Retsch PM200 User manual

Operating Instructions Ball Mills
Type PM100 / PM200 / PM100cm
Retsch GmbH, 42781 Haan, Retsch-Alle 1-5, Germany, 10/31/2014 0006

Retsch GmbH 2
Information on these operating instructions .................................. 4
Warnings..................................................................................... 4
Repairs........................................................................................ 4
Safety .................................................................................................. 5
Safety instructions ....................................................................... 5
Safety directives summarised, part 2 .......................................... 7
Confirmation ...................................................................................... 8
Technical specifications ................................................................... 9
Intended use ............................................................................... 9
Maximum feed volume ................................................................ 9
Maximum feed grain size ............................................................ 9
Drive output ................................................................................. 9
Emissions.................................................................................... 9
Materials and analyses of the grinding tools ............................... 9
Protection systems ...................................................................... 9
Protective equipment .................................................................. 10
Operating mode .......................................................................... 10
Device dimensions ...................................................................... 10
Base area required...................................................................... 10
Transport and assembly ................................................................... 11
Packaging ................................................................................... 11
Transport ..................................................................................... 11
Temperature fluctuations ............................................................ 11
Intermediate storage ................................................................... 11
Assembly..................................................................................... 11
Requirements for the assembly site ............................................ 12
Electrical connection ................................................................... 12
Serial interfaces .......................................................................... 13
Operation............................................................................................ 14
Connect the power ...................................................................... 14
Opening / closing / emergency unlocking of
the grinding chamber .................................................................. 14
Inserting and clamping grinding bowls in the PM100 .................. 16
Removing the grinding bowl fastening device in the PM100 ....... 17
Tightening and unscrewing the grinding bowl fastening
device using a counter spanner .................................................. 17
Safety Instructions for starting the PM 100 ................................. 18
Balancing –only required for the PM100 .................................... 20
Balancing –only for PM 100 with additional balance weight....... 20
Inserting and clamping grinding bowls in the PM200 .................. 21
Tightening and loosening the grinding bowl clamping
fixture using the counter spanner ................................................ 21
Safety instructions for starting the PM 200.................................. 22
Suitable grinding bowls for the PM100 ........................................ 23
Grinding bowl filling level............................................................. 23
Guide values for material volumes and balls .............................. 23
Stacking of 50 ml milling cups of type “C” ................................... 23
Stacking of milling cups less than 50 ml ..................................... 23
Suitable grinding bowls for the PM200 ........................................ 24
Grinding bowl filling level............................................................. 24
Guide values for material volumes and balls .............................. 24
Stacking 50ml grinding bowls of type "C".................................... 24
Handling grinding bowls of type "C" ............................................ 24
Carrying and holding ................................................................... 24
Torsion lock ................................................................................. 24
Heating the grinding bowls .......................................................... 24
Grinding bowl identification ......................................................... 25
Customer marking of grinding bowls ........................................... 25
Cleaning the grinding bowls ........................................................ 25
Drying the grinding bowls ............................................................ 25
Tips for ultra-fine milling .............................................................. 25
Use of the closing device for milling cups ................................... 26
Operation via the PM100/200 display unit................................... 27
Symbols in the display unit.......................................................... 27
Menu structure of the display unit ............................................... 28
Adjustment options via the display menu .................................... 29
Languages .................................................................................. 29
Incorrect language selection ....................................................... 29
Manual mode............................................................................... 29
Grinding program 01 .................................................................. 29
Grinding time ............................................................................... 29

Retsch GmbH 3
Speed.......................................................................................... 29
Interval ........................................................................................ 30
Start time ..................................................................................... 31
Opening mechanism ................................................................... 31
Energy......................................................................................... 31
Alarm........................................................................................... 32
Service ........................................................................................ 32
Contrast / brightness ................................................................... 33
Date / Time.................................................................................. 33
Stand-by monitor ......................................................................... 33
Error messages on the display......................................................... 34
F01 to F12 ................................................................................... 34
F13 to F26 ................................................................................... 35
General points.................................................................................... 36
Cleaning ...................................................................................... 36
Maintenance................................................................................ 36
Parts subject to wear and tear..................................................... 37
Copyright ..................................................................................... 38
Changes ...................................................................................... 38
Appendix .....................................................................following pages

Retsch GmbH 4
Information on these operating
instructions
The present operating instructions for the ball mills of type
PM100/200 provide all the necessary information on the
headings contained in the table of contents.
They act as a guide for the target group(s) of readers defined
for each topic for the safe use of the PM100/200 in accordance
with its intended purpose. Familiarity with the relevant
chapters on the part of each target group(s) of readers is
essential for the safe and proper use of the equipment.
The present technical documentation has been designed both
as a source of reference and as a learning tool. Each chapter is
a self-contained unit.
The operating instructions do not contain any repair
instructions. Should repairs ever become necessary, please
contact your supplier or talk directly to Retsch GmbH.
http://www.retsch.de
Warnings
The following signs are used to warn of hazards:
Personal injuries
Material damage
Repairs
These operating instructions do not contain any repair
instructions. In the interests of your own safety, repairs
should only be performed by Retsch GmbH, an authorised
representative or by Retsch service technicians.
In this case, please notify the following:
Your local Retsch representative
Your supplier
Retsch GmbH direct
Your address for service:

Retsch GmbH 5
Safety
The PM100/200 is a modern, high-performance product
manufactured by Retsch GmbH. It incorporates the latest
technology. The machine is entirely safe in its operation
when used for the intended purpose and in accordance with
the present technical documentation.
Safety instructions
You, as the owner/operator, must ensure that the persons
who are entrusted to work on the PM100/200:
have read and understood all the regulations contained in
the chapter on safety,
have made themselves familiar, before starting work, with
all the operating instructions and regulations relevant to
that particular target group,
have unrestricted access to the technical documentation for
this machine at all times,
new personnel must have familiarised themselves with the
safe use of the PM100/200 and its intended purpose before
starting work with the machine, either through verbal
instruction by a competent person and / or with the help of
the present technical documentation.
Incorrect operation can result in injuries to persons and
damage to property. You bear the responsibility for your
own safety and that of your staff.
Ensure that no unauthorised persons have access to the
PM100/200.
As a precaution, have your staff certify in writing that they
have received instruction in the operation of the ZM200. A
draft for such a form can be found at the end of the chapter
on safety.
We reject herewith any and all claims relating to personal injury or
material damage that result from the failure to comply with the
following safety instructions.

Retsch GmbH 6
Safety directives summarised, part 1
Safety instructions
We reject herewith any and all claims relating to personal injury or material damage that result from the
failure to comply with the following safety instructions.
Intended use
Do not make any modifications to the machine and only use Retsch approved spares and accessories.
The conformity to the European guidelines declared by Retsch otherwise loses its validity.
It furthermore leads to the loss of all warranty claims.
Packaging
Please retain the packaging for the duration of the warranty since, in case of complaint, returning in unsuitable packaging
can jeopardize your warranty claims.
Transport
During transportation, do not subject the PM100/PM200 to impacts, jolts or vibrations. The electronic and mechanical
components could otherwise be damaged.
Temperature fluctuations
In case of wide temperature fluctuations (during shipment by air, for instance), protect the PM100/PM200 from con-
densation. The electronic components could otherwise be damaged.
Scope of supply
If the shipment is incomplete and / or has suffered transport damage, you must notify the forwarder and Retsch GmbH
immediately (within 24 hours). Under certain circumstances, claims lodged at a later date may not be considered valid.
Ambient temperature :
When the ambient temperature exceeds or falls below that specified, the electronic and mechanical components may be
damaged, and performance data changed to an unknown extent.
Air humidity :
At a higher air humidity, electronic and mechanical components may be damaged, and performance data changed to an
unknown extent.
Electrical connection / Connecting the power
Failure to observe the values on the data plate can cause damage to electronic and mechanical components.
Inserting and clamping grinding bowls in the PM100
Only use grinding bowls of type "C".
This, in conjunction with the grinding bowl fixture, is a safety component.
Working with old or third-party grinding bowls in the PM100/PM200 risks unforeseeable hazards.
Never allow threaded spindle 3 to lie loose in the grinding bowl fixture without the grinding bowls clamped in.
Danger of being hurled out!
Always ensure that the red sleeve has latched in properly. Otherwise the grinding bowl is not securely clamped.
Danger of being hurled out!
Inserting and clamping grinding bowls in the PM200
Only use grinding bowl of the type "C".
This, in conjunction with the grinding bowl fixture, is a safety component.
Working with old or third-party grinding bowls in the PM100/PM200 risks unforeseeable hazards.
Never allow threaded spindle 4 to lie loose in the grinding bowl fixture without the grinding bowls clamped in.
Danger of being hurled out!
Always ensure that the red sleeve has latched in properly. Otherwise the grinding bowl is not securely clamped.
Danger of being hurled out!
Only use grinding bowls of type "C" and only up to a nominal volume of 125ml
The PM200 will otherwise be overloaded and mechanical components could be damaged!
Only ever use 2 grinding bowls with the same gross weight.
Otherwise the PM200 generates unpleasant vibrations!

Retsch GmbH 7
Safety directives summarised, part 2
Grinding bowl filling level
If the filling level of the grinding bowl is too high or too low, the end result will be impaired and the milling set could become
damaged (increased wear and tear).
Stacking 50ml grinding bowls of type "C"
It is not possible to stack 50ml grinding bowls in the PM200.
Heating the grinding bowls
Please take the action necessary - depending on how dangerous the material you are grinding is - to ensure that people are
not exposed to danger.
It is essential to wear protective gloves when removing and opening heated grinding bowls.
Danger of burning hands.
Cleaning the grinding bowls
Do not expose grinding bowls with ceramic inserts to temperature fluctuations during rinsing.
The ceramic inserts can crack if subject to sudden changes of temperature.
Wet grinding with easily inflammable materials
Before deploying easily inflammable materials as milling aids, compile explosion protection documentation in
accordance with articles 118 and 118a of EC directive 89/391/EEC
Start time
Make certain that the grinding bowls have been securely clamped and balanced before letting the machine start unattended.
Even though it is not possible to start the machine without the cover closed, ensure that the cover is closed before letting
the machine start unattended.
Cleaning
Do not clean the PM100/200 with flowing water.
Mortal danger from electric shock
Only use a cloth dampened with water.
Solvents are not permitted.
Maintenance
The easy running of the threaded spindle and the locking sleeve is essential for secure clamping of the grinding bowl
Locking sleeves which do not move downwards solely by spring power cannot properly prevent the threaded spindle from
working loose. The grinding bowls could be hurled out.
The easy running of roller 1 on the locking block is essential for secure closing of the PM100/200 via the automatic closure
mechanism.
If the values D1 and H1 are undershot, operational safety is no longer assured.
The grinding bowls could be hurled out.
Parts subject to wear and tear
The operating instructions do not contain any repair instructions. In the interests of your own safety, repairs should only be
performed by Retsch GmbH, an authorised representative or by Retsch service technicians.

Retsch GmbH 8
Confirmation
I have read and understood the
chapters Foreword and Safety.
__________________________________
Signature of operator/owner
__________________________________
Signature of service technician

Retsch GmbH 9
Technical specifications
Machine type designation: PM100/PM200
Intended use
Retsch ball mills are used to grind and mix materials that are soft,
medium hard to extremely hard, brittle or fibrous. Dry and wet
grinding is possible, grinding with solvents is permissible, although
in this case it is essential to observe the supplementary instructions
given in the chapter "Wet grinding with easily inflammable
materials". Minerals, ores, alloys, chemicals, glass, ceramics,
vegetable matter, soil, slurry, domestic and industrial waste
and many other substances can be comminuted simply, quickly
and without loss. The ball mills are successfully deployed in
virtually all fields of industry and research, particularly where
there are high requirements on cleanliness, speed, fineness and
reproducibility.
Only type "C" grinding bowls may be used.
In the PM100 1x of 50-500ml, 2x50ml, 2x25ml and 2x12ml can be
stacked.
In the PM200 the 12ml and 25ml grinding bowls can be stacked but
the 50ml and 125ml are not stackable.
They are not designed as production machines, but rather as
laboratory devices intended for single-shift, 8-hour operation.
Do not make any modifications to the machine and only use
Retsch approved spares and accessories.
The conformity to the European guidelines declared by
Retsch will otherwise lose its validity.
It will furthermore lead to the loss of all warranty claims.
Maximum feed volume
PM100 = up to 300ml, depending on the grinding bowl volume.
PM200 = up to 2x50ml, depending on the grinding bowl volume.
Maximum feed grain size
PM100 up to <10 mm, but dependent on the material
PM200 up to <4 mm, but dependent on the material
Drive output
750 W / power draw approx. 1250 W
Emissions
Noise levels PM100:
Noise measured in accordance with DIN 45635-31-01-KL3
The noise levels are basically influenced by the speed of the
machine, the size of the grinding bowl and the diameter of
the grinding balls used.
Workplace related emission value LpAeq = up to 85 dB(A)
Noise levels PM200:
Noise measured in accordance with DIN 45635-31-01-KL3
The noise levels are basically influenced by the speed of the
machine, the size of the grinding bowl and the diameter of
the grinding balls used.
Workplace related emission value LpAeq = up to 80 dB(A)
Materials and analyses of the grinding tools
See :
www.retsch.de/english/docs/grinding_tools.pdf
Protection systems
IP20

Retsch GmbH 10
Protective equipment
The PM100 and PM200 are equipped with fixtures to automatically
close the cover. This prevents the devices being started in an
unsafe state.
The machines cannot be started unless the cover is closed.
It is only possible to open the cover when the machines are at
standstill.
Operating mode
S1
An operating mode with constant loading, the duration of which
suffices to reach the state of thermal rigidity. (DIN VDE 0530 T1)
Device dimensions
Height: Up to approx. 835 mm / Width: 630 mm / Depth : Up to
approx. 505 mm
Weight : PM100 net approx. 86 kg / PM200 net approx. 80 kg
Base area required
630 mm x 505 mm;
A safe distance of 200mm is required at the rear to allow the fan
to fulfil its function.

Retsch GmbH 11
Transport and assembly
Packaging
The packaging has been adapted to the mode of transport.
It corresponds to the generally applicable packaging
guidelines.
Please retain the packaging for the duration of the
warranty since, in case of complaint, returning in
unsuitable packaging can jeopardize your warranty
claims.
Transport
During transportation, do not subject the PM100/PM200
to impacts, jolts or vibrations. The electronic and
mechanical components could otherwise be damaged.
Temperature fluctuations
In case of wide temperature fluctuations (during
shipment by air, for instance), protect the
PM100/PM200 from condensation. The electronic
components could otherwise be damaged.
Intermediate storage
Likewise for intermediate storage, ensure that the
PM100/PM200 are stored in a dry place.
Assembly
If the device is transported with a forklifter or lift truck, it must
be placed on the transport pallet.
4 people are required to carry the device.
Only place the PM100 or PM200 on a stable laboratory bench, as
they might otherwise be subjected to disagreeable vibrations.
The table base must be clean and skid-resistant.
The net weight of the PM100 is approx. 86 kg
The net weight of the PM200 is approx. 80 kg

Retsch GmbH 12
Requirements for the assembly site
Ambient temperature :
5°C to 40°C
When the ambient temperature exceeds or falls below that
specified, the electronic and mechanical components may be
damaged, and performance data changed to an unknown
extent.
Air humidity :
Maximum relative humidity 80% at temperatures up to 31°C,
declining in linear manner down to 50% relative humidity at 40°C
At a higher air humidity, electronic and mechanical
components may be damaged, and performance data
changed to an unknown extent.
Assembly height :
Max. 2000 m above sea level
Electrical connection
The voltage and frequency for the PM100 or PM200 are
shown on the data plate.
Ensure that these values agree with the mains power
supply.
Connect the PM100 or PM200 to the mains power supply
with the power cable supplied.
When connecting the power cable to the mains supply, use
an external fuse which complies with the regulations
applicable to the assembly site.
Important notes :
1. Electrical connections must use PE conductors !
2. A frequency converter is fitted to the drive unit of your PM100 /
PM200. In order to fulfil the EMV directive, this is equipped with a
mains filter and screened cables to the motor. If your mains power
installation for the PM100 / PM200 contains a residual-current
protective device, then when the frequency converter switched on
(switched on each time the grinding chamber hood is closed), its
interference suppression circuit can cause spurious tripping of the
residual-current protective device, without this being due to a
defect in your PM100 / PM200 or mains power supply.
The state-of-the-art recommends selective, all-current sensitive
residual-current protective devices in such cases. The trip current
needs to be sufficiently dimensioned because short-lived, capacitive
transient currents generated at switch on (screened cables, mains
filter) can easily cause spurious tripping.
Under certain conditions, it may be necessary to operate the PM100
/ PM200 without a residual-current protective device. It must
nevertheless then first be ensured that this does not contradict the
regulations of the local electricity supply utility, or those of other
institutions or applicable standards.
Failure to observe the values on the data plate can cause
damage to electronic and mechanical components.

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Serial interfaces
Interface to update the software
Inactive interface for optional data communication
with an external device. Software update required.
The interface cables may not be longer than 2.5 m.
Longer cables can cause faults in the transmission of data.

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Operation
Connect the power
Ensure that the voltage and frequency of your mains power
supply agree with the data plate of the PM100 or PM200.
Plug the power cable into the socket at the rear of the
device
Plug the cable into the mains power socket
Turn the main switch on
Failure to observe the values on the data plate can cause
damage to electronic and mechanical components.
The language menu is displayed the first time the
PM100/200 is switched on.
The language required can be selected here by turning
operating button E. The selection is confirmed by pressing it
and the display shows "Open cover".
Opening / closing / emergency unlocking of the
grinding chamber
A E D
Opening
The following are necessary before the grinding bowl(s) can
be inserted and clamped.
Plug the PM100/200 into the mains power supply
Switch on the main switch at the rear
Press button A -
The safety lock opens and cover D can be folded back. The
grinding chamber is now freely accessible.
Closing
The grinding chamber cannot be closed unless the PM100 or
PM200 is connected to the mains power supply and the main
switch at the rear of the device is switched on.
Close the housing cover
A sensor recognises the locking block on the housing cover
and the motorised cover closure is switched on.
The housing cover is locked automatically
The PM100/PM200/PM100CM may be operated only if the housing
cover is free of any damage.
If the housing cover is damaged mechanically, it must be
replaced for safety reasons.
Never actuate the emergency unlocking feature whilst the machine is
running, only do so with the machine at standstill and the mains
power disconnected.
Considerable danger of injuries from a long drive run-on time
without braking.

Retsch GmbH 15
S
Emergency unlocking
A key is fixed underneath the unit. This can be used to open
the PM100 or PM200 manually in case of a power failure.
Lift the unit
Remove key S
(I) Insert the (S) key into the (O) opening on the
right-hand side.
(II) To unlock the gear, the key must be pushed in
further with some degree of force. While pushing the
key in, turn it in a clockwise direction as far as it will
go.
The cover can now be opened.
S
S
O
O
S

Retsch GmbH 16
Inserting and clamping grinding bowls in the PM100
Before starting the machine ensure that the milling cup
is clamped.
Milling cup can be ejected, danger of injury and damage to
equipment.
Wear of safety slider
In case of wear at the screws and/or slits as well as an
substantially increased play of the safety slider, it should be
replaced. (See chapter on wearing parts)
3
4
5
1
2
6

Retsch GmbH 17
5 Up = free 5 Down = locked
Clean the grinding bowl disk with torsion lock pin 1
Turn the label on the grinding bowl 2to the same side as
the torsion lock pin, the borehole in the grinding bowl is
located here.
Insert the grinding bowl into the grinding bowl fixture
Pay attention to the torsion lock in 250 and 500 ml grinding
bowls. The borehole in the base of the grinding bowl to take
up the torsion lock pin is located on the side of the marking
areas.
Insert grinding bowl clamping arrangement 3 into latching
brackets 4
Pull red sleeve 5 upwards and clamp the grinding bowl by
turning the three-point grip to the right
Let red sleeve 5latch audibly downwards, if necessary,
retighten gently from the three-point grip
The three-point grip should now not be able to be turned
Should the red locking sleeve not move completely
downwards when released (audible clacking), briefly retighten
from the three-point grip.
The red locking sleeve, which is now in the locked position,
prevents the threaded spindle from working loose.
Removing the grinding bowl fastening device in the PM100
Pull the red sleeve 5upwards and unscrew the
grinding bowl by turning the three star grip to the
left.
Continue to turn the three star grip to the left until
the grinding bowl fastening device can be removed.
Tightening and unscrewing the grinding bowl
fastening device using a counter spanner
Using a counter spanner prevents the drive from turning, which can otherwise easily occur when
tightening or loosening the grinding bowl.

Retsch GmbH 18
Insert the counter spanner 6
under the red sleeve 5. The
spindle is now unlocked.
Turn the three star grip to the right (clockwise) for
tightening and to the left (anticlockwise) for
loosening. The drive now turns only until a latched
bracket 4is in contact with the counter spanner 6.
Easy tightening or loosening is then possible.
For the PM200 the counter spanner 6must be turned
180° and inserted when the grinding bowl fastening
device is in the highest lock-in position.
Only use type "C" grinding bowls.
This, in conjunction with the grinding bowl fixture, is a safety
component.
Unforeseen risks may arise if third-party or old grinding
bowls are used in the PM100.
Never allow grinding bowl clamping arrangement 3 to lie
loose in the grinding bowl fixture without the grinding bowls
being clamped in.
Danger of being hurled out!
Especially in cases of lengthy grinding periods, check at the
intervals in the following schedule that the grinding bowl is
sitting securely:
after 3 mins, after 1h, after 5h and then every 10-12h. A
gripping force of 10Nm is the optimum for the grinding bowl
clamping fixture.
Risk of being hurled out!
Safety Instructions for starting the PM 100
The grinding bowl clamping fixture has proven its worth over many years as an easy-to-manage and
reliable appliance. A precondition here both for the operator’s safety and also to ensure that the
components have a long service life is that the grinding bowl must be clamped conscientiously.
Please bear in mind that the PM 100/200 is a grinder that inputs a very high level of energy into the
material being ground and the grinding bowl must therefore be clamped conscientiously.
To avoid operating errors, the correct grinding bowl clamping is queried each time before the
machine starts.
Personnel who are particularly well trained and very familiar with how the PM is operated may hide
this safety instruction permanently. However, we particularly advise against this if the operating
personnel vary!
The software for the PM 100/200 is set up in such a way that each time before the machine starts
up, when the starting button is activated, it is necessary to confirm in the following display that the
grinding bowl has been clamped.
6
4
6

Retsch GmbH 19
The grinding process starts after this confirmation.
This safety instruction can be hidden in the “settings” menu.
Make sure the grinding bowl is clamped before you start the
machine.
The grinding bowl can be hurled out, risk of injury and
damage to property!
Our recommendation is that you do not hide the safety instruction.
Yes
GRINDING BOWL CLAMPED?
NO

Retsch GmbH 20
Balancing –only required for the PM100
K
S
In order to ensure that the machine runs smoothly, the
PM100 must be balanced after the grinding bowl has been
inserted and clamped in.
Weight the grinding bowl with cover, ball filling and
the material to be ground
Move the balancing weight using the knob until edge
Kon scale Sshows the determined weight.
Balancing –only for PM 100 with additional balance weight
Caution:
When using the following grinding bowls with safety locking
device an additional balance weight of 1 kg is necessary.
Combination 1:
-250 ml grinding bowl of tungsten carbide
01.462.0222
-Safety locking device 22.867.0004
-Grinding bowl lid for gassing 22.107.0006
Combination 2:
-500 ml grinding bowl of zirconium oxide 01.462.0227
-Safety locking device 22.867.0005
When the additional balance weight is used please note that
the scale no longer shows the correct weight.
(See below)
Order number for additional weight: 22.221.0002
In order to fix the additional weight both protective caps on the
top side of the counterweight must be removed.
Screw the additional weight onto the counterweight with the
two cheese-head screws. Tightening torque for the cheese-
head screws = 20 Nm.
After mounting the additional weight the extra weight of 1.0 kg
must be taken into account when reading the scale.
Example:
If the grinding bowl weighs 8.2 kg the counterweight must be
set to a scale reading of 7.2 kg.
Note:
When using light (small) grinding bowls the additional weight
must be removed again.
Additional balance weight 1kg