GF MSA 330 User manual

Instruction manual
Manuale Istruzioni
Bedienungsanleitung
GF Piping Systems
MSA 330 / MSA 340
Polyvalent Electrofusion Units
MSA 330 / MSA 340
Saldatrici polivalenti per elettrofusione
MSA 330 / MSA 340
Polyvalentes Elektroschweissgerät

Operating instructions MSA 230 / MSA340 Index
Index
Page
I General Information 1
•Warning notice 1
•Other symbols and notices 1
•Abbreviations 1
1 Introduction 2
1.1 Product Description 2
1.2 Components description 3
1.2.1 Operation Controls 3
1.2.2 Display 4
1.2.3 Electrical switch 4
1.2.4 Ambient temperature sensor 4
1.2.5 USB interface 4
1.2.6 Power Cable 4
1.2.7 Welding Cable 4
1.3 Barcode Reader 5
1.4 Extension Cables for Power Supply 5
2 Fusion process 6
2.1 Overview of operating procedure 6
2.2 Switching On 7
2.3 Enter work site details 7
2.3.1 Operator Identity 7
2.3.2 Job number 8
2.4 Connect fitting 8
2.5 Enter fusion data 9
2.5.1 Barcode insertion 9
2.5.2 Manual insertion 11
2.6 Process incomplete pre-alert 11
2.7 Fusion preparation 12
2.8 Traceability (MSA 340 only) 13
2.9 GPS (MSA 340 only) 14
2.10 Fusion process 15
2.10.1 Welding phase 15
2.10.2 Cooling time 16
2.11 Welding check 16
3 Configuration settings 17
3.1 Language 18
3.2 Calendar 18
3.3 Fusion mode 18
3.3.1 Barcode 19
3.3.2 Manual 19
3.4 Fusion preparation 19
3.5 Service 19
3.6 Traceability (MSA 340 only) 19
3.7 Welder identification 20
3.8 Memory management 21
3.9 Resistance tolerance 21

Index Operating Manual MSA 330 / MSA 340
II
3.10
Additional configuration
22
3.11 Configuration for MSA Welding Book usage 22
4 Data Management 23
4.1 View Protocols 24
4.2 Export Protocols 25
4.2.1 Content of PDF file 25
4.2.2 Visualization of CSV file 26
4.3 Delete Protocols 28
5 Error messages 29
6 Administrator information 30
7 Fitting coding 31
8 Technical characteristics 32
8.1 Standards 33
9 Maintenance 34
9.1 Cleaning 34
9.2 Fusion cables 34
9.3 Function Check-up 34
9.4 Spare parts 34
10 Accident Prevention 35
10.1 Operating the Unit 35
10.2 Check before Operation 35
10.3 Protection of the Unit 35
10.4 Defect Unit 36
10.5 Opening the Unit 36
10.6 Working with safety in mind 36
10.7 Other disposal 36

Operating Manual MSA 330 /MSA 340 I General Information
1
I General Information
To allow an easy understanding of the manual and point out duties of
the operator, symbols are frequently used. The following tables contain
the explanation of all symbols used in this manual.
•Warning notice
Warning notices are used in this manual to inform about possible injuries
or damage to properties. Please read carefully and always consider
these warnings!
Symbol Meaning
•Other symbols and notices
Symbol Meaning
Attention Mandatory: you must comply this regulation
Advise Suggestion: This notice contains important information
•Abbreviations
Abbreviatio
n
Meaning
PE Polyethylene
dnPipe outer diameter (nominal)
PDF Adobe®Portable Document format
CSV Comma Separated Values format
Danger
Imminent danger!
Failure to comply could result in death or extremely
serious injuries.
Warning
Possible danger!
Failure to comply could result in serious injuries.
Caution Dangerous situation!
Failure to comply could lead to injury or damage to
property.

1 Introduction Operating Manual MSA 330 / MSA 340
2
1 Introduction
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing this product. The electrofusion units MSA 330 and
MSA 340 are designed according to the current technology standards.
Using them for purposes other than those described in this manual may
cause injury to the operator or to others. It may also cause damage of
the machine or other equipments.
Therefore:
•The machine should only be used when in perfect working status.
•Always follow the safety instructions.
•The technical documentation should be kept in the proximity of the
machine. Anyway, the manufacturer reserves the right to make the
technical changes to MSA 330 (MSA 340) which may result in
differences from the illustrations and information contained in this
manual.
1.1 Product Description
The MSA 330 (MSA 340) is an electrofusion control unit for the
electrofusion jointing of PE pipes.
Fusion parameters input can be accomplished with a fusion barcode
according to ISO/TR 13950 standard or manually.
The internal microprocessor controls the values of welding parameters,
set the power output accordingly and, thanks to the messages shown in
the LCD display, guides the operator to successfully execute all the
necessary operations.
In addition, the MSA 330/340 is tracking and storing in the internal
memory up 1000 welding protocols, that can be transferred to a PC via
USB memory stick, either in PDF or CSV formats for welding certificates
preparation.
To ensure high quality fusion cycles, depending on the ambient
temperature, the machine is adjusting automatically the welding time,
for the correct distribution of the energy to the fitting.

Operating Manual MSA 330 /MSA 340 1 Introduction
3
1.2 Components description
1.2.1 Operation Controls
There are seven buttons the user can press to operate the machine.
START (green button) and STOP (red button) are the most important,
used to get a confirmation or a stop for all the actions. The remaining
(yellow) are auxiliary buttons used for menu navigation and data entry.
Button Description
() Moves the cursor to previous field, increases set values,
scrolls characters
() Moves the cursor to next field, decrement set values,
scrolls characters in reverse order
() Moves the cursor to the left
() Moves the cursor to the right
MENU Enters into CONFIGURATION menus (DATA RETRIEVAL/SET
UP menu) when the CONNECT FITTING window appears.
STOP/ESC
(O)
Stops any operation and the process; goes back to
previous step
START/OK (
I )
Confirms inserted data and starts welding

1 Introduction Operating Manual MSA 330 / MSA 340
4
1.2.2 Display
The display, an alphanumeric LCD 4 rows x 20 characters each, is the
main user interface of the welding machine. It shows the steps to be
executed in sequence, the fusion data, possible errors and alarm
messages.
It is possible to change its brightness using the andbuttons and then
save permanently the new value pressing the button, in case of
visibility issues due to weather conditions. The operation can be done
only when the display shows the message CONNECT FITTING!.
1.2.3 Electrical switch
The electrical switch powers on/off the electro-fusion machine and is the
ultimate command to be activated in case of emergency or internal
fault of the welding machine itself. It includes a thermal protection, to
automatically disconnect the machine from the power supply source in
case of potential hazards.
1.2.4 Ambient temperature sensor
The outside sensor measures the ambient temperature, to check the
temperature is in the permitted range (between -10° C and 45° C) and
adjust the fusion time according to the external conditions.
1.2.5 USB interface
The USB type-A interface available on the rear of the machine is the
main interface for communication purposes. Via USB the user can
retrieve the protocols data stored in the machine and upgrade the
software version of the machine as well as the available languages. The
connector is protected against dust and water by a cap, which ensures
an IP65 protection factor when properly screwed.
1.2.6 Power Cable
The power cable is delivered with a Schuko plug for being connected to
power supply at 230V/50Hz or a plug suitable for 115V
The power source can be either the mains or a generator. In the latter
case there are no deterministic rules to select the right generator output
power. Requirements will vary depending on the efficiency of the
generator as well as other factors, like the diameter of the fittings going
to be weld.
1.2.7 Welding Cable
The low voltage cable shall be connected to the fitting pins. As standard
the terminals are supplied with female connectors, Ø4mm.

Operating Manual MSA 330 /MSA 340 1 Introduction
5
1.3 Barcode Reader
When connected to the machine, it enables a quick insertion of welding
and operator parameters by reading the related bar code.
The scanner operates keeping it near to the barcode and pushing the
button.
The successful read is confirmed by an acoustic tone and a display
change.
If the bar code data is not identified immediately, repeat the reading.
To check if the barcode reader is damaged, you can try to read for test
purpose the code printed below, when the machine says ENTER FUSION
DATA
If this code is read successfully, the issue is not on the barcode reader.
After use, place the barcode reader into the protective case.
1.4 Extension Cables for Power Supply
To avoid excessive dissipation or brown out, on Extension cables, use
cables with section:
•4mm² for cables ≤ 10m full-run;
•6mm² for cables ≤ 30m full-run.

2 Fusion process Operating Manual MSA 330 / MSA 340
6
2 Fusion process
2.1 Overview of operating procedure
A standard welding workflow is shown in the picture below
Tel[phone]
Next paragraphs describe all possible actions, in addition to the standard
workflow, that can be executed during the welding process, like the
insertion of the operator identity, job number, traceability information,
etc..
ENTER FUSION DATA
-----------------------------
-------
6.59 Ohm
MSA 330
S/N: S160B5911011
SW vers.:1.12
Next revision:05/11
CONNECT FITTING!
- - - Ohm 230V
Ta=23°C 50Hz
01.01.08 15:20 OK
START FUSION N° 15
GF I 40mm
time=50s
01.01.08 15:22 ESC OK
FUSION IN PROGRESS
VOLTAGE=40V
time=50sE= 2.00kj
01.01.08 15:22
FUSION DONE N° 15
GF I 40mm
time=50sE= 7.41kj
01.01.08 15:23 ESC
COOLING INTERVAL
time=10minutes
01.01.08 15:23
COOLING INTERVAL
ENDED
01.01.08 15:33 ESC

Operating Manual MSA 330 /MSA 340 2 Fusion process
7
2.2 Switching On
Before connecting the machine to the power source, the
operator must read the chapter 8 ‘Technical
characteristics‘!
Check the voltage!
The generator has to be started before connecting the
electro-fusion unit and must supply a constant output
voltage! Any sudden changes could compromise the correct
welding result and/or damage the control unit.
MSA 340
S/N: S160B5911011
SW vers.
:
1.02
Next revision:
05/11
Connect the machine to the power mains or generator, already started,
and switch on the machine. The display shows the machine information
(machine type, serial number, software version and date of the next
revision).
2.3 Enter work site details
2.3.1 Operator Identity
At the beginning the user can add some work site information, like the
welder identity and the job number for the next set of welding.
The OPERATOR IDENTITY functionality must be enabled in the
configuration menu (see ‘Configuration’ chapter).
OPERATOR IDENTITY
--------------
Esc OK
In the OPERATOR IDENTITY page, the user can insert the operator code
by reading the barcode printed out in the welder pass, or by inserting
the name manually.
In the latter case, by pushing the buttons () and () the user may
select the desired characters; while pushing the buttons () and () he
may move the cursor. To confirm, and go to the next page, push
START/OK ( I ).
Attention
Caution

2 Fusion process Operating Manual MSA 330 / MSA 340
8
2.3.2 Job number
The JOB NUMBER functionality must be enabled in the
configuration menu (see ‘Configuration’ chapter).
JOB NUMBER
--------------
Esc OK
In the JOB NUMBER page, the user can insert the current job code (max
16 digits) either by reading a barcode (symbology Code 128), or inserting
it manually.
In case of manual insertion, the buttons () and () allow the selection
of the desired charcter; the buttons () and () allow the movement of
the cursor. To confirm, and move to the next page, push START/OK ( I );
to go back to the previous page push STOP/ESC (O).
Operator identity and job number entered for the first welding, are
stored into the machine memory and used also for the next processes,
unless the user will change them or the machine is switched off.
2.4 Connect fitting
The next step consists of the connection of the welding terminals to the
fitting.
CONNECT FITTING!
---
Ohm
230 V
Ta=23°C
50Hz
01.01.08 15:20
OK
Meanwhile, the display shows the information about ambient
temperature, current date/time, voltage and frequency values of the
power supply applied to the electro-fusion unit, when GPS coordinates
will be available a satellite icon in the top right corner.
It is important to check cable and connectors integrity and
the proper connection to the fitting terminals before
moving forward.
To check the fitting presence, after it has been connected, push
START/OK ( I ).
If a fitting is recognized, the control unit will move forward: the display
message will change, asking for additional information.
Otherwise, check the fusion cables are correctly connected and not
affected by any fault.
Attention

Operating Manual MSA 330 /MSA 340 2 Fusion process
9
2.5 Enter fusion data
Fusion data entry can be done via barcode reading, manual insertion or
automatically, in CP mode (only for US version). Barcode input is the
default setting, thus, during the first welding process, the machine will
assume to read the fusion parameters in a barcode.
To change the input mode, the user has to enter into the
MACHINE SET-UP menu and select the desired option (see
‘Configuration’ chapter).
2.5.1 Barcode insertion
If the machine is properly connected to the fitting, the control unit
checks the fitting resistance and displays it to the user.
ENTER FUSION DATA
--------------------
----
R=6.59 Ohm
Esc OK
The user has two ways of inserting the fusion parameter using the
barcode information:
•Either reading the code with the scanner or optical pen
•Or, if the data cannot be read with these devices for any reason,
the user can manually enter the 24 digits printed on the barcode
by pressing the () button to go into “edit” mode and then using
() and () to select the required value and the () button to
select the next digit. Once the 24 digits are entered, push
START/OK ( I ).

2 Fusion process Operating Manual MSA 330 / MSA 340
10
At this stage, to ensure a reliable jointing, pipes and fitting have to be
carefully prepared: pipes shall be scraped, cleaned, aligned (preferably
using a clamping tool) and inserted till the stop mark into the fitting.
If data are not acquired, there might be several reasons:
•The barcode reader may be operated in a wrong way: in case of
optical pen swipe faster on the barcode; in case of scanner try to
put the scanner closer to the barcode
•The barcode may be damaged: try with an identical one
•The data are not the expected ones (double beep generated by
the machine): the barcode read does not contain fusion
parameters
As soon as the data are correctly read from the barcode, the machine
will confirm with a beep and show on the display a summary of the
captured fusion parameters: fitting details and time of the welding
process.
START FUSION N° 1
5
GF I 250mm
time=70s
01.01.08 15:22
Esc OK
If data are correct, push START/OK ( I ). Then, the electro-fusion unit will
compare the measured fitting resistance with the nominal value written
into the barcode.
In case they match, the unit will start the fusion process.
If the value of the fitting resistance doesn’t match with the barcode
data, the display shows an error message. Then the user has press the
STOP/ESC (O) button, and re-enter the data.
Common issues causing an error at this stage are the fusion cables not
correctly connected and/or affected by faults.
If the fusion cables are integral, the user should double check the fitting
and the related bar code, and then repeat the entire procedure.

Operating Manual MSA 330 /MSA 340 2 Fusion process
11
If the problem still remains, the fitting and the barcode shall be
replaced.
If all the steps above are not solving the issue, it is
recommended to get assistance from a Regional service
Center.
2.5.2 Manual insertion
Enabling the manual insertion mode (see “Configuration” chapter for
more details), allows the operator to select by himself, the fusion voltage
and time, instead of gathering these information from the barcode.
ENTER FUSION DATA
Voltage= 40 V
Fusion Time=00
00s
Esc OK
In this case, the user has to set by ()() the fusion voltage value, push
START/OK ( I ) to confirm the content and move to the next field. Then set
by ()() the least significant digit (seconds), move the cursor to the
next digits by ()() and set the other values, press START/OK ( I ) to
confirm the setting.
To cancel the operation, and go back to the previous page, the user
may press STOP/ESC (O) at any time.
To provide a more complete trace of the jointing, in the same way, the
operator can add the data concerning the fitting in use: manufacturer,
fitting type and diameter.
ENTER FUSION DATA
Manuf= +GF+
Type= I D=
20mm
Esc OK
When the insertion is finished, press START/OK ( I ) to move forward to the
fusion process.
2.6 Process incomplete pre-alert
Before starting the fusion process, if temperature of the unit is too high a
message occurs and it will be necessary to let the machine to cool
down!
INSTRUMENT TEMP.
LIMIT
=
65°C
Ti=70°C
221 V
01.01.08 15:21
55Hz

2 Fusion process Operating Manual MSA 330 / MSA 340
12
The message above is an advice, to inform the user the fusion process
may not be concluded successfully due to internal temperature of the
machine. Since the fittings have different curves depending on
manufacturer, size, technology parameters, it does not prevent the user
for going forward, if he is sure, based on his experience, the fitting can
be welded.
2.7 Fusion preparation
To use the FUSION PREPARATION function, this option has to
be enabled in the configuration menu (see ‘Configuration’
chapter).
PIPE E
NDS PREPARED?
(peel, clean,
Align)
01.01.08 15:20
Esc OK
If FUSION PREPARATION alert is activated, the display shows a message
which requires confirming the pipes preparation (scraping, cleaning, and
alignment) has been done. If it has been executed, press START/OK ( I )
to start the fusion process.
The preparation of the pipes according to guidelines
(scraping, cleaning, and alignment) are essential to ensure
the quality of the welding.
Advise

Operating Manual MSA 330 /MSA 340 2 Fusion process
13
2.8 Traceability (MSA 340 only)
To use the TRACEABILITY function, this option has to be
enabled in the configuration menu (see ‘Configuration’
chapter).
Traceability consists in the collection of all the available information
about the most important elements (pipes, fitting and their installation
depth) involved in the fusion process.
Data are gathered, saved and decoded by the electro-fusion unit
according to ISO 12176-4, with exception of the depth which should be
inserted manually.
Information shall be entered before starting the fusion process.
TRACEABI
LITY FITTING
--------------
------
Esc OK
TRACEABILITY PIPE 1
--------------
------
Esc OK
TRACEABILITY PIPE 2
--------------
------
Esc OK
DEPTH (m)
--
---
Esc OK
To record each information, the user has to read the barcode related to
manufacturing data of the requested element; the electro-fusion unit
changes automatically to the next page as soon as the data are read
successfully.
When the reading of traceability data is completed, the machine shows
once again the summary of the fusion parameters, and then starts the
fusion process. In case the barcode label, carrying the traceability data,
is scratched or unreadable with the scanner or the optical pen, the
operator may insert manually the digits printed below the barcode, just
pushing the () button to enter in edit mode, and then using the ()()
Advise

2 Fusion process Operating Manual MSA 330 / MSA 340
14
buttons to select the digits and the ()() to move through the different
fields. At the end the START/OK ( I ) button is used to confirm the content.
TRACEABILITY FITTING
9_
------------
------
Esc OK
2.9 GPS (MSA 340 only)
The MSA 340, is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System)
receiver, and allows the visualization and storage of the geographical
coordinates (latitude, longitude) of the jointing place.
The acquisition of the coordinates is done just before starting the fusion
process. At that time the machine position must be near the exact place
where the joint will be located.
As soon as the GPS coordinates are available, a satellite icon will be
shown on the CONNECT FITTING screen in the top-right corner.
To acquire correctly the GPS coordinates, the unit must be
static (no motion) and preferibly in open air. Moreover, to
allow the unit to identify the position with accuracy, a
warm up time must be ensured: the unit has to be powered on
for at least 5’ to let the discovery of the satellites.
The GPS coordinates are visible on request, after the warm-up time, to
the user. To see them, just push the () button, when the machine is in
stand by state (means the display is showing the “CONNECT FITTING!”
message). Then the display will show latitude, longitude, altitude of the
current location.
GPS COORDINATES
Lat.: 45°24.465N
Long: 11°49.015E
Alt.: 53.0 M
STOP/ESC (O) button will allow to go back to the main page.
Advise

Operating Manual MSA 330 /MSA 340 2 Fusion process
15
2.10 Fusion process
2.10.1 Welding phase
FUSION IN PROGRESS
VOLTAGE = 40V
time=50s E=
2.00kJ
01.01.08 15:22
During the fusion process, the display shows the information concerning
the output voltage, the remaining fusion time and the applied energy.
The MSA 330 (MSA 340) tunes the fusion time according to
the external temperature in case of barcode reading.
Therefore the final fusion time values might be slightly
different from the nominal values, written in the barcode.
During the first 10 seconds of the fusion, the machine checks the quality
of the input voltage. If the input voltage is not adequate, the fusion is
interrupted after a few seconds and an error message occurs.
FUSION STOPPED
Check power supply
time= 10s
221 V
55Hz
Check the voltage stability and the power capacity of the
generator before starting the welding
The fusion process can be stopped at any time by the operator by
pushing STOP/ESC (O). Then the fusion process immediately stops and an
error message occurs (see ‘Error Messages’ chapter).
Stopping the on-going fusion process will result in a
suspicious welding: the responsability will be in charge of
the operator.
When the fusion operations are going to finish, an acoustic signal alerts
the user that the process is near to complete.
FUSION DONE N° 15
GF I 75mm
time=100s E=
7.41kJ
01.01.08 15:25
Esc
As soon as the fusion process is correctly ended the display shows briefly
the information concerning the real fusion time and the total energy
applied to the jointing. These data will be part of the welding protocol
stored into the internal memory.
Note
Caution
Warning

2 Fusion process Operating Manual MSA 330 / MSA 340
16
2.10.2 Cooling time
COOLING INTER
VAL
time=15minutes
01.01.08 15:25
After the completion of the fusion process, the protocol summary and
the remaining cooling time, if contained in the barcode, are displayed
alternately. Messages are active till the user will press the STOP/ESC (O)
button, to proceed with the next welding.
At the end of the fusion cycle the user has to wait till
the cooling time expiration, before applying pressure to
the fitting!
Remove the external clamp only when the cooling time is
expired!
Danger of burning!
The fitting area is hot! Pay attention during the removal of the cables.
When the cooling time is going to finish, an acoustic signal alerts the user
the process is near to complete. If the operator does not push
STOP/ESC (O), and the cooling time is expired, a message concerning
the time expiration is shown.
COOLING INTERVAL
ENDED
01.01.08 15:40
Esc
2.11 Welding check
Often the electro-fusion fittings are equipped with a pair of pins, giving
evidence of the heating process occurred: double check if they are
sticking out.
This indication is not enough to ensure the quality of the
welding, but just confirming the heating has occurred!
Warning
Danger
Warning