KNF VC 900 User manual

KNF 304811-304814 03/16
Translation of original Operating Instructions, English
Operating Instructions
Read and observe these operating instructions!
Vacuum Controller
with Control Unit
VC 900
KNF Neuberger GmbH
Alter Weg 3
79112 Freiburg
Germany
Tel. [phone] / 5909-0
Fax [phone] / 5909-99
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.knf.de

Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
Items included in delivery:
Vacuum controller
Control unit
Power supply for vacuum controller
USB cable for connecting vacuum controller to PC
Operating instructions
CD with digital operating instructions and software for operat-
ing the vacuum controller with a PC

Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900 Table of Contents
Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
Contents Page
1. About this document 4
1.1. Use of the Operating Instructions 4
1.2. Symbols and markings 4
2. Use 5
2.1. Intended use 5
2.2. Improper use 6
3. Safety 7
4. Technical data 8
4.1. General 8
4.2. Vacuum controller 9
4.3. Control unit 10
4.4. Software 11
5. Components and functions 12
5.1. Assembly 12
5.2. Functions 13
6. Setup and connection 14
6.1. Set up or install 14
6.2. Connections 16
7. Operation 17
7.1. Initial start-up 17
7.2. Stopping operation 18
8. Operating the vacuum controller 19
8.1. Vacuum controller 19
8.1.1.General functions and displays 19
8.1.2.Operation 20
8.2. Software 24
9. Troubleshooting 25
10. Spare parts and accessories 28
10.1. Spare parts 28
10.2. Accessories 28
11. Returns 29
12. Health and safety clearance and
decontamination form 30

About this document Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900
4 Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
1. About this document
1.1. Use of the Operating Instructions
The Operating Instructions are part of the vacuum controller
VC 900.
Carefully study the Operating Instructions before using the
VC 900.
Always keep the Operating Instructions handy in the work area.
Forward the Operating Instructions to any subsequent owners
of the vacuum controller.
Customer-specific project controllers (vacuum controllers prefixed
with "PJ" or "PM") may differ from the Operating Instructions.
In the case of project controllers, take note of any additionally
agreed specifications.
Compliance with the operating instructions is essential for safe
and reliable operation of the VC 900. Failure to do so may
result in damage or injury.
1.2. Symbols and markings
Warning
WARNING
This symbol indicates a danger statement.
It also indicates the possible consequences of failure
to observe the warning. The signal word (i.e. “Warn-
ing”) indicates the level of danger.
Here you will see actions for avoiding the danger
and potential consequences.
Danger levels
Signal word
Meaning
Consequences if not observed
DANGER
warns of immedi-
ate danger
Consequences include death or
serious injuries and/or serious
property damage.
WARNING
warns of potential
danger
Death or serious injuries and/or
serious property damage are
possible.
CAUTION
warns of a poten-
tially dangerous
situation
Minor injuries or damage to
property are possible.
Tab. 1
Other information and symbols
This indicates an activity (step) that must be carried out.
1. This indicates the first step of an activity to be carried out. Any
additional steps are consecutively numbered.
This symbol indicates important information.
Project controller

Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900 Use
Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16 5
2. Use
2.1. Intended use
The VC 900 is designed for measuring and controlling vacuum
applications.
It is designed exclusively to measure and control gases and vapors.
Make sure that the installation location is dry and that the system is
protected against water in the form of rain, spray, splashes and
drips.
The VC 900 is solely for use in indoor areas.
Owner's responsibility
Only install and operate the VC 900 under the operating parame-
ters and conditions described in Chapter 4, Technical data.
Protect the VC 900 against humidity.
Before using a medium, check the compatibility of the materials of
the VC 900, valves, seals and hoses with the medium.
Before controlling a medium, check whether the medium can be
controlled safely.
Only control gases that remain stable under the pressures and
temperatures occurring in the VC 900.
Laboratory equipment and additional components connected to the
VC 900 must be designed for the pneumatic specifications of the
VC 900 (see Chapter 4, page 8).
Operating parameters and
conditions
Requirements for media
to be controlled
Accessories

Use Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900
6 Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
2.2. Improper use
The VC 900 must not be operated in an explosive atmosphere.
The VC 900 is not suitable for controlling dusts.
The VC 900 is not suitable for controlling liquids.
The VC 900 must not be used if the entry of air or gas into the
VC 900 during venting (ventilation valve) or an open gas ballast
valve could result in the creation of reactive, explosive or otherwise
hazardous mixtures (e.g. with the medium).
Never apply positive pressure to the suction side of the VC 900.

Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900 Safety
Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16 7
3. Safety
The VC 900 is built according to the generally recognized rules of
technology and in accordance with the pertinent occupational safety
and accident prevention regulations. Nevertheless, potential dan-
gers during use can result in injuries to the user or others or in
damage to the pump systems or other property.
Only use the VC 900 when it is in a good technical and proper
working order, in accordance with its intended use, observing the
safety advice within the Operating Instructions, at all times.
Make sure that only trained and instructed personnel or specially
trained personnel work on the VC 900. This especially applies to
assembly, connection and servicing work.
Make sure that all personnel have read and understood the Operat-
ing Instructions, especially the "Safety" chapter.
Observe the accident prevention and safety regulations when
performing any work on the VC 900 and during operation
When working with dangerous media, observe the safety regula-
tions for handling such media.
Be aware that the VC 900 is not designed to be explosion-proof.
When ventilating the VC 900 with air or inert gas, be sure to prevent
formation of reactive or explosive media. The maximum permissible
operating pressure at the ventilation connection (Fig. 1/14, p. 12) is
0.1 bar g.
All replacement parts should be properly stored and disposed of in
accordance with the applicable environmental protection regula-
tions. Ensure adherence to the pertinent national and international
regulations. This especially applies to parts contaminated with toxic
substances.
The VC 900 conforms to the Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS2).
The VC 900 conforms to the safety regulations of the EC Directive
2014/30/EU concerning Electromagnetic Compatibility and the EC
Directive 2014/35/EU relating to electrical equipment designed for
use within certain voltage limits. The requirements of the following
harmonised standards have been used:
DIN EN 61326-1 –Class A
DIN EN 61010-1
DIN EN 50581
The VC 900 corresponds to IEC 664:
the overvoltage category II
the pollution degree 2
All repairs to the VC 900 must be carried out by the relevant KNF
Customer Service team.
Housings with voltage-caring parts may be opened by technical
personnel only.
Use only the original KNF power supply that was delivered.
Personnel
Working in a
safety-conscious manner
Handling dangerous media
Handling flammable media
Ventilating the VC 900
Environmental protection
Standards
Customer service and
repairs

Technical data Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900
8 Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
4. Technical data
4.1. General
Ambient and media temperature
Permissible media and
ambient temperature
+10°C to +40°C
Pneumatic performance
Max. permissible
operating pressure [bar g]
0
Max. permissible pressure at
inert gas connection [bar g]
0.1
Electrical data
Nominal voltage* [V]
100-240 +/-10%
Frequency [Hz]
50/60
Operating voltage [V DC]
24
Power supply
Via supplied power supply unit,
cable length approx. 1.50 m,
with adapter set:
EURO / UK / USA / AUS
Max. operating current [A]
1.0
Max. power consumption [W]:
- Standby
- vacuum valve, ventilation
valve and cooling valve
switched on
2.5
5.0
Protection class
IP30
Other parameters
Maximum permissible ambient
relative humidity (not condens-
ing)
80% for temperatures up to
31°C, decreasing linearly to 50%
at 40°C
Maximum altitude of installa-
tion [m above sea level]
2000
Tab. 2 *automatic mains power adjustment
Use only the original KNF power supply unit to supply power to
the VC 900.

Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900 Technical data
Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16 9
4.2. Vacuum controller
Electrical connections
Power supply connection
(DC charging socket)
External diameter: 6.3 mm
Inside diameter: 2 mm
Pressure sensor connection
3-pole round connector
Ventilation valve/vacuum valve
connection
4-pole round connector
Electrical data
Display
Illuminated LCD graphic dis-
play
Pressure display (selectable)
mbar, bar, hPa or Torr
Measurement range
0-1.1 bar abs.
Measuring accuracy (at
25°C)
≤ ±0.2% FS
Resolution [mbar]
1
Maximum control range
[mbar abs.]
1013 - 2
Interface
Mini USB
Other parameters
Dimensions W x H x D [mm]
181 x 101 x 67*
Cut-out for front installation**
L x W [mm]
154 x 70
Weight [kg]
0.5***
Tab. 3 * condition on delivery
** drilling pattern see Fig. 3
*** without power supply

Technical data Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900
10 Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
4.3. Control unit
Materials for parts contacting the medium
Adapter control unit
PPS
Non-return valve
FFPM
Flange G1/8"
Stainless steel 1.4571
Hose connector gas inlet
PVDF
Hose connector gas outlet
PVDF
Hose connector inert gas
connection
Brass, nickel-plated
Pressure transducer
Ceramic / 1.4404
Ventilation valve:
Anchor seal
O-ring
Tube
FFPM
FPM
1.4301
Vacuum valve
FFPM
Pneumatic connections
Hose connector gas inlet
For hose ID10
Hose connector gas outlet
For hose ID10
Hose connector
inert gas connection
For hose ID4
Other parameters
Dimensions: W x H x D [mm]
155 x 109 x 60
Weight [kg]
0.7
Tab. 4

Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900 Technical data
Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16 11
4.4. Software
The USB connection between the PC and VC 900 is operated as
an RS232 interface. Accordingly, in the operating system it is
managed as an additional COM connection and can be addressed
with conventional terminal software. Please see the delivered CD
for information on operating the vacuum controller via software.

Assembly and functions Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900
12 Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
5. Assembly and functions
5.1. Assembly
1Touchscreen
2Snap-in positions for wire
support
3I/O switch
4Rotary/push knob for:
adjusting pump speed
and setpoint pressure
switching to manual
operation
5Wire support
6Mounting options for foot
7USB port for connecting
vacuum controller to PC
8Foot
9Connection socket for
pressure sensor
10 Connection socket for
KNF vacuum pump
11 Connection sockets for
valves
12 Power supply connection
13 Vacuum chamber connec-
tion
14 Connection for ventila-
tion/inert gas
15 Connection to vacuum
source
16 Connection cable, valves to
vacuum controller
17 Connection cable, pressure
sensor to vacuum controller
Fig. 1: Vacuum Controller VC 900
You can operate the vacuum controller either via the touch display
and the rotary/push knob (Fig. 1/1 and 4, p. 12) or via a PC. Use
the mini USB interface for PC operation (7).
The control unit contains a pressure sensor, a vacuum valve, and a
ventilation valve and is activated via the vacuum controller.
The vacuum chamber (13), the vacuum source (15), and, if re-
quired, inert gas for ventilation (14) are connected to the control
unit.
The control unit is connected electrically with the vacuum controller
via the 3-pole (pressure sensor) and the 4-pole (vacuum valve,
ventilation valve) connection cable (16 and 17).

Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900 Assembly and functions
Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16 13
5.2. Functions
The vacuum controller can be operated in four different modes:
Evacuate
A vacuum chamber is evacuated as quickly as possible by
means of the vacuum source that is connected to the control
unit.
If a variable KNF pump is connected to the vacuum controller,
the vacuum chamber can be evacuated with variable pump
capacity.
Pressure Control
The vacuum controller controls the system pressure to the se-
lected value (constant pressure).
Automatic (only if a variable KNF pump is connected to the
vacuum controller)
The vacuum controller automatically finds the vapor pressure of
the sample and adjusts the process pressure accordingly.
Function
The vacuum controller controls pressure according to the en-
tered pressure curve. Up to 10 different pressure curves can be
stored. The following process parameters can be entered:
Setpoint pressure at various times after starting the process
Coolant valve (accessory) ON and OFF with point in time
after start of process
At any time during an active process, you can switch to manual
process control. Functions for evacuation and pressure control
are available simultaneously. When activating manual process
control, the current actual pressure will be adopted as the first
setpoint pressure. In other words, process pressure will be initially
"frozen" at the current value.
For smart process control, the modes of operation can be com-
bined as you wish. For example, after boiling point detection in
automatic mode, the following modes of operation can be used to
specifically distill the solvent off:
Evacuate
(constant rate of evaporation for optimum utilization of the con-
denser)
Function
(operation at a specified pressure ramp to achieve separation
of higher boiling components)
Manual process control
(active control of the distillation via the setpoint pressure)
To change to a different operating mode, the process is stopped
and then restarted in the new mode.

Setup and connection Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900
14 Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
6. Setup and connection
Connect the vacuum controller only under the operating pa-
rameters and conditions described in Chapter 4. Technical data
(page 8).
Observe the safety precautions (see Chapter 3, page 7).
6.1. Set up or install
Before installation, allow the vacuum controller to get to ambi-
ent temperature at the installation location.
Make sure that the installation location is dry and the vacuum
controller is protected against water in the form of rain, spray,
splashes and drips.
When installing the vacuum controller, ensure that maximum
permissible media and ambient temperatures (Tab. 2, p. 8) are
not exceeded.
Make sure there is an adequate flow of fresh air.
Choose a safe location (flat surface) for the vacuum controller.
Protect the vacuum controller from dust.
Protect the vacuum controller from vibration and impact.
In principle, there are three different options for setting up and
installing the vacuum controller:
Bench version 1 (see Fig. 2, left)
Bench version 2 (see Fig. 2, center)
Installation version (see Fig. 2, right)
Fig. 2: Set-up/installation options for the vacuum controller
Bench versions 1 and 2 (see Fig. 2 left and center)
The angle of the vacuum controller can be adjusted by the positions
of the foot and the wire support (mounting options, see Fig. 1/2).
Installation location
Cooling air supply

Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900 Setup and connection
Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16 15
Installation version (see Fig. 2, right)
Foot and wire support dismantled
Cut-out available in the housing
(see Tab. 3 and Fig. 3)
1. Place the vacuum controller in cut-out of the housing.
2. Fix the vacuum controller in place from behind with four screws
(accessories).
Fig. 3: Dimensions for installing the vacuum controller
Remember that in the installation version, the outputs of the
control unit and the network connection can be accessed only
from inside the housing.
KNF recommends a maximum wall thickness of 4 mm. If you
need a bigger wall thickness, please contact the KNF customer
service.
Requirements

Setup and connection Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900
16 Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
6.2. Connections
Only connect components to the vacuum controller that are
designed for the vacuum controller's pneumatic data (see
Chapter 4, page 8).
1. Connect the vacuum chamber and the vacuum source to the
hose connectors of the control unit (Fig. 1/13 and 15, p. 12).
Use vacuum hoses for this.
2. If necessary:
Connect the inert gas feed to the ventilation connection (Fig.
1/14, p. 12). Observe the corresponding safety precautions in
Chapter 3.
3. Connect the cable for the pressure sensor (Fig. 1/17, p. 12) to
the 3-pole socket on the back of the vacuum controller (Fig. 1/9,
p. 12).
4. Connect the cable for the valves (Fig. 1/16, p. 12) to one of the
two 4-pole sockets on the back of the vacuum controller (Fig.
1/11, p. 12).
The vacuum controller automatically recognizes which of the
two 4-pole sockets the cable is connected to. If necessary, the
second, free socket can be used, for example, to activate a
coolant valve.
5. If necessary, connect the interface cable (accessories) to the
variable KNF pump and the vacuum controller VC 900
(Fig. 1/10).
6. Connect the power supply to the vacuum controller (Fig. 1/12,
p. 12) and plug it into a properly installed safety socket.
Connected
components

Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900 Operation
Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16 17
7. Operation
7.1. Initial start-up
You need a vacuum source to operate the vacuum controller. If you
do not have one, the vacuum controller can be used only to meas-
ure vacuum.
Before switching on the vacuum controller, check the following
points:
Prerequisites for start-up
All hoses attached properly
Specifications of the power supply correspond with the data
on the vacuum controller’s type plate
Vacuum controller at ambient temperature
If the vacuum controller is ventilated through the inert gas
connection (Fig. 1/14, p. 12) no reactive, explosive, or other-
wise dangerous mixtures can form (use inert gas if necessary)
Tab. 5
Operate the vacuum controller only with the operating parame-
ters and conditions described in Chapter 4, Technical data
(page 8).
Make sure the vacuum controller is used properly (see Chapter
2.1, page 5).
Exclude the possibility of the vacuum controller being used
improperly (see Chapter 2.2, page 6).
Observe the safety precautions (see Chapter 3, page 7).
WARNING
Personal injury caused by poisoning or explosion.
and damage to the vacuum controller
Make sure that no reactive or explosive mixtures
will be produced when ventilating the vacuum
controller through the air inlet.
WARNING
Excessive pressure may cause the control unit to
rupture
Do not exceed the maximum permissible operat-
ing pressure (0 bar).
Monitor pressure during operation.
If pressure exceeds the maximum permissible
operating pressure of the vacuum controller:
Immediately switch the vacuum controller off and
fix the fault (see Chapter 9, page 25).

Operation Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900
18 Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
Switch on the vacuum controller
Switch on the vacuum controller at its I/O switch (see Fig. 1/3,
page 12).
Refer to Chapter 8, page 19 for information on operating the
vacuum controller.
7.2. Stopping operation
Stop the ongoing process.
Before switching off the control unit, flush it with air (or with inert
gas if required for safety reasons) under atmospheric conditions
(ambient pressure) for about five minutes.
Switch off the vacuum controller at its I/O switch (see Fig. 1/3,
page 12).

Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900 Operating the vacuum controller
Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16 19
8. Operating the vacuum controller
8.1. Vacuum controller
8.1.1. General functions and displays
The vacuum controller is operated with the aid of
a rotary/push knob (Fig. 1/4) and
a touchscreen (Fig. 1/1).
The rotary/push knob has the following functions:
Rotate the knob: Changes pump capacity or the selected
pressure setting (depending on selected operating mode).
Press the knob: Interrupts the active process and switches to
manual process control (pressing causes evacuation).
Touchscreen contents:
Display of the most important process variables (Fig. 4, page
19);
Menus for selecting the operating mode and units for pressure
display (Fig. 5, page 20);
Operating keys (Fig. 5, page 20) with the functions:
Start and stop the process;
Open and close the ventilation valve;
Opening and closing coolant valve (accessory).
Displays
1Process time
2Actual pressure in selected
pressure unit
3Process active
4Depends on operating
mode:
Capacity as a percentage
or setpoint pressure in the
selected pressure unit
(if in Evacuate or Automatic
operating mode no pump is
connected to the vacuum
controller, the following
symbol is displayed
)
5Explanation of the rotary/push
knob functions
(Rotate: change capacity;
push: interrupt operating
mode and switch to manual
process control)
Fig. 4: Displays on the touchscreen

Operating the vacuum controller Vacuum Controller with Control Unit VC900
20 Translation of original Operating Instructions, English KNF 304811-304814 03/16
Menus and buttons
1Operating mode menu
2Pressure unit menu
3Button for ventilation valve:
ON = open
4Button for coolant valve
(accessory):
ON = open
5Button for the process:
START = start
STOP = stop
Fig. 5: Menus and buttons on touchscreen
8.1.2. Operation
Menu language
When the vacuum controller is switched on, on the start page you
can choose between German, English, French, Italian, Spanish,
Dutch, Japanese, and Chinese. The selection can be made only
immediately after switching on.
Pressure unit
Process pressure can be displayed in mbar, bar, hPa, or Torr.
Use the pressure unit menu to select the pressure unit (button on
touchscreen; see Fig. 6).
Pressure units can be changed only when no process is active.
To change the pressure unit, you have to change to a different
operating mode temporarily.
Fig. 6: Pressure units menu