Retsch RM200 User manual

Retsch GmbH, 42781 Haan, Retsch-Allee 1-5, Germany 11/6/2012 00023
Operating Instructions for Mortar Mill RM200

11/6/2012 2 Retsch GmbH 0002
Notes on these operating
instructions
These operating instructions for the mortar mill, type RM200,
give all the necessary information on the areas mentioned in the
contents.
They instruct the target group(s) for each of the defined areas, in
order to ensure safe handling of the RM200 when used for the
intended purpose. Knowledge of the relevant section is an
essential precondition for safe, proper use of the machine.
This technical documentation is a reference work and also a set of
teaching instructions. The individual sections are complete in
themselves.
These operating instructions do not include instructions for
repairs. In case of possible defects or necessary repairs please
contact your suppliers or Retsch GmbH direct:
Retsch GmbH www.retsch.com

11/6/2012 3 Retsch GmbH 0002
Notes on these operating instructions ..................................... 2
Safety...................................................................................... 4
Safety instructions ............................................................................4
Warning signs...................................................................................5
Repairs ............................................................................................5
Confirmation ....................................................................................8
Technical data ......................................................................... 9
Use according to the intended purpose ................................................9
Emissions.........................................................................................9
Protective system: IP53 ....................................................................9
Rated power: 230 Watt.....................................................................9
Machine dimensions ..........................................................................9
Required floor space ..........................................................................9
Transport and installation ..................................................... 10
Packing.......................................................................................... 10
Transport ....................................................................................... 10
Intermediate storage ....................................................................... 10
Conditions for the place of installation ............................................... 11
Installation..................................................................................... 11
Electrical connection ........................................................................ 11
Operation .............................................................................. 12
Operating elements and operation..................................................... 12
Operating elements and their function ............................................... 13
View of milling chamber................................................................... 15
Installing / changing the milling fittings ............................................. 16
Installing or changing the mortar ...................................................... 16
Installing or changing the pestle ....................................................... 17
Adjusting the pestle ........................................................................ 18
Adjusting the pestle pressure ........................................................... 18
Adjusting the Scraper to the Mortar................................................... 19
Adjusting the contact pressure.......................................................... 20
Checking the scraper setting ............................................................ 21
Control milling operation.................................................................. 21
Adjusting the milling time ................................................................ 21
Stopping the milling process............................................................. 23
Replacing the machine fuses............................................................. 23
Working instructions ............................................................. 24
General.......................................................................................... 24
Materials........................................................................................ 24
Crushing, mixing and milling of samples with grain size < 3mm ............ 25
Crushing, mixing and milling materials of grain size > 3 mm ................ 26
Security advice for handling liquid nitrogen ........................................ 27
Safety functions and fault displays ........................................ 28
Safety functions .............................................................................. 28
General ................................................................................. 29
Cleaning ........................................................................................ 30
Maintenance ................................................................................... 30
Accessories RM200.......................................................................... 30
Wear ............................................................................................. 31
Readjusting the lock pre-tensioning................................................... 31
Wearing parts................................................................................. 31
Checks........................................................................................... 31
Copyright ....................................................................................... 31
Alterations ..................................................................................... 31
Summary of safety regulations for the RM200..................................... 32

11/6/2012 4 Retsch GmbH 0002
Safety
Target group:All persons concerned with the
machine in any way.
The RM200 is a modern, highly efficient product of Retsch
GmbH, corresponding to state of the art. If the machine is
used according to the intended purpose with a knowledge of
this technical documentation it is completely safe and reliable
to operate.
Safety instructions
As the operating authority it is your duty to ensure that all
persons charged with working on the RM200:
have read and understood all the instructions on
safety,
before beginning work know all the instructions
and regulations for the target group relevant to
their work,
have access to the technical documentation for
this machine at all times, without problems.
New personnel should be familiarized with safe,
proper handling of the machine before beginning
work on the RM200, either by verbal instruction
from a competent person or through this
technical documentation.
Improper operation can cause injury to persons
or damage to the equipment. You are responsible
for your own safety and that of your employees.
Ensure that no unauthorised persons have access
to the RM200.
For your own protection have your employees confirm that
they have been instructed in operation of the RM200. The draft
of a suitable form is given at the end of the section on safety.
We exclude any claims for damages of any kind for
injury to persons and damage to equipment arising
from non-observance of the following safety
instructions.

11/6/2012 5 Retsch GmbH 0002
Warning signs
Warnings are given by the following signs:
Injury to persons
Damage to equipment
Observe instructions for use
Repairs
These operating instructions do not include repair instructions.
For your own safety repairs must be carried out only by Retsch
GmbH or an authorised agent (service technicians).
In this case please contact:
The Retsch agency in your country
Your supplier
Retsch GmbH directly
Your service address:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________

11/6/2012 6 Retsch GmbH 0002
Safety instructions
We exclude any claims for damages of any kind for injury to persons and damage to equipment arising
from non-observance of the following safety instructions.
Use according to the intended purpose
Do not make any alterations to the machine and use only spare parts and accessories approved by
Retsch.Otherwise the Declaration of Conformity with the European Directives by Retsch loses its
validity.Furthermore this will result in the loss of any kind of guarantee claim.
Packing
Please keep the packing material for the duration of the guarantee period since if there is a complaint and
the machine is returned with inadequate packing your guarantee claim will be at risk.
Transport
The RM200 must not be knocked, shaken or thrown during transport. Otherwise the electronic and
mechanical components can become damaged.
Temperature variations
If temperature variations are high (e.g. during air transport) the RM200 must be protected against
condensed water. Otherwise the electronic components can become damaged.
Supplied items
If the delivery is incomplete and / or there is transport damage you must inform the transporter and
Retsch GmbH immediately (within 24 hrs). Later complaints may possibly be no longer considered.
Conditions for the place of installation
If the ambient temperature drops below or exceeds these values the electronic and mechanical
components can become damaged and performance data are changed to an unknown extent.
At higher atmospheric humidity the electronic and mechanical components can become damaged and
performance data are changed to an unknown extent.
Electrical connection
If the values on the type plate are not observed this can result in damage to the electrical and mechanical
components.
Installing or changing the mortar
Ensure that the mortar has engaged properly in the groove of the plate.Otherwise the mortar will be
damaged when starting the machine.
When removing and opening heated milling cups protective gloves must be worn.Danger of burning the
hands.
Installing or changing the pestle
Make sure that the pestle is locked in position. Otherwise it may fall out when the lid is closed and
damage the mortar.
Adjusting the Scraper to the Mortar
The scraper can become sharp-edged as a result of sanding and wear during grinding operations. During
cleaning in particular there is a risk of injury.
Adjusting the scraper contact pressure
If the scraper pressure is set too high this causes rapid wear of the scraper and contamination of the
material to be milled through the scraper material.
If the scraper pressure is set too high this increases the motor load and can cause triggering of the
overload protection switch on the rear side of the machine.
Adjusting the milling time
The milling operation can be started only if the lid is closed.

11/6/2012 7 Retsch GmbH 0002
Please take all necessary measures, depending on the dangerousness of your sample, to prevent danger
to persons.
Please note that the properties, and therefore the dangerousness of your sample, can change during the
milling process.
General
Observe the relevant regulations and guidelines of your country for handling chemicals and hazardous
materials. These should be applied when working with the RM200.
Materials
Milling of materials with a risk of fire or explosion in the RM200 is prohibited.
Please take the necessary measures, depending on the dangerousness of your sample, to avoid danger to
persons.
Please not that the properties, and therefore the dangerousness of your sample, can change during the
milling operation.
Crushing, mixing and milling of samples with grain size < 3mm
Do not charge the materials in batches. The mortar and pestle can become blocked, so that the motor is
switched off by the controller to protect it from burning out.
Do not push material through the opening under the cover I with your fingers. Fingers can be squeezed.
Do not introduce any objects through the openings I + J. The mortar, pestle and scraper can become
damaged and there is a possible danger of injury.
Crushing, mixing and milling materials of grain size > 3 mm
Do not add the material in batches. The mortar and pestle can become blocked, which leads to switching
off of the machine.
Do not push material through the opening under the cover I with your fingers. Fingers can be squeezed.
Security advice for handling liquid nitrogen
Safety goggles and protective gloves should always be worn when handling liquid nitrogen. Liquid
nitrogen has a temperature of –196 °C and, if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes, may cause
injuries similar to burns or frostbite.
A funnel must be used to fill cooling liquid into the RM 200. Otherwise the cover might be damaged.
Please observe the security advice of the liquid nitrogen supplier. Retsch excludes any liability claims
which may result from the use of liquid nitrogen or similar substances.
Cleaning
Do not clean the RM200 with running water. Danger to life through current surgeUse only a cloth
moistened with water. Cleaning agents and solvents must not be used –not for cleaning the milling tools
either.
Accessories RM200
Do not carry out any modification of the machine and use only spare parts and accessories approved by
Retsch. Otherwise the declared Conformity with the European Directives by Retsch will lose its validity.
Furthermore this will lead to loss of any kind of guarantee claims.
Wearing parts
These operating instructions do not include repair instructions. For your own safety repairs should be
carried out only by Retsch GmbH or an authorised agency and service technicians.

11/6/2012 8 Retsch GmbH 0002
Confirmation
I have taken note of the section „Notes on these
operating instructions” and the section on “Safety”.
_______________________________________
Signature of operating authority
_______________________________________
Signature of service technician

11/6/2012 9 Retsch GmbH 0002
Technical data
Target group: Operating authority, operators
Machine type designation: RM200
Use according to the intended purpose
This machine is not designed as a production machine but as
laboratory equipment, intended for an 8 hours single shift
operation with 30% operating time.
The RM200 is suitable for dry and wet milling of soft, medium
hard, hard, pasty and brittle materials, up to a hardness of 9
on the Mohs’ scale.
Furthermore quantities of approx. 10 to 190 ml and a max.
charging grain size of 8 mm can be ground and homogenised
with the RM200, without manual use of force.
A final fineness of down to 0.01 mm (10 µm), and in individual
cases even below this value, can be achieved with the RM200.
Do not make any alterations to the machine and use only
spare parts and accessories approved by Retsch.
Otherwise the Declaration of Conformity with the
European Directives by Retsch loses its validity.
Furthermore this will result in the loss of any kind
of guarantee claim.
Emissions
Noise characteristic values :
Noise measurement according to DIN 45635-031-01-KL3
Intensity of sound LWA = 85 dB(A)
Emission value related to workplace LpAeq = 72 dB(A)
Operating conditions:
Material to be milled = quartz sand, grain size < 1 mm
Protective system: IP53
Rated power: 230 Watt
Machine dimensions
Height: 480 mm up to approx. 550 mm with lid opened
Width: 400 mm
Depth : 370 mm up to approx. 510 mm with lid opened
Weight: approx. 24 kg without mortar and pestle
Required floor space
400 mm x 400 mm plus space at the rear for the opened
lid. No safety distance required.

11/6/2012 10 Retsch GmbH 0002
Transport and installation
Target group: Operating authority, transporter,
operators
Packing
Packing is adapted to the transport route and
conforms to generally applicable packaging guidelines.
Please keep the packing material for the duration
of the guarantee period since if there is a
complaint and the machine is returned with
inadequate packing your guarantee claim will be
at risk.
Transport
The RM200 must not be knocked, shaken or
thrown during transport. Otherwise the electronic
and mechanical components can become
damaged.
Temperature variations
If temperature variations are high (e.g. during air
transport) the RM200 must be protected against
condensed water. Otherwise the electronic
components can become damaged.
Intermediate storage
Ensure that the RM200 is also stored dry during
intermediate storage.

11/6/2012 11 Retsch GmbH 0002
Conditions for the place of installation
Ambient temperature:
5°C to 40°C
If the ambient temperature drops below or
exceeds these values the electronic and
mechanical components can become damaged
and performance data are changed to an
unknown extent.
Atmospheric humidity:
Maximmum relative humidity 80% at temperatures up
to 31°C,
decreasing linearly down to 50% relative humidity at
40°C.
At higher atmospheric humidity the electronic
and mechanical components can become
damaged and performance data are changed
to an unknown extent.
Installation height:
max. 2000 m above sea level
Installation
Mount the RM200 only on a firm, stable laboratory
bench since otherwise vibrations can be transmitted.
Electrical connection
Voltage and frequency for the RM200 are given
on the type plate.
Ensure that these values correspond to the
available power supply system.
Connect the RM200 to the power supply system
using the supplied connection cable.
Protection by external fusing is to be used when
connecting the mains cable to the power supply,
according to the regulations at the place of
installation.
The voltage supply to the RM200 must be
provided with a fault-current circuit breaker (FI
switch).
If the values on the type plate are not observed this
can result in damage to the electrical and mechanical
components.

11/6/2012 12 Retsch GmbH 0002
Operation
Target group: Operators
Operating elements and operation
Diagram of operating elements:
Front view
Rear view
D
G
K
L
M
F
I
J
E
H
B
A
C

11/6/2012 13 Retsch GmbH 0002
Operating elements and their function
General plan
Element
Description
Function
A
Machine socket
Connection for power cable of machine
B
Fuse compartment
Takes two visible type fuses
C
Type plate
Information on the machine and connected
loads
D
ON/OFF switch
For switching the RM200 on and off
E
Display and operating unit: For
explanations see below
Time preselection and starting / stopping the
machine
F
Closing grip
For opening and locking the millling chamber
G
Turning handle –pestle pressure
adjustment
Turning alters the pestle contact pressure
H
Scale
Setting guide for pestle pressure
I
Filling opening
Sample material is filled here
J
Viewing window
Viewing possibility during the milling
process, particularly for adjusting the
scraper
K
Setting knob for scraper
Sets the contact pressure or gap of scraper
L
Pestle setting knob
For adjusting the pestle on the mortar wall
M
Hood
Closes the milling chamber

11/6/2012 14 Retsch GmbH 0002
Display and operating unit E
Element
Description
Function
N
Load Control –load indicator
Shows the actual load of the drive motor. Helps
the user to avoid overloading and overload
circuit breaking.
Display = 1 to 4 green LEDs
Loading is OK
Display = 4 green + 1 yellow
LED
Slight overloading. Increasing the load can cause
circuit breaking.
Display =
4 green + 1 yellow + 1 red
LED
Overloading! Continuous overloading with the
red display switches off the control of the drive.
O
Time –minus button
In the adjusting mode and operating mode:
decrease in the adjusted milling time by one
minute. Continuous pressing switches off fast
running.
P
Time –plus button
In the adjusting mode and operating mode:
increase in the adjusted milling time by one
minute. Continuous pressing causes fast
running.
Q
Start button
Starts the milling operation
R
Stop button
Interrupts or ends the milling operation
S
Red LED
Indicates stand-by mode
T
Green LED
Indicates milling operation
U
Two digit display
Indicates the set milling time or, during
operation, the milling time still remaining.
Setting range: 1 to 99 minutes plus “- -“ for
continuous operation.
R
Q
S
T
P
O
N
U

11/6/2012 15 Retsch GmbH 0002
View of milling chamber
Element
Description
Function
V
Pestle
Crushes and mills the material
W
Mortar
Contains the material to be milled
X
Scraper
Mixes the milled material and scrapes off
material adhering to the mortar
Y
Fixing screw for scraper
Holds the scraper with the screwed-on fixing
clamp
Z
Fixing clamp for scraper
Clamps the scraper
V
W
Y
X
Z

11/6/2012 16 Retsch GmbH 0002
Installing / changing the milling fittings
If the RM200 has been ordered or supplied with
milling fittings the mortar, pestle and scraper will
have already been adjusted at the works.
If a new set of milling fittings is installed the pestle
and scraper must be readjusted or positioned.
The mortar and pestle should always be made of the
same material.
Fig. 1
Installing or changing the mortar
• Hold the closing grip F at the bottom and pull.
Fig.1
• Pull the hood upwards with the grip to open. Fig.1
• Remove mortar WFig.2
• Place a new mortar in position and lock this in the
groove of the plate Tn Fig.3
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Ensure that the mortar has engaged properly in the
groove of the plate.
Otherwise the mortar will be damaged when starting
the machine.
When removing and opening heated milling cups
protective gloves must be worn.
Danger of burning the hands.
F
W
Tn
T
W

11/6/2012 17 Retsch GmbH 0002
Installing or changing the pestle
• Remove the pestle V horizontally from its holder
while holding the hood firmly Fig.4
• Insert a new pestle into the holder until it
noticeably engages.
• If the pestle does not engage turn this slightly
and, if necessary, hold the holder firmly with the
other hand so that the locking pins can engage at
this position. Fig.5
To prevent contact corrosion, take the pestle out of
the machine if the machine is idle for a long time.
Fig. 4
Ensure that the pestle bolt Pb is not contaminated.
No dirt should get into the pestle holder Pa Fig.4.1
Fig. 4.1
Make sure that the pestle is locked in position.
Otherwise it may fall out when the lid is closed and
damage the mortar.
Pa
V
V
Pb

11/6/2012 18 Retsch GmbH 0002
Adjusting the pestle
Fig.5
Fig.6
Fig.7
Fig.5
• The mortar V is installed
• The pestle W is installed and locked in position
• Close the lid M and press the closing grip F shut.
• Turn the rotary grip G anticlockwise and remove.
• Start the machine by switching on with the on/off
switch D and pressing the start button Q
• Move the pestle forwards. To do this turn the pestle
knob L to the left until this reaches the stop. The
setting range is only a few millimeters for several
rotations of the setting knob.
• Then move the pestle backwards again until
resistance is felt. To do this turn the pestle knob L
to the right. Fig.6
• In Fig.6 the optimum setting has been reached
since the lower rounded surface of the pestle is
now running in the lower rounding of the mortar.
• As soon as the pestle shaft is pressed upwards
during the setting process the pestle moves
upwards on the mortar wall and setting is no
longer optimum. In this case turn the pestle knob
back slightly.
Adjusting the pestle pressure
The correct pestle pressure should be determined by
carrying out tests and depends on the material to be
milled and the required degree of fineness.
Increasing the pressure: Fig.5
• Turn the sleeve G clockwise
• This increases the pressing force downwards Fig.7
• The value can be read off on scale H
Reducing the pressure: Fig.5
• Turn the sleeve G anticlockwise
• The values on scale H are reduced
The values indicated on scale H are only for use as
a guide during setting. They can be used as an aid
in reproducing the conditions. However, no
mathematical conclusion regarding the contact
pressure is possible since this depends on the
material to be milled.
G
L
H
W

11/6/2012 19 Retsch GmbH 0002
Adjusting the Scraper to the Mortar
When the machine is delivered or when a scraper is
re-ordered, it may be necessary to regrind scraper A.
This depends on the shape of the mortar Mor the
wear on it.
Fig.7.1
Regrinding is necessary in the following cases:
• when the machine is supplied without a mortar or
grinding set
• when a scraper or mortar is reordered
The scraper was chamfered slightly in the factory in
order to make regrinding easier. The grinding angle
should be 45° and depend on the shape of the
mortar.
Fig.7.1 und Fig.7.2
You can use a belt sander, a grindstone or sandpaper
to do the grinding.
The scraper can become sharp-edged as a result of
sanding and wear during grinding operations. During
cleaning in particular there is a risk of injury.
Installing / replacing the scraper
Fig.8
• Open the cover M.
• Flip the cover to the back.
• Loosen the screw Ywith the supplied screwdriver.
• Remove the retaining screw Y.
• Swing out the mounting bracket.
• Remove the scraper.
• Insert the new scraper.
• Hook the mounting bracket Zagain.
• Turn the screw Yloose.
• The scraper can be adjusted by its slot slightly
forward or backward.
• Slide the scraper backwards.
• Tighten the screw. Fig.9
• Close the cover.
• Check visually or by sample material if the scraper
is applied accurate on the mortar.
M
A
delivery condition
ground
A
Fig.7.1
Fig.7.2
Y
Z
X

11/6/2012 20 Retsch GmbH 0002
Fig.9
• See also below: "control the scraper adjustment"
If the scraper is not completely touching the bottom
of the mortar and the mortar inner wall (dotted line
in Fig.8), it must be adjusted again:
• Loosen the screw Yagain.
• Move the scraper.
• Tighten the screw.
• Check again, visually or with sample material if the
scraper is applied accurate on the mortar.
Adjusting the contact pressure
Fig.10
The required contact pressure of the scraper X must
be determined empirically, depending on the
material to be milled and the required degree of
fineness.
Increasing the contact pressure: Fig.10
• Turn the scraper adjusting knob K anticlockwise
Reducing the contact pressure:
• Turn the scraper adjusting knob K clockwise
If the scraper pressure is set too high this causes
rapid wear of the scraper and contamination of the
material to be milled through the scraper material.
If the scraper pressure is set too high this increases
the motor load and can cause triggering of the
overload protection switch on the rear side of the
machine.