Cole Parmer Cryo-Blade CG-900 User manual

coleparmer.com
CG-900 Cryo-Blade™
Cryogenic Grinder
Operating Manual

Operating Manual
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Contents
1.0 Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 The Cryo-Blade ........................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Accessories...............................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Main Features...........................................................................................................................................................6
2.0 Precautions .....................................................................................................................................................7
3.0 Installation...................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Location......................................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Unpacking ...............................................................................................................................................................10
3.3 Connection – Electrical........................................................................................................................................10
3.4 Connection – Exhaust ..........................................................................................................................................10
3.5 Connection – Liquid Nitrogen............................................................................................................................. 11
3.6 Leveling.................................................................................................................................................................... 12
3.7 Setting Up................................................................................................................................................................ 12
3.8 Questions.................................................................................................................................................................12
4.0 Cryogenic Comminution.............................................................................................................................12
4.1 Safety and Handling .............................................................................................................................................12
4.2 Cryogenic Basis ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.0 How the Unit Works.....................................................................................................................................13
5.1 Bowl Manipulation................................................................................................................................................. 13
5.2 Grinding Methods.................................................................................................................................................. 15
5.3 Liquid Nitrogen Dispensing ................................................................................................................................ 17
5.4 Dry Ice Operation .................................................................................................................................................. 17
5.5 Grinding.................................................................................................................................................................... 17
6.0 Using the Cryo-Blade.................................................................................................................................. 17
6.1 Loading Bowl in the Unit...................................................................................................................................... 17
6.2 Safety Features ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
6.3 Taring the Load Cell.............................................................................................................................................. 18
6.4 The Main Screen.................................................................................................................................................... 18
6.5 Loading a Protocol ...............................................................................................................................................20
6.6 During a Cycle........................................................................................................................................................ 21
6.7 General Comminution Using Liquid Nitrogen...............................................................................................22
6.8 General Comminution Using Dry Ice............................................................................................................... 23
7.0 Programming the Cryo-Blade (Advanced) ............................................................................................. 24
7.1 Unlocking the Advanced Mode........................................................................................................................ 24
7.2 Managing Grinding Methods.............................................................................................................................25
7.3 Preparing a Grinding Program ..........................................................................................................................26
8.0 Global Parameters ......................................................................................................................................26
8.1 Options.................................................................................................................................................................... 27

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9.0 Special Parameters.....................................................................................................................................28
9.1 Accessing the Special Parameters ..................................................................................................................28
9.2 Parameters Descriptions ....................................................................................................................................28
10.0 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................................................29
11.0 Periodic Inspection .....................................................................................................................................29
11.1 Warning ...................................................................................................................................................................30
11.2 Inspection Schedule Table.................................................................................................................................. 31
12.0 Service Operations ......................................................................................................................................31
12.1 Warning .................................................................................................................................................................... 31
12.2 Back Panel Removal ............................................................................................................................................. 31
12.3 Left Panel Removal............................................................................................................................................... 32
12.4 Right Panel Removal............................................................................................................................................ 33
13.0 Firmware and Program Transfers ............................................................................................................ 34
13.1 Preset Protocols.................................................................................................................................................... 34
13.2 Backup or Restore by USB................................................................................................................................. 34
14.0 Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................................35
15.0 Warranty ....................................................................................................................................................... 36
15.1 Product Changes.................................................................................................................................................. 36
15.2 Return Shipments ................................................................................................................................................. 36
16.0 Contacting Cole-Parmer ............................................................................................................................36
© Cole-Parmer Instrument Company. All rights reserved.

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1.0 Introduction
Thank you for choosing the CG-900 Cryo-Blade Cryogenic Grinder from Cole-Parmer. To ensure years of reliable,
ecient, and safe use of this instrument, please read this manual thoroughly and keep it in a safe and handy place
for future reference.
Should you have any question regarding the use, maintenance or repair of your instrument, kindly contact
Cole-Parmer directly for assistance (see page 36 for contact details).
This section intends to introduce the reader to basic grinding principles and to familiarize them with the Cryo-Blade.
1.1 The Cryo-Blade
General View
LCD screen interface
5 L Bowl
Emergency stop button
Load cell
Handle
Working Principle
The Cryo-Blade is an automatic cryogenic knife mill. The Cryo-Blade uses a spinning blade to comminute
samples that have been cryogenically frozen to produce a fine homogeneous powder. By working at cryogenic
temperatures, the instrument embrittles the sample to improve grinding, even for materials that are dicult to
reduce to powder otherwise.
The Cryo-Blade automatically dispenses the correct amount of liquid nitrogen each time. Avoiding the risks
associated with handling liquid nitrogen for the user. Since the Cryo-Blade controls and monitors the input of liquid
nitrogen, all grindings are highly repeatable, increasing the value of all data collected using its sample preparation
method. Alternatively, it is also possible to use dry ice to prepare the sample.
The high-volume bowl of the Cryo-Blade can hold up to 5 liters of material. The high volume allows the user to
process large sample amounts in a single run without the need to do multiple small batches.

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The bowl of the Cryo-Blade is composed of an outer insulated shell and an inner stainless steel bowl. The inner
bowl can be removed for ease of cleaning and handling. A new inner bowl (order separately) can then be loaded in
the outer shell to be ready to use. The insulated shell helps to keep the grinding chamber at cryogenic temperatures
well after the grinding and helps reduce cryogen consumption.
The Cryo-Blade uses a load cell to measure the quantity of sample to be processed. The sensor is also used to
adjust the quantity of liquid nitrogen during the freezing process. With its smart dispensing feature, the Cryo-Blade
can help you consume less liquid nitrogen and optimize your workflow.
The Cryo-Blade bowl is equipped with a thermocouple placed directly between the bowl and the insulation to
monitor the temperature of the sample. By monitoring the temperature of the bowl, the Cryo-Blade can make sure
the sample remains at a temperature optimal for cryogenic grinding.
The Cryo-Blade operation is simple with the LCD touch screen to control the grinding process. Grinding can be
adjusted to the user preference using the preset protocols as template or can be automatically controlled by the
unit and adjusted based on the amount of sample loaded into the bowl. Using liquid nitrogen or dry ice produces
a high volume of gas (N, CO) as it evaporates. The Cryo-Blade is therefore equipped with an exhaust system to
evacuate the gases produced. The exhaust can be directly connected to the building’s main exhaust system or
placed under a vent hood.
Bowl Assembly
Bowl lid
Blade
Seal
Inner bowl
Insulated outer bowl
Bowl handle
Locking lever
1.2 Accessories
The Cryo-Blade requires the use of a specially designed bowl. This bowl is composed of the inner stainless steel
bowl and an outer insulated bowl and lid. Additional inner bowls can be purchased separately to improve workflow
and process multiple samples in a sequence and store them for subsequent analysis.
Cole-Parmer can also provide all the required equipment to handle liquid nitrogen like cryogenic Dewar, cryogenic
hose, fitting, and cart. Please contact us for help with this setup.

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1.3 Main Features
Accuracy
• Automated liquid nitrogen dispensing and grinding
• Use a load cell to measure the sample weight to control the required amount of liquid nitrogen or to monitor the
dry ice remaining
• Temperature sensor (thermocouple type K) to monitor temperature of the bowl during cooling and grinding
• Electronically controlled, fully reproducible grinding methods
Safety
• User is never exposed to liquid nitrogen
• Detection of the correct insertion and the correct clamping of the bowl
• Automatic shutdown of the system in case of failure
• Insulated bowl (no dangerous cold surface exposed during the grinding)
• Emergency stop button
• Nitrogen gas exhaust
Versatility
• Stores up to 10 dierent grinding protocols
• Fully customizable grinding protocols
• USB connectivity
• Ethernet (wired network) port
Productivity
• Automated pre-cooling, cooling, evaporation (sublimation), and grinding
• Large 5-liter bowl
• Interchangeable inner bowl
• Dishwasher-safe bowl
• Remote troubleshooting
Durability
• Sturdy industrial grade modular electronics
• Robust IP65-rated industrial interface
• Dedicated PLC-based programming
• Low maintenance
• 3 year limited warranty
Simplicity
• Easy installation, easy use
• Single-phase power, no separate power supply
• Intuitive touchscreen color LCD graphics interface
• Easy icon navigation
• Multilingual interface
• Easy component access
• USB-upgradeable firmware

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2.0 Precautions
High voltage
Disconnect power cord before attempting any cleaning, maintenance or repair operation.
Be careful that no liquid infiltrates into the unit’s casing.
Heavy instrument
It is advisable that at least two people move this instrument to avoid injuries. Do not drop
instrument. Crated unit should only be moved with mechanical assistance (forklift or pallet
jack).
Bowl is relatively heavy. The handle position creates an unbalanced load that requires
two hands to manipulate it. One hand should grab the handle while the other one is used
to lift the bowl from underneath. Never manipulate the bowl with the handle alone.
High noise levels
This device emits noise above 80 dB.
Wear appropriate hearing protection.
Cold hazards
Liquid nitrogen boils at -195.8 °C and can be dangerous if used improperly. Everything in
contact will be cooled to extremely low temperature. Cryogenic gloves should be used to
avoid frostbite.
Nitrogen
Although nitrogen composes 80% of the air we inhale. Liquid nitrogen releases a
massive amount of gas when it evaporates. This nitrogen gas can displace oxygen and
cause rapid suocation. Adequate ventilation should always be used, and the oxygen
concentration of the room should be periodically tested to ensure adequate working
conditions.
Explosion hazard
When boiling, liquid nitrogen produces vapor by a factor of roughly 700 times its liquid
volume. The safety relief valve must never be removed or blocked. Trapped liquid
nitrogen could create dangerous pressure buildup that could expose the user to serious
hazard or death.
General hazards
Never turn the unit on or run a grinding process with casing panels removed. Mechanical
hazards due to high velocity and strong pinching motions.

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3.0 Installation
Please read the following section for proper commissioning of your instrument. Do not hesitate to contact
Cole-Parmer with any question you might have regarding this crucial step.
IMPORTANT: The instrument can be carried by its bottom plate. It is advisable that two or more
people carry this instrument to avoid injuries. Do not drop instrument.
3.1 Location
Keep the shipping crate upright; it is advisable that two or more people lift the instrument to avoid back injuries.
Crated unit should only be moved with mechanical assistance (forklift or pallet jack).
Vent hood
When boiling, liquid nitrogen produces vapor by a factor of roughly 700 times its liquid volume. Nitrogen vapor
is odorless, colorless and can displace oxygen. This vapor is a serious asphyxiating hazard and should not be
directly inhaled. Leak and safety valves also release nitrogen vapor and should be watched closely. We recommend
monitoring oxygen level in the vicinity of the instrument. The room where the unit is installed should be well
ventilated to ensure the oxygen level remains safe.
Dry ice also creates high amount of carbon dioxide. This gas should be taken very seriously to prevent asphyxiating
hazard when dry ice is in use.
The instrument should be installed under a vent hood or directly connected to an exhaust system using the output
connection on the instrument.
When using a vent hood, the lowest part of the funnel is recommended to sit 15 to 30 cm above the instrument.
Fume hood air speed, measured at the top of the unit, should be around 1.0 m/s.
Motor and fan/impeller sizing information can unfortunately not be provided by Cole-Parmer, as those strongly
depend on factors linked to each individual installation (pipe diameter, pipe distance to the outside, exhaust bae
type, etc.). Those will need to be calculated locally for each installation by HVAC engineers.
IMPORTANT: The instrument should be installed under a vent hood or connected to an extraction
system to remove the excess of nitrogen vapor (or fog). Oxygen level should be monitored to ensure
adequate working conditions.
Table
The counter on which the instrument is to be used must be sturdy and able to safely support a weight of 50 kg
(110 lbs). It is recommended to use the instrument from a standing position and adjust table height accordingly.
The tabletop surface shall be horizontally flat, rigid, and stable.
It is advisable that several people lift the instrument onto the table to avoid back injuries.
Leveling
To improve precision of the instrument, it is important that the instrument be reasonably leveled. If in doubt, place a
bubble spirit level on top of the instrument and adjust the instrument’s back feet to compensate for possible slant.

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Liquid nitrogen handling
Liquid nitrogen cylinder should be kept in a well-ventilated area. Leak and safety valve will release nitrogen vapor
and can be a serious asphyxiating hazard.
When moving liquid nitrogen cylinders always use a specially designed cylinder cart and follow instructions of the
cylinder manufacturer.
Inspection of the valve, fitting and cryogenic hose should always be done prior to instrument use.
Always wear safety equipment when manipulating cylinders. Valves, hose, and fittings can become extremely cold
when liquid nitrogen starts circulating.
Safety and working clearances
When this unit operates, it monitors weight with a load cell at the front of the unit. Liquid nitrogen hose and power
cable must not exert force on the unit that would aect the weight measurement by the load cell.
Our minimum recommendations are:
• 30 cm (12 in) at the left side
• 30 cm (12 in) at the right side
• 10 cm (4 in) at the back
15 to 30 cm
(6 to 12 in)
clearance from bottom of
hood to top of instrument
10 cm
(4 in)
30 cm
(12 in)
Keep clear access at the front of the unit for the operator to work the controls and load/unload the grinder.

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3.2 Unpacking
The CG-900 Cryo-Blade mechanism and cabinet are shipped assembled, and carefully packed to avoid damage
during shipping. Any visible damage to the shipping container should immediately be reported to the carrier. If
there is no visible damage, remove all packing documents from the exterior of the box, and after completion of your
inspection, file in your records.
Refer to separate unpacking instructions included with the unit for step-by-step details.
Retain the shipping crate in case there is ever a need to return the CG-900 Cryo-Blade for service.
Crate contents
The instrument comes with its essential accessories. In addition to optional items you might have ordered, the box
should contain:
• 1 CG-900 Cryo-Blade (main grinder unit)
• 1 Operating manual (this booklet)
• 1 USB memory stick
• 1 Insulated outer bowl
• 1 Bowl lid
• 1 Inner bowl
• 1 Insulation tube
• 1 Safety over-pressure relief valve and fittings
• 1 Exhaust collector container
• 1 Cleaning brush
• Tie-wraps to secure the hose to the back of the unit
• 1 Hex key metric set
3.3 Connection – Electrical
Plug the cabinet power cord into an approved electrical outlet.
Note that the CG-900 Cryo-Blade nominal voltage is either 115 VAC (60 Hz, 20 A) or 230 VAC (50/60 Hz, 12 A).
These versions cannot be switched without hardware replacements.
NOTE: If the included cable needs to be replaced to suit local electrical codes, the user should refer to the rating
plate located on the back of the unit and consult with an electrician before attempting any electrical connection.
3.4 Connection – Exhaust
A standard 8.9 cm (3.5-in) outlet allows the unit to be connected to your exhaust system.
To connect it, we suggest using a standard rigid or flexible 8.9 cm (3.5-in) duct hose with worm-drive clamps to link
the unit with user’s air extraction system. The duct hose and the worm-drive clamp are not included with the unit.
Alternatively, if the duct hose is not used, the instrument comes with an exhaust collector container to collect
potential material at the exit of the exhaust (see diagram on next page).
NOTE: Although this connection is optional, we recommend using it to remove nitrogen vapor (or fog) that could
accumulate in the room.