Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor User manual

838 Advanced Sample Processor
Manual
8.838.1013

Metrohm AG
CH-9100 Herisau
Switzerland
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
[email protected]
www.metrohm.com
838 Advanced Sample Processor
Manual
8.838.1013 09.2005 dm

Teachware
Metrohm AG
CH-9100 Herisau
[email protected]
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Although all the information given in this documentation has been
checked with great care, errors cannot be entirely excluded. Should you
notice any mistakes please send us your comments using the address
given above.
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Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor III
Table of Contents
1Introduction 1
1.1 Information about these Instructions for Use..................................2
1.1.1 Note............................................................................................................2
1.1.2 Notation and pictograms ...........................................................................2
2Operation 3
2.1 Operating principles..........................................................................3
2.1.1 Display........................................................................................................3
2.1.2 Keypad.......................................................................................................4
2.1.3 The keys .....................................................................................................5
2.1.4 Instrument dialog .....................................................................................11
2.1.5 Data input.................................................................................................13
2.1.6 Text input..................................................................................................14
2.2 Configuration .................................................................................. 16
2.2.1 Miscellaneous ..........................................................................................16
2.2.2 Tower settings..........................................................................................18
2.2.3 Rackdefinitionen ......................................................................................20
2.2.4 Dosing units .............................................................................................23
2.2.5 RS232 settings .........................................................................................24
2.3 Composition of a method .............................................................. 25
2.3.1 Run sequences and method parameters................................................25
2.3.2 Sample Processor settings......................................................................27
2.3.3 Stirrer settings ..........................................................................................28
2.3.4 Dosing drive settings ...............................................................................29
2.3.5 Behavior during timeout...........................................................................30
2.3.6 Manual stop options ................................................................................31
2.3.7 Programming of sequences ....................................................................32
2.3.8 LEARN mode ...........................................................................................32
2.3.9 TRACE-Funktion.......................................................................................33
2.4 Commands...................................................................................... 34
2.4.1 Sample Processor commands ................................................................34
2.4.2 Switching components ............................................................................38
2.4.3 Dosing drive control.................................................................................39
2.4.4 Communication commands ....................................................................41
2.4.5 Auxiliary commands.................................................................................45
2.5 Managing methods......................................................................... 46
2.5.1 User-defined methods .............................................................................46
2.5.2 POWERUP method..................................................................................47
2.6 Run control ..................................................................................... 48

IV Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor
2.7 Manual operation............................................................................ 49
2.7.1 Turning the sample rack / Positioning the samples................................49
2.7.2 Moving the lift...........................................................................................49
2.7.3 Setting the sample position .....................................................................50
2.7.4 Pump control ...........................................................................................50
2.7.5 Switching the stirrers................................................................................50
2.7.6 Dosing device control..............................................................................51
2.7.7 Display interface signals..........................................................................51
2.7.8 Interface control .......................................................................................52
2.7.9 External pump control..............................................................................53
2.7.10 Switching the injection valve....................................................................53
2.7.11 Rack initialization .....................................................................................53
2.8 Dosing and liquid handling............................................................ 54
2.8.1 Dosimats and Dosinos ............................................................................54
2.8.2 Liquid handling functions ........................................................................59
2.8.3 The DOS command.................................................................................60
2.8.4 Pictograms...............................................................................................60
2.8.5 Liquid handling functions in detail...........................................................61
3Appendix 64
3.1 Sample racks .................................................................................. 64
3.1.1 Metrohm standard sample racks ............................................................64
3.1.2 Magnet codes..........................................................................................65
3.1.3 Rack data.................................................................................................65
3.2 The Remote interface ..................................................................... 68
3.2.1 Output lines..............................................................................................68
3.2.2 Input lines.................................................................................................68
3.2.3 SCN command ........................................................................................69
3.2.4 CTL-Befehl ...............................................................................................69
3.3 LEARN mode................................................................................... 70
3.3.1 Setting lift and robotic arm positions.......................................................70
3.3.2 Rack adjustment......................................................................................71
3.3.3 Parametrizing sequence commands ......................................................71
3.4 Disabling keypad functions ........................................................... 72
3.4.1 Disable whole keypad .............................................................................72
3.4.2 Disable configuration...............................................................................72
3.4.3 Disable parameter ...................................................................................72
3.4.4 Disable method storage functions ..........................................................73
3.4.5 Disable display ........................................................................................73
3.5 786 Swing Head settings ............................................................... 74
3.6 Error messages .............................................................................. 76
3.7 Initializing the working memory .................................................... 78
3.8 Standard methods .......................................................................... 80

Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor V
3.8.1 Method "LAT"............................................................................................81
3.8.2 Methode "MLAT".......................................................................................83
3.8.3 Method "DT" .............................................................................................86
3.8.4 Method "VA"..............................................................................................88
4Index 90
List of Illustrations
Fig. 1 Key pad....................................................................................................4
Fig. 2 Dialog arrangement ...............................................................................12
Fig. 3 Selection list...........................................................................................13
Fig. 4 Text input ...............................................................................................15
Fig. 5 Sample series ........................................................................................26
Fig. 6 Dosino 800 with Dosing units ................................................................54
Fig. 7 Dosing unit from below..........................................................................55
Fig. 8 Dosing unit - ports .................................................................................59

1.1 Information about these Instructions for Use
Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Introduction 1
1 Introduction
Like all Metrohm Sample Processors, the 838 Advanced Sample Proc-
essor can be operated as stand-alone device or be controlled entirely
by a PC software (e. g. «IC Net»). In the latter case the particular func-
tions of the instrument are invoked directly by the PC software. The
keypad of the 838 Advanced Sample Processor therefore is not neces-
sary.
In a stand-alone system with a keypad connected, the 838 Advanced
Sample Processor can execute methods containing command se-
quences automatically. These sequences may be programmed freely in
a wide range. The Sample Processor can even be operated manually to
prepare a sample series.
«IC Net 2.3» (Service release 3 or later) sets a parameter in the 838
Advanced Sample Processor, which forces the Sample Processor to
reset all of it's device settings and delete all stored methods on start-
up (RAM init). This behavior is intended and necessary for controlling
the Sample processor with «IC Net».
If a 838 Advanced Sample Processor is to be used as a stand-alone
system with keypad control and instrument methods, which previously
was controlled by «IC Net 2.3», the setting mentioned above has to be
switched off beforehand. In «IC Net» uncheck the check box "Autoinit"
which is accessible after right-clicking the Sample Processor icon in
the working system.
The 838 Advanced Sample Processor is delivered with four standard
methods for voltammetric analysis. These can be used in the connec-
tion with the Metrohm 797 VA Computrace.
Operating and programming of the 838 Advanced Sample Processor is
described in this Instructions for Use.

1.1 Information about these Instructions for Use
2 Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Introduction
1.1 Information about these Instructions for Use
1.1.1 Note
Please read through these Instructions for Use carefully before you
start to use this instrument. The instructions contain information and
warnings that must be observed by the user in order to guarantee the
safe use of the instrument.
1.1.2 Notation and pictograms
The following notation and pictograms are used in these Instructions for
Use:
Location Menu item, parameter or input value
<OK> button, key
Danger
This symbol indicates a possible risk of death or injury to
the user if the instructions are not followed correctly.
Warning
This symbol indicates a possible risk of damage to the in-
struments or their components if the instructions are not fol-
lowed correctly.
Attention
This symbol indicates important information. Read the in-
formation provided before you continue.
Remarks
This symbol indicates additional information and tips.

2.1 Operating principles
Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Operation 3
2 Operation
As well as the basic functions that can be carried out manually, this sec-
tion also described the configuration of the Advanced Sample Proces-
sor. Detailed descriptions of the way that run sequences are created and
how methods are managed are given.
2.1 Operating principles
2.1.1 Display
The keypad (SC Controller) display consists of two lines each with 24
characters.
The first line is used as the title line and shows the current method to-
gether with the number of processed samples. In the editing mode the
menu titles are shown here.
The second line is used as the status line and shows specific activities
that depend on the operating condition. It is used as the input line in the
editing mode.
Normal state Sample counter 
Method name 
Pump status 
******** counter 1/12
PUMP--++STIR+---- ready Instrument status
Stirrer status
Method sequence
Running sequence 
******** counter 2/12
START 03 WAIT 11 s
Parameter
Current command with line number
Editing mode Menu title
Menu line or command 
>Sample sequence
1 MOVE 1 : sample
2nd parameter
1st parameter

2.1 Operating principles
4 Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Operation
2.1.2 Keypad
Controller
******** counter 0/112
PUMP-- STIR- ready
FILL
VALVE
INJECT LEARN
CONFIG PARA M
USER
HOME END
IN SE RT SELECT
RESET
CLEAR
DELETE QUIT ENTER
SAMPLE MOVE LIFT
P
ST IR DOS
SCAN CTRL WAIT
<
VALVE RACK
HOLD
LEARN
6.2142.050
>
METHOD
STOP START
Me tr o h m
-
+
PREV
NEXT
EXT
PUMP
Fig. 1 Key pad
Below the 2-line display there are three LEDs. The two LEDs 'FILL' and
'INJECT' indicate the current position of the injection valve. The LED
'LEARN' lights up when the learn mode is activated.
Most keys have two functions, depending on whether the Sample Proc-
essor is in the normal operating mode or in the editing mode.
Selection menus can be accessed with the upper row of keys (<CON-
FIG>, <PARAM>, <USER METHOD>). The other keys on the left-
hand side of the keypad are used for navigation in the menus or for al-

2.1 Operating principles
Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Operation 5
tering parameters. For entering parameters the numerical block on the
right-hand side of the keypad is also available.
The lowest row of keys (<HOLD>, <STOP>, <START>) are used
for the direct control of a method sequence.
If the Sample Processor is integrated in a PC-controlled automation
system and is entirely controlled via the RS232 interface, it is possible
to operate the instrument without the keypad.
2.1.3 The keys
The menu keys
CONFIG
The <CONFIG> key opens the selection menu for the configuration
of the Sample Processor.
PARAM
The <PARAM> key opens the selection menu for editing the run se-
quences and method parameters.
USER
METHOD
The <User Method> key opens the selection menu for opening, sav-
ing and deleting default or user-defined methods.
Lift operation and sample positioning keys
With the <>and <>keys the lift can be moved up and down
respectively. The lowest possible lift position is defined by the configu-
ration parameter 'max. stroke path'.
 In the editing mode the arrow keys <>and <>are used
for navigation in the particular menu or submenu.
HOME END
With the <HOME> key the lift is returned to the rest position (0 mm),
i.e. to the uppermost stop.
<END> moves the lift to the predefined working position (see p. 20).
 In the editing mode the <HOME> and <END> keys move to
the first and last line of the menu or submenu respectively.
NEXT PREV
With the <NEXT> and <PREV> keys the sample rack can be
rotated forward or backward by one position. If necessary, the lift is
automatically raised to the shifting position. When the rack position
has been reached the robotic arm will automatically be aligned to the
corresponding rack position.
 During data input the <SELECT> key is used to select a pre-
defined entry from a selection list.

2.1 Operating principles
6 Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Operation
SELECT
The <SELECT> key allows to select from a given list of entries when
editing a parameter.
Editing and sequence control
INSERT DELETE
When editing a method sequence the <INSERT> and <DELETE>
keys are used to insert or delete a command line.
RESET
CLEAR
The <CLEAR/RESET> key is used to initialize the Sample Processor
and dosing devices. This corresponds to the switching-on process.
 During data input the <CLEAR/RESET> key is used to de-
lete an entry or to reset the default value. In text entry mode
the last character is deleted.
QUIT
During a method sequence the <QUIT> key can be used to termi-
nate the command which is currently being carried out. The following
command is executed.
 During data input the <QUIT> key is used to terminate an en-
try. During navigation in a menu the <QUIT> key is used to
exit the active (sub)menu and select the next highest menu
level.
ENTE R
During data input the <ENTER> key is used to accept the entry.
Command keys
7
SAMPLE
The <SAMPLE> key is used to set the current sample position. This
has to be done before a sample series is run.
At the start of a method this position is assumed to be the first sample
in a series. If no sample position has been set then the Sample Proc-
essor will select rack position 1.
8
MOVE
With <MOVE> a vessel or a particular rack position can be moved to
the active tower or a robotic arm can be swung to an external position.
As well as the actual sample beaker a maximum of 16 possible spe-
cial beakers can also be defined. A particular rack position can be
moved to directly by entering the position number (with the numerical
keys).
The direction and speed of rotation can be altered in the parameter
menu.

2.1 Operating principles
Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Operation 7
Important:
For safety reasons it is only possible to rotate the sample rack when
the lift or both lifts are located in the shifting position or above it. Dur-
ing a rack rotation the lift (or both lifts) are automatically first raised to
the predefined shift height.
When a method is started a second time, without switching off and on
again, the last accessed sample position is memorized and be ap-
plied in the next method run.
9
LIFT
Raises or lowers the lift. The predefined lift positions (working position,
rest position, rinsing position, shifting position, special position) can
be selected with the <SELECT> key. They can be entered and
saved separately for each rack in the configuration menu.
As well as the predefined lift positions it is also possible to enter abso-
lute lift positions in mm via the numerical keys.
PUMP
4
The <PUMP> key is used for switching the peristaltic pump. The
pump rate can be selected in 15 steps. Selecting a sign (+ or –) with
the pump rate allows to set the direction of the rotation of the pump
drive.
Under <PARAM>, >manual stop you can define whether the peri-
staltic pump should be switched off with the <STOP> key or not.
5
STIR
The <STIR> key is used for controlling the stirrers. A stirrer can be
switched on permanently or switched on for a given period and then
switched off again. The <SELECT> key is used to select both the
stirrer and the function. The current status of the stirrer is shown di-
rectly in the display.
Example:
STIR: T1 : ON s Display: STIR +- (+=on -=off)
STIR: MSB2 : 10 s Display: STIR 10 s
In this case in the first line the stirrer at tower 1 is switched on. The stir-
rer is selected with the <SELECT> key. As can be seen in the sec-
ond line, the duration of the stirring process can also be entered.
The stirring rate can be set for each stirrer in the parameter menu.
Under <PARAM>, >manual stop you can define which stirrers can
be switched off with the <STOP> key.
DOS
6
The <DOS> key is used to control the connected dosing devices.
Both positive and negative volumes can be dosed. Negative volumes
are used for aspirating liquids, e.g. during pipetting.
As well as entering the volume to be dosed (with the numerical keys),
<SELECT> can also be used to select additional functions:
- Filling the dosing or exchange unit (fill)
- Initializing the exchange of a Dosing unit (release)
- Preparing the tubing systems and cylinder (prep.)
- Emptying the tubing system and the dosing cylinder (empty)
- Ejecting the cylinder contents (Eject)

2.1 Operating principles
8 Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Operation
- Driving the piston to the max. volume
- Compensating for the play between piston and spindle (compen.)
- Valve switching (port)
The first parameter of the DOS command stands for the number of the
dosing instrument (1…3, * = all) and the Dosino port (e. g. 1.1 stands
for Dosino 1, port 1), the second parameter for the function or the vol-
ume to be dosed.
Example:
DOS: 2.1 <ENTER> 4.51 ml <ENTER>
DOS: 2.* <ENTER> <SELECT> ... fill <ENTER>
The dosing and filling rates can be set in the parameter menu.
1
SCAN
Shows the incoming signals or data from the Remote or the serial
RS232 interfaces.
This function is used for checking the data communication with con-
nected devices.
The first parameter shows the selected interface. The second parame-
ter shows the signals or data that are received directly.
If the parallel Remote interface (Rm) is selected then the signal states
of the incoming Remote lines are shown in binary form (1=line active,
0=line inactive).
If the serial RS232 interface (RS) is selected then the data string re-
ceived via this interface will be shown (14 characters per line).
2
CTRL
Controls external devices via the Remote or RS232 interface.
The first parameter sets the interface (<SELECT>). The second pa-
rameter defines the status of the lines (Remote lines) or data (RS232
interface) to be outputted via the selected interface.
2nd parameter, for Remote interface
Binary pattern with 14 digits (0, 1 or ∗) for the 14 output lines or prede-
fined binary pattern (<SELECT> selection), e.g. PUMP R/S 1, INIT
etc.
2nd parameter, for RS232 interface
Data string with up to 14 alphanumeric characters (any).
The default value "&M;$G" (for starting Metrohm instruments) can be
set with <CLEAR>.
3
WAIT
The <WAIT> key has no function in the normal operating condition. It
is used to insert the WAIT command in a run sequence.

2.1 Operating principles
Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Operation 9
0
EXT
The <EXT> key is used to switch on and off the pump connectors on
the rear side of the tower. On entry of the address of the connector (1
or 2) the current state of the connected pump is switched, i. e. a cur-
rently active pump is switched on.
The display indicates the current state of the pump conncectors (i. e.
PUMP–+; +means active, –means inactive).
Example:
PUMP on/off no. ? <2> display: PUMP -+--
PUMP on/off no. ? <2> display: PUMP ----
In this case pump 2 is switched on and off.
Under <PARAM>, >manual stop you can define whether the pump
connectors should be switched off with the <STOP> key or not.
.
<
VALVE
+
The <VALVE> key is used to switch the position of the injection
valve at the tower of the Advanced Sample Processor.
Example:
VALVE: inject
<ENTER> switches the injection valve to the displayed position.
This function is only working in the Sample Processor models
2.838.0x20 with built-in injection valve.
>
*
RACK
-
With the <RACK> key the sample rack can be initialized. The con-
nected peripheral devices (e.g. Dosimats, Dosinos) are not affected
by this.
The sample rack and lift (both lifts in 2-tower versions) are moved to
the zero position and automatic rack recognition is carried out. The
SAMPLE variable (= rack position of the current sample) is reset to
1.
Sequence control
START
The <START> key starts a method. A start is only possible when the
Advanced Sample Processor is in the normal operating condition, i. e.
when the display shows ready.
If <START> is activated after an interruption (<HOLD>, see below),
then the sequence continues with the next command.
The <START> can also be used to carry out a single command line
in a run sequence (TRACE function), see p. Fehler! Textmarke nicht
definiert..

2.1 Operating principles
10 Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Operation
STOP
The <STOP> key ends a method.
If a sample series is stopped manually with <STOP> then the final
sequence of a method will not be carried out. When the <STOP> key
is pressed the functions listed in the parameter menu under >manual
stop will be carried out.
HOLD
LEARN
The <HOLD> key interrupts a method sequence.
Connected peripheral devices will not be stopped automatically. Only
the method sequence will be interrupted. In the HOLD condition a
method can be completely terminated with <STOP> or continued
with <START>.
After an error message in the method sequence the Advanced Sam-
ple Processor switches automatically to the HOLD condition after
<QUIT>.

2.1 Operating principles
Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Operation 11
2.1.4 Instrument dialog
The instrument dialog of the Advanced Sample Processors is arranged
in menu levels in which the following rules apply:
Main menu
The <CONFIG>, <PARAM> and <USER METHOD> keys of the
Sample Processor open a main menu whose thematically arranged
submenus are accessed by repeatedly pressing this key or with <>.
The name of the main menu appears in the first line.
Submenu
Each submenu has its own title which is indicated by ">"and appears
in the lower line of the display. From the title you can use <ENTER> to
access the individual questions with which the most important instru-
ment settings can be altered. The first line of the display always shows
the name of the active submenu.
Navigation in the menus is by the cursor keys; with <HOME> you can
access the first line of the menu and with <END> the last one.
<QUIT> exits the active menu and accesses either the next superior
menu or the normal operating condition.
<ENTER> always opens a submenu or confirms the data input of the
lowest menu level.
Input lines
For input lines without ":"the values can be entered by the numerical
keys. The set value is accepted with <ENTER> and the next line ap-
pears.
For input lines with ":"predefined values can be selected with the
<SELECT> key. <ENTER> accepts the set value and the next line
appears.
Depending on the parameter, <CLEAR> is used to set the initial value.
The <CLEAR> key is also used to reject incorrectly entered values.
<QUIT> exits the questions and returns to the submenu.
The following schematic diagram shows the instrument dialog ar-
rangement.

2.1 Operating principles
12 Metrohm 838 Advanced Sample Processor, Operation
Kex title
>Submenu 1
QUIT
KEY
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
KEY
Normal state
QUIT
Key title
>Submenu n
>Submenu 1
Inquiry 1
>Submenu 1
Inquiry 2
>Submenu 1
Inquiry n
Key title
>Submenu 2 ENTER
ENTER
KEY QUIT
KEY
ENTER
>Submenu 2
Inquiry 1
>Submenu 2
Inquiry 2
>Submenu 2
Inquiry n
Fig. 2 Dialog arrangement