Malvern Instruments ZETASIZER User guide

ZETASIZER NANOSAMPLER
BASIC GUIDE
MAN0497-01-EN-00
Issue date: 07 April 2014

Copyright © 2014 Malvern Instruments Ltd.
Malvern Instruments 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 pub-
lication. 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
Malvern® and the green “hills” logo are registered trademarks in the UK and/or other
countries, and is owned by Malvern Instruments Ltd.
Zetasizer® is a registered trademark in the UK and /or other countries, and is owned by
Malvern Instruments Ltd.
Windows® is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.

Contents
1
CONTENTS
Introduction 3
About this manual 4
Access to the instrument 5
Assumed information 6
Where to get help 6
Health & Safety 9
General warnings and regulations 10
Electrical warnings and regulations 10
Power cords and power safety 10
Sample handling warnings 13
Storage and disposal 14
Additional safety considerations 15
Site requirements 17
Environmental conditions 18
System requirements 19
Installation 21
NanoSampler hardware 23
System configuration 24
Using the hardware 28
Using the system 33
Workflow overview 34
System and sample preparation 35
NanoSampler feature key 37
Software configuration 38
Vial position files 47
Maintenance & Troubleshooting 49
Maintenance 50

Contents
2
Troubleshooting 54
Appendix 57
Specifications 58
Regulatory statements 60

INTRODUCTION
3
1
This section covers the following information:
About this manual 4
Access to the instrument 5
Assumed information 6
Where to get help 6

Introducti on
4
About this manual
This manual covers the essential information necessary for ensuring safe and efficient
operation of the NanoSampler system.
This manual covers the following instrument:
Instrument Part number
NanoSampler ZEN2000
The aims of this manual are to:
lProvide essential health and safety information, which all users must read, in addi-
tion to the requirements for the Zetasizer Nano instrument.
lGive information on the site requirements of the system.
lDescribe the NanoSampler hardware components.
lGive a brief description of the measurement process.
lSet out various maintenance and troubleshooting procedures.
lProvide the specifications of the instrument.
Product documentation structure
This manual should be used in conjunction with the documentation for the Zetasizer
Nano instrument. As a minimum all users of the NanoSampler must read the following
documentation:
lZetasizer Nano Basic Guide - the essentials required to get started, including
health and safety. All users must read this manual before using the system.
How to use this manual
We recommend reading this manual fully before starting the first measurement.
Warning! The instrument and the samples to be measured may be hazardous
if misused. Users must read the Health and Safety information before operating
the system.

Introducti on
5
Help system
The Help system is Integrated with the Zetasizer software, and provides searchable, con-
text-sensitive information covering all software features.
Access to the instrument
This manual refers to the various people who will have access to the instrument, as fol-
lows.
Malvern Instruments personnel
Malvern Instruments personnel (service engineers, representatives, etc.) have full access to
the instrument and are the only people authorized to perform all service procedures that
may require the removal of the covers.
Warning! Removal of the covers by unauthorized personnel will invalidate the
warranty of the instrument. Unless advised within the content of this manual,
only Malvern Instruments trained personnel are permitted to remove the main
cover of any part.
Supervisor
The supervisor is responsible for the management and safety of the instrument and its
operation, and for the training of operators. The supervisor can perform all maintenance
routines identified in the Basic Guide.
Operator
An operator is a person trained in the use of the system. The operator can perform all
user maintenance routines identified in the Basic Guide.
Warning! Under no circumstances should the supervisor or an operator
remove the main cover of the instrument. Failure to follow these guidelines
could result in exposure to hazardous voltages.

Introducti on
6
Assumed information
To make full use of this manual, the user should understand the following points.
Naming convention
The NanoSampler is referred to in full. The combination of the NanoSampler, instrument
and computer is referred to as ‘the system’.
Menu commands
Menu commands are always shown in bold text and shown in the form:
File-New-Measurement
This refers to selecting the File menu, then the New menu sub-item and finally the Meas-
urement item.
Where to get help
This section gives information on the various channels in place to get help with your Nan-
oSampler system.
Help desk
All queries about the system should be directed to your local Malvern Instruments rep-
resentative, quoting the following information:
lModel and serial number of the instrument (usually located on the outside cas-
ing of the instrument).
lSoftware version (see Help-About in the software).
lFirmware version (the Helpdesk will inform you how to locate this information).
Contact the International Helpdesk if the local Malvern Instruments representative is not
available:
Telephone: [phone] or email: [e-mail].
Note:this help line is primarily English speaking.

Introducti on
7
Remote support
Malvern Instruments offers a remote support service, delivered by an Internet connection.
Benefits include fast and efficient fault diagnosis, reducing downtime and costs.
Malvern website - www.malvern.com
The Malvern Instruments website offers a comprehensive range of particle char-
acterization resources for use by customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

HEALTH & SAFETY
This section provides detailed health and safety information applicable to the Nan-
oSampler instrument. All users of the system must read this information.
9
2
This section provides the following information:
General warnings and regulations 10
Electrical warnings and regulations 10
Power cords and power safety 10
Sample handling warnings 13
Storage and disposal 14
Additional safety considerations 15

Health & Safety
10
General warnings and regulations
Warning! The instrument or the samples to be measured may be hazardous if
misused. Read and fully understand this section before operating the system.
The instrument must only be stored or operated in environmental conditions conforming
to the specification in the Site requirements section.
Warning! Use of the system in a manner not specified by Malvern Instruments
Ltd. may impair the protection provided by the system.
Electrical warnings and regulations
Warning! The NanoSampler System contains high voltage components. Unless
advised within the content of this manual, only Malvern Instruments trained
personnel are permitted to remove the main covers from the instrument or con-
nected devices.
Warning! This product must be connected to a protective earth. The metal
parts of the optical unit are earthed using a protective earth connection.
If the instrument gets wet (for example, if sample or dispersant is spilt), switch it off and
disconnect it from the mains power supply immediately. Carefully clean and dry the instru-
ment before re-applying power.
The NanoSampler system components are mains powered devices and all power cables
and electrical sockets should be treated accordingly. Do not place cables in positions
where they are likely to become wet.
Power cords and power safety
The notes in this section indicate best practice and should be adhered to when con-
necting the Malvern instrument to the power supply.

Health & Safety
11
Power cord set requirements
Power cord sets must meet the requirements of the country where the product is used.
For further information on power cord set requirements, contact a Malvern Instruments
representative.
General requirements
The requirements listed below are applicable to all countries:
lThe power cord must be approved by an acceptable accredited agency responsible
for evaluation in the country where the power cord set will be installed.
lThe power cord set must have a minimum current capacity of 10A (7A in Japan
only) and a nominal voltage rating of 125 or 250 volts AC, as required by each
country's power system.
lThe area of the wire must be a minimum of 0.75mm2or 18AWG, and the length
of the cord must be less than 3m.
lThe power cord must be routed so it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by
items placed upon it or against it, or become wet. Particular attention must be
paid to the plug, the electrical outlet, and the point where the cord exits the
product.
Warning! Do not operate this product with a damaged power cord set. If the
power cord set is damaged in any manner, replace it immediately.
Warning! Do not use the power cord received with this product on any other
products.
Power safety information
The following notes indicate guidelines to follow when connecting the Malvern Instru-
ments power supply using single and multiple extension leads, connection via AC
Adapters and use of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS).
Warning! To prevent electric shock, plug the instrument or accessory into cor-
rectly earthed electrical outlets. Never use the system without a properly con-
nected protective earth conductor.

Health & Safety
12
The power cord supplied is equipped with a grounding connection to ensure grounding
integrity is maintained.
Advice on use of extension leads
Follow this advice when using single or multiple socket extension leads. These are also
called trailing sockets.
lEnsure the lead is connected to a wall power outlet and not to another extension
lead. The extension lead must be designed for grounding plugs and plugged into
a grounded wall outlet.
lEnsure that the total ampere rating of the products being plugged into the exten-
sion lead does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension lead.
lUse caution when plugging a power cord into a multiple socket extension lead.
Some extension leads may allow a plug to be inserted incorrectly.
lIncorrect insertion of the power plug could result in permanent damage to the
instrument or accessory, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire. Ensure that the
ground connection (prong/pin) of the power cord plug is inserted into the mating
ground contact of the extension lead
Advice on use of AC adapters
Warning! Do not use adapter plugs that bypass the grounding feature, or
remove the grounding feature from the plug or adapter.
lPlace the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the floor.
lThe AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of the instrument or
accessory. Use care when handling the adapter during or immediately after oper-
ation.
lUse only the Malvern-provided AC adapter approved for use with the instrument
and/or accessory. Use of another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion.
Advice on use of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
To help protect the instrument and/or accessory from sudden, transient increases and
decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner or UPS.

Health & Safety
13
Sample handling warnings
lAlways handle all substances in accordance with the COSHH (Control Of Sub-
stances Hazardous to Health) regulations (UK) or any local regulations concerning
sample handling safety.
lBefore using any substance, check the Material Safety Data Sheets for safe hand-
ling information.
lUse the instrument in a well ventilated room, or preferably within a fume cup-
board, if the fumes from the sample or dispersant are toxic or noxious.
lWear personal protective equipment as recommended by the Material Safety Data
Sheets if toxic or hazardous samples are being handled, particularly during sample
preparation and measurement.
lWear protective gloves when handling hazardous materials, or those that cause
skin infections or irritations.
lDo not smoke during measurement procedures, particularly where inflammable
samples are used or stored.
lDo not eat or drink during measurement procedures, particularly where haz-
ardous samples are used or stored.
lTake care when handling glass (e.g. microscope slides and beakers). Hazardous
materials may enter a wound caused by broken glass.
lAlways test a new sample or dispersant for chemical compatibility before use.
lAfter measuring hazardous samples, scrupulously clean the system to remove any
contaminants before making another measurement.
lAlways label samples for analysis using industry standard labelling, particularly if
they are handled by a number of staff or stored for long periods. Clearly mark any
operator hazard and associated safety precautions that are required for the hand-
ling of dangerous materials.
lKeep a record of all hazardous substances used in the system for protection of ser-
vice and maintenance personnel.
lAlways adopt responsible procedures for the disposal of waste samples. Most
local laws forbid the disposal of many chemicals in such a manner as to allow
their entry into the water system. The user is advised to seek local advice as to the
means available for disposal of chemical wastes in the area of use. Refer to the
Materials Safety Data Sheets.
lThe surfaces of the system may be permanently damaged if samples are spilt on
them. If a spillage does occur, disconnect the system from the power supply
before scrupulously cleaning up the spillage.

Health & Safety
14
Storage and disposal
Storage/shipment
If the NanoSampler needs to be stored for a long time, or if it must be shipped to a dif-
ferent location, proceed as follows:
1. It is recommended that you thoroughly flush the system using a 5% methanol
DIwater solution. When the system has been reinstalled, in order to sterilize it, a
60% methanol DIwater solution can be used, which should then be followed
with a full flush using your standard transport fluid.
2. Disconnect and remove all tubing, except for the sample loop.
3. Switch off the NanoSampler.
4. In case of biohazard materials: remove and throw away the needle and other flow
path materials, in accordance with an approved waste disposal program.
5. Use the original packaging materials to package the NanoSampler; also place the
foam block in the tray location.
6. Dispatch the package; make sure any tax/import/export requirements are met.
7. Contact your local distributor if you need more information.
Disposal of Electrical & Electronic Equipment
When the need arises to dispose of the system, this should be done in a responsible man-
ner. Follow these guidelines:
lRefer to local regulations on disposal of equipment; in Europe refer to the inform-
ation below.
lSeek advice from the local Malvern Instruments representative for details.
lDecontaminate the instrument if hazardous materials have been used in it.
The following is applicable in the European Union and other European countries with sep-
arate collection systems.

Health & Safety
15
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that when
the last user wishes to discard this product it must not be treated as
general waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the appropriate facil-
ity for the recovery and recycling of electrical and electronic equip-
ment.
By not discarding this product along with other household-type
waste, the volume of waste sent to incinerators or landfills will be
reduced and natural resources will be conserved.
For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please
contact your local city office, your waste disposal service, or your Mal-
vern Instruments representative.
Additional safety considerations
Adhere to the following guidelines when using the NanoSampler:
Operational safety
The NanoSampler houses a sharp needle that is used to pierce vial caps. This needle may
cause cutting injuries if operating instructions are not followed.
Make sure that covers and doors are closed before starting the NanoSampler. If the doors
are opened during a measurement the needle movement is slowed down automatically as
a safety feature whilst the measurement continues.
Make sure that the power has been switched off while servicing any parts in the direct
proximity of the pierce needle.
System operation and maintenance
To maintain the specified performance of the system, maintenance must be carried out as
indicated in this manual.
Malvern Instruments offers service contracts and preventive maintenance services. Please
contact your local dealer or the nearest sales office for more information.
Solvents
The solvents used may be flammable and toxic. The room in which the system is installed
should be well ventilated to prevent solvent vapors causing a fire.

Health & Safety
16
Use of open fire in the vicinity of this system must be strictly prohibited. Do not install the
system in the same room with any other equipment that emits or could potentially emit
sparks.
Sample containers (vials) should be sealed to minimize any risks related to solvent vapor.
Do not allow solvents to accumulate in the system. Perform periodic leak checks on supply
lines.
Toxic hazard
When you use or analyze toxic fluids you need to take all possible precautions and treat
all specimens as potentially toxic.
Always wear protective goggles and gloves when handling toxic samples.
Biological hazard
When you analyze biological fluids you need to take all possible precautions and treat all
specimens as potentially infectious.
Always wear protective goggles and gloves when handling toxic or biologically infectious
samples.
Waste disposal
Dispose of waste (samples, solvents, device) in accordance with a regulated waste disposal
program.
Follow a regulated, approved waste disposal program and never dispose of solvents
through the municipal sewage system.

SITE REQUIREMENTS
Several criteria must be satisfied at the installation site to ensure the effective and safe
functioning of the NanoSampler. This section provides detailed information on these
requirements.
17
3
The following topics are covered:
Environmental conditions 18
System requirements 19
Installation 21

Site requi rements
18
Environmental conditions
Ensure that the following environmental conditions are satisfied. The installation site for
the NanoSampler must be:
lIndoors - the system is not intended for use outdoors.
lWell ventilated - especially if noxious samples or dispersants are used.
lTemperature stable - away from areas where the ambient air temperature could
change, such as air-conditioning, fans or windows.
lAway from strong light sources - for example, windows allowing in bright sun-
light.
lAway from strong heat sources - for example, radiators.
The bench that supports the NanoSampler must be:
lHorizontal
lVibration free
lCapable of supporting the weight of the system.
Electrical considerations
lAvoid passing electrical cables through areas where liquids can be spilled.
Warning! Do not position the system so that power sockets are obstructed.
They may need to be disconnected during an emergency.
System components weight
Component Weight
NanoSampler Approx. 19kg
Zetasizer Nano (ZSP) 19kg
Computer and Printer See manufacturer’s documentation