Microtrac S3500 User manual

Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer
Operation and Maintenance Manual
OM0006
1/04

ii Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 9/03
Copyright, Notices, and Trademarks
Printed in U.S.A. – © Copyright 2004 by Microtrac Inc.
1/04
While this information is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate, Microtrac disclaims
the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and makes no
express warranties except as may be stated in its written agreement with and for its customer.
In no event is Microtrac liable to anyone for any indirect, special or consequential damages. The
information and specifications in this document are subject to change without notice.
Microtrac®is a registered trademark of Microtrac Inc.
CE Conformity: This product is in conformance with the protection requirements of the
following European Council Directives: 89/336/EEC, the EMC directive and 73/23/ECC, the Low
Voltage Directive. Conformance of this product with any other “CE Mark” directive shall not be
assumed.
WARNING
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in
which case the user may be required to take appropriate measures.
CAUTION
This product is intended for use in environments defined by IEC Pollution Degree 2, generally
what would be expected in an office or laboratory. Industrial environments or those that may
result in conductive contamination entering the device, or contamination that may become
conductive when combined with condensation, are not suitable for the equipment.
SYMBOL DEFINITIONS
!
This CAUTION symbol on the equipment refers the user to the Product Manual for
additional information.
WARNING, risk of electric shock. This symbol warns the user of a potential shock hazard
where voltages greater than 30 Vrms, 42.2 Vpeak, or 60 Vdc may be accessible.
Protective earth terminal. Provided for connection of the protective earth (green or
green/yellow) supply system conductor.
Laser Radiation. Refer to Product Manual before removing or opening any covers.
Microtrac Inc.
12501-A 62nd Street North
Largo FL 33773
[phone]

9/03 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance iii
About This Document
Abstract
This manual describes the operation and maintenance of the Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer. The
operating portion of this manual is intended for use with the Microtrac Flex Software Operations Manual.
Revision Notes
The following list provides notes concerning all revisions of this document.
Revision Date ECN Notes
A 1/04 ME0202 Initial release
References
Microtrac Documents
The following list identifies all Microtrac documents that may be sources of reference for the material
discussed in this publication.
Document # Document Title
SW0003 Microtrac Flex Software Operations Manual
SI-RT-01 Fluid Reference Table
SI-RT-02 Particle Refractive Index Table
Contacts
The following list identifies important contacts within Microtrac.
Organization Telephone Address
Microtrac Technical Support 1-727-507-9770 12501-A 62nd Street North
Largo, FL 33773

iv Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 9/03
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Description ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 S3500 Configurations and Ranges .................................................................................................2
1.3 Safety Considerations..................................................................................................................... 3
1.3.1 Electrical.............................................................................................................................. 3
1.3.2 Hazardous Substances ......................................................................................................... 3
1.3.3 Laser Safety ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Specifications ................................................................................................................................. 6
2. INSTALLATION .................................................................................................... 9
2.1 General ........................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Selecting a Location ....................................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Unpacking ...................................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Sample Delivery Connections ...................................................................................................... 10
2.4.1 Fluid Connections for Wet Sample Delivery..................................................................... 11
2.4.2 Dry Sample Delivery Connections .................................................................................... 12
2.5 Electrical Connections.................................................................................................................. 14
2.5.1 Power................................................................................................................................. 14
2.5.2 Communications................................................................................................................ 14
2.5.3 Ultrasonic .......................................................................................................................... 14
2.5.4 Dry System Connections ................................................................................................... 15
2.6 Linear Dry Feeder Setup .............................................................................................................. 15
3. OPERATION ....................................................................................................... 17
3.1 General ......................................................................................................................................... 17
3.2 Sample Delivery ........................................................................................................................... 17
3.3 Dispersion..................................................................................................................................... 19
3.3.1 Wet Sample Dispersion ..................................................................................................... 19
3.3.2 Dry Sample Dispersion...................................................................................................... 20
3.4 Particle Size Measurement ........................................................................................................... 20
3.4.1 Background Offset............................................................................................................. 20
3.4.2 Run Data Parameters ......................................................................................................... 21
3.4.3 Running a Sample.............................................................................................................. 22
3.5 Collector Lens Change ................................................................................................................. 22
4. MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................. 24
4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 24
4.2 Cleaning Optical Elements ........................................................................................................... 24

9/03 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance v
4.3 Cleaning the Sample Path............................................................................................................. 25
5. SERVICE............................................................................................................. 28
5.1 Hardware, Optics, Sample Delivery ............................................................................................. 28
5.2 Electrical....................................................................................................................................... 28
5.3 General Fault Isolation ................................................................................................................. 29
5.4 Accessories and Replacement Parts ............................................................................................. 30
Tables
Table 1-1 S3500 Configurations and Ranges .............................................................................................. 2
Table 5-1 Troubleshooting Chart................................................................................................................ 29
Table 5-2 Accessories and Replacement Parts.......................................................................................... 30
Table 5-3 Diagnostic Sample Test Materials.............................................................................................. 30
Figures
Figure 1-1 Microtrac S3500 Analyzer System ............................................................................................. 1
Figure 1-2 Laser Safety Labels ..................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2-1 Wet and Dry Sample Cells ........................................................................................................ 10
Figure 2-2 Conversion Sequence from Wet to Dry Sample Cells .............................................................. 11
Figure 2-3 Typical Fluid Connections, SDC Pictured ................................................................................ 12
Figure 2-4 Vacuum Connections ................................................................................................................ 13
Figure 2-5 Air and Electrical Connections ................................................................................................. 13
Figure 2-6 Linear Dry Feeder with S3500 and SDC .................................................................................. 15
Figure 2-7 Sample Delivery Tube Fittings, Installation ............................................................................. 16
Figure 3-1 Microtrac Tri-Laser Laser Diffraction Particle Size Measurement........................................... 17
Figure 3-2 Recirculator Flow Diagram....................................................................................................... 18
Figure 3-3 Eductor Gap and Air Pressure Settings ..................................................................................... 20
Figure 3-4 Collector Lens Change.............................................................................................................. 23
Figure 4-1 Sample Module ......................................................................................................................... 26

Introduction
9/03 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 1
1. Introduction
1.1 Description
The S3500 uses the phenomenon of scattered light from multiple laser beams projected through a
stream of particles. The amount and direction of light scattered by the particles is measured by an
optical detector array and then analyzed by the Microtrac Software.
Particulate samples may be delivered in a wet or dry state, depending on the characteristics of the
sample and the sample delivery equipment configured with the system. The ranges of size
measurements are described in Table 1-1.
Figure 1-1
Microtrac S3500 Analyzer System

Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance
2 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 9/03
1.2 S3500 Configurations and Ranges
Table 1-1 S3500 Configurations and Ranges
Configuration Wet Range Dry Range
Enhanced 0.02 – 2800 um 0.25 – 2800 um
Extended 0.02 – 1400 um 0.25 – 1400 um
Special 0.09 – 1400 um 0.25 – 1400 um
Standard 0.25 – 1400 um 0.25 – 1400 um
Basic 0.7 – 1000 um 0.7 – 1000 um
Basic System
Has all of the benefits of Microtrac technology with multiple lasers and a full software feature set. The
Basic System is designed to be a cost-effective particle size analyzer while meeting a broad range of
application requirements. As with all S3500 systems, the Basic can be upgraded to keep pace with your
needs.
Standard System
Builds on the Basic System with increased range to measure both larger and smaller samples. The added
range also allows the Standard System to function as an SRA150 to maintain continuity with your legacy
data. This is not a data conversion or emulation. It is a true duplication of SRA150 operation from optics
through data calculation. The Standard System is fully traceable to your current Microtrac SRA150.
Special System
Uses the tri-laser system to provide a wet range down to .09 microns and a dry range down to .25 microns.
The Special System is also fully traceable to your current Microtrac SRA150 as described in the Standard
System.
Extended System
The lower range limit of the Extended System reaches to the practical boundaries of laser diffraction
measurements. The S3500 Extended System includes the same tri-laser and array detection developed for
the Microtrac X100. The S3500 Extended system is fully traceable to several previous Microtrac systems
including the X100.
Enhanced System
Offering the broadest size range available, the Enhanced System provides a comprehensive system capable
of handling any of your particle sizing needs. This unit is best suited for varying R&D requirements and
customers needing a system to test a wide range of different sized samples. The Enhanced System is fully
traceable to legacy X100, SRA150, SRA200 and FRA operation. As with legacy mode operation in all
S3500 configurations, traceable results are achieved with a true duplication of the legacy instrument
selected.

Introduction
9/03 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 3
1.3 Safety Considerations
This manual is intended to cover only the information needed to correctly and safely operate the S3500
analyzer. For a complete understanding of all safety requirements applicable to your Microtrac particle
size analysis system, please refer to the appropriate manuals for all other devices included.
1.3.1 Electrical
The S3500 is normally powered from a 115 VAC source and optionally powered from a 230 VAC source.
The hot and neutral leads (or both hot leads when using 230 VAC) of the AC power input are individually
fused. See Section 1.4 for fusing requirements.
WARNING
Always turn electrical power off when performing maintenance or service on the S3500.
Always use approved cords. Never operate the unit from a power source that does not have a safety-ground
connection.
1.3.2 Hazardous Substances
Some solvents and sample materials pose health and/or environmental hazards. Follow all applicable
regulations for managing personnel protection, toxic fume control and waste disposal.
Personnel Safety
The nature of the user’s particle size application and any inherent hazards it may impose are beyond the
control of Microtrac Inc. It is the user’s responsibility to identify any hazards caused by solvents and
sample materials, and to take appropriate measures where necessary to prevent physical contact with these
substances or their vapors, ignition, or other dangerous conditions.
CAUTION
The user of this equipment is responsible for the proper handling of all solvents and sample materials. Always
consult Material Safety Data Sheets and other pertinent documentation for proper methods of use to protect
personnel and property.
CAUTION
The vacuum system provided by Microtrac for delivery of dry samples is capable of filtering 99.97% of particles
down to 0.3 µm in size. The remaining particles will pass through the filters to the surrounding area. It is the
user’s responsibility to evaluate any risk that might be presented by such release and take appropriate
precautions. Refer to the vacuum manual for guidance on handling hazardous materials, maintenance and
disposal of filters, and accessories to aid in handling hazardous materials.
CAUTION
The Microtrac Particle Size Analyzer is not designed to handle explosive or highly flammable dry particulate
samples. Microtrac, Inc. recommends that such substances be suspended in a fluid. Consult with a chemist or
other experts before undertaking such analyses.

Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance
4 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 9/03
WARNING
Fluids which may exhibit high instability when agitated, such as concentrated peroxides or nitroglycerin, must
not be used. When using any volatile or flammable material, always use proper and adequate ventilation and
follow all other safe handling laboratory procedures.
WARNING
Read and understand the manual included with the vacuum system before analyzing dry samples. The vacuum
is a potential source of ignition and must not be used with or near explosive or flammable dry particulate matter,
or in areas where flammable gases may be present. Microtrac recommends that hazardous samples be
suspended in a liquid and analyzed through the use of the wet sample recirculator. Consult with a chemist or
other experts before undertaking such analyses. When using any volatile or flammable material, always use
proper and adequate ventilation and follow all other safe handling laboratory procedures.
Disposal and Venting of Hazardous Materials
Before the S3500 particle size analysis system is put into operation, check local sewage disposal
ordinances to determine whether external filters or traps are required for the sample effluent before it can
be discharged into the drain. Depending upon the materials and solvents, the sample effluent may also
require a settling tank or purging procedure prior to being drained into the municipal waste treatment
system or disposed of according to local safety standards.
Local sewage disposal ordinances also dictate what fluids can be discharged into public systems. Fluids
not approved for discharge must be collected and disposed of properly.
Specialized ventilation equipment may be required to control or contain any hazardous or toxic fumes.
Follow all applicable regulations to prevent dangerous conditions or prohibited environmental release.
Chemical Compatibility
S3500 particle size analysis systems comprise various combinations of different devices, each with its own
compatibility with different chemicals. Please refer to the manual for the appropriate Microtrac sample
delivery device for information on compatibility with various solvents and sample materials.
Please refer to section 1.4 for a list of materials in the S3500 that come in contact with samples and
solvents.
1.3.3 Laser Safety
Laser safety labels are affixed inside the bench, see Figure 1-2. The S3500 employs up to three diode
lasers. See section 1.4 for laser specifications. The S3500 operates in a mode where the lasers are
normally OFF and are turned ON only for data acquisition.