Omicron Lab SPECTANO 100 User manual

Smart Measurement Solutions®
SPECTANO 100
User Manual

Contents
1
Contents
1 About this User Manual ..................................................................................4
Safety symbols used ..........................................................................................4
2 Safety instructions ..........................................................................................5
2.1 Operator qualifications and safety standards......................................................5
2.1.1 Additional operator qualifications for testing with high and low voltage systems 5
2.2 Five safety rules .................................................................................................6
2.3 Instructions.........................................................................................................6
2.4 Orderly measures...............................................................................................7
2.5 Designated use ..................................................................................................7
2.6 Disclaimer ..........................................................................................................8
3 Compliance statements and recycling ..........................................................8
3.1 Compliance statements ......................................................................................8
3.2 Recycling............................................................................................................9
4 PC requirements..............................................................................................9
5 Introduction ...................................................................................................10
5.1 SPECTANO 100...............................................................................................10
5.2 Methods ...........................................................................................................10
5.3 DTS1 dielectric test sample box .......................................................................11
5.4 Frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS)............................................................11
5.5 Polarization current method (PDC)...................................................................11
5.6 Combined mode (FDS and PDC) .....................................................................11
5.7 Scope of delivery and ordering information.......................................................12
5.7.1 Main package ......................................................................................................12
5.7.2 Optional accessories...........................................................................................13
6 Device description.........................................................................................13
6.1 SPECTANO 100...............................................................................................13
6.1.1 Connectors and operating controls .....................................................................13
6.1.2 Cleaning ..............................................................................................................15
6.2 DTS1 dielectric test sample box .......................................................................16
7 Preparation of test material and test cell ....................................................17
7.1 Solid materials..................................................................................................17
7.1.1 Preparation of solid material test cells ................................................................17
7.1.2 Preparation of solid test material.........................................................................17
7.1.3 Electrode adjustment of solid material test cells .................................................18
7.2 Liquid materials ................................................................................................19
7.2.1 Preparation of liquid material test cells ...............................................................19
7.2.2 Preparation of liquid test material and filling the test cell....................................19

SPECTANO 100 User Manual
2
8 Setup improvements..................................................................................... 20
8.1 Error correction ................................................................................................20
8.2 Electrodes for solid dielectric material analysis.................................................21
8.2.1 Thin film electrodes or coating ........................................................................... 22
8.2.2 Guard electrodes................................................................................................ 22
8.3 Stable environment ..........................................................................................24
8.4 Shielding of low signal measurements .............................................................24
9 Installation ..................................................................................................... 25
9.1 Install SPECTANO Analyzer Suite ....................................................................25
9.2 Power up SPECTANO 100...............................................................................26
9.3 Connect SPECTANO 100 to the computer .......................................................26
9.4 Connect SPECTANO 100 to a test object.........................................................27
9.4.1 Typical setup for a test cell with guard ring ........................................................ 30
9.4.2 Typical setup for a test cell without guard ring ................................................... 31
9.5 Connect SPECTANO 100 to the DTS1 dielectric test sample box.....................33
9.6 Connect SPECTANO 100 to Dielectric Sample Holder DSH 100…………… .. 34
10 SPECTANO Analyzer Suite ............................................................................... 35
10.1 Start view .........................................................................................................35
10.2 Create a new test .............................................................................................37
10.3 Perform measurements....................................................................................39
10.4 Perform reference measurements....................................................................42
10.4.1 Measurement procedure .................................................................................... 42
10.4.2 Correction procedure ......................................................................................... 46
10.4.3 Correction logic and calculation ......................................................................... 46
10.5 Perform analysis ..............................................................................................48
10.6 View measurement results ...............................................................................48
10.6.1 Numerical results................................................................................................ 49
10.6.2 Graphical result view.......................................................................................... 50
10.6.3 Result view controls ........................................................................................... 51
10.7 Settings............................................................................................................53
10.8 Commands.......................................................................................................59
10.9 Home view .......................................................................................................64
10.9.1 Chart render mode ............................................................................................. 66
10.9.2 Anti-Alias settings............................................................................................... 67
10.10 Load from the device........................................................................................67
10.10.1 Automatic load from the device.......................................................................... 67
10.10.2 Manual load from device .................................................................................... 67
11 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 68
11.1 USB connection and/or power supply is missing ..............................................68
11.2 Lost communication .........................................................................................68
11.3 Measuring small capacitances – increased noise level.....................................68
11.4 Backup file .......................................................................................................69

Contents
3
12 Technical data ...............................................................................................70
12.1 Output ..............................................................................................................70
12.2 Input .................................................................................................................70
12.3 Frequency range of ..........................................................................................70
12.4 Measurement range .........................................................................................70
12.5 Measurement accuracy @ 23 ºC ±5 ºC ............................................................71
12.6 Measurement time (Combined mode) ..............................................................71
12.7 DRA power supply............................................................................................71
12.8 Environmental requirements.............................................................................71
12.9 Mechanical data ...............................................................................................72
13 Test cell configurations .................................................................................72
13.1 About this chapter ............................................................................................72
13.2 Why offering a test cell type selection?.............................................................72
13.3 Disk electrode with Guard ring..........................................................................73
13.3.1 IEC standards .................................................................................................... 73
13.3.2 ASTM standards ................................................................................................ 73
13.3.3 Test cell type selection in SPECTANO Analyzer Suite..................................74
13.3.4 Correction procedure ......................................................................................... 75
13.3.5 Coating ............................................................................................................... 76
13.4 DSH 100 (Dielectric Sample Holder) ................................................................77
13.5 Disk electrode without Guard ring.....................................................................77
13.5.1 IEC standards .................................................................................................... 77
13.5.2 ASTM standards ................................................................................................ 78
13.5.3 Test cell type selection in SPECTANO Analyzer Suite...................................... 78
13.5.4 Correction procedure ......................................................................................... 79
13.5.5 Coating ............................................................................................................... 81
13.6 Cylindrical electrode with Guard ring ................................................................82
13.6.1 IEC standards .................................................................................................... 82
13.6.2 ASTM standards ................................................................................................ 82
13.6.3 Test cell type selection in SPECTANO Analyzer Suite...................................... 83
13.6.4 Correction procedure ......................................................................................... 84
13.7 Cylindrical electrode without Guard ring................................................................... 84
13.7.1 IEC standards .................................................................................................... 84
13.7.2 ASTM standards ................................................................................................ 85
13.7.3 Test cell type selection in SPECTANO Analyzer Suite...................................... 85
13.7.4 Cable Analysis ................................................................................................... 86
13.8 Other geometries ......................................................................................................... 86
Support...........................................................................................................88

SPECTANO 100 User Manual
4
1 About this User Manual
This SPECTANO 100 User Manual provides in-depth information about SPECTANO 100, its
installation, designated use, configuration and operation. Moreover, it includes a detailed description of
the SPECTANO Analyzer Suite. The SPECTANO 100 User Manual is available in PDF format on the
DVD delivered with SPECTANO 100 and can be accessed directly on the OMICRON Lab website
www.omicron-lab.com.
Safety symbols used
In this User Manual, the following symbols indicate safety instructions for avoiding hazards:
Death or severe injury will occur if the appropriate safety instructions are not
observed.
Death or severe injury can occur if the appropriate safety instructions are not
observed.
Minor or moderate injury may occur if the appropriate safety instructions are
not observed.
Equipment damage or loss of data possible
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE

5
Safety instructions
2 Safety instructions
Before operating SPECTANO 100 and its accessories, read the following safety instructions carefully. If
you do not understand some of the safety instructions, contact OMICRON Lab before proceeding. When
working with SPECTANO 100, observe the five safety rules (see chapter 2.2 "Five safety rules" ) and all
other safety instructions in this User Manual.
You are responsible for every application that makes use of an OMICRON or OMICRON Lab product.
SPECTANO 100 may only be operated by trained personnel. Any miss-operation can result in damage to
property or persons.
Maintenance and repair of SPECTANO 100 and its accessories is only permitted by qualified experts
either at OMICRON Lab or at certifiedrepair centers.
2.1 Operator qualifications and safety standards
Testing and measuring with SPECTANO 100 and its accessories like the DTS1 dielectric test sample
box must be carried out only by qualified, skilled and authorized personnel working with voltages up to
200 Vpeak AC and DC.
Before starting to work, clearly establish the responsibilities. Personnel receiving training, instructions,
directions, or education on SPECTANO 100 must be under constant supervision of an experienced
operator. Measuring with SPECTANO 100 must comply with the internal safety instructions as well as
additional relevant documents like national and international safety standards:
•EN 50191 (VDE 0104) "Erection and Operation of Electrical Test Equipment"
•EN 50110-1 (VDE 0105 Part 100) "Operation of Electrical Installations"
Moreover, observe all applicable regulations for accident prevention in the country and at the site of
operation.
The manufacturer or the distributors are not liable for damage resulting from unintended usage. The user
alone assumes all responsibility and risks.
2.1.1 Additional operator qualifications for testing with high
and low voltage systems
The operator must be:
•Familiar with recognized operating practices and procedures for working on high and low
voltage systems.
•Familiar with the five safety rules.
•Authorized to perform the required work on the equipment of thepower distribution
network.
•Trained in the proper use of all necessary personal safety equipment.

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SPECTANO 100 User Manual
2.2 Five safety rules
Before connecting any test leads to a test object, always observe the five safety rules for working with high
power:
►Disconnect completely.
►Secure against re-connection.
►Verify that the installation is dead.
►Carry out grounding and short-circuiting.
►Provide protection against adjacent live parts.
2.3 Operating the measurement setup
The safety instructions given here always apply when operating the SPECTANO 100. They are
supplemented by further notes and warnings applicable for specific actions only. Such specific
notes and warnings are given where necessary in this user manual.
In addition to the safety instructions given in this manual, always observe the applicable
company internal safety instructions and safety documents.
In case of any problems or questions, or if you do not understand some safety instructions,
contact the OMICRON Lab Technical Support (refer to chapter “Technical support”).
►Read the safety instructions and setup information described in this User Manual before
operating SPECTANO 100 or its accessories. In addition, read the manuals of all devices
included in the test setup. Any maloperation can result in damage to property or persons.
►Use SPECTANO 100 and its accessories only in a technically sound condition and when its use
is in accordance with the safety regulations for the specific job site and application.
►Before using SPECTANO 100, always ensure that neither the device nor its accessories are
damaged.
►Connect the equipotential ground of SPECTANO 100 with a solid connection of at least 6 mm2
cross-section and not longer than 20 meters to a ground connection in the laboratory. Never
handle SPECTANO 100 without grounding it.
►Ensure that all ground connections are in good condition, clean and free of oxidation.
►Connect all parts of the test cell which have to be connected to ground according to the related
manual.
►Only use the delivered grounded AC power supply DRA SUPPLY to power SPECTANO 100.
Never use power outlets without protective ground(PE).
►Always turn off SPECTANO 100 (with the power switch on the back) before connecting or
disconnecting cables or changing the test cell. Be especially careful when using unsafe adapter
cables (e.g. BNC adapter).
►Ensure that no dangerous voltages are present at touchable parts of the test setup. If this is not
possible due to, for example, unsafe adapter cables or connectors or unsafe test cells always,
1. Secure the danger zone with clearly visible barriers before performing tests.
2. Prevent the presence of other persons in the potentially dangerous area around the test
object

7
Safety instructions
2.4 Orderly measures
The SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide, SPECTANO 100 User Manual, or the e-book version of one of
these documents must always be available where SPECTANO 100 is being used. All users of
SPECTANO 100 must read and observe the safety instructions described in the documents and all
relevant installation and operation instructions.
SPECTANO 100 and its accessories like the DTS1 dielectric test sample box may be used only as
described in the SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide or the User Manual. Any other use is not in
accordance with the local safety regulations. The manufacturer and the distributor are not liable for
damage resulting from improper usage. The user alone assumes all responsibility and risk.
Full compliance with the local safety regulations also includes following the instructions provided in
the SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide or the User Manual.
2.5 Designated use
SPECTANO 100 and its accessories are especially designed for testing dielectric solid and liquid
materials together with a suitable dielectric material test cell and test system.
Examples of dielectric material analysis use cases and applications:
SPECTANO 100 characterizes, analyzes
and determines the insulation, polarization
or dielectric losses of solid and liquid
materials such as:
SPECTANO 100 achieves information on:
Electrical insulation paper/cellulose
Nanomaterials (nano-composites)
Dielectric components
Epoxy resin
Polymers
Insulation oils
Display technologies like glasses or polymers
Solar cells
etc.
Dielectric properties
Material aging
Material structure
Space charges in multilayer insulation
Surface or film thickness of coatings
Curing processes

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SPECTANO 100 User Manual
2.6 Disclaimer
The advisory procedures and information contained within this document have been compiled as a guide
to the safe and effective operation of SPECTANO 100. It has been prepared in conjunction with application
engineers and the collective experience of the manufacturer.
The in-service conditions for the use of SPECTANO 100 may vary between customers and end-
users.
Consequently, this document is offered as a guide only. It shall be used in conjunction with the
customers own safety procedures, maintenance program, engineering judgment, and training
qualifications.
If SPECTANO 100 or its accessories are used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer or used
with third party test devices and cables, the protection provided by SPECTANO 100 or its accessories
may be impaired, and this may result in damage to property or persons.
3 Compliance statements and recycling
3.1 Compliance statements
Declaration of conformity (EU)
The equipment adheres to the guidelines of the council of the European
Community for meeting the requirements of the member states regarding the
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directive, the low voltage directive (LVD)
and the RoHS directive.
FCC compliance (USA)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user
will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
C
hanges or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Declaration of compliance (Canada)
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.

9
Compliance statements and recycling
3.2 Recycling
This test set (including all accessories) is not intended for household
use. At the end of its service life, do not dispose of the test set with
household waste!
For customers in EU countries (incl. European Economic Area)
OMICRON test sets are subject to the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE directive). As part of our legal
obligations under this legislation, OMICRON offers to take back the test set
and ensure that it is disposed of by authorized recycling agents.
For customers outside the European Economic Area
Please contact the authorities in charge for the relevant environmental
regulations in your country and dispose the OMICRON test set only in
accordance with your local legal requirements.
4 PC requirements
The following table shows the minimum requirements your computer needs to run SPECTANO
Analyzer Suite.
Table 4-1 SPECTANO Analyzer Suite PC requirements
Characteristic
Requirement
Processor
Current Intel or Intel compatible CPU
Memory (RAM)
2 GB, 4 GB recommended
Graphics resolution
Super VGA (1024×768), higher resolution recommended
Graphics card
UDirectX 11 with Direct2D support
USB interface
USB 2.0 or higher
Operating system
Windows 10

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SPECTANO 100 User Manual
5 Introduction
5.1 SPECTANO 100
SPECTANO 100, in conjunction with its accessories or as stand-alone unit, is a test system for dielectric
analysis of solid and liquid materials. It combines the time-domain and frequency-domain analysis within
a wide frequency range from 20 μHz up to 5 kHz in one device and provides an output voltage range
from 100 mV to 200 Vpeak. The designated use of SPECTANO 100 is the analysis of dielectric
characteristics of liquid and solid materials such as:
•Impedance, capacitance and resistance
•Complex permittivity ε
•Loss factor tanδ
SPECTANO 100 can be used for a wide range of different applications:
•Dielectric analysis of solid and liquid dielectric materials, for example, polymers, cellulose-based
materials, oil, and other insulation materials
•Monitoring of polymerization and hardening processes
•Analysis of nanocomposites
•Research on dielectrics
•Analysis of ceramics
•Analysis of thin films
5.2 Methods
The following list gives a short overview of methods and test cell types which can be used together with
SPECTANO 100 to analyze dielectric materials. However, also measurements of dielectric materials or
components without electrode arrangements are possible like capacitors or coils.
Solid dielectric materials:
•Parallel plate method
oContacting electrode method used with rigid metal electrodes
oContacting electrode method used with rigid metal electrodes and coated solid test
material
oContacting electrode method used with thin film electrodes
oNon-contacting electrode method (gap occupied by air or liquid, on one or both sides of
the solid test material)
oTube or cylindrical electrode method
Liquid dielectric materials:
•Coaxial probe method
•Parallel plate method
•Tube or cylindrical electrode method

11
Introduction
5.3 DTS1 dielectric test sample box
The DTS1 dielectric test sample box is an accessory for demonstrating and testing the functionality of
SPECTANO 100 without a sample test cell. The DTS1 is a demo box containing two samples: a high-
precision, low-loss 1 nF capacitor and a RC circuit simulating a dielectric sample with losses. The
main application areas of the DTS1 are in training and demonstration purposes but it can also be
used for detecting errors in a cable setup.
5.4 Frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS)
By using the frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS), the dielectric properties of the solid or liquid material
under test are measured by frequency sweep (5 µHz to 5 kHz). The FDS allows fast measurements at
high frequencies but requires long measurement times at lower frequencies.
5.5 Polarization current method (PDC)
In the polarization current (PDC) method, a DC voltage is applied to the device under test for a specific
time and the polarization current is measured. From the polarization current, the dielectric response is
evaluated, and the dielectric frequency characteristic is calculated using Fourier transformation. The
PDC method is faster than the FDS at very low frequencies, but the upper frequency is limited due to
the finite rise time of the DC pulse. The test frequency range for the PDC method is 20 µHz to 100 mHz.
5.6 Combined mode (FDS and PDC)
SPECTANO 100 combines the PDC with the FDS principle and thus significantly reduces the testing
time to exclusive frequency domain measurements. PDC measurements can be accomplished in a short
time but are limited to low frequencies while FDS measurements are feasible for high frequencies but
take very long at low frequencies. It combines the advantages of both principles. It measures data in the
time domain for frequencies below 100 mHz. This reduces the measurement time up to 75% compared to
exclusive FDS measurements. For example, a FDS measurement from 1 kHz to 100 µHz will take 11
hours, SPECTANO 100 will acquire this data in less than 3 hours using the combined FDS and PDC
measurement. The maximum test frequency range for the combined mode is 20 µHz to 5 kHz.
Test duration Frequency band
Figure 5-1 Comparison of measurement methods
FDS
PDC
Combined

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SPECTANO 100 User Manual
5.7 Scope of delivery and ordering information
5.7.1 Main package
SPECTANO 100 main device OL000400
DTS1 dielectric sample test box
2 ×Triaxial standard cable (1.5 m)
Specific grounded SPECTANO 100 power
supply
CD ROM incl. SPECTANO Analyzer Suite
and User Manual (English)
Quick Start Guide (printed) (English)
USB cable (1.5 m)
Description Part No. Picture

13
Introduction
Yellow LED
See Table 6-1 "Signal LEDs"
on page 17
Green LED
See Table 6-1 "Signal LEDs"
on page 17
Red LED
See Table 6-1 "Signal LEDs"
on page 17
STOP button
Stops measurements
OUTPUT connector
Measurement voltage: 200 Vpeak
Max. continuous output current: 50 mApeak
Max. output frequency: 5 kHz
5.7.2 Optional accessories
2 ×Triaxial-to-4 mm plug adapter cable set OL000451
2 ×Triaxial-to-BNC connector adapter
cable set OL000452
6 Device description
6.1 SPECTANO 100
6.1.1 Connectors and operating controls
Warning
Figure 6-1 SPECTANO 100 front view
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current
►Do not touch the OUTPUT connector when the red LED is on or blinks.
►Always ensure that no dangerous voltages are present at any touchable
part of the device.
►Before handling SPECTANO 100 in any way, connect its equipotential
ground terminal with a solid connection of at least 6 mm2 cross-section and
not longer than 20 meters to the ground terminal in the laboratory.
Description Part No. Picture
INPUT connector

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SPECTANO 100 User Manual
Table 6-1 Signal LEDs
LED
State
Description
Green
On
Signals that the power switch is on.
Yellow Blinking
Signals the input activity:
• Measurement results are available in SPECTANO 100
which are not saved. (This can happen when the
computer is
disconnected from SPECTANO 100 after the measurement
was started.).
• An error has occurred during measurement (Measurement is
stopped.). After a computer has been connected to
SPECTANO 100, the error information is sent to the
computer and the LED is on.
Red
On or blinking
Signals dangerous voltage on the OUTPUT
connector.
Blinking
A measurement is running.
On for approx. 10 s
The test object is being depolarized after a
measurement has been stopped by SPECTANO Analyzer Suite,
manually or due to an error.

15
Device description
Figure 6-2 SPECTANO 100 rear view
6.1.2 Cleaning
To clean SPECTANO 100 and its accessories, use a cloth dampened with isopropanol alcohol.
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current
►Do not handle SPECTANO 100 without grounding it according to the
safety instructions
►Do not use power outlets without protective ground (PE).
►Only use the delivered grounded AC power supply DRA SUPPLY to
power
►SPECTANO 100.
►Connect the SPECTANO 100 power supply only to a power outlet that is
equipped with protective ground (PE).
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current
►Do not clean SPECTANO 100 when the device is powered.
►Do not clean SPECTANO 100 when connected to the test object.
►Before cleaning SPECTANO 100 and its accessories, always switch the
device off and disconnect the test object, accessories and connection
cables.
DANGER
USB connector
For connecting SPECTANO 100
to a computer
with a USB 2.0 A/A cable
Equipotential ground
For connecting an external ground
I/0 (on/off) power switch
5 V DC output
Optional: for connecting a USB isolator
DC power input
Connect only the especially designed and
optimized delivered power supply DRA SUPPLY
for testing with SPECTANO 100.
DANGER

16
SPECTANO 100 User Manual
6.2 DTS1 dielectric test sample box
Figure 6-3 DTS1 dielectric test sample box
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current
►Use the DTS1 box only together with the SPECTANO 100
test device and
the delivered accessories and cables.
►Read the safety instructions in 2 "Safety instructions" in this User Manual
before using the DTS1 box together with the SPECTANO 100 test device.
Equipment damage possible
►Do not supply a continuous input current > 50 mApeak. An overload at the
►SPECTANO 100 input can cause damages of the device.
►Always configure the max. test output voltage and the input test
frequency for the connected test object so that the maximum input current
will not be reached.
►For information on how to configure the output signals for testing with the
►DTS1 dielectric test sample box, see “Technical data” in the SPECTANO
100 User Manual.
Sample 1
to connect to the INPUT connector of
SPECTANO 100
Input connector (signal source input)
Max. continuous input current: 50 mApeak
to connect to the OUTPUT connector of
SPECTANO 100
Sample 2
RC circuit (for more information, see
the front panel of the DTS1 box) to
connect to the INPUT connector of
SPECTANO 100
DANGER
NOTICE

17
Preparation of test material and test cell
7 Preparation of test material and test cell
7.1 Solid materials
The following sections base on the international standards for analysis of the dielectric properties of solid
electrical insulation like ASTM D150-18 (ASTM D150-11), D-257-14, IEC 62631-2-1-2018-02 (IEC
60250) or IEC 62631-3-1.
7.1.1 Preparation of solid material test cells
The measured dielectric properties can be influenced by the presence of conductive contaminations or
moisture on the test cell or the material sample surface. Thus, the test cell and its electrodes or contact
surfaces must be cleaned before measurement.
7.1.2 Preparation of solid test material
The measurement error of the permittivity is not only caused by capacitance measurement error (see 8.1
"Error correction"), but also by the error in the solid test material dimensions and structure. Therefore, cut
or model the test material accurately and measure the test material sample so that its dimensional error
will not affect the permittivity value.
Size and
thickness In general, the size of the solid material should be large enough to allow its
measurement with the required accuracy. Typically, a capacitance of at
least 100 pF should be formed by the sample (size and thickness) and test
cell. If the capacity is lower, the accuracy is limited and noise influences
can prevent a good measurement result, especially if the dielectric has low
losses. Therefore, usually a low sample thickness is used.
►Follow the cleaning, warning and safety instructions of the test cell
manual.
►The used solvents or cleaning agents must previously been checked to
ensure that they do not contain contaminations which can influence the
measurements. Ensure that the used solvent or cleaning agent leads to
correct results of known low permittivity and dielectric losses. Some
cleaning procedure examples can be found in the international standards
like described above.
Death or severe injury caused by fire, poisoning or chemical burn
Ensure the safety conditions for using solvents. Protect persons and
equipment against fire and toxic effects. Read the safety instructions of the
solvent or cleaning agent before cleaning.
NOTICE
DANGER

18
SPECTANO 100 User Manual
Flatness The surface of the test material must be flat at all points. If the surface of the test
material is not flat, an air gap between the electrode and the solid test material
causes measurement errors.
Figure 7-1 Example of a non-uniform solid material sample
The thickness must be determined systematically over the area of the solid material
that is used in the electrical measurement and shall be uniform within
±1% of the average thickness.
Note: Measurement errors caused by non-uniformity have a high influence when
the solid test material is thin.
7.1.3 Electrode adjustment of solid material test cells
Adjust the two electrodes until they are parallel to each other for accurate measurement. Moreover,
ensure that also the solid test material is fully contacted (parallel). Perform this adjustment in the following
cases:
•Before starting a measurement
•After changing the electrodes or the sample
The following figures show examples of a correct and wrong adjustment of one example test cell.
Contact
Figure 7-2 Correct (left picture) and wrong (right picture) adjustment of the test
cell
Note: The adjustment procedure and kind of adjustment depend on the used test cell. Read the test
cell manual for more information on the test cell specific adjustment procedure.
For more information on sample dimension or test setup improvement, see our application notes
available at www.omicron-lab.com.
Gap

19
Preparation of test material and test cell
7.2 Liquid materials
The following sections base on the international standards for analysis of the loss characteristics and
permittivity of liquid electrical insulation like
ASTM D924-15 (ASTM D924-08) or IEC 60247-2004-02.
7.2.1 Preparation of liquid material test cells
Cleaning the test cell is of paramount importance when measuring the dielectric characteristics because
they are defected by the presence of conductive contaminations or moisture on the test cell surfaces. For
this reason, clean and dry the test cell or minimum the contact surfaces prior testing.
7.2.2 Preparation of liquid test material and filling the test cell
Store the liquid test material in its original sealed container and protect it against light. Some liquids, such
as oils of petroleum origin, change when exposed to sunlight. Allow the sealed container to stand in the
room in which the test will be made for a sufficient period of time to guarantee that the liquid test material
has the same room temperature before it is opened.
When insulating liquids are heated to high temperatures, some of their dielectric characteristics change
with time. It is possible that these changes will influence the measurement results. It is therefore
necessary to keep the time, neededfor the liquid test material to attain temperature equilibrium with the
test cell, at a minimum. It is essential that the procedures described in the international standards for
the general and routine testing of the dielectric properties of liquids are strictly followed.
In general, always rinse the test cell with a portion of the liquid test material to be tested before the test
cell is filled.
►Follow the cleaning, warning and safety instructions of the test cell
manual.
►The used solvents or cleaning agents must previously been checked to
ensure that they do not contain contaminations which can influence the
measurements. Ensure that the used solvent or cleaning agent leads to
correct results of known low permittivity and dielectric losses. Some
cleaning procedure examples can be found in the international standards
like described above.
Death or severe injury caused by fire, poisoning or chemical burn
Ensure the safety conditions for using solvents. Protect the personal and
equipment against fire and toxic effects. Read the safety instructions of the
solvent or cleaning agent before cleaning.
NOTICE
DANGER