Retsch MM 500 Vario User manual

© Retsch GmbH, 42781 Haan, Retsch-Allee 1-5, Germany | 04.03.2020 Version 0001
Manual
Mixer Mill MM 500 Vario
Translation

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Copyright
© Copyright by
Retsch GmbH
Retsch-Allee 1-5
42781 Haan
Germany

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Table of Contents
1Notes on the manual............................................................................................................................. 7
1.1 Disclaimer.......................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Copyright............................................................................................................................................ 7
1.3 Explanation of signs and symbols ..................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Explanations of the Safety Instructions ............................................................................................. 8
2Safety.................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Intended use of the device............................................................................................................... 10
2.2Improper use.................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Obligations of the operating company............................................................................................. 11
2.3.1 Provisions .................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3.2 Personnel..................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3.3 Workstation and device ............................................................................................................... 11
2.3.4 Qualification of personnel ............................................................................................................ 12
2.3.5 Personal protective equipment (PPE) ......................................................................................... 12
2.4 Protective Equipment....................................................................................................................... 13
2.5 Repairs............................................................................................................................................. 13
2.6 Preventing risks during normal operation........................................................................................ 14
2.7 Preventing damage to equipment.................................................................................................... 15
2.8 Confirmation Form for the Managing Operator................................................................................ 15
3The Mixer Mill MM 500 Vario............................................................................................................... 17
3.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................................. 18
3.2 Emissions......................................................................................................................................... 18
3.3 Views of the device.......................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.1 Front............................................................................................................................................. 20
3.3.2 View of the grinding jar support................................................................................................... 21
3.3.3 Back............................................................................................................................................. 22
3.4 Opening aid...................................................................................................................................... 23
3.5 Signs on the device ......................................................................................................................... 24
3.6 Type Plate Description..................................................................................................................... 25
4Packaging, Transport and Installation .............................................................................................. 26
4.1 Packaging........................................................................................................................................ 26
4.2 Transport.......................................................................................................................................... 26
4.3 Temperature Fluctuations and Condensation ................................................................................. 27
4.4 Conditions for the Installation Site................................................................................................... 27
4.5 Removing the Transportation Lock.................................................................................................. 29
4.6 Removing the Transportation Aid.................................................................................................... 31
4.7 Electrical Connection....................................................................................................................... 32
5First Commissioning........................................................................................................................... 33
5.1 Connecting the device to the power supply..................................................................................... 34
6Operating the Device .......................................................................................................................... 35
6.1 Switching the device on/off.............................................................................................................. 36
6.2 Opening and Closing of the Device................................................................................................. 37
6.3 Specifications regarding grinding balls and grinding jars ................................................................ 38
6.3.1 Grinding Jar Identification............................................................................................................ 38
6.3.2 Ball Sizes and Speeds................................................................................................................. 38
6.3.3 Recommended maximum ball sizes............................................................................................ 39
6.3.4 Recommended Grinding Jar Filling ............................................................................................. 39
6.4 Special grinding methods ................................................................................................................ 40
6.4.1 Cryogenic grinding....................................................................................................................... 40
6.4.2 Wet Grinding with Highly Flammable Materials........................................................................... 41
6.5 Preparing the grinding jar ................................................................................................................ 42
6.5.1 Opening the grinding jar .............................................................................................................. 42

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6.5.2 Filling the grinding jar................................................................................................................... 43
6.5.3 Closing the grinding jar................................................................................................................ 43
6.6 Inserting the Grinding Jar ................................................................................................................ 44
6.6.1 Opening the grinding jar support ................................................................................................. 45
6.6.2 Inserting the grinding jar .............................................................................................................. 45
6.7 Grinding process.............................................................................................................................. 46
6.7.1 Starting the grinding process....................................................................................................... 47
6.8 Removing the sample material........................................................................................................ 48
7Device control...................................................................................................................................... 50
7.1 Menu interface on the touchscreen ................................................................................................. 51
7.2 Function elements ........................................................................................................................... 52
7.3 Menu navigation .............................................................................................................................. 54
7.4 Main menu....................................................................................................................................... 55
7.5 Controlling the grinding process...................................................................................................... 56
7.6 Starting the grinding process........................................................................................................... 56
7.7 Pausing the grinding process .......................................................................................................... 57
7.8 Stopping the grinding process......................................................................................................... 57
7.9 Program mode................................................................................................................................. 57
7.9.1 Select a Program......................................................................................................................... 59
7.9.2 Edit a Program............................................................................................................................. 60
7.9.3 Save a Programme...................................................................................................................... 61
7.9.4 Delete a Programme.................................................................................................................... 61
7.10 Cycle mode...................................................................................................................................... 62
7.10.1 Selecting the cycle................................................................................................................... 63
7.10.2 Editing the cycle....................................................................................................................... 64
7.10.3 Saving the cycle....................................................................................................................... 66
7.10.4 Deleting the cycle .................................................................................................................... 66
7.11 System settings ............................................................................................................................... 67
7.11.1 myRetsch................................................................................................................................. 70
7.11.2 Remote .................................................................................................................................... 70
7.11.3 Signalling device...................................................................................................................... 71
7.11.4 Brightness................................................................................................................................ 72
7.11.5 Date and time........................................................................................................................... 72
7.11.6 Software Version ..................................................................................................................... 72
7.11.7 Operating Hours....................................................................................................................... 72
7.11.8 Serial number........................................................................................................................... 72
7.11.9 Software Update...................................................................................................................... 72
7.11.10 Service Environment................................................................................................................ 73
7.11.11 Log file ..................................................................................................................................... 73
8Error Messages and Information Notes............................................................................................ 73
8.1 Error Messages ............................................................................................................................... 73
8.2 Information Notes ............................................................................................................................ 74
9Servicing .............................................................................................................................................. 75
9.1 Cleaning........................................................................................................................................... 75
9.1.1 Cleaning the outside of the device .............................................................................................. 76
9.1.2 Cleaning the collecting tray.......................................................................................................... 76
9.1.3 Cleaning the inside ...................................................................................................................... 76
9.1.4 Cleaning the grinding jar.............................................................................................................. 76
9.1.5 Cleaning the grinding balls .......................................................................................................... 76
9.2 Maintenance .................................................................................................................................... 77
9.3 Wear ................................................................................................................................................ 77
9.4 Returning for repair and maintenance............................................................................................. 78
10 Accessories ......................................................................................................................................... 79
11 Disposal................................................................................................................................................ 80

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12 Index ..................................................................................................................................................... 82

Notes on the manual
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Notes on the manual
7
1 Notes on the manual
This manual provides technical guidelines for the safe operation of the device. Read this
manual through carefully before installing, putting into service and operating the device.
Reading and understanding this manual is essential for handling the device safely and as
intended.
This manual does not contain any repair instructions. Please contact your supplier or contact
Retsch GmbH directly if anything is unclear or you have questions about these guidelines or the
device, or in the case of any faults or necessary repairs.
You can find further information about your device at http://www.retsch.com on the pages for
the specific device concerned.
Amendment status:
The document amendment 0001 of the "Mixer Mill MM 500 Vario" manual has been prepared in
accordance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
1.1 Disclaimer
This manual has been prepared with great care. We reserve the right to make technical
changes. We assume no liability for personal injuries resulting from the failure to follow the
safety information and warnings in this manual. No liability will be assumed for damage to
property resulting from the failure to follow the information in this manual.
1.2 Copyright
This document or parts of it or its content may not be reproduced, distributed, edited or copied
in any form without prior written permission of Retsch GmbH. Damage claims shall be asserted
in the case of infringements.

Notes on the manual
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1.3 Explanation of signs and symbols
The following signs and symbols are used in this manual:
Signs and symbols
Meaning

Indicates a recommendation and/or important information.
Bold type
Indicates an important term.
•< Point 1>
•< Point 2>
•< Point 3>
List of equivalent points.

Steps for following an instruction.
1.4 Explanations of the Safety Instructions
DANGER
D1.0000
Risk of fatal injuries
Source of danger
−Possible consequences if the danger is ignored.
•Instructions and information on how to avoid the risk.
Fatal or serious injuries may result if the “Danger” sign is disregarded. There is a very high
risk of a life-threatening accident or lasting personal injury. The signal word DANGER is
additionally used in the running text or in instructions.
WARNING
W1.0000
Risk of life-threatening or serious injuries
Source of danger
−Possible consequences if the danger is ignored.
•Instructions and information on how to avoid the risk.
Life-threatening or serious injuries may result if the “Warning” sign is disregarded. There is
an increased risk of a serious accident or of a possibly fatal personal injury. The signal word
WARNING is additionally used in the running text or in instructions.
CAUTION
C1.0000
Risk of injuries
Source of danger
−Possible consequences if the danger is ignored.
•Instructions and information on how to avoid the risk.
Average to slight injuries may result if the “Caution” sign is disregarded. There is an average
or slight risk of an accident or personal injury. The signal word CAUTION is additionally
used in the running text or in instructions.

Notes on the manual
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NOTICE
N1.0000
Type of damage to property
Source of the damage to property
−Possible consequences if the information is ignored.
•Instructions and information on how to avoid the damage to
property.
Damage to property may result if the information is disregarded. The signal word NOTICE is
additionally used in the running text or in instructions.

Safety
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2 Safety
CAUTION
C2.0002
Risk of injury
Lack of knowledge of the manual
−The manual contains all safety-related information. Disregarding the
manual can therefore lead to injuries.
•Read the manual carefully before operating the device.
Target group:
The MM 500 Vario has been designed for preparing samples in a laboratory environment.
laboratory environment. This manual is therefore directed at persons who work with this device
in a comparable environment and who already have experience with similar equipment.
The MM 500 Vario is a modern, efficient, state-of-the-art product from Retsch GmbH. Its
reliability is ensured when used as intended and with knowledge of this technical
documentation.
2.1 Intended use of the device
The MM 500 Vario is designed for the crushing, grinding, mixing and homogenisation of wet and
dry soft, medium-hard, fibrous and brittle materials with a particle size of up to 10 mm.
As a laboratory machine, the MM 500 Vario may only be used to prepare samples and not as a
production machine.
The device has been designed for stationary use in a dry and clean working environment.
The user and operating personnel must have read the manual and be familiarised with the
complete functional scope of the device.
2.2 Improper use
The MM 500 Vario may only be used as intended.
Any uses other than the described intended use are regarded as improper use.
The MM 500 Vario is not suitable for processing sample materials that can form explosive air
mixtures.
Any form of claims for damage to equipment or personal injury resulting from improper use
and/or the failure to comply with the safety instructions shall be ruled out.

Safety
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2.3 Obligations of the operating company
2.3.1 Provisions
The user bears responsibility for ensuring that people working with the device and the
corresponding equipment have taken note of and understood all relevant safety regulations.
2.3.2 Personnel
•Ensure that only trained personnel are deployed whose training and experience enable
them to recognise risks and avoid potential hazards.
•Staff should be given regular training on using the device, and in particular regarding
sudden events.
•Only allow trainee staff to work on the device when they are being supervised by
qualified personnel.
•Check the safety awareness of staff regularly.
•Define staff responsibilities according to qualification and job description.
•Provide staff with personal protective equipment (PPE).
•Ensure that the following conditions have been met:
–Staff have read and understood this Manual, and in particular the chapter on
Safety.
–Staff are aware and take note of the relevant accident prevention and safety
regulations.
–Staff wear the designated personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with
the device.
2.3.3 Workstation and device
•Ensure that there is sufficient lighting and ventilation at the workstation.
•Ensure that the exhaust air is properly conducted outside.
•All signs on the device must be kept in a legible condition.
•Ensure that all inspections and servicing work prescribed in this Manual are carried out.

Safety
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2.3.4 Qualification of personnel
Work/operating phase
Qualification
Transport
Installation
Commissioning
Operation
Controlling
Servicing
Disposal
Qualified employee who has been trained in
the safe use of the device.
Work on the electrical equipment on the
device
Electrician who, on the basis of his/her
training, knowledge and experience is able
to evaluate the work assigned and
recognise potential hazards.
2.3.5 Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Work/operating phase
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Transport
Installation
Safety footwear
Commissioning
Installation of additional equipment
Servicing
No PPE needed.
Disposal
Safety footwear
Normal operation (operation and control)
Hearing protection
Possibly protective gloves to remove
extremely hot or cold sample material.
Protective gloves and goggles for cryogenic
grinding using liquid nitrogen.

Safety
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2.4 Protective Equipment
Emergency stop switch
The device is not fitted with an emergency stop switch as standard. In an emergency it must
be shut down by pressing the main button or by disconnecting the device from the power
supply.
Hood lock
The MM 500 Vario is equipped with an automatic hood lock . Once a grinding process has
started, a magnetic clamp firmly closes the hood of the device. If the hood is nevertheless
opened during a grinding process, the process is interrupted and the device comes to an
immediate halt. An appropriate error message is then displayed on the touchscreen.
2.5 Repairs
This manual does not contain any repair instructions. For safety reasons, repairs may only be
carried out by Retsch GmbH or an authorised representative or by qualified service technicians.
In case of repair, please inform…
…the Retsch GmbH representative in your country,
…your supplier, or
…Retsch GmbH directly.
Service address:

Safety
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2.6 Preventing risks during normal operation
The failure to comply with the following safety instructions constitutes improper use and
presents a risk to personnel and to operational safety.
Transport and installation
•Do not carry the device by yourself during transport and installation.
•Wear safety footwear for transport and installation.
•Only connect the device to sockets with a PE protective conductor.
•When connecting the device, the values on the type plate must correspond to those for the
power connection.
Operation
•Read the manual before commissioning the device.
•Only operate the device at a workstation of sufficient size that offers adequate stability.
•Check the mains lead for damage before operating the device.
•Never operate the device if damage is visible or suspected.
•Only operate the device according to the technical application limits.
•During operation, do not wear any jewellery, wear your hair down or wear a tie or similar
loose item of clothing.
•Wearing hearing protection during operation.
•Before operating the device, take measures that take account of restricted communication
during operation of the device.
•Pay attention to your surroundings during grinding because the noise makes it more difficult
to pick up acoustic signals.
•Do not operate the device in potentially explosive atmospheres.
•Take note of the safety data sheets for the samples and follow instructions by taking
appropriate measures in advance.
•Do not grind any explosive and/or flammable substances.
•Do not grind any substances that might become explosive and/or flammable during
grinding.
•The components that come into contact with sample material can get very hot or cold during
operation. Before removing the samples, wait for the temperature to adjust, and wear
protective gloves if necessary.
•Always wear protective gloves and goggles when handling liquid nitrogen for cryogenic
grinding.
•Under no circumstances fill liquid nitrogen or dry ice into the grinding jar and then close the
jar. The high pressure that arises in the jar would burst the grinding jar open.
Servicing and repair
•Before servicing, switch the device off at the main switch.
•Only clean the device with a dry or damp cloth.
•Do not clean the device with compressed air.
•Have all repairs carried out by the device manufacturer or by an authorised agent.

Safety
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2.7 Preventing damage to equipment
•Protect the device against condensation if large fluctuations in temperature are to be
expected (e.g. during air transport.
•Do not knock, shake or throw the device during transport and installation.
•Comply with conditions at the installation site when installing the device.
•Under no circumstances fill liquid nitrogen or dry ice into the grinding jar and then close the
jar. The high pressure that arises in the jar would burst the grinding jar open.
•Only clean the device with a dry or damp cloth.
•Do not use any solvent or aggressive detergent for cleaning.
•Only use original spare parts for maintenance work.
2.8 Confirmation Form for the Managing Operator
This manual contains essential instructions for operating and maintaining the device which must
be strictly observed. It is essential that they be read by the user and by the qualified staff
responsible for the device before the device is commissioned. This manual must be available
and accessible at the place of use at all times.
The user of the device herewith confirms to the managing operator (owner) that he has received
sufficient instructions about the operation and maintenance of the system. The user has
received the manual, has read and taken note of its contents and consequently has all the
information required for safe operation and is sufficiently familiar with the device.

Safety
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The managing operator should for legal protection have the user confirm the instruction about
the operation of the device.
I have read and taken note of the contents of all chapters in this manual as well as all
safety instructions and warnings.
User
Surname, first name (block letters)
Position in the company
Place, date and signature
Managing operator or service technician
Surname, first name (block letters)
Position in the company
Place, date and signature

The Mixer Mill MM 500 Vario
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3 The Mixer Mill MM 500 Vario
The MM 500 Vario from Retsch GmbH is a laboratory device used to prepare samples.
The device permits the fast grinding, mixing and homogenisation of soft, medium-hard, fibrous
and brittle materials with a particle size of up to 10 mm.
Due to the effective grinding process in a closed system, the MM 500 Vario guarantees gentle
preparation of samples ready for analysis in a very short time.
Depending on the properties of the material and grinding parameters, it is possible to achieve
final fineness levels of up 0.1 µm.
Fig. 1: The Mixer Mill MM 500 Vario

The Mixer Mill MM 500 Vario
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3.1 Technical data
General information
Applications
For (dry and wet) grinding, mixing,
homogenisation, cell disruption, cryogenic
grinding
Area of application
Agriculture, biology, chemicals, plastics,
building materials, engineering, electrical
engineering, environment, foodstuffs, geology,
metallurgy, glass, ceramics, medicine,
pharmaceuticals
Feed material
Hard, medium-hard, soft, brittle, elastic,
fibrous
Specifications
Grinding principle
Impact, friction
Feed size
< 10 mm
Final fineness
0.1 µ
Batch / Feed quantity
Max. 2x 5 ml
Vibration frequency setting
Digital, 3 –35 Hz (180 –2100 min-1)
Typical grinding time
30 seconds –30 minutes
Grinding time setting
Digital, 10 seconds (minimum) to 8 hours
(maximum)
Maximum grinding time
Up to 99 hours
Number of grinding stations
2
Grinding jar sizes
50 ml/80 ml/125 ml
Grinding jars (materials)
Hardened steel
Stainless steel
Tungsten carbide
Zirconium oxide
Sensors
Temperature (optional), pressure (optional)
Operation
4.3 inch touchscreen with dial
Storable SOPs (standard operating procedures)
12
Programmable cycles
4 (up to 99 repeats)
Communication
myRetsch Web Portal, Retsch APP
Mains connection
1 phase, 100 –120 VAC 50/60 Hz,
200 –230 VAC 50/60 Hz
Protection class
IP 20
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
EMC class in accordance with DIN EN 55011:
A
Motor output
750 W (with frequency converter)
W x H x D closed
660 x 410 x 580 mm
Weight, net
60 kg
Conformity
CE
3.2 Emissions
CAUTION
C.0020

The Mixer Mill MM 500 Vario
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Risk of injury caused by not hearing acoustic signals
Loud grinding noise
−Loud grinding noise may result in not hearing acoustic warning signals,
leading to injuries.
•Take the volume of grinding noise into consideration when
designing the acoustic signals in the working environment.
•Where necessary, use additional visual signals.
CAUTION
C3.0077
Risk of hearing loss
High sound level
−The sound level may be high depending on the type of material, the
number of balls used, the set grinding frequency and the grinding time.
Excess noise in terms of intensity and duration can lead to impairments or
permanent damage to hearing.
•Ensure you take suitable soundproofing measures.
•Wear hearing protection if there is loud or lasting noise.
Noise levels:
The noise levels will also be influenced by the properties of the sample material.
Example 1
Receptacle
6 steel grinding jars (50 ml)
Grinding component
8 steel balls each (12 mm)
Feed material
Glass breakage
Feed quantity
16 g
Speed
30 Hz / 35 Hz
Under these operating conditions, the workplace-related equivalent continuous sound level at
30 Hz Leq = 79 dB (A) / max. 96 dB (A) and at 35 Hz Leq = 80.7 dB (A) / max. 99.4 dB (A).

The Mixer Mill MM 500 Vario
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Example 2
Receptacle
6 steel grinding jars (50 ml)
Grinding component
1 steel balls each (25 mm)
Feed material
Glass breakage
Feed quantity
20 g
Speed
30 Hz / 35 Hz
Under these operating conditions, the workplace-related equivalent continuous sound level l at
30 Hz Leq = 84.2 dB (A) / max. 100.6 dB (A) and at 35 Hz Leq = 86.7 dB (A) / max. 103.2 dB
(A).
3.3 Views of the device
3.3.1 Front
Fig. 2: Device hood closed
Fig. 3: Device hood open
H
T
AS
MS
HM
HM