Oxford Instrucments VULCAN Series User manual

Oxford Instruments
Industrial Analysis
VULCAN Series
User Manual
Issue 02 / March 2017 / 54-5103459

Contents
Vulcan series components.......................................................................................................................2
Vulcan series product overview ..............................................................................................................3
Vulcan Series External Connectors..........................................................................................................5
Safety First ...............................................................................................................................................6
About safety goggles ............................................................................................................................... 7
Safe operation of the Vulcan series.........................................................................................................8
Vulcan safety features ...........................................................................................................................11
Battery ................................................................................................................................................... 12
Get started.............................................................................................................................................15
User interface overview ....................................................................................................................15
Gestures.........................................................................................................................................15
Pull-down menu.............................................................................................................................16
Basic use ............................................................................................................................................17
Switching on the instrument .........................................................................................................17
How to perform a measurement?.................................................................................................18
Measuring programs ............................................................................................................................. 19
What is a measuring program? .........................................................................................................19
Program types.................................................................................................................................... 21
See more with the Chemistry setting................................................................................................21
Viewing camera image ......................................................................................................................22
Pinning important elements..............................................................................................................23
Sample naming ......................................................................................................................................24
Grades.................................................................................................................................................... 25
Measurement results ............................................................................................................................31
Viewing results history ...................................................................................................................... 32
Results and reporting ........................................................................................................................ 33
Search and filter functions.............................................................................................................34
Exporting results to USB ................................................................................................................35
Changing reporting settings...........................................................................................................36
Settings ..................................................................................................................................................38
Device settings................................................................................................................................... 39
System settings..................................................................................................................................42
Performing a good measurement from dirty surfaces..........................................................................45
Vulcan Series

Sample preparation - light contamination, water, dust or similar....................................................45
Sample preparation - thin oxide layer, anodization..........................................................................45
Sample preparation –rust, paint, coatings or similar .......................................................................46
Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................... 47
Cleaning the housing .........................................................................................................................47
Cleaning the measurement window .................................................................................................48
Measuring the check sample.............................................................................................................49
Technical specifications.........................................................................................................................53
Regulatory Notices ................................................................................................................................ 56
Appendix A: Troubleshooting................................................................................................................60

2
Welcome
This guide is for the operators and supervisors who are trained to analyze samples with Vulcan series LIBS
(Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) analyzers. The local Oxford Instruments representative can train
personnel in the safe and accurate use of the Vulcan series, or give advice about how to train personnel.
The trademark of this LIBS device is Vulcan. Oxford Instruments wishes to ensure that every customer
is able to get the maximum benefit from their use of the Vulcan series.
Whilst you may be eager to use your Vulcan series, you should remember that it is a complex and
potentially hazardous piece of equipment. You must not proceed without having a basic knowledge
of how to operate the unit safely and securely.
Vulcan series components
Vulcan series includes a rugged transit case a standard. The color of the instrument might differ
depending on the version you have purchased. The case contains the following items:
1. Vulcan LIBS analyzer
2. Battery charger
3. Battery (x2)
4. Power supply
5. Cotton buds
6. Lanyard and wrist strap
Vulcan Series
1
3
1
6
1
5
1
4
1
2
1

3
In addition to the accessories listed above, every instrument comes with a quick guide, check
sample calibration folder and USB flash drive for data download. The USB drive also contains this
manual and the quick guide in several different languages.
The included accessories depend upon the version of the Vulcan series. The Power Supply includes
international plug adapters.
Vulcan series product overview
Some features of the Vulcan series depend on the selected variant.
The Vulcan series might not include features such as camera, or Wi-Fi capability. Also there might
be differences in software features and calibrations available. And also the available user interface
languages might depend on the purchased version of the Vulcan analyzer.
Some features can be activated by purchasing a license and some features might also be available
for temporary use or trial period for evaluation use. A license can be either permanent or
restricted. Possible restrictions are time and use-count.
Please contact your local Oxford Instruments’ representative for more information.
Vulcan Series

4
Vulcan Series
1. Measurement window
2. Power button: The instrument is turned on by pushing and holding the power button until
the screen lights up. When the measurements are completed, the instrument can be
switched off by pushing and holding the power button until the progress bar on the
instrument screen is complete. The Vulcan device can be locked by pressing the power
buttonslightly.
3. Home button: By pushing the home button, the user can always return directly to the main
measurement screen.
4. Connector port: The connections are protected by a plastic cover. Open the cover to access
the connectors.
5. Safety sensor is located in the analyzer nose and must be covered with a sample;
otherwise the instrument won’t start the measurement. When measuring small samples,
the sensor can be temporarily switched off from the user interface.
6. Warning light starts to flash when the proximity sensor detects a sample indicating that the
instrument is now ready to take a measurement. At the same time the top bar of the
graphical user interface turns to red.
7. LCD touch screen
8. Trigger
9. Lanyard / wrist strapconnector
Measurement window
Power and home
buttons
Connector port
Battery door

5
Vulcan Series
Vulcan Series External Connectors
Connectors
The Vulcan series has four external connections that are located underneath the display under a
plastic cover:
1. USB A connector
2. DC supply connector
3. Extension connector
4. USB Micro-B connector
USB A connector for a USB memory device such as USB flash drive (supplied with the instrument) is
used to download results, update the software or to manage the grade libraries.
Use the USB Micro-B connector to connect the Vulcan series to a PC with the USB cable. This is used
for service use only.
Use the DC connector to connect the Power Supply to charge or power the Vulcan series.
Only use the provided Power Supply to charge of power the Vulcan series device and batteries. The
use of an incompatible power supply and/or charger might result in damage of personal injury.
1 2 3 4

6
Vulcan Series
Do not connect generic devices to the extension connector.
The extension connector is designed only for Vulcan accessories. It is not compatible with any
generic consumer devices regardless of similar appearance. Connecting incompatible devices to the
extension port might damage the Vulcan series and/or the device(s) connected to it.
Safety First
You must read the following section about the safety before using Vulcan series as it will enable you
to operate the instrument safely. The instrument is designed to be used only by trained personnel.
Caution: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
The following symbols are used to indicate hazards:
You will see these symbols wherever a hazard exists. Take particular care to understand sections
denoted in this way.
Vulcan series is a Class 3B laser device and must be considered hazardous. Serious injury can occur if the
safety instructions are not being followed.
If the Vulcan series is used in a manner not specified by Oxford Instruments, the safety features can
be impaired.
It might be necessary to register or license the Vulcan series in your territory or country. Please
contact your local Oxford Instrument’ representative for more information.
Laser
Caution
Risk of electric
shock
Laser warning label

7
Vulcan Series
About safety goggles
Oxford Instruments strongly recommends using safety goggles whenever operating the Vulcan analyzer.
Wearing safety goggles when operating a class 3B laser might also be mandatory in your region or
country. Always check the local legislation before operating the Vulcan series. Please contact your local
Oxford Instruments’ representative for assistance and advice.
The safety goggles must meet the following specifications: OD6+ (1064 nm), or EN207 compliant
marking 1064 R LB6 D LB6. Please notice that normal safety goggles, sunglasses, weld masks etc.
does not provide protection against laser radiation.
Oxford Instrument does not sell or provide laser safety goggles. The safety goggles are supplied by
several companies such as Thorlabs (www.thorlabs.com) or Laser Safety Industries
(www.lasersafetyindustries.com).
Safety
goggles

8
Vulcan Series
Safe operation of the Vulcan series
Never leave the Vulcan series analyzer unattended. Store the instrument in the carrying case when
not in use.
Never look into the analyzer nose and never point the Vulcan series at another person. Always
point the analyzer nose downwards and away from people when not taking a measurement.
Man holding the Vulcan and pointing the instrument downwards
Point the instrument away from yourself when taking a measurement.
Vulcan in a carry case