Parr Instrument 4878 Instruction Manual

4878
Automated Liquid Sampler
Operating Instruction Manual
701M

Parr Instrument Company
Table of Contents
2
Customer Service
Questions concerning the installation or operation
of this instrument can be answered by the Parr
Customer Service Department:
1-309-762-7716 • 1-800-872-7720
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
www.parrinst.com
Product Registration & Customer Satisfaction
Parr’s Product Registration and Customer Satisfaction
Survey can be found by visiting our website at:
www.parrinst.com/support/product-registration
Register your equipment with us so you can receive:
• Notification of Product Updates
• Free Software Upgrades
• New Product Information
Please complete our Customer Satisfaction Survey so
that we may better serve you. Your feedback helps us
improve our products and customer service.
PREFACE 3
Scope 3
Applications 3
Intended Usage 3
Related Instructions 3
Explanation of Symbols 3
Safety Information 3
Unpack Carefully 4
Cleaning & Maintenance 4
Provisions for Lifting and Carrying 4
General Specifications 4
Environmental Conditions 4
INSTALLATION 5
General Instructions 5
Main Power Switch 5
Protective Fuses 5
OPERATION 6
Sampling System 7
Controller Menu Navigation 12
Ethernet Setup 14
Remote Interface 14
PARTS LISTS 15

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
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PREFACE
Scope
These instructions cover the installation and op-
eration of the Parr 4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
as used with Parr Laboratory Reactors and Pres-
sure Vessels.The users should study the instruc-
tions carefully before using these instruments so
that they will fully understand the capabilities of
this equipment and the safety precautions to be
observed in its operation.
Applications
The Parr 4878 Automated Liquid Sampler is
designed specifically for use with Parr reactors
and pressure vessels. The sampler system can
be used with reactors from any manufacturer
provided the vessel is equipped with a dip tube
arrangement as is provided as a standard feature
in reactors from Parr. This dip tube extends down
to nearly the inside bottom of the vessel and
typically connects to two valves on the top of the
head.The upper valve is used as a gas inlet valve,
and the lower of the two valves is used as the
liquid sampling valve.
To ensure that the second and subsequent samples
are fresh and indicative of current reactor contents,
it is prudent to first allow some gas to enter the re-
actor pushing the liquid remaining in the dip tube
from the previous sampling back into the reactor.
As you will see shortly, this Liquid Sampler has
features that allow this function to be automated.
Intended Usage
This instrument has been designed, built, and
tested to strict physical and electrical standards.
However, it is the user’s responsibility to install
and operate it in conformance with local pressure
and electrical codes.
If the instrument is used in a manner not speci-
fied by Parr Instrument Company, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Establish training procedures to ensure that any
person handling the equipment knows how to use
it properly.
Related Instructions
The following Parr publications are also included
to further your understanding of this instrument
and its component parts:
No. Description
201M Limited Warranty
Explanation of Symbols
I On position
O Off Position
~ Alternating Current (AC)
This CAUTION symbol may be present
on the Product Instrumentation and
literature. If present on the product,
the user must consult the appropriate
part of the accompanying product
literature for more information.
Protective Earth (PE) terminal.
Provided for connection of the
protective earth (green or green/
yellow) supply system conductor.
Safety Information
To avoid electrical shock, always:
1. Use a properly grounded electrical outlet of
correct voltage and current handling capability.
2. Ensure that the equipment is connected to
electrical service according to local national
electrical codes. Failure to properly connect
may create a fire or shock hazard.
3. For continued protection against possible
hazard, replace fuses with same type and
rating of fuse.
4. Disconnect from the power supply before
maintenance or servicing.
To avoid personal injury:
1. Do not use in the presence of flammable or
combustible materials; fire or explosion may
result.This device contains components which
may ignite such material.
2. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
Parr Instrument Company
4
Unpack Carefully
Unpack the equipment carefully and check all the
parts against the packing list. Examine the com-
ponents closely for any loose parts or shipping
damage and be sure to check all layers of packing
materials thoroughly so as not to overlook any
parts which might otherwise be discarded. If ship-
ping damage is discovered, report it immediately
to the delivering carriers.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Periodic cleaning may be performed on the
exterior surfaces of the instrument with a lightly
dampened cloth containing mild soap solution.
All power should be disconnected and the power
cord should be unplugged when cleaning the 4878
Automated Liquid Sampler.
There are no user serviceable parts inside the
product other than what is specifically called out
and discussed in this manual. Advanced trouble-
shooting instructions beyond the scope of this
manual can be obtained by calling Parr Instrument
Company in order to determine which part(s) may
be replaced or serviced.
Provisions for Lifting and Carrying
Before moving the instrument, disconnect all
connections from apparatus. Use proper and
safe lifting techniques when installing or moving
the 4878 Automated Liquid Sampler and/or its
components.
General Specifications
Electrical Ratings
115/230VAC, 3.0 Amps max, 50/60 Hz
Before connecting this instrument to an electrical
outlet, the user must be certain that the electrical
outlet has an earth ground connection and that
the line, load and other characteristics of the
installation do not exceed the following limits:
Voltage: Fluctuations in the line voltage should not
exceed 10% of the rated nominal voltage shown
on the data plate.
Frequency: Controllers can be operated from
either a 50 or 60 Hertz power supply without
affecting their operation or calibration.
Current:The total current drawn should not
exceed the rating shown on the data plate on the
controller by more than 10 percent.
Pressure Rating: 3000 psi maximum.
Environmental Conditions
This instrument is intended to be used indoors.
Operating: 15 ºC to 40 ºC; maximum relative
humidity of 80% non-condensing.
Installation Category II (over voltage) in
accordance with IEC 664.
Pollution degree 2 in accordance with IEC 664.
Altitude Limit: 2,000 meters.
Storage: -25 ºC to 65 ºC; 10% to 85% relative
humidity.
CAUTION!
Do not use in hazardous atmospheres.

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
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INSTALLATION
General Instructions
Set the controller near the reactor on a sturdy
bench or table where there is convenient access
to an electrical outlet capable of carrying the
appropriate current. Leave a space of at least
twelve inches between the controller and the
reactor so that the controller will not be affected
by radiant heat.
Attach the supplied power cord to the POWER
INPUT connector located on the rear panel of the
4878 Automated Liquid Sampler.
Plug the power cord into a properly grounded
electrical supply outlet.
Main Power Switch
This switch will cut off power to the controller.
Protective Fuses
Main fuses are mounted on the back panel of the
sampler system. These fast acting, 250VAC, 4amp
fuses are intended to protect the sampler system
and supply in case of a fault condition.
CAUTION! Unplug unit before servicing.
For continued protection against possible
hazard, replace fuses with same type and
rating of fuse.
The following are 4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
fuses which are intended to be field serviceable.
Part No. Rating
139E27 Fast acting, 4 Amp, 250VAC
4878 Rear Panel
FUSE TYPE
AGC-250V
4.0 AMP
ETHERNETUSB MAIN POWER
4.0 AMP
AGC-250V
V032/V511~ESUF
NEUTRAL TUPNIREWOPDAOL
FUSE
FUSE TYPE
FOR DIAGNOSTIC
USE ONLY

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
Parr Instrument Company
6
SAMPLE LOOP
SAMPLE 1-6
6X GLASS TEST
TUBE W/CAP
CHECK VALVE
INLET FROM
REACTOR
NITROGEN LOOP
NITROGEN VALVE
2 POSITION
SELECTOR VALVE
SAMPLE VALVE
MULTI-POSITION
SELECTOR VALVE
REACTOR VALVE
2 POSITION
SELECTOR VALVE
4878 Automated Liquid Sampler Front View
4878 Automated Liquid Sampler Side View - Nitrogen Connections
OPERATION
PRESSURE REDUCING REGULATOR
NITROGEN CONNECTION
NEEDLE VALVE
RELIEF VALVE
PRESSURE GAGE
SOLENOID VALVE
CHECK VALVE

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
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High-Pressure
Nitrogen
Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Valve
Sample
Valve
Nitrogen
Valve
Reactor
Valve
Reactor
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Diagram 1
Sampling System
The sampling system consists of
two 2-position high pressure se-
lector valves, one multi-position
high pressure selector valve, a
normally-closed solenoid valve
and a controller with a touch-
screen interface. An overview
of the valve and tubing arrange-
ment can be seen in diagram 1.
High-Pressure
Nitrogen
Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Valve
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Nitrogen
Valve
Reactor
Valve
Reactor
Sample
Valve
Diagram 2
For proper operation of the
sampling system, a supply of
nitrogen with a pressure of at
least 200 psig higher than the
pressure of the reactor being
sampled is required. The nitro-
gen supply should be connected
to the tubing connection on
the top of the sampling system
(see side view on page 6). With
the high-pressure source con-
nected, the needle valve should
be opened and the pressure to
the low-pressure nitrogen valve
adjusted to approximately 20
psig to clear the tubing once the
sample has been taken. Open
the valve to the high-pressure
nitrogen supply only when
ready to pressurize the sample
loop on the nitrogen valve.
Once these connections have
been made, the nitrogen loop
on the nitrogen valve will be
pressurized and ready to clear
the contents of the dip tube as
can be seen in diagram 2.

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
Parr Instrument Company
8
After the user-settable time
has expired, the nitrogen valve
returns to position B and the
Nitrogen Loop is re-pressurized.
This pressurization step and
blowout step can be repeated
several times as set by the
operator. The number of cycles
required is dependent on many
factors including the pressure
differential between the high-
pressure nitrogen supply and
the reactor pressure, the viscos-
ity of the fluid and the length of
the tubing between the sam-
pling system and the reactor.
High-Pressure
Nitrogen
Low-Pressure
Nitrogen
Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Valve
Nitrogen
Valve
Reactor
Valve
Reactor
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Sample
Valve
Diagram 4
High-Pressure
Nitrogen
Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Valve
Nitrogen
Valve
Reactor
Valve
Reactor
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Sample
Valve
Diagram 3
The next step in the sampling
sequence switches the nitrogen
valve to position A which causes
the higher pressure nitrogen in
the Nitrogen Loop to clear the
contents of the dip tube.

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
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High-Pressure
Nitrogen
Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Valve
Sample
Valve
Nitrogen
Valve
Reactor
Valve
Reactor
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Diagram 6
Once the nitrogen blowout
sequence has been performed,
the contents of the dip tube
have been cleared, and the
sample selector valve has
moved to the next position,
the reactor valve switches to
position A so that the sample
loop is filled from the reactor.
Note:The sample valve moving
to the next position is described
in Diagram 9.
Once the nitrogen blowout
sequence has completed, the
multi-position selector valve
switches to the next position.
In diagram 5, the selector valve
has switched from the home
position to sample 1 position.
High-Pressure
Nitrogen
Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Valve
Nitrogen
Valve
Reactor
Valve
Reactor
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Sample
Valve
Diagram 5

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
Parr Instrument Company
10
High-Pressure
Nitrogen
Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Valve
Sample
Valve
Nitrogen
Valve
Reactor
Valve
Reactor
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Diagram 8
The reactor valve may need to
be cycled a number of times to
first vent the gas contents of the
dip tube and associated tubing
and then to achieve the desired
sample size. The time required
and the number of sampling
cycles are settable on the set-
tings screen of the controller. In
order to minimize the volume
and maintain a safe discharge
pressure into the test tube, it is
recommended that the sample
loop on the reactor valve have
a volume ≤1 mL. Once the
desired number of sample
cycles has been completed, the
low-pressure nitrogen valve
is opened to clear the liquid
contents of the sample loop into
the test tube.
High-Pressure
Nitrogen
Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Valve
Sample
Valve
Nitrogen
Valve
Reactor
Valve
Reactor
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Diagram 7
As with the nitrogen valve,
the reactor valve also has a
user-settable timer to allow the
sample loop to fill. Once the
time has expired, the reactor
valve switches to position B and
the contents of the sample loop
are transferred to the test tube
corresponding to the current
sample position.

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
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High-Pressure
Nitrogen
Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Low-Pressure
Nitrogen Valve
Sample
Valve
Nitrogen
Valve
Reactor
Valve
Reactor
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Diagram 9
Once the blowout time has
expired and the contents of the
sample loop have been cleared,
the low-pressure nitrogen
valve closes and the sampling
sequence is completed. The
nitrogen valve loop will remain
pressurized until the next sam-
pling sequence is initiated.
The valve sequencing will con-
tinue in the same manner with
the sample valve incrementing
to the next position until the
desired number of samples has
been collected.
CAUTION!
After power interruption the sampler will
continue the current sampling sequence.

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
Parr Instrument Company
12
Controller Menu Navigation
The control functions of the automated sam-
pling system are performed by a programmable
logic controller with an integrated touch screen
interface. Upon powering the controller, the
initial screen is a graphical representation of the
sampling system with indications for the current
state of the valves as well as buttons to access
control settings and initiate or stop the automatic
sampling.
Main Menu - Graphics Screen
Before an automated sampling sequence is initi-
ated, there are a number of variables which need
to be set by the operator. The time (min.) setting is
the time between samples. The time can be set by
touching the numeric entry box on the screen and
entering a time in minutes. As an example, if it is
desired to take a sample every three hours, 180
minutes should be entered into the time numeric
entry box.
The number of desired samples should be set in
a similar manner. The controller can be set up
to take a maximum of 6 samples. The elapsed
time display will indicate the number of minutes
elapsed since the last sample.
As was discussed in the previous section, the time
and count of nitrogen cycles, the time and count of
sample cycles and the length of the nitrogen blow-
out time should be considered for each sample
scenario. Many variables can have a significant
impact on the quality of the sample taken.
Settings Screen
By clicking the Settings button on the Main Menu
screen, the Settings Screen is accessed to set or
modify these variables.
As a reference, the following settings were tested
and used to consistently take a 1 mL sample from
a 300 mL reactor:
Test Settings
Contents of Reactor Isopropyl Alcohol
Nitrogen loop 5 mL
Sample loop 1 mL
Reactor pressure 800 psig
Blowout nitrogen
pressure 30 psig
High-pressure
nitrogen pressure 1000 psig

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
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Main Menu / Graphics Screen
Once the initial variables have been set, several
sampling sequence options are shown on the
Main Menu / Graphics Screen. By clicking on the
Start Timer/Sample button, the timer will begin
immediately and when the desired time has
elapsed, the sample sequence will commence.
Alternatively, if the Start Sample/Timer button is
pressed, the first sample will be taken immediate-
ly with the programmed settings. Upon comple-
tion of the first sample, the timer will begin. If it is
only desired to take a single sample, the One-Time
Sample button should be pressed to initiate a
single sample sequence. The Stop/Reset button
is used to stop the timer sequence. It should be
noted that once the sample sequence has been
initiated and a sample is currently being taken, the
Stop/Reset button will have no effect.
The Main Menu / Graphics Screen can be used as
a visual indication of the status of the sampling se-
quence. When the timer between samples is run-
ning, the elapsed time (minutes) is displayed as
well as a small clock icon in the top of the elapsed
time box. The number of samples taken can be
seen by the number of filled test tubes on the
Main Menu / Graphics Screen. When the desired
number of samples has been taken, a small stop
sign icon is displayed in the samples box indicat-
ing that sampling is complete.
The status of the nitrogen selector valve and the
reactor selector valve are displayed graphically
and with “A” or “B” displayed to show which posi-
tion the valves are in. The status of the sample
selector valve is shown by highlighting the current
flow path through the valve. The status of the
low-pressure nitrogen valve is displayed by either
a closed or open indication.
Two additional screens can be accessed from the
Settings Screen.
Sequence Screen
The Sequence Screen can be used to initiate the
sampling functions and set the time and total
samples in the same manner as the Main Menu /
Graphics Screen.
Manual Screen
The Manual Screen can be used to manually
manipulate the valves.
Either the nitrogen selector valve or reactor valve
can be switched from position A to position B by
touching the corresponding button. The sample
valve can be stepped through the various posi-
tions by touching the step button. The sample
valve can be immediately returned to the home
position from any other position by clicking on the
home button. The low-pressure nitrogen valve can
be opened or closed by touching the button.

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
Parr Instrument Company
14
Ethernet Setup
The default IP address assigned to the 4878 con-
troller is 10.1.50.252. The Ethernet Setup screen
can be accessed by pressing in the lower-right
corner of the Settings Screen and entering a
security code of 123 when prompted.
Ethernet Screen
From the Ethernet Setup screen, several param-
eters can be altered including the IP address and
the subnet.
Remote Interface
The 4878 Automated Liquid Sampler is configured to interface remotely through the EZ Automation
EZ-RMC app which is available for both iOS and Android platforms. The default User Name for remote
access is ParrInst with a default Password of ParrInst01.

4878 Automated Liquid Sampler
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PARTS LISTS
SAMPLE LOOP
SAMPLE 1-6
6X GLASS TEST
TUBE W/CAP
CHECK VALVE
INLET FROM
REACTOR
NITROGEN LOOP
NITROGEN VALVE
2 POSITION
SELECTOR VALVE
SAMPLE VALVE
MULTI-POSITION
SELECTOR VALVE
REACTOR VALVE
2 POSITION
SELECTOR VALVE
4878 Automated Liquid Sampler Front View
Part No. Description
A3941HC Glass test tubes with caps (pkg of 10)
A3942HC Tubing Kit to include:
– 1/16” tubing, 3 ft w/ A3943HC nut
and ferrule set (preattached)
– Connector for 1/8NPT-M threads
A3943HC 1/16T nut and ferrule set
(For connection to selector valve)
3889HC Sample loop, 1 mL 1/16T
3889HC3 Nitrogen loop, 5 mL 1/16T

701M R00 09/20/16