Micromeritics GEMINI VII 2390 User manual

Gemini VII 2390
Surface Area Analyzer
Service Manual
February 2009

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
© Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, 2009. All rights reserved.

Gemini VII 2390 Service Manual TableofContents
Feb 09 i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Organization of the manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Gemini Configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Using This Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
2. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
New Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Cabinetry & Sample Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Instrument Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Cabinetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Sample Compartment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Balance, Sample, and Po Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Dewar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Sample Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Vacuum Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Analysis Manifold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Gas Inlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Embedded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Windows Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Manual Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Embedded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Windows Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Printed Circuit Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Analysis Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Control Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
3. ANALYSIS SEQUENCE
Analysis Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Table of Contents Gemini VII 2390 Service Manual
ii Feb 09
4. PREINSTALLATION
5. INSTALLATION
6. OPERATOR TRAINING
7. MAINTENANCE DOCUMENTS
8. CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
9. MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS
Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
10. SERVICE PARTS
11. SOFTWARE
12. OPERATOR’S MANUAL
13. SERVICE TRAINING

Gemini VII 2390 Service Organization of the manual
Feb 09 1-1
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
This service manual contains information and instructions for providing instrument
service on the Micromeritics Gemini VII 2390, and is intended for use by Micromerit-
ics' factory-trained and supported service personnel. It contains information and
instructions for servicing the Gemini VII 2390 Series analyzers. It does not contain a
description of software commands, nor procedures for operating the instrument (refer
to the operator’s manual for this type of information).
Organization of the manual
The Gemini VII service manual is organized as follows:
Chapter 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Provides general information about the service manual and its contents.
Chapter 2 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Provides a functional description of analyzer components.
Chapter 3 ANALYSIS SEQUENCE
Provides a description of the analysis sequence.
Chapter 4 PREINSTALLATION
Provides Preinstallation requirements and checklist.
Chapter 5 INSTALLATION
Provides Installation Instructions.
Chapter 6 OPERATOR TRAINING
Provides a checklist for training operators on the use of the Gemini
analyzer.
Chapter 7 MAINTENANCE DOCUMENTS
Provides preventative maintenance documents.

Organization of the manual Gemini VII 2390 Service
1-2 Feb 09
Chapter 8 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
Provides a copy of the Factory Calibration Procedure.
Chapter 9 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS
Contains mechanical and electrical drawings.
Chapter 10 SERVICE PARTS
Contains a list of service replacement parts.
Chapter 11 SOFTWARE
Provides a link to the demo software.
Chapter 12 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Provides links to current versions of the operator manuals.
Chapter 13 SERVICE TRAINING
Provides a syllabus for training service personnel.

Gemini VII 2390 Service Gemini Configurations
Feb 09 1-3
Gemini Configurations
The Gemini Series analyzers are available in the following configurations:
Installation Qualification and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) packages are available for all
configurations and may be purchased from Micromeritics.
Also available for Windows-based systems is the Confirm software, which addresses
the requirements specified by 21 CFR Part 11 validation, security, audit trails, report-
ing and more.
Part Number Configuration
239-00000-00 Gemini VII 2390a, Windows*
239-00001-00 Gemini VII 2390a, Keypad
239-00002-00 Gemini VII 2390p, Windows*
239-00003-00 Gemini VII 2390p, Keypad
239-00004-00 Gemini VII 2390t, Windows*
239-00005-00 Gemini VII 2390t, Keypad
*Windows®XP Professional or Windows Vista®Business or Ultimate
239-00000-00IQ Installation Qualification
239-00000-00OQ Operational Qualification

Using This Manual Gemini VII 2390 Service
1-4 Feb 09
Using This Manual
This manual is most efficiently used from the Micromeritics web site. However, it can
be downloaded to a portable media device, such as a CD or a USB stick.

Gemini VII 2390 Service
Feb 09 2-1
2. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
This chapter describes the systems and components that comprise the Gemini VII 2390
instrument.
The basic function of the Gemini Series of surface area analyzers is to determine the surface
area of solid materials. Analyses are performed using a static volumetric technique in which
the adsorptive flows into a tube containing the sample and into a balance tube, at the same
time. Even low surface area measurements can be made without the use of krypton.
The Gemini Series analyzers can be operated using a keypad (shown above), or in a Windows
environment. The analyzers are available in three models: the Gemini 2390a, 2390p, and
2390t.
The Gemini 2390aand 2390pare enclosed in the same size cabinet. The only physical
difference is the Po (saturation pressure) tube which is installed on the Gemini 2390p,
allowing continuous measurement of the saturation pressure. A Gemini 2390acan be
upgraded to a Gemini 2390p.
The Gemini 2390tis in a slightly larger cabinet allowing the use of a larger Dewar and longer
sample tubes for extended analyses. This model also is equipped with a Po tube.
Up to four instruments can be installed on one computer (Windows operating system); any
combination of models may be installed.

New Product Features Gemini VII 2390 Service
2-2 Feb 09
New Product Features
Listed below are some of the new features added to the Gemini VII 2390 analyzers and
software.
Cabinetry & Sample Chamber
• Two cabinet sizes are offered.
• A rotating door allows easy access to the sample and balance ports for mounting and
removing sample tubes.
• Redesigned keypad used with the standalone unit, allowing more information to be dis-
played.
• Po tube has been added to the pand tmodels, allowing continuous measurement of the sat-
uration pressure.
Software
• Service Test capabilities have been added for the keypad (standalone) and Windows soft-
ware.
• Information can be scanned directly into input fields using a bar code reader, eliminating
entry errors.
• Enter sample mass or have it calculated automatically.
• Pass/Fail options for some report data.
•Standalone (keypad): e-mail analysis results automatically after analysis; view analysis
results using a web browser.

Gemini VII 2390 Service Instrument Description
Feb 09 2-3
Instrument Description
The Gemini VII 2390 analyzer consists of the following components and modules:
•Cabinetry
• Sample compartment
• Components
• Analysis manifold assembly
• Software configurations
• Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
• Power module
Cabinetry
Three Gemini models are available: the Gemini VII 2390a, 2390p, and 2390t.
The Gemini 2390aand 2390phave the same size cabinet.
The Gemini 2390thas a larger cabinet to accommodate the use of longer sample tubes and a
larger Dewar.
The dimensions and weights are as follows:
Height: 23 in. (58 cm)
29 in. (74 cm) Gemini VII 2390aand 2390p Gemini VII 2390t
Width: 16 in. (40 cm) All models
Depth: 20 in. (51 cm) All models
Weight: 70 lbs (32 kg)
74 lbs (34 kg ) Gemini VII 2390aand 2390p Gemini VII 2390t

Instrument Description Gemini VII 2390 Service
2-4 Feb 09
Front Panel
The front panel contains a removable top panel, providing access to the interior analysis
module and its subassemblies. The top panel is molded from plastic and internally coated with
a special conductive coating to prevent radio frequency interference.
The front panel also contains a green LED indicator which illuminates when the analyzer is on
and ready for operation.
The redesigned door on the Gemini slides to open and close, and allows more room for
installing sample tubes and placing the Dewar on the elevator.
Top Panel
Sample Compartment
Door
Power indicator

Gemini VII 2390 Service Instrument Description
Feb 09 2-5
Rear Panel
Gas ports Two gas ports are provided; one for the adsorptive and one for
Helium.
Vacuum Pump
connector Allows for attaching a wet (oil-based) or dry (oil-free) vacuum pump.
Ethernet port For connecting the ethernet cable, allowing communication
between the analyzer and the computer (Windows version).
This port can be used to connect to a network when using the
standalone Gemini, enabling you to e-mail results automatically
at the completion of analysis as well as view analysis results
using a web browser.
USB connectors Two connectors are provided for attaching external devices
(printer, bar code reader, or keyboard) and for installing software
upgrades when using the standalone Gemini.
These connectors are not used for the Windows version.
Keypad connector
Helium inlet port
Adsorptive inlet port
USB connectors
Vacuum Pump connector
Ethernet port
Power connector
On/Off switch
RS232 connector

Instrument Description Gemini VII 2390 Service
2-6 Feb 09
Sample Compartment
The sample compartment contains the sample and balance ports, a pictorial representation of
their orientation, the Po port and tube (Gemini 2390pand 2390tonly), and the elevator on
which the Dewar is placed for analysis.
RS-232 connector For attaching devices used to perform calibration procedures.
With the standalone Gemini, this connector can be used to attach
an analytical balance for automatic transmission of the sample
mass.
On/Off switch For turning the analyzer on and off.
Power connector For connecting the analyzer to the power source.
Keypad connector For connecting a keypad; not used with Windows version.
Sample port
Balance port
Po port and tube (2390pand 2390tonly)
Diagram of tube positions
Elevator

Gemini VII 2390 Service Instrument Description
Feb 09 2-7
Balance, Sample, and Po Ports
The balance port is on the left side and the sample port is on the right side (pictorially
illustrated on the right side of the sample compartment). The same size sample tube must be
installed on both ports.
The Po port is for the Po tube, which comes installed on the Gemini 2390pand 2390t
analyzers, allowing for a continuous measurement of the saturation pressure.
Maintenance of the balance and sample ports is very important. Ports should be kept free of
dirt and debris that may contaminate the system and affect analysis results. Frits should be
examined when performing routine maintenance. A 40-µm frit (coarse) is used in the sample
port and a 2-µm frit (smooth) in the balance port; do not interchange these frits. The analyzer
will not operate properly if a 2-µm frit is used in the sample port.
The Balance adjustment screw (located inside the cavity at the front of the balance port) is
used to remove any volume imbalances between the sample side and the balance side of the
system.
Po port and tube
(2390pand 2390tonly)
Sample Tube
Fitting
O-ring
Balance port Sample port
Access to the Balance
adjustment screw.
Frit

Instrument Description Gemini VII 2390 Service
2-8 Feb 09
Elevator
The elevator is used for placement of the Dewar around the sample and Po tubes. The elevator
is raised automatically when the analysis is started and lowers automatically when the analysis
is finished. During analysis, the elevator also lowers after the free-space measurement to allow
evacuation, then raises and continues the analysis.
The elevator can also be raised and lowered while in Manual Mode using key commands
(standalone) and the instrument schematic (Windows).
For safety precautions, the elevator maintains its position in the event of a power failure.
The elevator assembly may be removed from the Gemini from the front of the instrument.
This illustration shows the elevator assembly inside the analyzer.
Elevator
PCB
Elevator stepper
motor
Elevator screw

Gemini VII 2390 Service Instrument Description
Feb 09 2-9
Components
Dewar
Optional stainless-steel Dewars are available for all models.
Sample Tubes
Sample tubes are made of borosilicate glass in order to withstand temperatures required for
degassing.
Gemini VII 2390aand 2390p600-mL capacity
Gemini VII 2390t2.75-L capacity
Gemini VII 2390aand 2390pStraight-wall: 3/8 in. (0.95 cm) OD x 6.1 in. (15.5 cm)
long
Bulb: 3/8 in. (0.95 cm) OD x 6.1 in. (15.5 cm) long,
3/4-in. (1.91-cm) OD bulb
Gemini VII 2390tStraight-wall: 3/8-in (0.95-cm ) OD x 8.1 in. (20.5 cm)
long

Instrument Description Gemini VII 2390 Service
2-10 Feb 09
Keypad
The keys and commands on the keypad are used to control the operations of the standalone
Gemini.
The keypad window provides information about the analyzer and the current operation; it
consists of four lines.
A keypad is not included when a Gemini is ordered with Windows software.
Vacuum Pump
The Gemini requires a vacuum source achieving 20 x 10-3 mmHg (or better) at the instrument
inlet for oil-based or oil-free pumps. If an oil-based pump is used, an anti-suckback valve is
required to prevent oil from being admitted into the Gemini should there be a power failure. A
device to reduce oil vapor backstreaming is also recommended for oil-based pumps.
Appropriate pumps are available from Micromeritics (shown above).
The vacuum pump may be provided by the user as long as it meets the above requirements.
Oil-based pump OIl-free pump

Gemini VII 2390 Service Analysis Manifold
Feb 09 2-11
Analysis Manifold
The components of the analysis module control gas flow during an analysis. The analysis
module assembly consists of three subassemblies: gas inlet, reservoir, and sample.
Gas Inlet
The Gemini VII 2390 has two gas inlets, one for the adsorptive and one for Helium. Both
inlets contain dust filters (frits) to prevent debris from entering the system. This manifold also
houses the vacuum connector and attaches to the sample manifold with a 1/4-in. stainless-steel
tube.
Reservoir
The reservoir manifold is an aluminum chamber attached to the sample manifold. It contains
two reservoirs that hold the gas for the sample and balance sides of the system.
Solenoid valves
Adsorptive inlet
Helium inlet
Vacuum pump connector
Reservoir
Volumeadsorptive
transducer

Analysis Manifold Gemini VII 2390 Service
2-12 Feb 09
Sample
The sample manifold delivers gas to the sample and balance tubes; the flow is controlled by
the solenoid valves. The sample manifold is connected to the reservoir manifold. It also
connects to a 1/4-in. stainless-steel tube that serves as a vacuum line used to evacuate the
system.
The Po tube which is used to measure saturation pressure is only available on the Gemini VII
2390pand 2390tmodels. Although the Gemini 2390adoes not ship with a Po tube, it can be
upgraded to a 2390p.
Po transducer
(p, tmodels only)
Po valve
(p, tmodels only)
Sample port
Po tube (p, tmodels only)
Balance port
Balance
transducer Sample
Transducer
Solenoid valves