Micromeritics TriStar II 3020 Technical specifications

TriStar II 3020
Scheduled Maintenance Instructions
302-42892-00
June 09

Copyright Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, 2009. All rights reserved.

Jun 09 i
Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 1
Required Supplies .................................................................................................................................. 1
Initial Evaluation.................................................................................................................................... 2
Checking for Shipping Damage ..................................................................................................... 2
Verifying Power Up Sequence....................................................................................................... 2
Checking Components ................................................................................................................... 3
Maintenance (Power Disconnected) ...................................................................................................... 5
Cleaning the Instrument. ................................................................................................................ 5
Cleaning the Dewar........................................................................................................................ 5
Replacing Analysis Port Filters and O-rings.................................................................................. 6
Changing the Vacuum Pump Oil ................................................................................................... 7
Replacing the Alumina in the Oil Vapor Trap ............................................................................... 9
Changing the Vacuum Pump Exhaust Filter.................................................................................. 13
Maintenance (Power Connected) ........................................................................................................... 14
Reapplying Power .......................................................................................................................... 14
Lubricating the Elevator Screw...................................................................................................... 14
Calibration.............................................................................................................................................. 17
Zeroing the Pressure Transducers .................................................................................................. 17
Calibrating the Pressure Scale........................................................................................................ 18
Matching Transducers .................................................................................................................... 19
Calibrating the 10-mmHg Pressure Transducer (10-mmHg units only)........................................ 20
Calibrating the Servo Valve ........................................................................................................... 21
Calibrating the Temperature........................................................................................................... 22
Calibrating the Volume .................................................................................................................. 24
Performing a Volume Chamber Analysis ...................................................................................... 27
Operational Verification......................................................................................................................... 29
Performing a Blank Analysis ......................................................................................................... 29
Performing a Leak Test (Optional) ................................................................................................ 31
Performing a Reference Material Analysis .................................................................................... 34

Table of Contents TriStar II 3020
ii Jun 09

TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions Introduction
Jun 09 1
Introduction
This document contains instructions for replacing parts that may wear during instrument oper-
ation and for calibrating the instrument. Replacing broken or contaminated parts is not part of
a Scheduled Maintenance. Repairs should be made before proceeding with the Scheduled
Maintenance and should be charged separately from the Scheduled Maintenance.
Required Supplies
Tools required to perform a Scheduled Maintenance are listed in the following table. Any tool
used in the calibration of the instrument must be certified and have a sticker showing the cali-
bration date and the calibration due date. Also, a certificate for each tool must be on file. Some
customers will require the calibration certificates for each tool used in calibration and a signed
certificate that the instrument is working to original specifications.
Part Number Description
003-09622-00 or
003-09622-10
Pressure Gauge/Crystal
003-09601-10 Temperature Meter
003-09623-01 Vacuum gauge (optional)
236-09800-00 Calibration Chamber Assembly

Initial Evaluation TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions
2 Jun 09
Initial Evaluation
Checking for Shipping Damage
If the instrument was shipped to the factory for maintenance, visually inspect the instrument,
look for damaged panels, and cracked or broken indicators, display, or connectors. If the
instrument appears to have been damaged, remove the cover and check for interior component
damage.
Verifying Power Up Sequence
1. If the instrument is not turned on, place the Power On/Off switch in the On ( | ) position.
2. If the TriStar application is not running, start it.
3. Verify that the green indicator light on the front panel illuminates. The indicator will
blink on and off until communication is established with the TriStar software. After
communication is established, the indicator will remain on.

TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions Initial Evaluation
Jun 09 3
Checking Components
1. Select Unit [n] > Unit Configuration from the TriStar main menu.
2. Enter N2 beside the valve it is connected to.
3. Ensure that the gas selected here matches the gas connected to the instrument.
4. Verify that the regulators on the gas tanks are set to the proper pressure of 15 psig.
N2

Initial Evaluation TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions
4 Jun 09
5. If the schematic is not selected, select Unit [n] > Show Instrument Schematic.
6. If manual control is not enabled, select Unit [n] > Enable Manual Control.
7. Install empty sample tubes on the three sample ports.
8. Make sure valve 6 is closed and use the servo valve to backfill the system with nitrogen to
760 mmHg. Verify that the transducers are within 3 mmHg of each other.
9. Verify that the temperature shown on the schematic is normal.
10. Manually move the elevator up and down.
11. Pull a vacuum on all three ports. Verify that the transducer reading can measure 1 mmHg
or less.
12. If any of the above functions fail, the instrument must be repaired before continuing to
the next section of scheduled maintenance steps.

TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions Maintenance (Power Disconnected)
Jun 09 5
Maintenance (Power Disconnected)
1. Exit the TriStar application software.
2. Place the Power On/Off switch on the rear panel of the instrument in the Off (O )
position.
3. Disconnect the power cord from the instrument.
Cleaning the Instrument.
Thoroughly clean the exterior of the instrument using a clean cloth or paper towel dampened
with Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), a mild detergent solution, or commercially available 3% hydro-
gen peroxide mixture. Do not use alcohol on the dark surfaces.
Cleaning the Dewar
1. Pour the liquid nitrogen from the Dewar into an appropriate cryogenic container.
O
When cleaning the analysis compartment, do not use Isopropyl alcohol. This could
result in damage to the surface of the shield. A mild detergent in water should be
used instead.
Do not pour liquid nitrogen directly into a sink. Doing so may cause drain pipes to
burst.

Maintenance (Power Disconnected) TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions
6 Jun 09
2. Wait approximately 10 minutes (allowing the Dewar to warm), then rinse the Dewar with
warm (not hot) water to melt any remaining ice accumulation; dry thoroughly.
Replacing Analysis Port Filters and O-rings
A 40-µm frit is located in each analysis port of the analyzer. If the frit is contaminated, the
contaminant may adsorb or desorb during analysis, affecting the results. A contaminated frit
on the analysis port may be indicated by a leak or by a free-space reading much lower than
normal.
A contaminated frit should be replaced as follows:
1. Remove the sample tube fitting from the analysis port using a wrench. Pry out the frit and
O-ring.
2. Replace the frit and O-ring. Carefully reinstall the sample tube fitting and tighten by
hand. Then tighten with a wrench to prevent leaks.
For glass Dewars only: Do not rinse an iced Dewar with hot water; this could cause
the Dewar to implode.
40-µm Frit
O-ring
Sample Tube Fitting
To avoid outgassing problems, the frit and O-ring should be clean and should not be
touched with bare hands.

TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions Maintenance (Power Disconnected)
Jun 09 7
Changing the Vacuum Pump Oil
These instructions apply to oil-based vacuum pumps only.
1. Unplug the vacuum pump from the power source.
2. Loosen the wing nut on the clamp at the top of the oil vapor trap. Swing the clamp open
and remove the trap from the hose.
3. Grasp the handle on top of the vacuum pump and place it on a work table.
4. Drain the used oil:
a. Place a waste container under the drain spout.
b. Remove the plug from the drain spout; allow the oil to drain into the waste container.
Always drain the vacuum pump while the pump is warm and disconnected from the
power source.

Maintenance (Power Disconnected) TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions
8 Jun 09
d. Replace the drain plug.
5. Remove the plug from the oil-fill port.
6. Slowly add oil to the port until the level is midway between the indicator lines in the oil-
level window.
7. Check the washer or O-ring used at the oil-fill port; replace if necessary.
8. Insert the oil-fill plug and turn clockwise to tighten.
Oil-fill port
Midway level
Do not allow oil to rise above the midway position. Doing so may cause oil to splash
into the oil filter and contaminate it.
If the drained fluid was dark in color, run the vacuum pump with the new fluid for five
minutes; then repeat steps 4 through 6. This procedures will help flush out all of the
contaminated fluid.

TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions Maintenance (Power Disconnected)
Jun 09 9
9. Check the alumina in the oil vapor trap. If most of the pellets are no longer white, replace
the alumina in the oil vapor trap (see instructions below) before reattaching the vacuum
pump.
10. Reconnect the vacuum pump hose.
11. Reconnect the power cord to the power source.
12. Allow the pump to run a few hours (overnight if possible) to eliminate air and moisture
from the fresh fluid and to produce efficient vacuum operations.
Replacing the Alumina in the Oil Vapor Trap
If you have checked the alumina and determined that it is necessary to replace it, activate, then
replace the alumina as described below.
1. Preheat the drying oven to 300 °C.
2. Loosen the wing nut on the clamp at the bottom of the oil vapor trap. Swing the clamp
open and remove the trap.
3. Remove one end fitting from the trap body; dispose of the used alumina in an appropriate
manner.
4. Wash the trap body with a detergent-based soap. Rinse with water, then with isopropyl or
ethyl alcohol. Set the trap aside and allow to dry thoroughly.
Avoid inhalation, eye contact, and unnecessary skin contact with activated alumina.
Prolonged contact with activated alumina may cause skin irritation.
Exposure of the trap body to oil vapor may cause small cracks on the inside surface of
the trap body. Under normal circumstances, these cracks will not cause problems or
leaks.

Maintenance (Power Disconnected) TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions
10 Jun 09
5. Prepare fresh alumina as follows:
a. Pour approximately 180 grams of fresh alumina into a glass or metal container
(approximately 250 mL if a graduated beaker is used). Place the container in the
preheated oven.
b. Bake the alumina for two hours.
c. Remove the baked alumina from the oven and allow it to cool until lukewarm. A
desiccator may be used to store the alumina until needed.
6. Using a small spatula, gently pry the O-ring from the end fittings of each end of the trap
body.
7. Lightly lubricate two new O-rings with stopcock or high vacuum grease (O-rings are
provided as spares.)
8. Press an O-ring into each end fitting.
9. Screw one of the end fittings onto the trap body.

TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions Maintenance (Power Disconnected)
Jun 09 11
10. Be sure the trap body is dry and the alumina is lukewarm; pour the alumina pellets into
the trap until they are just below the threads of the trap body.
11. Screw the other end fitting back onto the trap and tighten securely by hand.
12. Lightly tap both ends of the trap body on the work surface. This will remove any
remaining dust from the pellets.
13. Inspect the centering ring before placing it back on the intake port. If it appears to have
flattened, replace it. A flattened centering ring can cause vacuum leaks.
There are two types of centering rings, use the one with the smaller opening at the intake
port
Centering Ring

Maintenance (Power Disconnected) TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions
12 Jun 09
14. Place the trap on the centering ring.
15. Open the clamp and place it around the flange of the intake port and the flange of the trap.
Swing the clamp fastening screw toward the intake port until it fits into the slot in the
other half of the clamp. Tighten the wing nut securely by hand.
16. Reconnect the hose from the analyzer to the oil vapor trap.
a. Inspect the centering ring before placing it on the trap body. If it appears flattened,
replace it with a new one. A flattened centering ring can cause vacuum leaks.
Use this type of centering ring for the trap body.
b. Place the clamp around the flange of the vacuum pump hose and vapor trap.
c. Swing the clamp fastening screw around until it fits into the slot on the other half of
the clamp. Tighten the wing nut securely by hand.

TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions Maintenance (Power Disconnected)
Jun 09 13
17. Plug the pump power cord into the power source.
18. Allow the pump to run a few hours (overnight if possible) to eliminate air and moisture
from the fresh oil and to produce efficient vacuum operations.
Changing the Vacuum Pump Exhaust Filter
The gases used by the TriStar are exhausted by the vacuum pump. An exhaust filter is installed
on the exhaust port of oil-filled pumps. The filter minimizes the release of oil vapor and should
be replaced when it becomes saturated with oil. Oil on the exhaust filter may indicate a leak in
the evacuation line.
1. Loosen the wing nut of the clamp at the vacuum pump exhaust port. Swing the clamp
away from the exhaust port and remove it.
2. Remove and discard the exhaust filter; do not remove the centering ring.
3. Make sure the centering ring is in place on the exhaust port.
4. Place the new filter on the centering ring.
5. Open the clamp and place it around the flange of the exhaust port and the flange of the
exhaust filter. Swing the clamp fastening screw toward the exhaust port until it fits into
the slot in the other half of the clamp. Tighten the wing nut securely by hand.
Clamp wing nut

Maintenance (Power Connected) TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions
14 Jun 09
Maintenance (Power Connected)
Reapplying Power
Connect the power cord and place the Power On/Off switch in the On ( | ) position.
Lubricating the Elevator Screw
1. Unscrew, then remove the Po tube from the front panel of the analyzer.
|

TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions Maintenance (Power Connected)
Jun 09 15
2. Remove the eight screws on the outer edge of the front panel. (Do not remove the inner
screws on the panel.)
3. Carefully slide the panel outward to obtain access to the elevator module.

Maintenance (Power Connected) TriStar II 3020 Scheduled Maintenance Instructions
16 Jun 09
4. Apply a light coat of grease (teflon-based) to the elevator screw. There are two buttons on
the elevator PCB that allow you to move the elevator mechanism up and down. One is
shown in the graphic below. The other is located lower on the PCB. Use these buttons to
move the mechanism up and down so you can apply grease to the entire screw.
Elevator screw
Elevator Down
button