Malvern Instruments Zetasizer uV User manual

Zetasizer μV
Quick start guide
MAN0430 Issue 1.0 December 2008

© Malvern Instruments Ltd. 2008
Malvern3Instruments makes every effort to ensure that this document is correct. However, due to Malvern Instruments’
policy of continual product development we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of this, or any other document after the date
of publication. We therefore disclaim all liability for any changes, errors or omissions after the date of publication. No
reproduction or transmission of any part of this publication is allowed without the express written permission of Malvern
Instruments Ltd.
Head office:
Malvern Instruments Ltd.
Enigma Business Park,
Grovewood Road,
Malvern,
Worcestershire WR14 1XZ
United Kingdom.
Tel + [44] (0)1684-892456
Fax + [44] (0)1684-892789
Zetasizer is a registered trademark in the UK and/or other countries, and is owned by Malvern Instruments Ltd.
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Malvern Instruments Ltd.
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Printed in England

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Part 1: Setting up
the Zetasizer3μV
1. Introduction
Work through this section to set up the instrument. The other section shows how to make an initial test
measurement.
Never lift the instrument by its covers. Always stand it on its feet, not its side.
ill 8315 ill 8316
2. Site requirements
The site must be:
Indoors and away from strong light (avoid windows).
Away from heat sources like radiators.
On a horizontal vibration-free bench.
Well ventilated (if measuring noxious materials).
Allow space for the instrument as shown below (the Essentials Manual gives the full requirements):
ill 8309





200mm
800mm
500mm
200mm 200mm

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3. Connecting up the system
Warning - This instrument must be connected to a protective earth!
a. Unpack the cables from the
“Installation Kit” pack.
b. Connect the USB cable to
the USB connectors on the
instrument "and the com-
puter.
c. Connect the power cable to
the power socket !on the
back of the instrument.
d. Make all computer connec-
tions (keyboard, power,
etc.), following the maker's
instructions.
ill 8308
4. Installing the software
a. Insert the Zetasizer Software CD in the CD drive.
b. If Autorun is enabled on the computer, the software will display an introductory screen. If Autorun is
not enabled, double-click the file Setup on the CD to display this screen.
c. Click the “Click here to install ...” link and follow all on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
5. Turning on the instrument and starting the software
a. Turn on the instrument by pressing the power switch #on the back of the instrument.
b. Start the software by double-clicking the icon.
c. If this dialogue (left) is displayed, it will show
your Windows login name. Click OK.
d.The instrument must be powered up for 30
minutes before a measurement is made to
ensure its temperature has stabilised.
6. Checking the system
The operation light is illuminated
(blue) if the system has been con-
nected up correctly. Proceed to Part 2
if so. If there is no illumination, check
that:
The power lead is connected.
The instrument is switched on.
If the above suggestions do not help,
replace the fuses as shown in the
Essentials Manual (this is a task for
the supervisor, not operators).
ill 8307
AB
C
1

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Part 2: Making a
measurement
Introduction
This section provides simple overview information on how to fill and insert a cell, and then run a measure-
ment by using an SOP.
1. Prepare the sample cell:
Important: Always hold the cell near its top, not the optical
area near its base.
Fingerprints, grease or dust on the lower area will cause the
test to fail.
2. Load the cell into the instrument:
Press on the instrument cell lid where Push is indicated to raise the cell area lid, then insert the cell and
close the lid.
ill 8314 ill 8312
a. Take a square polystyrene cell from the consumables pack.
b. Fill it with between 1.0mL and 1.5mL of the supplied Sample (DTS1230) from the syringe, as fol-
lows.
c. Tilt the cuvette and allow it
to fill slowly:
ill 7935
To stop bubbles forming, let the
sample flow down the inside.
d. The sample depth should be
between 10 and 15 mm.
ill 7936
e. Push the lid securely onto
the cell:
ill 7937
Hold here
Do not hold here
Max: 15mm
Min: 10mm

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3. Create a new measurement file:
It is necessary to create a new measurement file into which measurement data can be saved. To do this,
choose File-New from the menu and type a name for the new measurement file - in this example the file
has been named “Test 2.dts” (measurement files all use the “.dts” file extension).
4. Run an SOP:
Once the instrument is set up, most measurements are made by running a Standard Operating Proce-
dure (SOP). Malvern Instruments supplies some default SOPs, others may be created by supervisors or
advanced users.
5. As the SOP analysis runs, results will be displayed, as in the following example:
6. Further messages in the status bar show the progress of the measurement.
7. When the measurement has finished, close the window by clicking the button.
1. Select Measure-Start SOP from the menu bar:
2. Available SOPs are listed in a dialogue. Select
the SOP to use and click the Open button.
3. Enter any data required by the SOP, such as
sample name, and then click OK.
4. Now follow the on-screen instructions shown in
the black status bar area at the bottom of the
measurement window to run the SOP.

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5. Examine the measurement results:
The results will be stored as the latest record in the measurement file currently open. To view the result,
select this record and then click one of the Report tabs.
The following example shows the Intensity PSD (M) report for a size test:

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