromator to 546nm and
ignites the Tungsten lamp in order to make the slit visible. The com-
partment illumination is turned OFF if the key is pressed a second
time or the Scanner 4 door is closed.
4.2 LOAD (Table in load position)
Open compartment door fully! Press LOD POS to move the scan-
ning table to the foremost position.
(1)
(3)
(1)
(2)

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4.3 Arrow keys (Move stage)
By pressing one of the arrow keys, the scanning table will move in
the direction of the arrow. The table will start slowly and acceler-
ates if the key remains pressed. The current position of the table in
X and Y is displayed live. A diagonal movement (pressing two keys)
is not possible.
4.4 RESET (Warm start of the Scanner 4)
If for some unknown reason the Scanner 4 is neither reacting to
the keypad nor software commands, press RESET.

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 13
5Maintenance
Dust and powder (e.g. from TLC plates) that has accumulated in
the measuring compartment has to be removed with a vacuum
cleaner regurarly.
Maintenance should be performed only by authorized technicians
who are familiar with the Scanner’s technical and functional char-
acteristics. Experience has shown that a Scanner 4 in daily use re-
quires maintenance about once a year. If the instrument is used less
frequently, maintenance should be carried out every two years.
Before opening or replacing parts on the instrument, make sure the
instrument is disconected from the mains.
5.1 Replacing the lamps
Exchange lamps only when they have cooled down properly.
•Switch OFF the Scanner 4 and disconnect the power cord. Let
the lamps cool down
•Remove the screws (1) and (2) of the Top-cover (3)
•Lift up the Top-cover and place it on the backside as shown in
Fig.7 make sure the panel ribbon cable does not get discon-
nected
Fig. 7: Remove the Top – cover
•Run the function NEW XX LAMP of the USER DIALOG to adjust
the lamp (see following pages)
Make sure not to touch the glass of the lamps with your bare
fingers.
5.2 Mercury lamp exchange
The mercury vapour lamp (cat. no. 027.6440) - Fig.8 (1), has a life
time of about 500 hours. Towards the end of the life time the lamp
(2)
(1)
(3)

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 14
will occasionally not ignite properly and the electronic amplification
setting of the Scanner 4 will increase.
•Pull the cable connector of the Mercury lamp.
•Loosen the two Allen screws in the lamp socket.
•Turn the lamp about 15 degrees to release it from the lamp
support fitting.
•Remove the old Mercury lamp and insert the new one.
•Turn the lamp into the lamp support fitting so that the window
is parallel with the entrance optics.
•Tighten the two screws in the socket with the lamp in this po-
sition.
•Plug the cable connector of the new lamp into the connection
and mount the light cover.
•Switch ON the instrument and start the USER DIALOG (see
chapter 6.3). Select the function NEW HG LAMP and confirm by
pressing the LOAD POS key. The following will now happen
automatically:
The position of the lamp will be optimized in the ray path.
The emitted light energy of the new lamp will be measured and
saved for use in the respective procedure of CAMAG software.
5.3 Deuterium lamp exchange
The Deuterium lamp (cat. no. 027.6441) - Fig.8 (3), has a life time
of about 1000 hours. Towards the end of the life time the lamp will
occasionally not ignite properly and the electronic amplification set-
ting of the Scanner 4 will increase (see chapter 6.4).
•To exchange Deuterium lamp proceed as outlined in the de-
scription of the Mercury lamp (see chapter 5.2).
5.4 (Halogen)-Tungsten lamp exchange
The Tungsten lamp (cat. no. 027.6442) - Fig.8 (2), has a life time of
over 2000 hours. It burns out suddenly.
•Remove the lamp by pulling it upwards out of the holder.
•Inset the new lamp carefully in the opposite manner.
•Proceed as outlined in the description of the Tungsten lamp (see
chapter 6.5).

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Fig. 8: The lamp compartment
5.5 Compartment illumination lamp exchange
•Remove the knurled screw Fig.9 (1) of the PM-cover on the front
side. Pull the PM-cover towards left Scanner 4 side and take it
out of the Scanner (2). Inset the PM-cover carefully in the op-
posite manner (3) Fig.9 and Fig.10.
•Be careful! Do not damage the filter holder.
•Rotate the fluorescent tube about 90 degrees and remove it ac-
cording to Fig.11.
•Mount a new tube and make sure it sits properly in the holder.
(4W tubes: UV-254 # 352.0014 - UV-366 # 352.0013)
•Slide the PM-cover carefully back into stop position (3) and re-
place and tighten the knurled screw (1) Fig.9.
(UV-filter in PM-cover # 692.0025)
Fig. 9: Handling of the PM-cover for illumination lamp exchange.
(1)
(2)
(3)

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Fig. 10: Taking out the PM-cover.
Fig.11: Replacing the compartment illumination lamp.

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5.6 Maintenance data sheet
CAMAG Maintenance data sheet
TLC Scanner 3/4
April 2012/UB
Purpose
The maintenance data sheet informs about maintenance interval of the respective instru-
ment as well as the proposal for IQ/OQ interval if applicable. In addition, it identifies con-
sumable parts with the respective replacement cycle.
Maintenance interval
Mainte-
nance
12 Months
IQ/OQ
12 Months
Consumable parts
Part No.
Description
Replacement cycle
027.6440
Hg lamp
Upon need*
027.6441
D2 lamp
Upon need*
027.6442
W lamp
Upon need*
352.0014
Compartment illumination UV254
Upon need
115.0123
L-shaped magnetic strip
Upon need
115.0124
Magnetic strip
Upon need
* Latest when the intensity is dropping under 60%

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Instruction Manual, June 2018 Page 18
6The USER-Dialog
With the USER-Dialogs you have access to the setup parameters
Scanner Baud rate and Display Contrast of your Scanner 4. To enter
the USER-Dialog:
•Press and hold the RESET key, press . Now release RESET
and then release . The Scanner 4 now shows "USER-Dialog"
in the display.
New values for the parameters are saved by means of the key;
RESET discards any change in the current parameter. The key 
moves between the two functions Baud rate and LCD-Contrast.
Quit the USER Dialog with the key.
6.1 Baud rate
The Baud rate is the RS232 communication speed between com-
puter and Scanner 4. To change the Baud rate:
•Select the function Baud rate in the USER-Dialog (by means of
the key)
•Use the keys and/or to select the desired Baud rate.
•Press or to save the new value. The new Baud rate is now
valid. (recommended 19`200 baud)
The new Baud rate will be recognized automatically by the CAMAG
software at the next connection.
6.2 LCD-Contrast
The keypad display of the Scanner 4 can be adapted to the current
light conditions by means of this function in the USER-Dialog. To
change the LCD-Contrast:
•Select the function LCD-Contrast in the USER-Dialog (by means
of the key).
•Use the keys and/or to select the desired contrast.
•Press or to save the new value.
6.3 NEW HG LAMP
Use this function to automatically optimize a new Mercury lamp in
the ray path and measure the lamp emission. It may take as much
as 7 minutes to run this task.
•In the USER-Dialog advance to the function NEW HG LAMP (by
means of the key).
•Use the key to select the Hg lamp optimizing function; the
message CONFIRM: LOAD POS appears.

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•Press the key LOAD POS to start the automatic optimization
routine or any other key to get back to the USER DIALOG.
•Press to quit the USER DIALOG or to select another func-
tion.
6.4 NEW D2 LAMP
Use this function to automatically optimize a new Deuterium lamp
in the ray path and measure the lamp emission. It may take as
much as 3 minutes to run this task.
•In the USER-Dialog advance to the function NEW D2 LAMP in
(by means of the key).
•Use the key to select the D2 lamp optimizing function; the
message CONFIRM: LOAD POS appears.
•Proceed as outlined in the NEW HG LAMP part.
6.5 NEW W LAMP
Use this function to automatically optimize a new Tungsten lamp
in the ray path and measure the lamp emission. It may take as
much as 2 minutes to run this task.
•In the USER-Dialog advance to the function NEW W LAMP (by
means of the key).
•Use the key to select the Tungsten lamp optimizing function;
the message CONFIRM: LOAD POS appears.
•Proceed as outlined in the NEW HG LAMP part.
6.6 TEST FUNCTIONS
This function contains some basic information about the system
that can be useful for diagnosing an error condition, e.g. in a tele-
phone contact with the service engineer.
7Technical data
Light sources •Halogen Tungsten lamp: continuum 350 - 900 nm.
•Mercury vapour lamp: line spectrum 220 - 580 nm.
•Deuterium lamp: continuum 190 - 450 nm.
All lamps are built into the instrument; the mechanical switch of the
lamps is triggered automatically by a stepper motor. The lamps are cur-
rent or voltage stabilized.
Lamp
power supply
The lamp power supply is built into the Scanner 4.
Pilot lamp The slit is automatically illuminated with a visible wavelength (546 nm) if
the compartment illumination is turned ON.