Retsch PP 25 User manual

© Retsch GmbH, 42781 Haan, Retsch-Allee 1-5, Germany | 18.08.2017 Version 0001
Manual
Pellet Press PP 25
Translation

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

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Table of Contents
1Notes on the Manual ............................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Explanations of the Safety Instructions ............................................................................................. 6
1.2 General Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Repairs............................................................................................................................................... 8
2Confirmation .......................................................................................................................................... 9
3Packaging, Transport and Installation .............................................................................................. 10
3.1 Packaging........................................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 Transport.......................................................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Temperature fluctuations and condensed water ............................................................................. 10
3.4 Conditions for the Installation Site................................................................................................... 10
3.5 Installation of the Device.................................................................................................................. 10
3.6 Type Plate Description..................................................................................................................... 11
4Technical Data ..................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Use of the Device for the Intended Purpose.................................................................................... 12
4.2 Feed Grain Size............................................................................................................................... 12
4.3 Pressure Range............................................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Pressure Force ................................................................................................................................ 12
4.5 Dimensions and Weight................................................................................................................... 12
4.6 Required Floor Space...................................................................................................................... 13
5Operating the Device .......................................................................................................................... 14
5.1 Views of the Instrument................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 Overview table of the parts of the device ........................................................................................ 15
5.3 Preparing the Sample Material........................................................................................................ 16
5.4 Instructions on Handling the Die Tool and the Pressing Plates Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert. 16
5.5 Operating the Die Tool..................................................................................................................... 17
5.5.1 Preparing the die tool................................................................................................................... 17
5.5.2 Filling sample material into the die tool ....................................................................................... 18
5.5.3 Pressing the tablet....................................................................................................................... 19
5.5.4 Removing the Die Tool and Tablet (1)......................................................................................... 19
5.5.5 Instructions on Handling the Die Tool and the Pressing Plates .................................................. 21
5.6 Die Tool –Alternative Insertion........................................................................................................ 21
5.6.1 Removing the Die Tool and Tablet (2)......................................................................................... 22
5.7 Ventilation........................................................................................................................................ 24
5.8 Pressure Test .................................................................................................................................. 25
5.9 Overpressure relief .......................................................................................................................... 25
6Cleaning and service .......................................................................................................................... 26
6.1 Cleaning........................................................................................................................................... 26
6.2 Maintenance .................................................................................................................................... 26
7Disposal................................................................................................................................................ 27
8Index ..................................................................................................................................................... 28

Notes on the Manual
4

Notes on the Manual
5
1 Notes on the Manual
This operating manual is a technical guide on how to operate the device safely and it contains
all the information required for the areas specified in the table of contents. This technical
documentation is a reference and instruction manual. The individual chapters are complete in
themselves.
Familiarity (of the respective target groups defined according to area) with the relevant chapters
is a precondition for the safe and appropriate use of the device.
This operating manual does not contain any repair instructions. If faults arise or repairs are
necessary, please contact your supplier or get in touch with Retsch GmbH directly.
Application technology information relating to samples to be processed is not included but can
be read on the Internet on the respective device’s page at www.retsch.com.
Changes
Subject to technical changes.
Copyright
Disclosure or reproduction of this documentation, use and disclosure of its contents are only
permitted with the express permission of Retsch GmbH.
Infringements will result in damage compensation liability.

Notes on the Manual
6
1.1 Explanations of the Safety Instructions
In this Operating Manual we give you the following safety warnings
Serious injury may result from failing to heed these safety warnings. We give you the following
warnings and corresponding content.
WARNING
Type of danger / personal injury
Source of danger
–Possible consequences if the dangers are not observed.
•Instructions on how the dangers are to be avoided.
We also use the following signal word box in the text or in the instructions on action to be taken:
WARNING
Moderate or mild injury may result from failing to heed these safety warnings. We give you
the following warnings and corresponding content.
CAUTION
Type of danger / personal injury
Source of danger
–Possible consequences if the dangers are not observed.
•Instructions on how the dangers are to be avoided.
We also use the following signal word box in the text or in the instructions on action to be taken:
CAUTION
In the event of possible property damage we inform you with the word “Instructions” and the
corresponding content.
NOTICE
Nature of the property damage
Source of property damage
–Possible consequences if the instructions are not observed.
•Instructions on how the dangers are to be avoided.
We also use the following signal word in the text or in the instructions on action to be taken:
NOTICE

Notes on the Manual
7
1.2 General Safety Instructions
CAUTION
Read the Operating Manual
Non-observance of these operating instructions
–The non-observance of these operating instructions can
result in personal injuries.
•Read the operating manual before using the device.
•We use the adjacent symbol to draw attention to the
necessity of knowing the contents of this operating
manual.
Target group : All persons concerned with the machine in any form
This machine is a modern, high performance product from Retsch GmbH and complies with the
state of the art. Operational safety is given if the machine is handled for the intended purpose
and attention is given to this technical documentation.
You, as the owner/managing operator of the machine, must ensure that the people entrusted
with working on the machine:
•have noted and understood all the regulations regarding safety,
•are familiar before starting work with all the operating instructions and specifications for the
target group relevant for them,
•have easy access always to the technical documentation for this machine,
•and that new personnel before starting work on the machine are familiarised with the safe
handling of the machine and its use for its intended purpose, either by verbal instructions from a
competent person and/or by means of this technical documentation.
Improper operation can result in personal injuries and material damage. You are responsible for
your own safety and that of your employees.
Make sure that no unauthorised person has access to the machine.
CAUTION
Changes to the machine
–Changes to the machine may lead to personal injury.
•Do not make any change to the machine and use spare parts and
accessories that have been approved by Retsch exclusively.
NOTICE
Changes to the machine
–The conformity declared by Retsch with the European Directives will lose
its validity.
–You lose all warranty claims.
•Do not make any change to the machine and use spare parts and
accessories that have been approved by Retsch exclusively.

Notes on the Manual
8
1.3 Repairs
This operating manual does not contain any repair instructions. For your own safety, repairs
may only be carried out by Retsch GmbH or an authorized representative or by Retsch service
engineers.
In that case please inform:
The Retsch representative in your country
Your supplier
Retsch GmbH directly
Your Service Address:

Confirmation
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2 Confirmation
This operating manual contains essential instructions for operating and maintaining the device
which must be strictly observed. It is essential that they be read by the operator and by the
qualified staff responsible for the device before the device is commissioned. This operating
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 (s)he has
received sufficient instructions about the operation and maintenance of the system. The user
has received the operating 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.
As the owner/managing operator you should for your own protection have your employees
confirm that they have received the instructions about the operation of the machine.
I have read and taken note of the contents of all chapters in this operating
manual as well as all safety instructions and warnings.
User
Surname, first name (block letters)
Position in the company
Signature
Service technician or operator
Surname, first name (block letters)
Position in the company
Place, date and signature

Packaging, Transport and Installation
10
3 Packaging, Transport and Installation
3.1 Packaging
The packaging has been adapted to the mode of transport. It complies with the generally
applicable packaging guidelines.
3.2 Transport
NOTICE
Transport
–Mechanical or electronic components may be damaged.
•The machine may not be knocked, shaken or thrown during
transport.
3.3 Temperature fluctuations and condensed water
NOTICE
Temperature fluctuations
The machine may be subject to strong temperature fluctuations during transport
(e.g. aircraft transport)
–The resultant condensed water may damage electronic components.
•Protect the machine from condensed water.
3.4 Conditions for the Installation Site
Ambient temperature: 5°C to 40°C
NOTICE
Ambient temperature
–Electronic and mechanical components may be damaged and the
performance data alter to an unknown extent.
•Do not exceed or fall below the permitted temperature range of the
machine (5°C to 40°C / ambient temperature).
3.5 Installation of the Device
Installation height: maximum 2000 m above sea level

Packaging, Transport and Installation
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3.6 Type Plate Description
Fig. 1: Type plate marking
1 Instrument name
2 Year of manufacture
3 Article number
4 Serial number
5 Manufacturer’s address
6 CE marking
7 Waste disposal marking
8 Barcode
When making enquiries, please quote the name of the instrument (1) or the article number (3)
and serial number (4) of the instrument.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Technical Data
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4 Technical Data
4.1 Use of the Device for the Intended Purpose
This manual hydraulic press for a 25-t pressure load is a Retsch laboratory instrument and is
suitable for, among other things, preparing samples for X-ray fluorescence analysis and the
potassium bromide pellet technique.
Safety discs made of polycarbonate and the ease in handling this press make it very user-
friendly.
The pressure gauge has a 0-40-t scale with increments of 0.5 tonnes. The available working
range amounts to a max. 147 mm.
(Spacing between the lower supporting space and the pressing face of the threaded spindle)
The die tool can be evacuated with an appropriate pump and vacuum hoses. To facilitate this,
the die tool has a hose connection nipple for hoses with a nominal width of 8 mm.
NOTE
This press is suitable only for pressing tablets in sizes of 1¼ inch (32 mm) and 40 mm and
ejecting them out of the die tool. It accommodates die tools for tablets in the sizes 1¼ inch (32
mm) and 40 mm.
4.2 Feed Grain Size
A fineness of <60µm or <40µm is recommended for the sample material for a subsequent X-ray
fluorescence analysis of the sample pellet.
4.3 Pressure Range
0-25 t
4.4 Pressure Force
Display
(t)
Pressure on pellet in kg/cm2(pellet
diameter in mm)
32
35
40
0.5
62
52
40
1.0
124
104
80
3.0
373
312
239
5.0
622
520
398
10.0
1243
1039
796
15.0
1865
1559
1194
20.0
2487
2079
1592
25.0
3108
2598
1989
4.5 Dimensions and Weight
Height: up to approx. 620 mm
Width: up to approx. 380 mm

Technical Data
13
Depth : up to approx. 300 mm
Weight : net approx. 50kg
4.6 Required Floor Space
360 mm x 300 mm; no safety spacing required

Operating the Device
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5 Operating the Device
5.1 Views of the Instrument
Fig. 2: Front view of the press
A
C
D
E
B
H
F
G
K
L
J

Operating the Device
15
Fig. 3: View of the die tool
5.2 Overview table of the parts of the device
Element
Description
Function
A
Handle hand wheel
Grip for turning the hand wheel (hinged)
B
Hand lever
Lever for operating the pump
C
Hand wheel
For turning the spindle into the pressing position
D
Threaded spindle
For tensioning the die tool
E
Pressing chamber door
Protective equipment
F
Centring ring (optional accessory)
Positioning aid for die tool (alternative use)
G
Die plate
Cover on the pressing cylinder
H
Shut-off valve
Valve for building up pressure
M
N
O
P
R
S
PP

Operating the Device
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J
Pressure cylinder
Presses the sample against the spindle
K
Pressure display
Indicates the level of pressure in the hydraulic system
L
Suction cups
Hold the press in position
M
Plunger
Builds up pressure
N/O
Pressure piece
Surrounds the sample
P
Basic body of the die tool
Accommodates the pressing parts
R
Vacuum connection
Adapter for evacuation
S
Slide
Anvil for pellets
PP
Pressing plate
Plate to aid pellet ejection
5.3 Preparing the Sample Material
CAUTION
Danger of personal injury
Dangerous nature of the sample
–Depending on the dangerous nature of your sample, take the
necessary measures to rule out any danger to persons.
•Observe the safety guidelines and datasheets of your
sample material.
These degrees of fineness can be achieved e.g. by grinding in a ball mill , preferably in the
Retsch PM100; PM200; PM400; RS200 or MM400.
In most cases, particularly where hard materials are concerned, some wax powder has to be
mixed well with the ground sample before conducting the pressing procedure.
Usually 20% wax is mixed in with the sample material. The mixing ratio here is 1part wax and
4parts sample material.
Essentially, this improves the durability and surface of the pellets for the subsequent XRF
analysis.
We recommend the Retsch MM400 for producing a homogeneous mixture of sample material
and the wax. Use a plastic beaker made of polystyrenefor mixing (Art. no. 22.041.0003) and 4
grinding balls made of polyamide (Art. no. 05.368.0042).
The following parameters are recommended for the MM400 to ensure mixing instead of
grinding.
•Time = 2.00 min
•Frequency = 15 Hz
5.4 Instructions on Handling the Die Tool and the Pressing Plates
NOTE
Sample residue clinging to the die tool can be very corrosive depending on the material and
composition (e.g. salt residue) and cause irreparable damage to the die tool. Please therefore
clean the entire die tool thoroughly with water and then with alcohol.
Store the die tool and its individual parts in as dry a place as possible until they are used again.
Never scratch the pressing plates with a sharp object. You can remove hardened sample
residue with blotting paper or filter paper.
To protect the pressing plates, put them into the supplied boxes after cleaning.

Operating the Device
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5.5 Operating the Die Tool
5.5.1 Preparing the die tool
NOTE
Before using the die tool parts for the first time, please clean them with an organic detergent in
order to remove any oil residue.
•Remove every bit of dirt from the die tool.
Fig. 4: Inserting the slide
•Push the slide (S) into the basic body of the die tool (P). The ventilation or evacuation
boreholes (SB) should point upwards during this procedure.
Fig. 5: Adapter for evacuating the die tool
NOTE
Make sure that the slide is pushed in as far as it will go. If you use the adapter (R) for
evacuating the die tool, it must protrude out of the back of the basic body.
S
P
R
SB

Operating the Device
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Fig. 6: Inserting the lower pressure piece
The pressure pieces are ground and polished on one side.
•Insert a pressure piece (O) with the ground and polished side (T) facing upwards.
Use an aluminium container to increase the durability of the pellets or if you have not mixed any
wax with the sample.
•Insert an aluminium container if required.
5.5.2 Filling sample material into the die tool
•If necessary, remove the grinding balls out of the sample material mixed with wax.
Fig. 3: Filling in the sample
•Fill the sample material into the die tool (approx. 15 grams).
The pressure pieces are ground and polished on one side.
•Insert the second pressure piece (N) with the ground and polished side (T) facing
downwards.
•Insert the plunger (M) into the die tool.
Press the plunger (M) downwards so that the air cushion escapes.
T
T
O
N

Operating the Device
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5.5.3 Pressing the tablet
Fig. 4: Inserting the die tool
NOTE
Damage to the seals and constant loss of pressure
A constant build-up of pressure while the cylinder (J) is moved out to the full extent damages
the seals. There is a fine groove on the cylinder. This groove should not be visible while the
pressure is building up.
Avoid, extending the cylinder to its maximum height while the pressure is building up.
•Turn the threaded spindle (D) upwards.
•Put the die tool (PW) on the pressure cylinder (J).
•Turn the threaded spindle downwards until it rests on the die tool.
•Close the valve (H) by turning in a clockwise direction.
•Build up the required pressure force (t) by moving the hand lever (B) forwards and
backwards.
5.5.4 Removing the Die Tool and Tablet (1)
NOTE
A quick drop in pressure can cause the pellets to break.
•Open the shut-off valve (H) very slowly by turning in an anti-clockwise direction.
D
PW
J
H
B
t

Operating the Device
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Fig. 5: After the Pressing Procedure
•Pull the slide (S) out of the die tool.
Fig. 6: Ejecting the pellet
•Close the valve (H) by turning in a clockwise direction.
•Build up some pressure force by moving the hand lever (B) forwards and backwards until the
pellet (PR) along with the pressure pieces fall out of the die tool.
•Alternatively, you can press the pellet out of the die tool by turning the threaded spindle (D).
•Open the shut-off valve (H) by turning in an anti-clockwise direction.
S
PR