Malvern Nano Series User manual

Printed in England MRK1378-01
Malvern Instruments Limited
Enigma Business Park
Grovewood Road, Malvern
Worcs, WR14 1XZ, U.K.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.malvern.com
Quick start &
Self installation guide
Zetasizer
Malvern
nano series
Read this first !

Zetasizer Nano
Quickstart and
Self installation
guide
MAN0383 Issue 5.0 August 2009
Read this manual first
English
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page i Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

© Malvern Instruments Ltd. 2007, 2009
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 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.
Malvern and the green "hills" logo are registered trademarks in the UK and/or other
countries, and is owned by Malvern Instruments Ltd.
Windows XP is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
Tygon is a registered trademark of Cole Palmer Instruments Company Limited.
Hellmanex is a registered trademark of Hellma GmbH & Co. KG.
Zetasizer is a registered trademark of Malvern Instruments (Zetasizer®).
NIBS and M3-PALS are trade marks of Malvern Instruments (NIBSTM, M3-PALSTM)
M3 is granted Euro Pat No: 1 154 266 DE FR
Printed in England
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page ii Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Zetasizer Nano Quickstart Page i
Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Site requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Connecting up the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Installing the software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Turning on the instrument and starting the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Checking the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Part 2: Running the Installation Test
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Power on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Unpack the Zeta potential transfer standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Run the Installation test macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Fill the cuvette and/or cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Load the cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
The test runs - pass or fail?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Finally.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Part 3: Making other measurements
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
To run an SOP:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Table of Contents
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page i Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Table of Contents Zetasizer Nano
Page ii MAN 0383
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page ii Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Zetasizer Nano Quickstart Page 1-1
1
Part 1: Setting up
the Zetasizer Nano
Introduction
Work through this section to set the instrument up. The other sections show how
to make the initial test measurement, then your own measurements in future.
Warning!
Never lift the instrument by its covers. Always stand it on its feet,
not its side.
ill 7929
ill 7930
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 1 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Chapter 1 Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano
Page 1-2 MAN 0383
1
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 7931
Connecting up the system
Warning!
This instrument must be connected to a protective earth!
a. Unpack the cables from the Installation Kit.
b. Connect the USB cable to the USB connectors on the instrument and the
computer.
300 mm
150 mm
150 mm 300 mm
1240 mm
750 mm
800 mm
(maximum)
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 2 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano Chapter 1
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart Page 1-3
ill7932
c. Connect the power cable to the power socket on the back of the instrument.
d. Make all computer connections (keyboard, power, etc.), following the maker's
instructions.
Installing the software
a. Insert the Dispersion Technology Software CD in the CD drive.
b. If Autorun is enabled on the computer, the software will display an introduc-
tory 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.
Turning on the instrument and starting
the software
a. Turn on the instrument by pressing the power switch on the back of the
instrument:
Note
On initial switch on and connection of the instrument to the computer,
the message Found new USB device or similar will appear.
Once the computer has been configured for use with the instrument, this
message will no longer appear.
2
1
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 3 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Chapter 1 Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano
Page 1-4 MAN 0383
ill 7934
b. Start the software by double-clicking the icon.
c. If this window is displayed, it will show your Windows login name. Click OK.
The instrument must be powered up for 30 minutes before a measurement
is made to ensure its temperature has stabilised
Checking the system
The status light turns green if the system has connected successfully. If it is
green proceed to Part 2.
If it is not green, use the table below to troubleshoot the problem.
1
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 4 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano Chapter 1
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart Page 1-5
ill 7933
In case of failure
If the light is not green, use this table to try and solve the problem. If the status light
still does not turn green after this, contact the local Malvern representative.
Light
appearance Action to take
Light not
illuminated
This shows there is no power. 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 supervi-
sor; not operators).
Amber light If there is no "system not responding" message on the computer
screen:
Check that the software is running.
Check that you have logged on.
If there is a "system not responding" message on the computer
screen:
Check that the lead between computer and instrument is
connected. Reconnect it and click OK on the screen; this should
make the status light green.
Check that the computer USB port is set up correctly; refer
to the computer’s documentation or online help.
Red light This indicates an internal error with the system. Contact the
local Malvern representative.
1
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 5 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Chapter 1 Part 1: Setting up the Zetasizer Nano
Page 1-6 MAN 0383
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 6 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Zetasizer Nano Quickstart Page 2-1
2
Part 2: Running the
Installation Test
Introduction
This chapter shows how to make a size and/or zeta potential measurement to test
the installation of the Zetasizer Nano. Work through the steps in the order given
here.
Power on
If it is not already switched on, turn on the instrument and start the software, as
described in the previous chapter. Remember that the instrument must be pow-
ered up for 30 minutes before a measurement is made.
Unpack the Zeta potential transfer
standard
Take the Zeta potential transfer standard syringe from the pack this document
was in.
Note
If a CD was supplied with the installation sample syringe, the macro pro-
gram on the CD needs to be installed before continuing with this proce-
dure (Note: check the macro program is correct for the Zeta potential
transfer standard being measured; consult the ‘read me’ file on the CD).
This is a new installation test macro that is designed to be used with the
test sample. The program should auto-install when the CD is inserted into
the disk drive. If the installation does not start please refer to the 'read me'
file on the CD.
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 1 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Chapter 2 Part 2: Running the Installation Test
Page 2-2 MAN 0383
2
Note
This new test macro will only be updated for the user that is currently
logged on to the PC. If a different user subsequently logs on, they will
need to reinstall this program before it can be used to test the operation of
the system.
Run the Installation test macro
When the software has been started, select Tools-Macros-Installation Test:
Note
The results are saved to a measurement file named Installation Test.dts
which opens automatically.
The instrument reports what it is going to test: size, zeta potential or both. Use this
information to decide which cell(s) to prepare.
Note
This is the instrument confirming which type it is. In brief, if the instru-
ment name contains an Sit tests size and if it contains a Zit tests zeta
potential. A Zetasizer Nano ZS or ZS90 tests both.
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 2 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Part 2: Running the Installation Test Chapter 2
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart Page 2-3
Fill the cuvette and/or cell
Prepare the appropriate cuvette/cell for size and/or zeta potential measurement as
described here. For example, if the instrument reported just now that it will test
only zeta potential measurement, skip the Size test procedure below.
Important
Always hold the cuvette or 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.
ill 8486
Size test
a. Take a square plastic cuvette (not a glass one) from the consumables pack.
b. Fill it with between 1.0mL and 1.5mL of the supplied Zeta potential trans-
fer standard from the syringe, as follows.
c. Tilt the cuvette and allow it to fill slowly. To stop bubbles forming, let the
sample flow down the inside.
ill 7935
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 3 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Chapter 2 Part 2: Running the Installation Test
Page 2-4 MAN 0383
d. The sample depth should be between 10 and 15 mm. This can be checked by
placing the cuvette against the diagram on the inside of the cell area lid.
ill 7936
e. Push the lid securely onto the cuvette:
ill 7937
Zeta potential test
a. Take a supplied Folded capillary cell and rinse internally with ethanol or
methanol. A syringe or wash bottle can be used. Use sufficient fluid to just wet
the inside surface of the cell and the electrodes.
b. Flush the cell through with deionised water to clean. Flushing a few 10ml
syringe full through the cell should suffice.
Max: 15mm
Min: 10mm
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 4 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Part 2: Running the Installation Test Chapter 2
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart Page 2-5
c. Invert the cell :
ill 7938
d. Slowly inject the Zeta potential transfer standard from its syringe into the
cell, filling the U tube to just over half way .
e. Check no air bubbles form in the cell. Tap the cell gently to dislodge any that
do form.
f. Turn the cell upright and continue to inject slowly until the sample is at the top
of the electrodes .
ill 8485
g. Check again for bubbles in the cell. Tap the cell gently to dislodge these.
h. Ensure that both electrodes on the inside of the cell are completely immersed
in the sample.
2
1
3
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 5 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Chapter 2 Part 2: Running the Installation Test
Page 2-6 MAN 0383
i. Remove the syringe and insert a cell stopper in each port:
ill 7940
j. Remove any liquid spilt on the outer part of the electrodes and the outside of
the cell.
Load the cell
Depending on the test being run, one of these prompts is displayed:
For a Size test:
For a Zeta potential test:
Load the appropriate cell in the instrument, following the procedure below, then
click OK.
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 6 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Part 2: Running the Installation Test Chapter 2
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart Page 2-7
Size test
a. Press the button to open the measurement chamber lid:
ill 7942
b. Most cuvettes have a triangle or spot mark. This must face towards the front of
the Nano:
ill 8487
c. Push the cuvette down so it is firmly located then push down the chamber lid:
ill7944
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 7 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM

Chapter 2 Part 2: Running the Installation Test
Page 2-8 MAN 0383
Zeta potential test
a. Press the button to open the measurement chamber:
ill7942
b. The cell has a weld line just behind the front surface, as shown here:
ill 7945
c. Holding the cell near its top, turn the weld towards the front of the instrument.
It must face the front of the Nano when inserted.
Zetasizer Nano Quickstart.book Page 8 Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:28 PM