Micromeritics Smart VacPrep User manual

OPERATOR MANUAL
067-42800-01l
Dec 2013
SMART VACPREP
INTELLIGENT VACUUM SAMPLE PREPARATION SYSTEM

Micromeritics is a registered trademark of Micromeritics Instrument Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows 7 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Smart VacPrep is a registered trademark of Micromeritics Instrument Corporation.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
© Micromeritics Instrument Corporation 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
The software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement and may be used or
copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
The following icons and format may be used throughout this manual to identify notes of importance,
warnings, and cautions.
NOTE- Notes contain important information pertinent to the subject matter.
CAUTION - Cautions contain information to help prevent actions that may damage the ana-
lyzer or components.
WARNING - Warnings contain information to help prevent actions that may cause per-
sonal injury.
For Chemisorption - Indicates the marked item is applicable to chemisorption analyzers only.
For Physisorption - Indicates the marked item is applicable to physisorption analyzers only.
About this Manual
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iii

About this Manual
Labels and Buttons Description
Buttons (in the applic-
ation)
Buttons in the application are represented as bold font weight and blue let-
ters. Some examples are: Save,Edit,Replace All, etc.
Buttons (on the equip-
ment)
Buttons on the equipment are represented as bold font and black letters.
some examples are: Start or Cancel.
Field Labels Field Labels are represented as italicized words. Some examples are:
Sample, Automatically Collected, Analysis Conditions, etc
Keyboard Commands Keyboard commands are represented as bold font weight and black letters.
Some examples are: F2,Alt+F4, etc.
Menu Instructions Menu instructions are represented as bold and italicized words. Some
examples are:
File >New Sample
Reports >Start Report
Unit [n] >Unit Configuration
Screen Tabs Screen Tabs are represented as italicized words. Some examples are:
Sample Description,Degas Conditions,Analysis Conditions, and Report
Options.
Screen Titles Screen Titles are represented as italicized words. Some examples are: Ana-
lysis Adsorptive Properties,Free Space,Sample Tube, etc
Field Labels and Screen Titles
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CONTACT US
Micromeritics Instrument Corporation
4356 Communications Drive
Norcross, GA 30093-2901, U.S.A.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.Micromeritics.com
---------------
U.S.Inquiries
U.S. Sales: [phone]
[e-mail]
---------------
Quotes, Orders, and Customer Satisfaction
Customer Service: [phone]
[e-mail]
---------------
U.S. Instrument Service Department
Phone: [phone]
Contact Us
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v

Table of Contents
About this Manual iii
Contact Us v
1 Aboutthe Smart VacPrep 1 - 1
Specifications for the Smart VacPrep 1 - 3
Set the Voltage for the Smart VacPrep 1 - 3
2 About the Smart VacPrep Software 2 - 1
Add or Remove a Smart VacPrep 2 - 1
Add a Smart VacPrep unit 2 - 2
Remove a Smart VacPrep unit 2 - 2
Smart VacPrep Configuration 2 - 3
3 Operate the Smart VacPrep 3 - 1
Backfill the Smart VacPrep Ports 3 - 1
Evacuate the Smart VacPrep Ports 3 - 1
QuickStart Degas Conditions 3 - 2
Load QuickStart Degas Conditions into a Sample File 3 - 4
Start Smart VacPrep Degas 3 - 5
Show Smart VacPrep Dashboard 3 - 7
Show Smart VacPrep Log 3 - 8
Show SmartVacPrep Schematic 3 - 9
Smart VacPrep Schematic Shortcut Menus 3 - 10
Show Smart VacPrep Status 3 - 11
4 Smart VacPrep Calibration 4 - 1
Smart VacPrep Pressure Offset 4 - 1
Smart VacPrep Servo Valve Calibration 4 - 1
5 Smart VacPrep Diagnostics 5 - 1
Diagnostic Test Report for Smart VacPrep 5 - 1
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Schedule Smart VacPrep Diagnostic Test 5 - 1
6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting 6 - 1
Enable Manual Control for Smart VacPrep 6 - 1
Replace the Smart VacPrep Fuse 6 - 2
Sample Tube Installation on the Smart VacPrep 6 - 2
Oil Based Vacuum Pump 6 - 3
Inspect and Change Vacuum Pump Oil 6 - 3
Replace the Alumina in the Oil Vapor Trap 6 - 6
Replace the Vacuum Pump Exhaust Filter 6 - 10
7 Parts and Accessories for the Smart VacPrep 7 - 1
8 Error Messages 8 - 1
Index Index - 1
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1 ABOUT THE SMART VACPREP
The Smart VacPrep is an advanced six-port degassing system that utilizes vacuum to degas samples by
heating and evacuation. Each of the ports may be operated independently of one another. Samples may
be added or removed from degas ports without disturbing the treatment of other samples undergoing
preparation. When starting a new sample, ports already degassing samples are automatically suspended
unless they are in the slow evacuation stage. When unrestricted evacuation is attained by the new
samples, the previously suspended samples will automatically resume their evacuation. Degassing will
automatically terminate when each sample has completed all programmed steps.
The Smart VacPrep remembers the previously selected set of degas conditions and allows them to be
reused. However, the option of programming each port with a different set of parameters is available. A
record of the sample preparation time and temperature can be recorded as part of the sample data file.
The degas program may be started or terminated by using the analyzer software on the computer
attached to the analyzer or with push buttons on the front panel of the Smart VacPrep. The push button
control on each port provides the ability to attach the sample tube with heating mantle, and immediately
start degassing a sample.
There are two methods of starting the degas process from the analyzer software:
lStart Degas menu option. Accessed from the Smart VacPrep > Unit [n] > Start Degas menu selec-
tion. Provides the option to use degas conditions from selected sample files or a degas conditions files
for each Smart VacPrep port. When using the Start Degas menu option, the degas process is started
using the Start button on the Start Degas window. This option is more convenient for samples that
have specific degas requirements that should be associated with the sample file when it is created.
1 Aboutthe Smart VacPrep
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1 Aboutthe Smart VacPrep
lQuickStart menu option and Smart VacPrep panel buttons. Accessed from the Smart VacPrep >
Unit [n] > QuickStart Degas Conditions menu selection. Provides the option to enter commonly used
degas conditions for each Smart VacPrep port without the need for a sample information file.
This option provides three ways to load information into QuickStart Degas Conditions:
1. Load degas conditions from an existing degas conditions file
2. Copy conditions from another Smart VacPrep unit and port
3. Enter degas conditions manually
When using the QuickStart menu option, the degas process is started using the Select button and
Start buttons for each port on the Smart VacPrep unit.
Using the Start Degas option does not change the degas conditions set up in QuickStart.QuickStart
degas conditions are remembered for the next push button operation.
Sample tubes are attached to the sample ports. Heating mantles are then installed and secured to the
sample tube with a metal clip. If using straight wall sample tubes, heating mantles with elastic cords
may be purchased separately.The mantle is plugged into the power and thermocouple connectors on the
front panel. The degassing process can then be started either by pressing the Select and Start buttons on
the Smart VacPrep unit or by going to Smart VacPrep > Unit [n] > Degas >Start Degas.
ACheck Seal or TransSeal can be used to transfer air-sensitive samples from the Smart VacPrep to the
analyzer's port without atmospheric contamination. To order these parts, reference the Parts and
Accessories section for the analyzer. Instructions for using the CheckSeal or TranSeal are included
with the ordered part.
Component Description
Cancel button Stops the degas process on all ports where the Select indicator is lit.
Ethernet port Located on the left side panel. Use to connect an Ethernet switch.
Power Switch (not shown) Located on the back of the unit, turns the unit on or off.
Select buttons Used to select the ports to be degassed.
Start button Starts the degas process on all ports where the Select indicator is lit.
Status Indicator Three lights indicate the current status of the station. The lights flash
when the valves are open.
Green. Indicates the station is idle and not hot. The setpoint temperature
is below 30 ºC and the actual temperature is below 50 ºC.
Red. Indicates when the setpoint temperature is greater than 30 ºC and
heat is being applied to the station.
Yellow. Indicates the station is in use, but not currently being heated. The
heating mantle may still be above 50 ºC.
Smart VacPrep Components Table
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SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SMART VACPREP
The Smart VacPrep degasser has been designed and tested to meet the following specifications:
Specification Description
Backfill Options Automatically backfill or wait for user command
Capacity 6 ports
Degas Method Heat and vacuum
Physical Dimensions Height: 69 cm (27 in.)
Width: 53 cm (20.75 in.)
Depth: 44 cm (17 in.)
Weight: 32 kg (70 lbs)
Evacuation Period Determined by selected elapsed time or achievement of selected low pres-
sure target
Evacuation Rate Selectable evacuation rate from 1.0 to 50.0 mmHg/s
Heating of Samples Heating mantles
Heating Ramp Rate Selectable from 0.1 oC per minute to 10 oC per minute
Soak Time Zero to 999 minutes in one minute increments (Zero = Manual Cancel).
Temperature Accuracy Deviation less than ±10 oC at the sensing thermocouple embedded in the
heating mantle
Temperature Control One ramp during evacuation phase, five additional ramps during sub-
sequent phases
Temperature Range 40 to 450 oC in one degree increments
Vacuum Control Selectable target pressure controls switchover from restricted to unres-
tricted evacuation.
Specifications for the Smart VacPrep
SET THE VOLTAGE FOR THE SMART VACPREP
The Smart VacPrep voltage setting is housed in a compartment adjacent to the power connector on the
back of the unit.
1. Use a flat head screwdriver to gently pry open the cover of the compartment.
2. Firmly press down on the voltage indicator and roll the indicator to display the appropriate voltage
for your environment. Selections are: 100 Vac, 120 Vac, 230 Vac, and 240 Vac.
3. Firmly press the compartment cover shut. Ensure it closes securely. The selected voltage will
appear in the window on the compartment cover.
Specifications for the Smart VacPrep
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2 ABOUT THE SMART VACPREP SOFTWARE
If a software update is required for the analyzer to support the Smart VacPrep, the software can be
downloaded from the internet at this location:
http://www.micromeritics.com/Smart-VacPrep-Software.aspx
The degasser software is installed as a part of the analyzer installation. During installation, an
IPaddress will be assigned to the unit allowing the unit to connect automatically during startup. Up to
three additional degasser units can be installed.
Menu options for the Smart VacPrep are provided on the SmartVacPrep menu.
ADD OR REMOVE A SMART VACPREP
A Smart VacPrep unit must be removed from one application before it can be added to another
application if they are running on the same subnet.
2 About the Smart VacPrep Software
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2 About the Smart VacPrep Software
ADD A SMART VACPREP UNIT
Smart VacPrep >Add
1. When prompted, enter the serial number of the unit being added. Duplicate serial numbers are not
allowed.
2. Click Add. Initialization begins.
REMOVE A SMART VACPREP UNIT
Smart VacPrep >Remove
1. Select the serial number to remove.
2. Click Remove.
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SMART VACPREP CONFIGURATION
Smart VacPrep >Unit [n] > Configuration
Displays the Smart VacPrep configuration and software versions.
Field or Button Description
Board ID Click to display the board ID.
Change IP Click to display the Unit IP Setup window. The IPaddress and Subnet
mask assigned during installation display. Do not edit these fields unless
instructed by a Micromeritics service representative.
OK Saves and closes the active window.
Remove 067 Unit Click to remove the selected Smart VacPrep unit.
Smart VacPrep Unit Configuration Fields and Buttons Table
Smart VacPrep Configuration
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3 OPERATE THE SMART VACPREP
BACKFILL THE SMART VACPREP PORTS
Smart VacPrep >Unit [n]> Backfill Ports
Use to backfill ports with gas.
1. Enter the backfill pressure in the Backfill pressure field.
2. Select the ports to be backfilled.
3. Click Start to start the process or Cancel to stop the process.
EVACUATE THE SMART VACPREP PORTS
Unit [n] > Smart VacPrep > Evacuate Smart VacPrep Ports
Allows manual evacuation of up to six degas ports.
3 Operate the Smart VacPrep
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3 Operate the Smart VacPrep
Field or Button Description
Cancel Discards any changes or cancels the current process.
Evacuate Options lUnrestricted evac. pressure. Pressure value at which unrestricted
sample evacuation should begin.
lVacuum level. Specify the vacuum level to be achieved before evac-
uation begins.
lEvacuation rate. Rate of evacuation.
Evacuate Port[s] Select the ports() to evacuate.
Start Starts the operation.
Smart VacPrep Evacuate Ports Fields and Buttons
QUICKSTART DEGAS CONDITIONS
Smart VacPrep >Unit [n] >QuickStart Degas Conditions
The QuickStart Degas Conditions option provides the ability to enter commonly used degas conditions
for each Smart VacPrep port without the need for a sample information file. Degassing can then be
easily started using the front panel buttons on the Smart VacPrep unit.
This option provides three ways to load information into QuickStart Degas Conditions:
1. Load degas conditions from an existing degas conditions file.
2. Copy conditions from another Smart VacPrep unit and port.
3. Enter degas conditions manually.
Degas conditions can be copied into sample files after degassing for record keeping.
When using the QuickStart menu option, the degas process is started using the Select button and Start
buttons for each port on the Smart VacPrep unit.
QuickStart degas conditions are remembered for the next push button operation.
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1. Go to Smart VacPrep >Unit [n] >QuickStart Degas Conditions.
2. The six ports are represented by row numbers. Ports that are busy are grayed out and disabled.
Click Edit for the port to be configured.
3. Enter degas conditions using one of the following methods:
lTo select degas conditions from a Degas Conditions file, click the dropdown arrow to the right
of the Degas Conditions field. If the file is not shown, select Browse , locate the file, then
click Load.
lTo copy QuickStart Degas Conditions from another Smart VacPrep unit, select the unit and
port number to the right of the Copy QuickStart Degas Conditions from Smart VacPrep Unit
field..
lTo enter degas conditions manually, complete the fields on the window. Reference the Degas
Conditions section of the analyzer operator manual
4. Click Save. Repeat these steps for each port to be configured. If multiple ports will have the
same degas conditions parameters, click Edit on the port and use the Copy QuickStart Degas
Conditions from Smart VacPrep Unit [n] Port [n field to load the settings from the first port.
5. Repeat these steps for each applicable unit and port.
6. If using a Check Seal, verify that the Check Seal opener is installed in the Smart VacPrep port.
Follow the instructions included with the Check Seal for instructions on inserting the opener.
7. Load the sample into the sample tube. If using a Check Seal or TranSeal, insert it into the sample
tube.
8. Load the sample on the Smart VacPrep sample port.
9. Attach the heating mantle using the metal clip. If a straight wall tube is used, heating mantles with
elastic cords are available. Reference the Parts and Accessories section of the analyzer operator
manual.
QuickStart Degas Conditions
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3 Operate the Smart VacPrep
10. Install the safety shield.
11. Press the Select button for the port to be degassed. Ablue LED is lit.
12. Press the Start button on the Smart VacPrep panel to start the degas process for all ports that
have a blue LED lit.
13. When degassing is complete and the sample has cooled, the sample can be transferred to an ana-
lysis port.
LOAD QUICKSTART DEGAS CONDITIONS INTO A SAMPLE FILE
QuickStart Degas Conditions can be copied into a sample file. Reference the Degas Conditions section
of the analyzer operator manual.
Field or Button Description
Close Closes the active window.
Degas Conditions Use to browse for a .DEG file that contains degas condition parameters
to be used in the analysis.
Heating Phase This option is applicable when degassing with either a Smart VacPrep or
a SmartPrep.
Enter up to five stages of degas conditions.
lTemperature. Degas temperature.
lTemperature Ramp Rate. Rate at which the temperature is to
change.
lTime. Amount of time to heat the sample.
Use to modify the table contents.
lInsert. Inserts one row above the selected row.
lDelete. Deletes the selected row.
lClear. Clears all table entries and displays only one default value.
lAppend. Inserts one row at the end of the table.
Degas Conditions Fields and Buttons Table
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