KNF LAB NC 800 User manual

NC 800/NBC 800
Vacuum Controller
for Laboratories
Operating Manual
Carefully study the Operating Instructions and observe at all times the relevant instructions to avoid dangerous situations.
INNOVATIVE
TECHNOLOGY
WORLDWIDE
KNF 121205-121650 02/10
Translation of original Operating Instructions, english

Table of Contents Page
1. Description 2
1.1 Unit Functions 2
1.2 Arrangement in
Vacuum Systems 2
1.3 Mechanical Attachment 2
1.4 Electrical Connection 2
1.5 Pneumatic Connection 2
1.6 Switching on/off 2
1.7 Explanation of Display
Elements 3
1.8 Explanation of Control
Panel 3
2. General Safety
Precautions 3
3. General Operating
Instructions 3
3.1 Operating Conditions 3
3.2 Starting 3
3.3 Shutdown 4
4. Manual Operation 4
4.1 Controlling Profiles 4
4.2 Setting Values 5
4.3 Running 5
4.3.1 Controlling 5
4.3.2 Controlling with soft
setpoint start 5
4.3.3 Controlled Pressure
Reduction 5
4.4 Temporary Mode 6
4.4.1 Function and Operation 6
4.4.2 Aeration during Distillation 6
4.4.3 Experimental Use 6
4.5 Uncontrolled Evacuation/
Drying Mode 6
5. Automatic Operation 7
5.1 Controlling Profiles 7
5.2 Setting Values 7
5.3 Running 7
6. Changing of Pressure unit 8
7. Calibration 8
8. Trouble Shooting 8
9. Specifications 8
10. Ordering Information 8
10.1 Accessories 8
10.2 Vacuum Controller and
Vacuum Valves 8
1. Description
NC 800: For use at LABOPORT vacuum
systems.
NBC 800: Workstation vacuum control-
ler for use e. g. at vacuum supply
points.
Technical data: see chapter 8.
1.1 Unit Functions
The vacuum controller NBC 800 regula-
tes vacuum on an individual basis in
the laboratory working place. Several
different functions are possible:
Evacuation at pressure setpoint;
regulation by pressure setpoint and
pressure differential (manual ope-
ration);
defined post distillation;
experimental use;
automatic search for distillation
point (automatic operation).
1.2 Arrangement in Vacuum Systems
See fig. 1.
1.3 Mechanical Attachment
The Vacuum Controller NBC 800 can be
attached to a round support by means
of the connection on its back side
(maximum support diameter: 13 mm).
Other types of connection on request.
Attachment in LABOPORT®Sys-
tems: see LABOPORT Operating
Manual.
1.4 Electrical Connection
Electrical supply:
The socket is located on the back
of the unit.
Cooling water valve and vacuum
valve:
Both can be connected either to
the side socket or the socket on
the back (6-pin). Proper connec-
tions are ensured by means of
different pin arrangements.
Insert plug into a properly installed
safety socket.
Electrical Connection in
LABOPORT®Systems: see
LABOPORT Operating Manual.
1.5 Pneumatic Connection
The pneumatic connection is made
at the valve block on the hose shaft
(tube ID 10mm).
Pneumatic Connection in
LABOPORT®Systems: see
LABOPORT Operating Manual.
1.6 Switching on/off
The vacuum controller is switched
on and off by the switch on the
side.
Symbols:  = Position in the illustration,  = Important point,  = Task, = Advice to users,  = Product information Warning
2Translation of original Operating Instructions, english, KNF 121205-121650 02/10
Fig. 1: Arrangement of vacuum controller in vacuum system
Specification:
1Vacuum controller NBC 800
2Vacuum pump
3High Performance Condenser of
Vacuum System
4Vacuum valve
5Venting valve (internal)
6Condensate recipient
7Vacuum installation
8Suction line
9Cleaning gas connection/Aeration
10 Coolant valve (accessory)
11 Cooling water tubing

1.7 Explanation of Display Elements
See fig 2.
„mode“:
Displays operating mode
Changing of pressure unit see
section 6.
Changing of pressure unit see
section 6.
OFF: No mode entered.
 A 1: Automatic Mode
(see section 5).
bP: Boiling Point
- distillation point
(see section 5).
H 1: Manual Mode 1:
(see section 4).
H 2: Manual Mode 2:
Pressure differential
with soft setpoint start
(only NBC 800)
(see section 4).
PU: Uncontrolled evacuation
(see section 4.5).
„setp“:
Displays pressure setpoint in mbar.
„mbar“:
Displays actual pressure in mbar
and operating parameters.
Description of operating
parameters:
h: Pressure differential;
d: Defined post distillation;
t: Post distillation time.
LED for pressure display in mbar
Changing of pressure unit see
section 6.
LED for pressure display in torr
Changing of pressure unit see
section 6.
1.8 Explanation of Control Panel
See fig. 2.
SET-Key
To view and change currently
inserted values.
DOWN-Key
(for inserting values):
One-touch:
Single step adjustment.
Hold down:
Running adjustment.
UP-Key/Aeration
(for inserting values):
One-touch:
Single step adjustment.
Hold down:
Running adjustment.
Keep key held down for aearation (see
section 4.4.2).
STOP-Key
Stops the programm running. The
venting valve is opened until
atmospheric pressure is reached.
Then the valve closes.
MAN-Key
Starts manual mode.
AUTO-Key
Starts automatic mode.
Status LED for AUTO
Status LED for MAN
Power switch
2. General Safety Precautions
Observe all applicable accident
prevention regulations as well as
generally recognised Health &
Safety rules.
Carefully study the operating
instructions before using the
vacuum controller and observe at
all times the relevant instructions
to avoid dangerous situations.
Always keep the operating manual
handy in the work area.
Ensure that the vacuum controller
is used only for those applications
for which it is intended.
Plug the vacuum controller only
into properly installed grounded
outlets.
The vacuum controller must not be
used in areas where there is the
danger of explosion.
The vacuum controller must not be
used if the entry of air into the
system during venting could result
in the creation of reactive, explo-
sive or otherwise hazardous mixtu-
res (e.g. with the medium).
Prior to any use of the vacuum
controller, ensure that the creation
of reactive, explosive or otherwise
hazardous mixtures during the sup-
ply of air is prevented.
When cleaning the unit make sure
that no fluids come into contact
with the inside of the casing
The coolant valve (accessory)
must be connected to a water sup-
ply. It must on no account be
installed in the water drain line, or
after the condenser (danger of
pressure build-up in condenser).
3. General Operating Instructions
3.1 Operating Conditions
Permissible ambient :
+0... +40 °C.
The vacuum controller must not be
used in areas where there is the
danger of explosion.
The vacuum controller must not be
used if the entry of air into the
system during venting could result
in the creation of reactive, explo-
sive or otherwise hazardous mixtu-
res (e.g. with the medium).
Protect vacuum controller against
humidity.
3.2 Starting
Attach Vacuum Controller to the
support
section 1.3
Connect Vacuum Controller electri-
cally
section 1.4
Connect Vacuum Controller pneu-
Fig. 2: Display elements and control panel
    




    
Translation of original Operating Instructions, english, KNF 121205-121650 02/10 3

matically
section 1.5
Attachment and connection in
LABOPORT®Systems: see
LABOPORT Operating Manual.
Before the vacuum controller is taken
into service, the following points are
important:
The vacuum controller must not be
used in areas where there is the
danger of explosion.
The vacuum controller must not be
used if the entry of air into the
system during venting could result
in the creation of reactive, explo-
sive or otherwise hazardous mixtu-
res (e.g. with the medium).
Prior to any use of the vacuum
controller, ensure that the creation
of reactive, explosive or otherwise
hazardous mixtures during the sup-
ply of air is prevented.
Specific safety instructions for the
media being handled must be
observed.
Within the system only simulta-
neously use those gases which can
be mixed safely.
Check:
All clamping connections for
tightness.
Tubing for correct connection.
Electrical connections for correct
connection.
The controller is switched on and
off by the switch on the side.
After switching on the controller
display shows:
- "mode"-Display:
"OFF";
-"setp"-Display:
pressure setpoint;
-"mbar"-Display:
actual pressure.
The plugs of valves or other parts
must not be plugged in or removed
during operation.
3.3 Shutdown
Turn off vacuum controller at
switch.
Pull out mains plug.
4. Manual Operation
Once pressure setpoint and pressure
differential have been set, the control-
ler controls with these values. In addi-
tion, for post distillation the pressure
setpoint can be lowered precisely
according to a pre-set time.
4.1 Controlling Profiles
The following controlling profiles can
be carried out:
AControlling
(see fig. 3):
This controlling profile is preferably
suited for LABOPORT systems (Control-
ler NC 800).
Rapid reduction of pressure down
to desired boiling point (setp.).
Pressure differential operation.
BControlling with soft setpoint start
(see fig. 4):
This controlling profile is only
available for Vacuum Controllers
NBC 800 (vacuum controllers for
individual workstations).
Fig. 5: Controlling profile in manual mode: Controlled pressure reduction
P [mbar]
t [min]
SETP h

P [mbar]
t [min]
SETP d
t

Fig. 3: Controlling profile in manual mode 1
Fig. 4: Controlling profile in manual mode 2: with soft setpoint start
4Translation of original Operating Instructions, english, KNF 121205-121650 02/10

With the vacuum controllers for indivi-
dual workstations, there is a very high
vacuum in the vacuum connection. In
order to ensure that the desired pres-
sure setpoint is triggered exactly in
extreme cases, it can be started slow-
ly.
Rapid reduction of pressure down
to the desired boiling point (set-
point) + 10 %.
Example:
If the setpoint is 600 mbar, pressure
is lowered to 660 mbar (=600 + 60
mbar).
Within one minute, the desired boi-
ling point (setpoint) is started.
Pressure differential operation.
C Controlled Pressure Reduction
(see fig. 5).
Vacuum Controller NC 800:
This controlling profile can only be
set in H1 operating mode.
Rapid reduction of pressure down
to desired boiling point (setp.).
From boiling point a gradual reduc-
tion of pressure; reduction rate can
be set by pressure reduction d and
post distillation time t.
Setting values:
see section 4.2
Running:
see section 4.3
4.2 Setting Values
The following operational parameter
can be set for manual operation:
- Pressure setpoint (SETP);
- Pressure differential (h) for vacu-
um valve;
- pressure reduction (d);
- post distillation time (t).
The "mbar" displays functions
as a dialogue display (flashing) for
entries; the "mode" and "setp"
displays remain unchanged.
Set-up is carried out by using the
SET-key and the UP and DOWN
keys:
SET-key:
Changing readings in this order:
 Pressure setpoint
Pressure differential h
pressure reduction d
post distillation time t
actual value.
UP and DOWN-keys:
for changing values.
Run of entering values:
-SET
-Input pressure setpoint (mbar)
-SET
-Input pressure differential (mbar)
-SET
-Input pressure reduction (mbar)
-SET
-Input post distillation time (min)
-SET
For pressure differential operation,
the post distillation time has to be
set „off“ (tOFF).
Range for the input is:
-Pressure setpoint:
1- 999 mbar;
-Pressure differential:
1 - 100 mbar;
-Pressure reduction:
0 - 100 mbar;
-Post distillation time:
tOFF - 99 min.
Values entered are automatically
retained after 10 seconds if no
further entries are made; the dis-
play "mbar" changes to the actual
pressure.
Pressure setpoint, pressure diffe-
rential, pressure reduction and
post distillation time can be chan-
ged in manual mode at any time.
The last entered values are
retained once the system is
switched off.
The value inputs can be viewed at
any time (in "mbar" display
flashing):
Pressure setpoint:
Press the SET key once;
Pressure differential:
Press the SET key twice;
Pressure reduction:
Press the SET key three times;
Post distillation time:
Press the SET key four times.
4.3 Running
4.3.1 Controlling
If the Vacuum Controller is in H2
mode, it must first be put in H1
mode (see chapter 4.3.2, item ).
Press MAN key.
The system will evacuate to the
pre-set pressure setpoint and
regulate this level within the
set pressure differential.
Mode, pressure setpoint and
actual pressure are displayed.
Press the STOP key to finish.
4.3.2 Controlling with soft setpoint
start
This controlling profile is only
available for Vacuum Controllers
NBC 800 (vacuum controllers for
individual workstations).
Set to H2 mode:
Turn off the Vacuum Controller.
Press AUTO key and simul-
taneously turn on the Vacuum
Controller.
Display shows „hpa“.
Press SET key.
Display shows the current
modus (H1 or H2).
Do not press the SET-Key
instead of the STOP-Key,
because basic settings could
change. However, if you
happen to press the SET-Key,
please press the STOP-Key
afterwards.
Toggle between H1 and H2 with
the up and down keys.
Press the STOP key.
The new pressure unit will be
stored after 5 seconds.
The contoller changes to the
operating mode.
Press the MAN key.
System is evacuated to pre-
selected pressure setpoint
+ 10 %.
The pressure setpoint is started
within one minute.
The system will regulate within
the set pressure differential.
Mode, pressure setpoint and
actual pressure are displayed.
Press the STOP key to finish.
Translation of original Operating Instructions, english, KNF 121205-121650 02/10 5

4.3.3 Controlled Pressure Reduction
Vacuum Controller NC 800:
This controlling profile can only be
set in H1 operating mode.
Start the process by pressing the
MAN key
System will evacuate to the pre-
set pressure setpoint
"Mode“ display shows status
"H1". If a post distillation
time is entered numerically,
the remaining time appears in
minutes flashing alternately
with "H1".
Defined post distillation accor-
ding to the entered values.
When the pressure has been
reduced:
- the controller switches off;
-display „mode“ shows „End“;
-asignal sounds ( 3 x 10 seconds)
-the vacuum valve closes, the
system remains under vacuum.
Press the STOP key to finish.
4.4 Temporary Mode
4.4.1 Function and Operation
In the temporary mode, you can
interrupt the current program at any
point, and enter a temporary vacuum
setpoint which is not retained.
Press DOWN key once:
The actual pressure is tempora-
rily set as pressure setpoint.
LED in MAN display flashes.
If the DOWN key is held pres-
sed, evacuation continues until
ultimate vacuum is reached. The
actual pressure will be temporarily
set as pressure setpoint. Once
contact is released from the DOWN
key the system will evacuate to the
momentary pressure setpoint.
By pressing the UP key the venting
valve is phased in and the pressure
in the system is increased.
By further pressing the UP key the
venting valve is opened three
times briefly and then as long as
the key is pressed.
Switching to temporary mode
occurs only after the venting
valve has been activated three
times.
 Once contact is released from
the UP key the system will eva-
cuate to the momentary pressure
setpoint.
The temporary mode is stopped
by pressing the MAN-Key. The
system will regulate to the pre-
vious pressure setpoint.
4.4.2 Aeration during Distillation
Aeration is possible during manual
distillation:
Press AER key.
Short tapping of the key pro-
duces short venting.
Key held down: after 4 short
venting periods, the system is
continuously vented.
The indicated actual pressure
becomes the temporary setpoint,
the current pressure differential
value is retained.
After releasing the AER key the
system evacuates to the new
temporary setpoint.
To end the temporaray mode press
the MAN key.
The system will evacuate to the
previous pressure setpoint.
4.4.3 Experimental Use
Preset the pressure differential (h)
(see section 4.2).
Press MAN key.
Press and hold DOWN key (thereby
changing to temporary mode).
When desired level is indicated by
vapour, release the DOWN arrow
key.
The actual pressure is retained
as temporary pressure setpoint
automatically.
4.5 Uncontrolled Evacuation/
Drying Mode
This function is started in the manual
mode.
Press MAN key again
Regulation of the pressure set-
point is switched off and the
system will evacuate to the final
vacuum.
The display „mode“ shows „PU“.
Press the STOP key to finish the
evacuation.
5. Automatic Operation
The vacuum controller searches auto-
matically for the first boiling point and
retaines the value found as the pressu-
re setpoint. In addition, a reduction
gradient can be entered, as in manual
mode. The reduction process begins
once boiling point has been achieved.
5.1 Controlling Profiles
The following controlling profiles can
be carried out:
APressure Differential
(see fig. 6):
Rapid reduction of pressure down
to the first boiling point, which will
be found automatically.
Pressure Differential Operation.
B Controlled Pressure Reduction
(see fig. 7).
Rapid reduction of pressure down
to the first boiling point, which will
be found automatically.
From boiling point a gradual reduc-
tion of pressure; reduction rate can
be set by pressure reduction d and
post distillation time t.
Setting values:
see section 5.2
Running:
see section 5.3
Boling points above 600 mbar
must be started manually (see sec-
tion 4.4.3 Experimental Use).
The amount of liquid to be distilled
must be at least 20% of the piston
volume.
5.2 Setting Values
The following operational parameter
can be set for automatic operation:
- Pressure differential (h) for vacu-
um valve;
- pressure reduction (d);
- post distillation time (t).
The presssure setpoint has no
significance during automatic ope-
ration.
The "mbar" displays functions
6Translation of original Operating Instructions, english, KNF 121205-121650 02/10

as a dialogue display (flashing) for
entries; the "mode" and "setp"
displays remain unchanged.
Set-up is carried out by using the
SET-key and the UP and DOWN
keys:
SET-key:
Changing readings in this order:
 Pressure setpoint
Pressure differential h
pressure reduction d
post distillation time t
actual value.
UP and DOWN-keys:
for changing values.
Run of entering values:
-SET
-SET
-Input pressure differential (mbar)
-SET
-Input pressure reduction (mbar)
-SET
-Input post distillation time (min)
-SET
For pressure differential operation,
the post distillation time has to be
set „off“ (tOFF).
Range for the input is:
-Pressure setpoint*:
1- 999 mbar;
-Pressure differential:
1 - 100 mbar;
-Pressure reduction:
0 - 100 mbar;
-Post distillation time:
tOFF - 99 min.
* insignificant during automatic opera-
tion.
Values entered are automatically
retained after 10 seconds if no
further entries are made; the dis-
play "mbar" changes to the actual
pressure.
Pressure differential, pressure
reduction and post distillation time
can be altered in automatic mode,
however not until the first boiling
point has been achieved.
The last entered values are
retained once the system is
switched off.
The value inputs can be viewed at
any time (in „mbar“ display
flashing):
Pressure differential:
Press the SET key twice;
Pressure reduction:
Press the SET key three times;
Post distillation time:
Press the SET key four times.
5.3 Running
Press AUTO key.
In the "mode" display "A1" appears
and the start-up level of 600 mbar.
The SET key, the UP key and the
DOWN key can not operated.
The vacuum controller searches for
the first boiling point step by step
and with short gaps.
Once the first boling point has
been achieved, the code "bP" for
"boiling point" appears on the
"mode" display.
The value found (first boiling point)
becomes the pressure set-point.
If no values for pressure reduction
d and post distillation time t have
been stored, the controller regula-
tes the new pressure setpoint until
this process is halted by pressing
the STOP button.
If values for pressure reduction d
and post distillation time t are sto-
red, the pressure will be reduced
after the distillation point has been
found.
"Mode“ display shows status
"bP". Alternating with "bP" the re-
maining post distillation time
appears in minutes.
When the pressure has been re-
duced:
- the controller switches off;
-display „mode“ shows „End“;
-asignal sounds ( 3 x 10 seconds)
-the vacuum valve closes, the
system remains under vacuum.
Press the STOP key to finish.
If the system is to be restarted eg.
in order to distill the solvent using
the next lowest boiling pressure,
after having pressed the STOP key
(and possibly changing the d and t
values), the AUTO key has to be
P [mbar]
t [min]
SETP h

bP
Fig. 7: Controlling profile in automatic mode: Controlled pressure reduction
P [mbar]
t [min]
SETP d
t

bP
Fig. 6: Controlling profile in automatic mode: Pressure differential
Translation of original Operating Instructions, english, KNF 121205-121650 02/10 7

pressed once again.
Once the first boiling point has
been found an exchange on the
manual mode is possible by pres-
sing the MAN key. The „bP“ value
will be retained as temporary pres-
sure setpoint.
The automatic mode can be stop-
ped by pressing the STOP key
at any time.
6. Changing of Pressure unit
The physical unit indicating the pressu-
re can be chosen between mbar and
torr.
When the controller is switched
off, press the AUTO-Key  and
switch on the contoller with the
On/Off-Switch  at the same time.
With the DOWN-Key  and the
UP-Key  you can choose bet-
ween the units hPA (mbar) and torr.
The LEDs for mbar  and torr 
show the selected pressure unit.
Press STOP-Key .
The new pressure unit will be
stored after 5 seconds.
The contoller changes to the
operating mode.
7. Calibration
Whilst pressing the SET key,
switch on the Vacuum Controller.
The "mode" display shows "CAL“.
If the "mode" display does not
show "CAL“, press SET key.
The "mode" display shows
"CAL“.
Press the UP key.
 The "setp“ display shows "H1“ .
Insert the actual atmospheric pres-
sure, using the UP or DOWN key.
Press SET key to override.
8. Trouble Shooting
Sufficient vacuum is not reached
Possible reasons:
Tube connections are not tight, or
an external valve is open.
LABOBASE®Systems
All workstations together demand
a flow rate that exceeds the capa-
city of the pump.
Fault of central vacuum system/
vacuum pump (see LABOBASE
Operating Manual).
LABOPORT®-Systems
See LABOPORT Operating Manual.
Vacuum controller does not work
Possible reasons:
Vacuum controller is not
switched on.
Mistake in operating the vacuum
controller.
The fuse of the vacuum controller
has been triggered.
After a short period the vacuum
controller is re-actived automati-
cally.
For LABOPORT Systems:
see LABOPORT Operating Manual.
Vacuum Controller shows
unrealistic values
Please contact KNF.
9. Specifications
Pressure range:
1400 - 1 mbar (absolute)
Measuring accuracy:
Linearity typ. +/- 0,15 % FS;
max. +/- 0,35 % FS;
consistency +/- 0,1 % FS
Warm-up time to reach the above
figures: 10 mins
Definition: 1 mbar
Working temperature: 0 to 40 ° C
Storing temperature:
-10 °C to + 50 °C
Dimension:
about. 145 x 85 x 55 mm
Weight: about. 380 g (without
fastening)
Power supply:
90 - 260 V, 50/60 Hz, 10 VA
Fuse protection:
280 mA (internal)
Electrical connections:
2 circular connectors (six chan-
nels) for external valves or
control print (24 V DC).
10. Ordering Information
10.1 Accessories
Order-No.
Coolant valve PP with
flange connector G 1/2
and hose connector for
tube ID 8 045075
10.2 Vacuum Controller and
Vacuum Valves
For LABOPRT®Systems: see LABO-
PORT Operating Manual.
Order-No.
Vacuum Controller NBC 800
complete, without Vacuum
Valve 045258
Vacuum Valve PP with two
hose connectors for
tube ID 10 046007
Vacuum Valve PP with
flange connector G 1/2 and
hose connector for
tube ID 10 045078
The vacuum controller NBC 800 is avai-
lable on option with a RS232 interface.
KNF Neuberger GmbH
Alter Weg 3
D-79112 Freiburg
Tel. ++ 49/7664/5909-0
Fax ++ 49/7664/5909-99
www.knf.de
E-mail: [email protected]
8Translation of original Operating Instructions, english, KNF 121205-121650 02/10