Micromeritics Smart VacPrep User manual

OPERATOR MANUAL
067-42801-01
June 2022
(Rev A)
SMART VACPREP™
INTELLIGENT VACUUM SAMPLE PREPARATION SYSTEM

TRADEMARKS
MATLABis a registered trademark of MathWorks.
Micromeritics is a registered trademark of Micromeritics Instrument Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Smart VacPrep is a trademark of Micromeritics Instrument Corporation.
Copyright
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.
____________________________________________________________________________
Copyright © 2014 - 2022. Micromeritics Instrument Corporation. All rights reserved.

WARRANTY
MICROMERITICS INSTRUMENT CORPORATION warrants for one year from the date of shipment each instrument it
manufactures to be free from defects in material and workmanship impairing its usefulness under normal use and
service conditions except as noted herein.
Our liability under this warranty is limited to repair, servicing and adjustment, free of charge at our plant, of any
instrument or defective parts when returned prepaid to us and which our examination discloses to have been defective.
The purchaser is responsible for all transportation charges involving the shipment of materials for warranty repairs.
Failure of any instrument or product due to operator error, improper installation, unauthorized repair or alteration, failure
of utilities, or environmental contamination will not constitute a warranty claim. The materials of construction used in
MICROMERITICS instruments and other products were chosen after extensive testing and experience for their
reliability and durability. However, these materials cannot be totally guaranteed against wear and/or decomposition by
chemical action (corrosion) as a result of normal use.
Repair parts are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for 90 days from the date of shipment.
No instrument or product shall be returned to MICROMERITICS prior to notification of alleged defect and authorization
to return the instrument or product. All repairs or replacements are made subject to factory inspection of returned parts.
MICROMERITICS shall be released from all obligations under its warranty in the event repairs or modifications are
made by persons other than its own authorized service personnel unless such work is authorized in writing by
MICROMERITICS.
The obligations of this warranty will be limited under the following conditions:
1. Certain products sold by MICROMERITICS are the products of reputable manufacturers, sold under their
respective brand names or trade names. We, therefore, make no express or implied warranty as to such
products. We shall use our best efforts to obtain from the manufacturer, in accordance with his customary prac-
tice, the repair or replacement of such of his products that may prove defective in workmanship or materials. Ser-
vice charges made by such manufacturer are the responsibility of the ultimate purchaser. This states our entire
liability in respect to such products, except as an authorized person of MICROMERITICS may otherwise agree
to in writing.
2. If an instrument or product is found defective during the warranty period, replacement parts may, at the dis-
cretion of MICROMERITICS, be sent to be installed by the purchaser, e.g., printed circuit boards, check valves,
seals, etc.
3. Expendable items, e.g., sample tubes, detector source lamps, indicator lamps, fuses, valve plugs (rotor) and
stems, seals and O-rings, ferrules, etc., are excluded from this warranty except for manufacturing defects. Such
items which perform satisfactorily during the first 45 days after the date of shipment are assumed to be free of
manufacturing defects.
Purchaser agrees to hold MICROMERITICS harmless from any patent infringement action brought against
MICROMERITICS if, at the request of the purchaser, MICROMERITICS modifies a standard product or manufactures a
special product to the purchaser’s specifications.
MICROMERITICS shall not be liable for consequential or other type damages resulting from the use of any of its
products other than the liability stated above. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including
but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for use.
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CORPORATE PROFILE
Micromeritics Instrument Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of high-performance systems
to characterize particles, powders and porous materials with a focus on physical properties,
chemical activity, and flow properties. Our technology portfolio includes: pycnometry, adsorption,
dynamic chemisorption, particle size, intrusion porosimetry, powder rheology, and activity testing
of catalysts. The company has R&D and manufacturing sites in the USA, UK, and Spain, and
direct sales and service operations throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Micromeritics
systems are the instruments-of-choice in more than 10,000 laboratories of the world’s most
innovative companies and prestigious government and academic institutions. Our world-class
scientists and responsive support teams enable customer success by applying Micromeritics
technology to the most demanding applications. For more information, please visit
www.Micromeritics.com.
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CONTACT US
Micromeritics Instrument Corporation
4356 Communications Drive
Norcross, GA/ USA / 30093-2901
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.Micromeritics.com
Instrument Service or Repair
Phone: [phone]
International: Contact your local distributor or call 1-770-662-3666
[email protected]
Micromeritics Application Support
[email protected]
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General Safety
GENERAL SAFETY
Do not modify this instrument without the authorization of a Micromeritics service
personnel.
Use caution in the areas where this symbol is displayed on the instrument — such as
near the heating stations. These surfaces may be hot and could cause serious burns.
Use the gloves supplied in the accessories kit.
Any piece of laboratory equipment can become dangerous to personnel when improperly
operated or poorly maintained. All employees operating and maintaining Micromeritics
instruments should be familiar with its operation and should be thoroughly trained and instructed
on safety.
nRead the operator manual for any special operational instructions for the instrument.
nKnow how the instrument functions and understand the operating processes.
nWear the appropriate personal protective equipment when operating this
instrument — such as eye protection, lab coat, protective gloves, etc.
nWhen lifting or relocating the instrument, use proper lifting and transporting devices
for heavy instruments. Ensure that sufficient personnel are available to assist in
moving the instrument. The Smart VacPrep weighs approximately 32 kg (70 lb).
nAlways pay attention to the safety instructions provided on each label affixed to the
instrument and do not alter or remove the labels. When inspecting the instrument,
ensure that the safety labels have not become worn or damaged.
nThe Smart VacPrep has a safety shield. Ensure it is in place when operating the
instrument.
nProper maintenance is critical to personnel safety and smooth instrument
operation and performance. Instruments require regular maintenance to help
promote safety, provide an optimum end test result, and to prevent costly down
time. Failure to practice proper maintenance procedures can lead to unsafe
conditions and shorten the life of the instrument.
nImproper handling, disposing of, or transporting potentially hazardous materials
can cause serious bodily harm or damage to the instrument. Always refer to the
MSDS when handling hazardous materials. Safe operation and handling of the
instrument, supplies, and accessories is the responsibility of the operator.
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INTENDED USE
The Smart VacPrep degasser is an advanced six-port system that utilizes vacuum to prepare
samples by heating and evacuation. Each of the ports may be operated independently. Samples
may be added or removed from degas ports without disturbing the treatment of other samples
undergoing preparation. Degassing automatically terminates when the samples have completed
all programmed steps.
The instrument is intended to be operated by trained personnel familiar with the
proper operation of the equipment recommended by the manufacturer and as well as
relevant hazards involved and prevention methods. Other than what is described in
this manual, all use is seen as unintended use and can cause a safety hazard.
The instrument is intended to be used as per applicable local and national regulations.
TRAINING
It is the customer's responsibility to ensure that all personnel operating or maintaining the
equipment participate in training and instruction sessions. All personnel operating, inspecting,
servicing, or cleaning this instrument must be properly trained in operation and machine safety
before operating this instrument.
General Safety
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General Safety
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY USE PERIOD
Part Name
Hazardous Substances
Lead
(Pb)
Mercury
(Hg)
Cadmium
(Cd)
Hexavalent
Chromium
(Cr (VI))
Polybrominated
biphenyls
(PBB)
Polybrominated
diphenyl ethers
(PBDE)
Cover o o o o o o
Power
Supplies x o o o o o
Printed
Circuit
Boards
x o o o o o
Cables, Con-
nectors &
Transducers
x o o o o o
Hazardous Substances Table
o Hazardous substance is below the specified limits as described in SJ/T11363-2006.
x Hazardous substance is above the specified limits as described in SJ/T11363-2006.
The Environmentally Friendly Use Period (EFUP) for all enclosed products
and their parts are per the symbol shown here unless otherwise marked. Cer-
tain parts may have a different EFUP (for example, battery modules) and are
marked to reflect such. The Environmentally Friendly Use Period is valid only
when the product is operated under the conditions defined in the product
manual.
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ABOUT THIS MANUAL
The following can be found on the Micromeritics web page (www.Micromeritics.com).
nParts and Accessories
nError Messages
nVacuum Pump Guide (PDF)
The following symbols or icons indicate safety precautions and/or supplemental information and
may appear in this manual:
NOTE— Notes contain important information applicable to the topic.
CAUTION — Cautions contain information to help prevent actions that may damage
the analyzer or components.
WARNING — Warnings contain information to help prevent actions that may cause
personal injury.
WARNING -SURFACE MAY BE HOT — Warnings contain information to help
prevent actions that may cause personal injury. This symbol indicates that surfaces
may be hot and may present dangers if touched.
About this Manual
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Table of Contents
General Safety iv
About this Manual vii
1 Aboutthe Smart VacPrep 1 - 1
Specifications for the Smart VacPrep 1 - 3
Check Seal and TranSeal 1 - 6
2 About the Software 2 - 1
Common Fields and Buttons 2 - 1
Export Files 2 - 2
Instrument Status 2 - 3
Show Dashboard 2 - 3
Show Log 2 - 5
Show Schematic 2 - 6
Show Status 2 - 8
Keyboard Shortcuts 2 - 9
Libraries 2 - 10
List Files 2 - 11
Menu Structure 2 - 11
Smart VacPrep Configuration 2 - 12
Add or Remove a Smart VacPrep 2 - 13
Unit Selection 2 - 14
Software Setup 2 - 14
Software Uninstall 2 - 15
Software Updates 2 - 15
3 Operate the Smart VacPrep 3 - 1
Start Degas 3 - 1
Evacuate Ports 3 - 2
Backfill Ports 3 - 3
QuickStart Degas Conditions 3 - 4
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Load QuickStart Degas Conditions into a Sample File 3 - 6
4 Calibration 4 - 1
Pressure Offset 4 - 1
Servo Valve 4 - 2
5 Diagnostics 5 - 1
Diagnostic Test Report 5 - 1
6 Maintenance 6 - 1
Safe Servicing 6 - 2
Parts And Accessories 6 - 3
Clean the Instrument 6 - 3
Enable Manual Control 6 - 3
Oil-based Vacuum Pump 6 - 3
Power 6 - 3
Preventive Maintenance 6 - 4
Guidelines for Connecting Gases 6 - 5
Replace a Gas Cylinder 6 - 6
Sample Tube Installation 6 - 8
Sample Tube for HPVA 6 - 10
Remove the Smart VacPrep Sample Port Fitting 6 - 10
Attach an HPVA Sample Tube to the Smart VacPrep 6 - 11
Smart VacPrep Fuse 6 - 11
7 Data Logging 7 - 1
Data File Column Descriptions 7 - 3
Install Python Components 7 - 4
Sample Python Code 7 - 5
Smart VacPrep EU Declaration of Conformity DoC - 1
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1 ABOUT THE SMART VACPREP
The degas program may be started or terminated by using software installed on the computer
attached to the analysis instrument or with buttons on the front panel of the Smart VacPrep. The
Rapid-Start mode on each port allows the operator to attach the sample tube with heating mantle
and immediately start degassing a sample.
The SmartVacPrep is compatible with the Flex, ASAP2460, and TriStar IIPlus.
A. Safety shield (only
one shown)
B. Start/Stop buttons
C. Rapid-Start sample
port select buttons
D. Status indicator lights
E. Heating mantles
1 Aboutthe Smart VacPrep
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1 Aboutthe Smart VacPrep
Component Description
Ethernet port (not
shown)
Located on the left side panel. Use to connect an Ethernet switch.
Heating Mantles Covers the bottom of the sample tube while degassing is in process.
Power Switch (not
shown)
Located on the back of the unit. Powers the unit on or off.
Rapid-Start Sample
Select buttons
Select the ports to be degassed.
Safety Shield Place the safety shield over the sample tubes while the instrument is
degassing.
Start/Stop buttons Starts or stops the degas process on all ports where the Select indic-
ator is lit.
Status Indicator lights 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
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SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SMART VACPREP
Backfill Options Automatic
Capacity 6 ports
Degas Method Heat and vacuum
Evacuation Period Determined by selected elapsed time after achievement of selec-
ted low pressure target
Evacuation Rate Selectable evacuation rate from 1.0 to 50.0 mmHg/s
Hold Time Zero to 999 minutes in one minute increments
Vacuum Control Servo-controlled rates to minimize or eliminate sample elutriation
Heating of Samples Heating mantles
Ramp Rate Selectable from 0.1 to 10 °C per minute
Heating
Accuracy Deviation less than ±10 °C at the sensing thermocouple embedded
in the heating mantle
Control One ramp during evacuation phase, five additional ramps during
subsequent phases
Range 40 to 450 °C in one degree increments
Temperature
Nitrogen, argon, or any other pure gas that does not adsorb at room temperature
Gases
Specifications for the Smart VacPrep
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1 Aboutthe Smart VacPrep
Temperature 10 to 35 ºC operating; 0 to 50 ºC non-operating
Maximum rate of change of 2 °C per hour
Humidity 20 to 80% relative, non-condensing
Indoor or Outdoor Use
Indoor only (not suitable for wet locations)
Altitude: 2000 m max
Pollution degree of the intended environment: 2
Degree of Ingress
Protection IPX0
Environment
Voltage 100/120/230/240 VAC (acceptable mains supply voltage
fluctuations: ± 10% of rating)
Power 750 VA
Frequency 50/60 Hz
Overvoltage Category II
Electrical
Height 69 cm (27 in.)
Width 53 cm (21 in.)
Depth 43 cm (17 in.)
Weight 32 kg (71 lbs)
Physical
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Operating System Windows 10 or higher operating system is required.
Desktop Installation
Required
The application should not be installed on a network drive with
shared access.
Multiple users cannot operate the application at the same time.
Ensure the "Sleep" setting on the desktop is set to
"Never" to avoid interruption while running an analysis.
If this occurs, the application loses network
connectivity with the instrument and a communications
error will be reported. Arestart of the Windows
application may be required if automatic reconnection
is not successful.
10 Base T or 100 Base T
Ethernet Port
If the computer is to be connected to a network, two Ethernet ports
are required. If more than one Ethernet-based unit is connected to
the same computer, an Ethernet switch will also be required.
Read/Write Permissions All application users will need Read/Write permission to all
directories and subdirectories where the application is installed.
Drives USBport
Computer Requirements
Due to continuous improvements, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications for the Smart VacPrep
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1 Aboutthe Smart VacPrep
CHECK SEAL AND TRANSEAL
Parts and accessories are located on the Micromeritics web page.
Check Seas and TranSeals are available and can be used to transfer air-sensitive samples from
the Smart VacPrep to the analyzer's port without atmospheric contamination. They are designed
for use with the 1/2 in. and 12 mm sample tubes. Instructions for using the CheckSeal or TranSeal
are included with the ordered part.
The Smart VacPrep is shipped from the factory with Check Seal openers installed inside each
sample tube port.
Sample Tube Size Opener Removal Required Assembly Available
1/4 in. Yes No
3/8 in. Yes No
1/2 in. No Yes
9 mm Yes No
12 mm No Yes
CheckSeal and TranSeal Information
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2 ABOUT THE SOFTWARE
The Smart VacPrep software is installed as a part of the analyzer installation or it can be installed
as a standalone unit. 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
when running Micromeritics analyzer analysis software.
COMMON FIELDS AND BUTTONS
The fields and buttons in the following table are located in multiple windows throughout the
analyzer application and have the same description or function. Fields and button descriptions not
listed in this table are found in tables in their respective sections. All entry fields will accept
information when using a bar code reader.
Selections Description
Add Log Entry Use to enter information that will display in the sample log report that
cannot be recorded automatically through the application. Click the but-
ton again to enter multiple log entries.
Browse Searches for a file.
Cancel Discards any changes or cancels the current process.
Clear Clears all fields.
Close Closes the active window and displays a prompt to either accept or
reject changes.
OK Saves and closes the active window.
Save Saves changes.
Start Starts the operation or process.
Common Fields and Buttons
2 About the Software
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2 About the Software
EXPORT FILES
File >Export
Provides the option to print the contents of one or more sample or parameter files to either the
screen, a printer, or a file. Data can be exported as a .PDF, .TXT, .XML, or .XLS file format. The
type of data to include or exclude can be selected during the export process. The data can be
imported into other applications that read these file formats when exported to a file.
1. Select a .DEG file to be exported.
2. Click Export and select export preferences.
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