Retsch ZM 300 User manual

© Retsch GmbH, 42781 Haan, Retsch-Allee 1-5, Germany | 04.04.2022 Version 0001
Manual
Ultra Centrifugal Mill ZM 300
Translation

2
Copyright
© Copyright by
Retsch GmbH
Retsch-Allee 1-5
42781 Haan
Germany

3
Table of Contents
1Notes on the manual............................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Disclaimer.......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Copyright............................................................................................................................................ 6
1.3 Explanation of signs and symbols ..................................................................................................... 7
1.4 Explanations of the Safety Instructions ............................................................................................. 7
2Safety...................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Use of the Device for the Intended Purpose...................................................................................... 9
2.2 Improper use.................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Obligations of the operating company............................................................................................. 10
2.3.1 Provisions .................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3.2 Personnel..................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3.3 Workstation and device ............................................................................................................... 11
2.3.4 Qualification of personnel ............................................................................................................ 11
2.3.5 Personal protective equipment (PPE) ......................................................................................... 11
2.4 Structural modifications and repairs ................................................................................................ 12
2.5 Safety equipment............................................................................................................................. 12
2.6 Emergencies.................................................................................................................................... 13
2.6.1 Switching the device off in an emergency ................................................................................... 13
2.6.2 Putting the device back into service following a fault or unexpected interruption ....................... 13
2.7 Preventing risks during normal operation....................................................................................... 14
2.8 Avoiding damage to property........................................................................................................... 15
2.9 Confirmation Form for the Managing Operator................................................................................ 16
3The ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill....................................................................................................... 17
3.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................................. 18
3.2 Views of the device.......................................................................................................................... 19
3.2.1 Front............................................................................................................................................. 19
3.2.2 Back............................................................................................................................................. 21
3.2.3 View of grinding tools and tools und cassette ............................................................................. 22
3.2.4 View of the device with additional equipment.............................................................................. 23
3.3 Instructions on the device................................................................................................................ 24
3.4 Description of the type plate............................................................................................................ 25
4Packaging, Transport and Installation .............................................................................................. 26
4.1 Packaging........................................................................................................................................ 26
4.2 Transport.......................................................................................................................................... 26
4.3 Temperature Fluctuations and Condensation ................................................................................. 26
4.4 Conditions for the Installation Site................................................................................................... 27
5First Commissioning........................................................................................................................... 28
5.1 Electrical Connection....................................................................................................................... 28
5.2 Establishing the electrical connection.............................................................................................. 29
6Operating the device........................................................................................................................... 30
6.1 Switching the device on................................................................................................................... 31
6.2 Switching the device off................................................................................................................... 31
6.3 Opening the device cover................................................................................................................ 32
6.4 Closing the device cover.................................................................................................................. 33
6.5 Emergency release of the device cover .......................................................................................... 34
6.6 Inserting the grinding tools und cassette......................................................................................... 36
6.7 Feeding sample material ................................................................................................................. 39
6.7.1 Feeding sample material manually.............................................................................................. 42
6.7.2 Feeding sample material automatically using the DR 100 feed unit ........................................... 43
6.8 Sample material with recommended grinding gear......................................................................... 44
6.9 Grinding methods ............................................................................................................................ 46
6.9.1 Grinding with ring sieves with reinforced rim............................................................................... 46

4
6.9.2 Grinding with distance sieves ...................................................................................................... 46
6.9.3 Cold grinding................................................................................................................................ 46
7Controlling the device using the touchscreen display................................................................... 48
7.1 Menu interface on the touchscreen display..................................................................................... 48
7.2 Function elements ........................................................................................................................... 51
7.3 Operating modes and navigation..................................................................................................... 53
7.3.1 Navigation between Operating Modes ........................................................................................ 53
7.4 Grinding Parameters........................................................................................................................ 54
7.4.1 Adjustable Parameters ................................................................................................................ 54
7.5 Manual Mode................................................................................................................................... 55
7.5.1 Start Process ............................................................................................................................... 56
7.5.2 Stop Process................................................................................................................................ 57
7.6 Programme Mode............................................................................................................................ 57
7.6.1 Select a Program......................................................................................................................... 58
7.6.2 Edit a Program............................................................................................................................. 60
7.6.3 Save a Programme...................................................................................................................... 60
7.6.4 Delete a Programme.................................................................................................................... 60
7.7 System settings ............................................................................................................................... 61
7.7.1 MyRetsch..................................................................................................................................... 64
7.7.2 Remote ........................................................................................................................................ 65
7.7.3 Brightness.................................................................................................................................... 65
7.7.4 Software Version ......................................................................................................................... 66
7.7.5 Service Environment.................................................................................................................... 66
7.7.6 Operating Hours........................................................................................................................... 66
7.7.7 Software Update.......................................................................................................................... 67
8Error messages and remarks............................................................................................................. 68
8.1 Error messages ............................................................................................................................... 68
8.2 Remarks........................................................................................................................................... 70
9Installing additional equipment ......................................................................................................... 71
9.1 Paper filter with support................................................................................................................... 71
9.1.1 Installing the paper filter............................................................................................................... 71
9.2 Cyclone separator with collecting receptacle .................................................................................. 73
9.2.1 Installing the cyclone separator with collecting receptacle.......................................................... 73
9.3 DR 100 feed unit.............................................................................................................................. 75
9.3.1 Installing the DR 100 feed unit..................................................................................................... 75
10 Maintenance......................................................................................................................................... 78
10.1 Cleaning........................................................................................................................................... 78
10.1.1 Cleaning of the filling area ....................................................................................................... 79
10.1.2 Cleaning the interior................................................................................................................. 80
10.1.3 Cleaning the grinding tools and cassette................................................................................. 82
10.1.4 Cleaning the filter covers ......................................................................................................... 83
10.2 Servicing.......................................................................................................................................... 84
10.2.1 Checking the roller on the closing pin for ease of movement and oiling where necessary.... 84
10.2.2 Replacing the filter cover ......................................................................................................... 85
10.3 Returning for repair and servicing ................................................................................................... 86
11 Accessories ......................................................................................................................................... 87
12 Disposal................................................................................................................................................ 88
13 Index ..................................................................................................................................................... 89

Notes on the manual
5

Notes on the manual
6
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 https://www.retsch.com on the pages for
the specific device concerned.
Amendment status:
The document amendment 0001 of the "Ultra Centrifugal Mill ZM 300" manual has been
prepared in accordance with the Directive of Machinery 2006/42/EC.
1.1 Disclaimer
Diev orliegende Bedi enungsanleitung wurd emi tg rößter Sorgfalt erst ellt.T echnische Änd erungen sind vorbeh alten.F ür Personensc häden, die aus der Nic htbefolgung der Sicherh eits- und Warnhinweis ei n dieser Bedienungs anleitung resultier en,wi rd keine Haftung über nommen. Für Sac hschäden, die aus der Nich tbefolgung der Hinweis ei n dieser Bedienungs anleitung resultieren, wi rdk eine Haftung übernomm en.
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
7
1.3 Explanation of signs and symbols
The following signs and symbols are used in this Manual:
Signs and symbols
Meaning
Reference to a recommendation and/or important information.
•
•
•
Lists
1. (…)
2. (…)
3. (…)
Actions in an instruction.
(1), (2), (…)
The relevant components are labelled with (numbers) in the instructions
for better orientation.
The components have a fixed numeric value. This value is specified in
the “views of the device”.
➔
Result of an action

Optional instruction in the “Controlling the device using the touchscreen
display” chapter.
(T1), (T2), (…)
The functions of the touchscreen display are labelled with a (T) in the
“Controlling the device using the touchscreen display” chapter for better
orientation.
The Retsch ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill is usually described in the explanations in
this Manual as device.
1.4 Explanations of the Safety Instructions
The following warnings in this manual warn of possible risks and damage:
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.

Notes on the manual
8
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.
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
9
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 Retsch ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill is intended for use in a laboratory environment for
sample preparation. This manual is therefore addressed to personnel working with this device in
a comparable environment who already have experience with similar devices.
This device is a modern, high-performance product from Retsch GmbH and state of the art.
When used as intended with this device and with knowledge of the technical documentation
available here, operational safety is assured.
2.1 Use of the Device for the Intended Purpose
The Retsch ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill is used for grinding dry bulk materials as well as soft,
medium-hard and fibrous materials up to a particle size of 10 mm.
As a laboratory instrument, the Retsch ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill is to be used exclusively for
sample preparation. The Retsch ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill is not a production machine. This
laboratory instrument is designed for 8-hour single-shift operation at 30 % duty cycle.
The device is designed for stationary operation in a dry and clean working environment.
The operating company and operators must have read the manual and be familiar with the full
range of functions of the device.

Safety
10
2.2 Improper use
The device may only be used for its intended use.
Any uses other than those described under intended use are considered to be improper.
The Retsch ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill is not suitable for grinding of:
•Minerals with a Mohs hardness > 4, e.g. silica sands, corundum, etc.
•Ferro alloys
•Abrasives
•Sample materials that can form explosive air mixtures
Claims for damages in any form are excluded for property damage and personal injury resulting
from improper use and/or failure to comply with the safety instructions.
2.3 Obligations of the operating company
2.3.1 Provisions
The operator is responsible for ensuring that persons working with the device have taken note
of and understood all relevant safety regulations.
2.3.2 Personnel
•Ensure that only skilled personnel are deployed who, due to their training and experience,
are qualified to recognise risks and avoid potential hazards.
•Personnel should be instructed regularly on handling the device, in particular about the
occurrence of sudden events.
•Trainee personnel should only be allowed to work on the device when supervised by
qualified skilled personnel.
•Check the safety awareness of staff regularly.
•Define responsibilities of personnel according to qualifications and job description.
•Provide personnel with personal protective equipment (PPE).
•Ensure that the following prerequisites have been met:
•Personnel have read and understood this Manual, and in particular the chapter on
"Safety".
•Personnel know and follow the pertinent accident prevention and safety regulations.
•Personnel wear the designated personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with
the device.

Safety
11
2.3.3 Workstation and device
•Ensure the workstation has sufficient lighting and ventilation.
•Ensure that exhaust air is correctly transported outside.
•All signs on the device must be maintained in a legible state.
•Ensure that all checks and maintenance work prescribed in this Manual are carried out.
2.3.4 Qualification of personnel
Work/operating phase
Qualification
•Transport
•Installation
•Putting into service
•Operation
•Control
•Installing additional equipment
•Maintenance
•Disposal
•Qualified professionals who have
been instructed in the safe
handling of the device.
•Work on the electrical equipment
on the device
•Qualified electricians who, on the
basis of their technical training,
knowledge and experience, are
able to evaluate the work
assigned to them and identify
potential risks.
2.3.5 Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Work/operating phase
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
•Transport
•Installation
•Safety shoes
•Putting into service
•Installing additional equipment
•Maintenance
•No PPE required
•Disposal
•Safety shoes
•Normal operation (operation and
control)
•Protective goggles and hearing
protection when operating the
device without sound protection
funnel
•Possibly protective gloves for
removing sample material at
extreme temperatures.

Safety
12
2.4 Structural modifications and repairs
CAUTION
C3.0015
Risk of injury
Improper modifications to the device
−Improper modifications to the device can result in injuries.
•Do not make any unauthorised changes to the device.
•Only use the spare parts and accessories approved by Retsch
GmbH!
This Manual does not contain any repair instructions. For safety reasons, repairs may only be
carried out by Retsch GmbH, an authorised representative or by qualified service technicians.
Please notify the following in the event of a repair:
•The representative of Retsch GmbH in your country;
•Your supplier; or
•Retsch GmbH directly.
Service address:
2.5 Safety equipment
Hood lock
The device is equipped with an automatic hood lock. The device hood is automatically locked by
the locking pin when the device hood is closed. The device can only be started with the device
hood closed and locked. Unlocking and opening the device hood is only possible when the
grinding gear has not been started.
Anti-rotation device
The grinding tools of the device are equipped with an anti-rotation device in the form of four
grooves. These grooves must engage correctly when the grinding tools are inserted. Otherwise,
the grinding gear cannot be started.
Noise protection funnel
The noise protection funnel keeps the noise level low and prevents sample material from being
ejected during grinding.

Safety
13
Grinding without noise protection funnel is recommended when feeding fibrous
sample material. For this type of application, PPE (eye protection and hearing
protection) must be worn.
Emergency release
In the event of an unforeseen interruption of the grinding process (e.g. due to a power failure),
the device hood can be released with the enclosed key. Emergency release and opening of the
device hood may only be carried out when the grinding gear is at an absolute standstill.
Emergency stop switch
The device is not equipped by default with an emergency stop switch. In case of emergency,
the device must be switched off by pressing the main switch or by disconnecting the device
from the power supply.
2.6 Emergencies
The device can be switched off at any time by the main switch at the back of the device.
After the device has been switched off by the main switch, the grinding gear continues
to run (approx. 30 secs) before coming to an complete halt.
2.6.1 Switching the device off in an emergency
In the event of a fault or unexpected interruption of operation, carry out the following steps:
1. Switch off the device with the main switch at the rear of the device and disconnect the
device from the power supply.
2. Have the fault rectified.
2.6.2 Putting the device back into service following a fault or unexpected interruption
➔The fault has been eliminated.
1. Reconnect the device to the power supply.
2. Switch on the device with the main switch at the rear of the device.

Safety
14
2.7 Preventing risks during normal operation
Non-compliance with the following safety instructions is contrary to the intended use and
constitutes a danger to personnel and a risk to operational safety.
Transport and set up
•Do not carry the device alone during transport and set up.
•Wear protective footwear during transport and set up.
•The device may only be connected to sockets with PE conductor.
•When connecting the device, the values on the nameplate must match the values of the
electrical connection.
Operation
•Read the manual before using the appliance.
•Only operate the device at a workstation with sufficient space for secure set up of the
device.
•Check the mains lead for damage before operation.
•Do not operate the device if damage is visible or suspected.
•Only operate the device in accordance with technical limits of use.
•During operation, do not wear jewellery, open hair, a tie or similar loose clothing.
•Wear eye protection when operating without noise protection funnel.
•Wear hearing protection when operating without noise protection funnel.
•Before operating the device, take measures to allow for limited communication while the
device is in operation.
•Emergency release of the device hood may only be carried out when the grinding gear is
at an absolute standstill.
•Do not operate the device in potentially explosive atmospheres.
•Observe safety data sheets of samples and follow the instructions by taking appropriate
measures in advance.
•Do not grind explosive and/or flammable substances.
•Do not grind substances that may become explosive and/or flammable during grinding.
•During operation, components that feed sample material can heat up or cool down
considerably. Before sampling, wait for temperature equalisation and wear protective
gloves if necessary.
•Pay attention to the surroundings during grinding, as it is difficult to notice acoustic
signals due to the background noise.
•Emergency release of the device must not be carried out under any circumstances while
the device is in operation.
Maintenance and repair
•Before maintenance, switch off the device with the main switch.
•Do not clean the device with running water.
•Do not clean the device with compressed air.
•Repairs may only be carried out by the manufacturer of the device or an authorised
representative.

Safety
15
2.8 Avoiding damage to property
•Protect the device from condensation in case of expected strong temperature fluctuations
(e.g. during air transport).
•When transporting the device to the place of use or when setting it up, avoid any impacts
and vibrations.
•Observe the conditions for the installation site when setting up the device.
•When inserting the grinding tools, make sure that the anti-rotation device is correctly
engaged. Otherwise, the device cannot be started and the ring sieve may be damaged.
•The device must not be started if the grinding tools are not complete and correctly inserted.
•The device must not be started without the ring sieve in place.
•Do not feed any sample material before the grinding gear is running. Mechanical
components can be damaged when starting with sample material in the cassette.
•Do not feed sample material too quickly and do not overfill the cassette, which serves as a
collecting vessel. Excessive filling can lead to overheating and damage to the housing.
•After grinding, do not remove the rotor by force, but wait for the temperature to equalise.
Forcible removal will damage the rotor shaft and rotor.
•Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
•Do not use solvents or aggressive cleaning agents for cleaning.
•For maintenance, only use original spare parts.
•If the rotor is not used for a longer period of time, pull it off the rotor shaft, otherwise crevice
corrosion may occur due to moisture and rust.
•Do not lock the device hood when it is not used for an extended time as this may damage
the cassette seal.

Safety
16
2.9 Confirmation Form for the Managing Operator
This Manual contains fundamental information to be taken into consideration regarding the
operation and maintenance of the device. It must be read by the operator and by the
responsible skilled personnel before the device is put into service. This Manual must be
permanently accessible and available at the application site.
The operator of the device hereby confirms to the operating company (owner) that s/he has
received adequate instruction on operating and maintaining the device. The operator has
received the Manual, taken note of it and as a consequence has all information needed for safe
operation and is sufficiently familiar with the device.
For legal protection, the operating company should have the instruction on operating the device
confirmed by the operators.
I have taken note of all chapters in this Manual and of all safety instructions and
warnings.
Operator
Name, first name (block letters)
Position in the company
Place, date and signature
Operating company or service technician
Name, first name (block letters)
Position in the company
Place, date and signature

The ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill
17
3 The ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill
The Retsch ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill is a laboratory instrument and is used for sample
preparation. The device enables fast grinding of soft, medium-hard and fibrous materials up to a
particle size of 10 mm.
The final fineness levels of the fed sample materials is essentially determined by the following
factors:
•Rotor type
•Rotor speed
•Sieve
•Characteristics (fracture behaviour) of the materials fed in as sample material
Thanks to the effective grinding process and the wide range of accessories and additional
equipment, the ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill ensures material-friendly sample preparation
suitable for analysis in the shortest possible time.
NOTICE This laboratory instrument is designed for 8-hour single-shift operation at 30 % duty
cycle. This device must not be used as a production machine or in continuous operation.

The ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill
18
3.1 Technical data
Operating data
Power (depending on the variant)
200-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1~, 1750 W, 16 A
100-120 V, 50/60 Hz, 1~, 1400 W, 20 A
Protection ratings
IP20/IP42
Rotor speed
Adjustable from 6,000 –23,000 rpm
Noise emissions
Noise measurement according to DIN 45635-31-
01-KL3.
The noise levels are influenced by the speed, the
sample material, the feed size as well as the rotor
and the ring sieve used.
LpAeq = up to 78 dB(A)
Operating mode
S1 –Continuous operation
Operation with constant load, the duration of which
is sufficient to reach the thermal steady state (DIN
VDE 0530 T1).
Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC)
EMC class according to DIN EN 55011:2009
Values for grinding
Maximum feed quantity
The maximum feed quantity with the standard
cassette is 300 ml. 600 ml with the large-volume
cassette. This information only applies if there is no
increase in volume of the sample during grinding.
Maximum fill quantity
The maximum fill quantity of the standard cassette
is 300 ml. With the large-volume cassette, the
maximum fill quantity is 600 ml.
Maximum feed size
Up to 10 mm
Maximum possible final fineness
level
< 40 µm, depending on material and ring sieve
Dimensions
Height:
Height with DR 100 feed unit:
Width:
Width with cyclone separator:
Depth:
Weight:
431 mm
720 mm
452 mm
840 mm
426 mm
Approx. 34 kg
Required floor space
Required floor space
Required floor space with DR 100
feed unit and cyclone separator
500 mm x 500mm
845 mm x 500mm
For sufficient fan speed, a safety clearance of 200
mm is required at the rear.
Conditions for the installation site
Installation height:
Ambient temperature:
Humidity:
Max. 2000 m a.s.l.
5 °C to 40 °C
Maximum relative humidity 80 % up to 31 °C,
decreasing linearly up to 50 % relative humidity at
40 °C

The ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill
19
3.2 Views of the device
The numbering of components in the following views of the device is fixed and is used
in further figures of components in the Manual.
3.2.1 Front
Fig. 1: Front with closed device hood
No.
Component
Function
0
Impact protection
This hopper is designed as splashback protection and should always be
used, except for long-fibre material.
1
Feed hopper
For feeding of sample material. Guides the sample material into the
interior to the grinding gear.
1.1
Hopper for noise
reduction
When feeding sample material of < 4 mm, this hopper can be inserted
into the feed hopper. This funnel reduces the discharge of fine sample
material as well as noise.
2
Device hood
Closes the interior and guides the sample material.
3
Opening for through
cassette
Opening for positioning the through cassette. Is closed by means of a
rubber sleeve.
4
Emergency release
opening
For inserting the key for emergency release of the interior.
5
Stand opening
For installation of the stand of the DR 100 feed unit.
6
Touch display
Displays the parameters and is used to start and stop the device.
7
Control dial
For parameter setting
2
7
6
3
4
5
0
1
1.1

The ZM 300 Ultra Centrifugal Mill
20
Fig. 2: Front with open device hood
No.
Component
Function
8
Locking pin
Locks the device hood
9
Rubber sleeve
Seals the opening for the through cassette and must be removed before
positioning the through cassette.
10
Interior
This is where the grinding tools and the cassette are located.
11
Rotor shaft
Support for grinding tools and cassette.
12
Rubber seal
Seals the passage of the locking pin into the housing.
13
Vent
Outlet for cooling air.
14
Temperature sensor
The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the cassette lid.
The temperature of the sample material is not measured!
10
12
9
8
13
14
11