Micromeritics AquaPrep 055 User manual

AquaPrepTM 055
Operator’s Manual
055-42801-01
October 2009

AquaPrep, Micromeritics and Saturn DigiSizer are trademarks of Micromeritics Instrument Corporation.
Teflon is a registered trademark of Norton Company.
© Micromeritics Instrument Corporation 2002-2009. All rights reserved.

Form No. 008-42104-00
Rev. 12/95
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 war-
ranty 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 inspec-
tion 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 prod-
ucts. 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.
Service 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 other-
wise 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 manu-
factures 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.
4356 Communications Drive Norcross, GA 30093-1877  Fax [phone]
Domestic Sales - [phone] Domestic Repair Service - [phone]
International Sales - [phone] Customer Service - [phone]

AquaPrep 055 Table of Contents
Jun 02 i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Organization of the Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Precautions and Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
2. INSTALLATION
Unpacking and Inspecting the Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Equipment Damage or Loss During Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Equipment Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Installing the AquaPrep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Selecting the Input Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Installing the Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Connecting the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
3. OPERATION
4. TROUBLESHOOTING
Fuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Hydrophobic Capsule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
5. ORDERING INFORMATION

AquaPrep 055 Organization of the Manual
Dec 01 1-1
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Organization of the Manual
This manual describes the installation and operation of the AquaPrep 055; its contents are
organized as follows:
Conventions
This manual uses the symbols shown below to identify notes of importance, warnings, and
cautions.
Chapter 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Provides a general description of the AquaPrep, safety precautions,
and specifications.
Chapter 2 INSTALLATION
Describes how to unpack, inspect, and install the AquaPrep.
Chapter 3 OPERATION
Provides instructions for operating the AquaPrep.
Chapter 4 TROUBLESHOOTING
Provides troubleshooting information.
Chapter 5 ORDERING INFORMATION
Provides ordering information for AquaPrep accessories.
Notes contain important information pertinent to the subject matter.
Warnings contain information that help you prevent actions that may cause personal
injury.
Cautions contain information that help you prevent actions that may damage the
analyzer.

Precautions and Intended Use AquaPrep 055
1-2 Dec 01
Precautions and Intended Use
The AquaPrep is designed to remove dissolved air from water for subsequent use in particle
size analysis with Micromeritics’ Saturn DigiSizer®. If not removed, dissolved air can gener-
ate tiny bubbles which will distort the precision of the DigiSizer analysis.
Tap water varies greatly in its dissolved air content and the presence of debris. This water must
be deionized and well filtered before using with the AquaPrep. Filtering the water through (at
least) a 1-micron filter will greatly extend the life of the hydrophobic capsule by means of
which air is removed.
The AquaPrep only works with water; do not use any other liquid. Do not use water
that contains a detergent or wetting solution.
Use the AquaPrep only with deionized water that is final-filtered through, at least, a
1-micron filter.

AquaPrep 055 Description
Dec 01 1-3
Description
The AquaPrep recirculates water through a hydrophobic capsule consisting of many thin-
walled capillaries. A vacuum pump provides suction on the outside of the capillaries. The
result is a diffusion of dissolved air from the water through the capillary walls and into the
ambient air.
The AquaPrep has water inlet and outlet connectors on its front panel. The switch for turning it
on and off is located on the rear panel just left of the power card entrance.
Figure 1-1. The AquaPrep 055
The air removed from the water is exhausted through a small tube also at the front of the
instrument. Placing a small beaker of water around the tube so that its vent is submerged
reveals by its bubbling the rate of air removal. This guides in assessing when sufficient air has
been extracted from the water. Not all dissolved air has to be removed for satisfactory use with
the DigiSizer.

Specifications AquaPrep 055
1-4 Dec 01
Specifications
Characteristic Specification
———— OPERATING PARAMETERS ————
Typically degasses 5 liters/hr
———— UTILITIES/SUPPLIES ————
Accommodates to standard power mains worldwide.
Voltage:100/120, 220/240 VAC ± 10%
Current: 2.0 A (100/120 VAC); 1.0 A (220/240 VAC)
Frequency: 50/60 Hz
Water: Filtered and deionized
———— EXPOSED MATERIALS ————
Polypropylene, nylon, Tygon®
———— ENVIRONMENT ————
Temperature: 15-30 ºC (59-90 ºF) storing and shipping
———— CABINET ————
Physical: 28W x 10H x 28D cm (11W x 4H x 11D in.)
Weight: 5.3 kg (11.6 lbs)

AquaPrep 055 Unpacking and Inspecting the Equipment
Oct 09 2-1
2. INSTALLATION
This chapter describes how to unpack, inspect, and install the AquaPrep.
Unpacking and Inspecting the Equipment
The AquaPrep and its accessories should be visually inspected as soon as unpacked to ensure
that all items have been received and none has sustained physical damage.
When you unpack the shipping cartons, carefully compare the packing list with the equipment
actually received, while checking for equipment damaged during shipment. Be sure to sift
through all packing materials before declaring equipment missing.
Equipment Damage or Loss During Shipment
When equipment is damaged or lost in transit, you are required to make note of the damage or
loss on the freight bill. The carrier, not the shipper, is responsible for all damage or loss. In the
event of equipment damage or loss during shipment, contact the carrier of the equipment
immediately.
Equipment Return
Micromeritics strives to ensure that all items arrive safely and in working order. Occasionally,
due to circumstances beyond our control, equipment is received which is not in working con-
dition. When it is necessary to return equipment (damaged either during shipment or while in
use) to Micromeritics for repair or replacement, the following procedure should be followed:
1. Pack the instrument in its original shipping carton if possible. If the original carton is
unavailable, for a nominal fee Micromeritics can provide another carton for your use.
2. Tag or identify the defective equipment, noting the defect and circumstances, if any, under
which the defect is observed.
3. Reference the sales order or purchase order, and provide the date that the equipment was
received.
It is important to save the shipping cartons when equipment is to be declared as
damaged or lost. The inspector (or claim investigator) must examine the cartons prior
to completion of the inspection report.
Failure to package your instrument properly may result in shipping damage.

Installing the AquaPrep AquaPrep 055
2-2 Oct 09
4. Notify the Micromeritics Service Department of the defect and request shipping
instructions. The service department will assign a Returned Materials Authorization
(RMA) number. Write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping carton.
Installing the AquaPrep
Ideally, the AquaPrep should be placed next to the liquid sample handling module of the
DigiSizer (illustrated below). This allows for easy transfer of the container of deaerated water
from the AquaPrep to the sample handing module.
Selecting the Input Power
All instruments leave the factory set for 120 VAC and with the line fuse removed. The correct
setting of the universal power entrance must be checked and the appropriate fuse installed
before the AquaPrep can be operated. The AquaPrep is designed to operate with 100, 120,
220, or 240 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz. Voltage selection and fusing are made at the power connector,
which is located on the rear panel of the unit.
Do not connect the power cord until after you have verified the input power.
1. Make sure the power cord is not connected to the AquaPrep.
AquaPrep
Saturn DigiSizer Liquid Sample Handler
The power cord should be disconnected from the AquaPrep before removing the
cover from the input power connector. Failure to disconnect the power cord could
result in electrical shock.

AquaPrep 055 Installing the AquaPrep
Oct 09 2-3
2. Using a pointed object, remove the fuse block and cover assembly from the power
connector on the rear panel of the AquaPrep.
3. Pull the voltage selector card straight out of the power connector housing.
4. Orient the voltage selector card so that the desired voltage is indicated at the bottom.
Orient the indicator pin so that it points upward as shown in the following illustration.
5. Insert the voltage selector card into the power connector housing with the edge containing
the desired voltage first and with the printed side facing the power ON/OFF switch.
Indicator Pin
Voltage

Installing the AquaPrep AquaPrep 055
2-4 Oct 09
6. Fuse the power line according to local safety practices.
a. Observe the position of the fuse block, using the illustration shown above for
reference.
• If the single-fuse arrangement is desired, position the fuse block so that the side with
the single fuse slot and the jumper bar is away from the cover.
• If the double-fuse arrangement is desired, position the fuse block so that the side
with the double fuse slots is away from the cover.
b. If the fuse block is positioned properly for the desired fusing, proceed to Step c.
If the fuse block is not positioned properly:
1) Remove the fuse block retaining screw.
2) Lift the fuse block from the cover.
3) Rotate the fuse block.
4) Mount the fuse block to the cover.
5) Replace the retaining screw.
The double-fuse arrangement requires 20-mm fuses.
Fuse
Fuse
Fuses
Cover
Cover
Cover
Fuse Block Fuse Block
Retaining Screw
Fuse Block
The power cord must be disconnected from the degasser when installing or replacing
fuses. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock.

AquaPrep 055 Installing the AquaPrep
Oct 09 2-5
c Insert appropriate fuse(s) for the input power source. Refer to the chart below for the
appropriate fuse rating.
7. Insert fuse block and cover assembly into input power connector and snap it into place.
Once the fuse block and cover assembly are in place, the position of the indicator pin
shows the input power selected.
The fuses used in the AquaPrep must be identical in type and rating to that specified.
Use of other fuses could result in electrical shock and/or damage to the analyzer.
Power Source Fuse
100-120 VAC 2.0 Amp (slow-blow)
220-240 VAC 1.0 Amp (slow-blow)

Installing the AquaPrep AquaPrep 055
2-6 Oct 09
Installing the Tubing
The AquaPrep has inlet and outlet connectors onto which tubing is installed for circulating the
water through the AquaPrep for degassing.
Install the two pieces of tubing (supplied in the accessories kit) onto the connectors located on
the right side of the front panel.
Connecting the Power Cord
Insert one end of the power cord into the input power connector on the rear panel of the Aqua-
Prep and the other end into an appropriate power source.
Do not turn the AquaPrep on until you you have prepared the water container and are ready to
begin operation. Refer to Chapter 3 for complete operating instructions.
Tubing Connectors
Do not turn the AquaPrep on until the water is prepared and ready for deaeration.
Failure to have water circulating while the unit is turned on may damage the unit.

AquaPrep 055 Operation
Dec 01 3-1
3. OPERATION
The AquaPrep is simple and easy to operate; perform the following steps to begin the deaera-
tion process:
1. Fill a 10-liter, plastic container with deionized water which has been filtered with a
1-micron filter. Place the container on the floor directly below the AquaPrep.
The AquaPrep can aspirate water as high as 1-1/2 meters (5 feet); however the floor
position is recommended.
2. Insert the ends of the tubing into the water. Orient the tubing as follows:
• The end of the inlet tubing (supply) should be close to the bottom of the container.
• The end of the outlet tubing (return) should be just below (approximately 5 cm, or 2 in.)
the surface of the water so that splashing does not re-introduce air into the liquid.
It is important that the tubing is arranged at different levels. This promotes circulation and
ensures that all the liquid is exposed during the deaeration process.
3. Fill the beaker (supplied in the accessories kit) with deionized water and place it under the
Bubbler. Ensure that the end of the bubbler is submerged in the water approximately 0.32
to 0.64 cm (1/8 to 1/4 in.).
4. Place the On/Off switch (on the rear panel) in the On position (O); the power indicator
should illuminate.
The AquaPrep works only with water; do not use any other liquid. Do not use water
that contains a detergent or wetting solution.
Bubbler Power Indicator
Inlet Outlet
Be sure to turn off the AquaPrep when water is not being deaerated. Failure to have
water circulating may damage the unit.

Operation AquaPrep 055
3-2 Dec 01
5. Allow the water to deaerate for two hours.
Water varies enormously in its dissolved air content depending on source, temperature,
and time of year. Typically the AquaPrep adequately reduces the content of dissolved air
from 10 liters of filtered and deionized water in two hours or less.
6. Remove the tubes from the container of water
You may wish to observe and record the bubble rate per minute before removing the tubes.
This value could be useful as a guide for the adequacy of deaeration. For example you
may observe 20 bubbles per minute. If the background measurement you will perform
next shows adequate deaeration, you can watch for approximately 20 bubbles per minute
when deaerating a fresh supply of water.
7. Move the container closer to the liquid sample handler. Then insert the analysis tubing
from the liquid sample handler into the container.
8. Perform a background measurement; first with a flow rate of approximately 3 L/min. and
then at 15 L/min. There will be no difference in the two results when the water is
sufficiently deaerated.
Be sure circulation of the liquid being degassed is promoted.
Use bubble rate as a guide to aeration for fresh batches of water.

AquaPrep 055 Fuses
Dec 01 4-1
4. TROUBLESHOOTING
There are only two components subject to failure or degradation that are amenable to user
diagnosis and correction:
•Fuses
• Hydrophobic capsule
Contact your local serviceman or Micromeritics directly for all other difficulties with the
AquaPrep.
Fuses
If the AquaPrep fails to respond when the unit is turned on, first unplug the power cord and
check the fuse(s); replace if necessary. Refer to Chapter 2 for instructions on replacing the
fuse. Check the power receptacle for its voltage to prevent recurrence of the problem. Refer to
Chapter 5 for ordering information.
Hydrophobic Capsule
Replace the hydrophobic capsule when excessive deterioration is detected. Refer to Chapter 5
for ordering information.
1. Unplug the AquaPrep from its power source.
2. Remove the four screws along the sides and the two screws at each end, then lift off the
top cover.
3. Remove the tubes from the barbed fittings at each end.
4. Remove the two tubes from the central portion of the capsule which is the white object
transverse of the unit, and unstrap it from its tie-down.
5. Install the new capsule with its strap tie-down.
6. Replace the tubes on their respective fittings.
7. Replace the top cover.
The power cord should be disconnected from the AquaPrep before removing the
cover. Failure to disconnect the power cord could result in electrical shock.