Sartorius MA35M-115N User manual

1000034789
Operating Instructions
Original Operating Instructions
Moisture Analyzer
Model MA35
Electronic Moisture Analyzer

3
Contents
Intended Use ........................4
Warnings and Safety Information......5
Getting Started ......................8
General View of the Equipment .........8
Storage and Shipping Conditions ........9
Conditioning the Moisture Analyzer.....10
Setting up the Moisture Analyzer.......10
Connecting the Moisture Analyzer
to AC Power ........................11
Safety Precautions ...................11
Connecting Electronic Peripheral
Devices.............................11
Warmup Time .......................12
Leveling the Moisture Analyzer.........12
Installing the Aluminum Panels
(Optional;
Part No. YDS05MA) ..................12
Turning On the Analyzer; Opening and
Closing the Sample Chamber...........13
Basic Principles .....................14
Purpose ............................14
Material ............................14
Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Adjusting against an
Existing Measurement System..........17
Setting the Drying Program
Parameters..........................17
Preparing the Sample.................17
Use a disposable sample pan ...........18
Distribute the sample on the
sample pan .........................18
Operating Design ...................19
Keys ...............................19
Display .............................20
Configuration ......................21
Setting the Device Parameters .........21
Setting the Drying Parameters .........23
Operation ..........................27
Example: Analysis with Specified
Drying Time .........................27
Adjusting the Analyzer...............29
Heating Element Adjustment ..........29
Weighing System Adjustment..........29
External Calibration and Adjustment
with a Factory-Defined Weight.........30
Interface Port ......................32
Female Interface Connector ...........33
Error Codes.........................34
Care and Maintenance ..............35
Service ............................35
Repairs .............................35
Cleaning............................35
Cleaning the Heating Unit and
Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Safety Inspection ....................37
Disposal............................37
Service Address for Disposal ...........37
Overview ..........................38
Specifications .......................38
Accessories (Options) .................40
EU Declaration of Conformity ........41
FCC Supplier’s Declaration
of Conformity ......................42
CSA Certificate of Compliance .......43

4
The MA35 moisture analyzer is intended for fast
and reliable determination of the material moisture
content of liquid, pasty and solid substances using
the thermogravimetric method.
Symbols
The following symbols are used in these
instructions:
§indicates steps you must perform
$indicates steps required only under certain
conditions
> describes what happens after you have performed
a particular step
– indicates an item in a list
!indicates a hazard
Intended Use

5
Warnings and Safety Information
This moisture analyzer complies with
the European Council Directives as
well as international regulations and
standards for electrical equipment,
electromagnetic compatibility, and the
stipulated safety requirements.
Improper use or handling, however,
can result in damage and/or injury.
To prevent damage to the equipment,
read these operating instructions
thoroughly before using your MA35
moisture analyzer. Keep these instruc-
tions in a safe place.
Follow the instructions below to
ensure safe and trouble-free operation
of your moisture analyzer:
!Use the moisture analyzer only for
performing moisture analysis on
samples. Any improper use of the
analyzer can endanger persons and
may result in damage to the analyzer
or other material assets.
!Do not use this moisture analyzer in a
hazardous area; operate it only under
the ambient conditions specified in
these instructions.
!If you use electrical equipment in
installations and under ambient
conditions subject to stricter safety
standards than those described in the
manual, you must comply with the
provisions as specified in the applica-
ble regulations for installation in your
country.
– The moisture analyzer may be operat-
ed only by qualified persons who are
familiar with the properties of the
sample to be analyzed.
!Make sure before getting started that
the voltage rating printed on the
manufacturer’s label is identical to
your local line voltage (see “Connect-
ing the Moisture Analyzer to AC
Power” in the chapter entitled
“Getting Started”).
– The analyzer comes with a power
supply that has a grounding conduc-
tor.
– The only way to switch the power off
completely is to unplug the power
cord.
– Position the power cord so that it
cannot touch any hot areas of the
moisture analyzer.
– Use only extension cords that meet
the applicable standards and have a
protective grounding conductor.
– Disconnecting the ground conductor is
prohibited.
– Connect only Sartorius accessories
and options, as these are optimally
designed for use with your moisture
analyzer.
Note on installation:
The operator shall be responsible
for any modifications to Sartorius
equipment or connections of cables
not supplied by Sartorius and must
check and, if necessary, correct these
modifications. On request, Sartorius
will provide information on the
minimum operating specifications.
– Protect the analyzer from contact with
liquid
– If there is visible damage to the
equipment or power cord, unplug the
equipment and lock it in a secure place
to ensure that it cannot be used for
the time being.

6
!Clean your moisture analyzer only
according to the cleaning instructions
(see “Care and Maintenance”).
Do not open the analyzer housing.
$Please contact your local Sartorius
Service should any problems arise with
your device.
Warning: Severe Burns!
– When setting up the moisture analyzer,
leave enough space to prevent heat
from building up and to keep your ana-
lyzer from overheating:
– leave 20 cm (about 8 inches) around
the moisture analyzer
– leave 1 m (3 ft.) above the moisture
analyzer
– Do not place any flammable substances
on, under or near the moisture analyz-
er, because the area around the heating
unit will heat up
– Be careful when removing a sample
from the chamber: the sample, the
heating unit and the sample pan may
still be extremely hot
– Prevent excess heat build-up around
the analyzer
Hazards for persons or equipment
posed by certain sample materials:
Fire Explosion
– Flammable or explosive substances
– Substances that contain solvents
– Substances that release flammable or
explosive gases or vapors during the dry-
ing process
In some cases, it is possible to operate
the moisture analyzer in an enclosed
nitrogen atmosphere to prevent the
vapor released during drying from
coming into contact with oxygen in the
surrounding atmosphere. Check on a
case-to-case basis whether this method
can be used, because installation of the
analyzer in too small an enclosed space
can affect its functioning (for instance,
through excessive heat build-up within
the analyzer). When in doubt, perform
a risk analysis.
The user shall be liable and responsible
for any damage that arises in connection
with this moisture analyzer.

7
Poisoning Caustic burns
– Substances containing toxic or caustic or
corrosive components may only be dried
under a fume hood. The value for the
“lower toxic limit” in a work area must
not be exceeded.
Corrosion:
– Corrosion may be caused by substances
that release aggressive vapors during the
heating process (such as acids).
We recommend working with only small
quantities of such samples, to avoid
build-up of vapors that can condense
on cold housing parts and can cause
corrosion.
The user shall be liable and responsible
for any damage that arises in connection
with this moisture analyzer.

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Getting Started
General View of the Equipment
Pos. Designation Pos. Designation
1 Hinged cover with heating element 9 Disposable sample pan
2 Leveling feet 10 Pan support
3 On/off key 11 Pan draft shield
4 CF key (clear function; delete) 12 Display
5 Enter key (confirm) 13 Keypad
6 ‘Down/Back’ key 14 Interface port
7 ‘Up/Forward’ key 15 Power jack
8 Print key
1
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

9
The moisture analyzer is a compact
analyzer and comprises the following
components: a heater unit, a weighing
system and an operating unit. In addition
to the socket for AC power (mains
supply), it also has an interface port for
connecting peripheral devices, such as a
computer, printer, etc.
Storage and Shipping Conditions
Allowable storage temperature:
–20 to +70°C
Do not expose the moisture analyzer
unnecessarily to extreme temperatures,
moisture, shocks, blows or vibration.
Unpacking the Moisture Analyzer
§ After unpacking the equipment, please
check it immediately for any visible
damage
$ If any sign of damage is visible, proceed
as directed under “Safety Inspection” in
the chapter entitled “Care and Mainte-
nance.”
It is a good idea to save the box and all
parts of the packaging until you have
successfully installed your equipment.
Only the original packaging provides
the best protection for shipment. Before
packing your moisture analyzer, unplug
all connected cables to prevent damage.
Equipment Supplied
The equipment supplied includes the
components listed below:
– Moisture analyzer
– Power cord
– Pan support
– Pan draft shield
– 80 disposable aluminum sample pans
– 1 pair of forceps
Installation Instructions
The MA35 moisture analyzer is designed
to provide reliable results under normal
ambient conditions in the laboratory
and in industry. When choosing a loca-
tion to set up your analyzer, observe
the following so that you will be able to
work with added speed and accuracy:
– Set up the moisture analyzer on a stable,
even surface that is not exposed to
vibrations, and level it using the four
leveling feet
– Avoid placing the moisture analyzer in
close proximity to a heater or otherwise
exposing it to heat or direct sunlight
– Avoid exposing the moisture analyzer
to extreme temperature fluctuations
– Protect the moisture analyzer from
drafts that come from open windows
or doors
– Keep the moisture analyzer protected
from dust, whenever possible
– Protect the moisture analyzer from
aggressive chemical vapors
– Do not expose the equipment to extreme
moisture over long periods
– Make sure to choose a place where
excessive heat cannot build up. Leave
enough space between the moisture
analyzer and materials that are affected
by heat.

10
Conditioning the Moisture Analyzer
Moisture in the air can condense on the surfaces of
a cold moisture analyzer whenever it is brought into
a substantially warmer place. If you transfer the
moisture analyzer to a warmer area, condition it for
about 2 hours at room temperature, leaving it
unplugged from AC power. Leave the device connect-
ed to the power supply after first connecting.
Setting up the Moisture Analyzer
§ Position the components listed below in the order
given:
– Pan draft shield
– Pan support
– Disposable sample pan

11
Connecting the Moisture Analyzer to AC Power
§ Check the voltage rating and the plug design
$ The heating element has been factory-set to 230 V
or 115 volts for technical reasons. The voltage has
been set as specified on your order. The voltage
setting is indicated on the manufacturer’s label (see
the bottom of the analyzer), for example:
– 230 volts: MA35M-…230…
– 115 volts: MA35M-…115…
!CAUTION! If the voltage indicated on the label does
not match your local line voltage:
Do not operate your moisture analyzer; contact
your local Sartorius office or dealer.
Use only
– Genuine Sartorius power cords, or
– Power cords approved by a certified electrician
– If you need to connect an extension cord, use only
a cable with a protective grounding conductor
§Connecting the moisture analyzer, rated to Class 1,
to AC power (mains supply):
Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet (mains
supply) that is properly installed with a protective
grounding conductor (protective earth = PE)
Safety Precautions
If you use an electrical outlet that does not have a
protective grounding conductor, make sure to have
an equivalent protective conductor installed by a
certified electrician as specified in the applicable
regulations for installation in your country.
Make sure the protective grounding effect is not
neutralized by use of an extension cord that lacks a
protective grounding conductor.
Connecting Electronic Peripheral Devices
§Make absolutely sure to unplug the analyzer from
AC power before you connect or disconnect a
peripheral device (printer or PC) to or from the
interface port.

12
Warmup Time
To deliver exact results, the moisture analyzer must
warm up for at least 30 minutes every time you
connect it to AC power or after a relatively long
power outage.
Only after this time will the analyzer has reached
the required operating temperature.
Leveling the Moisture Analyzer
Purpose:
– To compensate for unevenness at the place
of installation
– This is particularly important for testing liquid
samples, which must be at a uniform level in the
sample pan
Always level the moisture analyzer again any time
after it has been moved to a different location.
§Extend or retract the front and/or rear leveling feet
as needed to adjust the moisture analyzer
Installing the Aluminum Panels (Optional;
Part No. YDS05MA)
!To prevent burns, allow the glass panels to cool
sufficiently before removing them
!Do not handle the aluminum panels with oily or
greasy fingers
!Do not scratch the aluminum panels; do not use
abrasive or corrosive substances to clean the
aluminum panels
§Remove the 2 rubber caps and the 2 screws
beneath them, and then remove the panel retainer
§Remove the glass panels
§Position the aluminum panels in the retainer
§Fasten the aluminum panels with the retainer and
screws; replace the 2 rubber caps

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Turning On the Analyzer; Opening and Closing the
Sample Chamber
§To turn on the analyzer: press e
§When opening or closing the sample chamber, do not
release the cover until it is in the fully open or fully
closed position

14
Basic Principles
Purpose
The moisture analyzer can be used for
quick and reliable determination of the
moisture content of materials of liquid,
pasty, and solid substances using the
thermogravimetric method.
Material
The moisture of a material is often
mistakenly equated to its water content.
In fact, the moisture of a material
includes all of the volatile components
which are emitted when the sample is
heated, irrespective of the type of
material. Among such volatile
substances are:
– Water
– Fats
– Oils
– Alcohols
– Organic solvents
– Flavorings
– Volatile components, products of decom-
position (when a sample is overheated)
There are many methods for determining
the moisture content of a substance.
Basically, these methods can be divided
into two categories:
When absolute methods are used, the
moisture content is directly determined
(for example, as a weight loss registered
during the drying routine). These
methods include oven drying, infrared
drying, and microwave drying. All three
of these methods are thermogravimetric.
When deductive methods are used, the
moisture content is indirectly deter-
mined. A physical property related to the
moisture in the substance is measured
(e.g., conductivity). These methods
include capacitive and spectroscopic
approaches.
Thermogravimetry is the process of
determining the loss of mass that occurs
when a substance is heated. In this pro-
cess, the sample is weighed before and
after being heated, and the difference
between the two weights is calculated.
In a conventional drying oven, circulat-
ing hot air warms the sample from the
outside to the inside. Efficiency is lost
during drying because as the moisture
evaporates, it cools the sample surface.
By contrast, infrared rays (IR rays) pene-
trate the substance. The majority of the
rays reach the interior of a sample, and
then directly heat the sample.

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The proportion of the IR rays which does
not heat the sample is either reflected on
the surface of the sample or penetrates the
sample unimpeded.
The color and surface properties of the
sample significantly influence how effective
the heating process is. For example, dark
substances absorb IR rays better than bright
substances.
IR-Strahlung
Substanz
Wärmeenergie
IR rays
Heat
Substance
Dark substance
Low reflection Bright substance Strong reflection
How the rays penetrate the sample depends
on the permeability of the sample. If the
degree of light-transmitting capacity is low,
the rays can penetrate only the uppermost
layers of the sample. The heat conductivity
of the sample dictates the degree to which
the heat can be transmitted to the under-
lying layers. The higher the conductivity,
the faster and more uniformly the
substance is heated.
The substance should be applied to the
sample pan in a thin, even layer. A height
of approximately 2–5 mm for 5–15 g
substance weight has proved to be ideal.
Otherwise, the sample will not be dried
completely or the analysis time will be
unnecessarily extended, a crust/skin will
form on the surface of the sample or the
sample will scorch, and the analysis results
obtained will not be reproducible (and
hence cannot be used).

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While preparing substances for measure-
ment, no processes may be used that
generate heat. The heat generated may
result in a loss of moisture prior to the
measurement.
Perform initial analysis of a new substance
to test how the IR rays are absorbed by the
sample and converted into heat. A printout
of the intermediate values of the drying
process provides information on this at an
early stage.
Since introducing IR rays produces intensive
energy input in the sample, the temperature
setting selected for infrared drying is usually
lower than the temperature setting used
when working with a drying oven.
In many cases, the fully automatic switch-
off mode will meet your requirements. If the
final result is higher or lower than expected,
try varying the temperature setting before
resorting to a different switch-off criterion.
When analyzing the samples that lose their
moisture only very slowly or when operating
a cold moisture analyzer, the fully auto-
matic mode may end the drying routine too
early since no analyzable progress in the
drying routine can be detected. In this case,
preheat the moisture analyzer for two to
three minutes before starting the drying
routine, or select a different switch-off
criterion.

17
Preparation
Before drying a sample, you must carry
out the following preparations:
– Adjust against the existing measurement
system
– Prepare the sample
– Set the drying program parameters
Adjusting against an
Existing Measurement System
A moisture analysis method often
replaces another drying method (such as
oven drying method) because it is simple
to use and requires shorter analysis time.
In this case, you should adapt this
method to that of the moisture analyzer
in order to obtain values comparable to
those yielded by your standard reference
method.
Setting the Drying Program
Parameters
– By selecting the right drying program
parameters, it is possible to achieve the
same results as the standard procedure
in a much shorter time and with much
simpler operation.
Preparing the Sample
tSelect a sample
Select a representative part of the whole
substance as a sample.
– Choose a representative number of
individual samples for quality control
– Choose enough samples to indicate a
trend for in-process control
If required, homogenize the product
before a sample is taken by:
– Mixing or stirring
– Taking several samples from different
areas of the product
– Taking several samples at defined
intervals
Take only one sample at a time for a
given analysis and prepare it as quickly
as possible.
In this way, it will not lose or gain
moisture as a result of the ambient
conditions.
If several samples need to be taken
simultaneously, the samples must be
sealed in airtight containers to ensure
that the storage conditions do not alter
the state or condition of the samples:
– Warm or highly volatile substances lose
their moisture very quickly.
– If you store the samples in a container,
the moisture can condense on the walls
of the container.
– If the container is too big and not filled
completely, the sample can exchange its
moisture with the air remaining in the
container.
Mix the condensed moisture back in with
a sample if necessary.
Prepare the sample
When crushing a sample, avoid any
contact with heat. Heat results in
moisture loss.
tCrush the sample using
– Pestle
– Lab mill

18
tUse an appropriate tool for grinding
the sample.
tIf the sample is liquid containing solids,
use one of the following tools:
– Glass stirrer
– Spoon
– Magnetic stirrer
Use a disposable sample pan
tUse only Sartorius disposable sample
pans (inner diameter of 90 mm). Reusing
sample pans leads to poor repeatability
of results:
– After cleaning, sample residues can still
remain on the pan.
– Residues from cleaning agents can
evaporate during the next moisture
analysis.
– Scratches and grooves made during
cleaning result in damage that forms
points of attack for hot, rising air
produced during the drying process
(more pronounced buoyancy).
Distribute the sample on the
sample pan
tDistribute the sample on the sample pan
in a thin, even layer (height: 2 to 5 mm,
weight: 5 to 15 g); otherwise:
– A sample applied unevenly will result in a
nonuniform distribution of heat
– The sample will not be dried completely
– The analysis time will be unnecessarily
extended
– The sample will burn or a crust/skin will
form on its surface as a result of a very
thick layer
– The crust makes it difficult or impossible
for moisture to escape from the sample
during the drying process
– An uncertain and unknown quantity of
moisture will remain in the sample
tApply liquid samples, pasty samples, or
samples that can melt to a glass-fiber
filter (order no. 6906940); this provides
the following benefits:
– Uniform distribution due to the capillary
effect
– Liquids are prevented from beading
together and forming drops
– With larger surfaces, the moisture can
evaporate faster
– Colorless/transparent samples do not
reflect
– Considerably more convenient than the
“sea-sand method”
When drying samples containing sugar,
a crust or skin can form and seal the
surface. A glass-fiber filter is particularly
useful in such cases. The moisture can
evaporate downwards through the
surface of the filter. Crust/skin formation
can be prevented or limited by placing
the glass-fiber filter on top of the
sample.
tCover solid, heat-sensitive samples with
a glass-fiber filter (order no. 6906940);
this provides the following benefits:
– Gentle heating, because the sample
surface is shielded from excessive heat
– Higher temperature setting can be
selected
– Uniformity of the sample surface
– Fast evaporation of the moisture
– Excellent repeatability for samples
containing fat

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Operating Design
This chapter explains the operating
options available to you so that you can
familiarize yourself with the moisture
analyzer. There is only one key to a
function, i.e., the key retains this func-
tion throughout most of the menu levels.
The texts and symbols shown always
have the same meaning.
Keys
Some of the keys trigger different functions, depending on whether you press the key
briefly or press and hold the key:
– Press briefly = hold the key down for less than 1.2 seconds
– Press and hold = hold the key down for more than 1.2 seconds
– If you press and hold longer than 1.2 seconds, the function triggered is repeated every
0.6 seconds for as long as you hold the key.
Key Designation Press briefly Press and hold
eOn/off key Switch device on or off* —
cCF key Analysis: cancel function —
Menu: cancel selection
Enter key Analysis: trigger the Menu: store the
selected function (e.g., selected setting and
Menu: store the tare) close the menu
selected setting
Down/Back Analysis: select a Menu: decrease
key function (e.g., tare) value 10-fold
Menu: decrease value or
return to previous selection
Up/Forward Analysis: select a Menu: increase
key function (e.g., tare) value 10-fold
Menu: increase value or
go to next selection
rPrint key Send readout value —
or data record over
the interface port
* When you switch off the moisture analyzer, it remains in standby mode

20
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Display
The texts and symbols shown on the display
always have the same meaning. The display
is divided into several areas.
Drying parameters/Adjustment function
Busy symbol,
plus/minus sign,
standby symbol
Result
Unit
Graphic
symbols
Function line
Drying parameters:
The following symbols indicate drying pro-
gram parameters for information, selection
and configuration:
120°C Target temperature
40min Drying time
A Fully automatic
g Weight unit or unit
for a calculated value
A Analysis start
2.0min Interval for automatic
output of intermediate
results
Adjustment function:
b Adjustment function
Busy symbol, plus/minus sign,
standby symbol:
The J symbol is shown here when the
moisture analyzer is processing a function.
The plus/minus sign for the weight value
or calculated value appears here as well,
and the standby symbol when the device is
switched off.
Result:
This section shows the weight or calculated
value.
Unit:
When the weighing system stabilizes, the
unit of measurement for the weight or
calculated value is displayed here.
Graphic symbols:
Which symbol is shown here depends on
the operating status of the analyzer. The
examples below indicate “Please close
hood,” “Heating the sample” and “Please
wait” (hourglass).
Function line:
Press the Down/Back or Up/Forward keys
to move the focus and select one of the
functions shown here, and the Enter key to
activate the selected function:
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