Spectris Malvern Panalytical MASTERSIZER 3000 User guide

MASTERSIZER 3000
BASICGUIDE

MASTERSIZER 3000
BASIC GUIDE
Publication date: 11 June 2019
MAN0475-07-EN-00

DISCLAIMER
Although diligent care has been used to ensure that the information in this material is
accurate, nothing herein can be construed to imply any representation or warranty as
to the accuracy, correctness or completeness of this information and we shall not be
liable for errors contained herein or for damages in connection with the use of this
material. Malvern Panalytical reserves the right to change the content in this material
at any time without notice.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© 2019 Malvern Panalytical. This publication or any portion thereof may not be
copied or transmitted without our express written permission.
Malvern Panalytical Ltd.
Grovewood Road, Malvern,
Worcestershire, WR14 1XZ,
United Kingdom
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
Malvern Panalytical B.V.
Lelyweg 1, 7602 EA Almelo,
The Netherlands
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.malvernpanalytical.com
Mastersizer 3000®is a registered trademark in the UK and /or other countries, and is
owned by Malvern Panalytical.
Windows®is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.

CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
Introduction to this manual 2
Where to get help 3
Chapter 2 Health and safety 5
Mastersizer 3000 System: General safety 6
Instrument covers 9
Power cords and power safety 9
Aero Dry dispersion units 12
Hydro Wet dispersion units 16
Moving the system 17
Sample handling warnings 18
Chapter 3 Site requirements 21
Operational environment 22
Space required for system 24
Services required 26
Chapter 4 Hardware features 31
Hardware introduction 32
Mastersizer 3000/3000E compatibility 34
Mastersizer 3000/3000E Optical unit 36
Connection panel 37
I

Measurement Cell 38
Wet dispersion systems 40
Dry dispersion system 48
Connection and setup overview 51
Chapter 5 Quick start: Using the system 57
Making a Measurement 58
Measuring samples in SOP mode 58
Making a measurement — Wet dispersion units 61
Making a measurement — Dry dispersion units 64
Check the results 66
Check for problems 69
Running a Manual measurement 72
Chapter 6 Maintenance 75
General maintenance warnings 76
Optical unit specific warnings 76
Cleaning the covers 77
Cleaning the cell bay 77
Cleaning the Mastersizer 3000 optics 77
Cleaning the cells and dispersion units 80
Fuses 80
Appendix A Additional Information 81
Specification 82
Chemical compatibility 87
Regulatory information 91
Index 95
II

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Introduction to this manual 2
Where to get help 3
1

2
Introduction to this manual
This manual covers the operation of the Mastersizer 3000 and Mastersizer 3000E particle char-
acterization systems. These instruments measure the size of particles contained within a
sample, presenting data according to your needs.
Manuals available are:
lThe Mastersizer 3000 User Manual
lMastersizer 3000 Basic Guide
The Basic Guide gives Health and Safety, Maintenance, Troubleshooting and other vital
information which all users must read.
lAdditional user manuals supplied with both the Hydro and Aero dispersion units.
!
WARNING!
The instrument and the samples to be measured may be hazardous if misused. Users
must read the Health and Safety information in this manual before operating the system.
About this manual
The operation and maintenance of the following units are covered:
Table 1.1 Mastersizer 3000 units
Item Description Model number
Mastersizer 3000 Mastersizer optical unit — standard MAZ3000
Mastersizer 3000E Mastersizer optical unit — entry level MAZ3010
Hydro SV Small volume (SV) automatic wet dispersion unit MAZ3100
Hydro SM Small volume (SM) manual wet dispersion unit MAZ3150
Hydro MV Medium volume (MV) automatic wet dispersion unit MAZ3200 / MAZ3210
Hydro LV Large volume (LV) automatic wet dispersion unit MAZ3300 / MAZ3310
Hydro EV Extended volume (EV) user-interactive wet dispersion
unit MAZ3400
CHAPTER1 INTRODUCTION

3
Aero S
Automatic dry dispersion unit
— Options include stainless steel and ceramic venturi
dispersers
MAZ3500
Aero M
Manual dry dispersion unit
— Options include stainless steel and ceramic venturi
dispersers
MAZ3550
Mastersizer 3000 and Mastersizer 3000E instruments
There are two core instruments in the Mastersizer 3000 family: the Mastersizer 3000 and
Mastersizer 3000E. The differences between these instruments are explained in the Master-
sizer 3000 User Manual.
The Mastersizer 3000 and 3000E are referred to as the Mastersizer (or “the optical unit” or “the
instrument”), unless specifically named to highlight any differences.
Where to get help
This section gives information on the various channels in place to get help with your Master-
sizer 3000 system.
Website - www.malvernpanalytical.com
The Malvern Panalytical website offers a comprehensive range of resources for customer use
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Help system
A full help system is supplied with your Malvern Panalytical software system. This provides
detailed reference information on all software features. To access this, press F1 or click the
Help within the application (sometimes indicated by a question mark icon).
CHAPTER1 INTRODUCTION

4
MiniGuides
MiniGuides are available in some Malvern Panalytical software applications. These supplement
the Help system, offering tips and advice on how to use your system, and may also contain
videos that can be run directly within the tool.
Help desk
Direct all queries regarding the system to your local Malvern Panalytical representative, provid-
ing the following information:
lModel and serial number of the instrument. The serial number is shown when you hover
over the instrument status on the bottom right of the software display, and also on the
rear panel of the instrument.
lThe software version. To find this, click in the top left corner next to Home, and select
About. The software version will be displayed.
Contact the International Helpdesk if the local Malvern Panalytical representative is not avail-
able:
Telephone: [phone] or email: [e-mail].
If located in the United States, contact the United States Helpdesk if the local Malvern Pana-
lytical representative is not available:
Telephone: [phone] or email: [e-mail].
Note:
The help lines are primarily English speaking.
Remote support
Malvern Panalytical offers a remote support service, delivered by internet connection.
CHAPTER1 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 2 HEALTH AND SAFETY
Mastersizer 3000 System: General safety 6
Instrument covers 9
Power cords and power safety 9
Aero Dry dispersion units 12
Hydro Wet dispersion units 16
Moving the system 17
Sample handling warnings 18
5

6
Mastersizer 3000 System: General safety
!
WARNING!
Use of the system in a manner not specified by Malvern Panalytical may impair the pro-
tection provided by the system.
Site requirements
The Mastersizer 3000 has specific Site requirements on page21 that must be enforced to
ensure safe operation of the instrument.
!
WARNING!
Safety may be compromised if the system is used in an environment not conforming to
the site requirements.
Connection cables
!
WARNING!
Only use the power supply unit and connection cables provided with the instrument by Mal-
vern Panalytical. Use of cables not provided by Malvern Panalytical will void the instrument
warranty and may make the system unsafe.
All instruments are tested and certified prior to dispatch to make sure they comply with appro-
priate regulatory governance. This includes the instrument or accessory plus any connection,
communication or power cable that is used in the operation of the complete system.
Laser safety warnings
The Mastersizer 3000 optical unit is a Class 1 laser product and, as such, there is no exposure
to laser radiation in its normal operation. The laser passes through the cell area but this area is
enclosed when the cell is fitted. When the cell is not fitted, a mechanical laser shutter prevents
exposure to laser radiation.
CHAPTER2 HEALTH AND SAFETY

7
WARNING!
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
This diagram shows the location of the laser warning labels:
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
APPAREIL A RAYONNEMENT
LASER DE CLASSE 1
LASER KLASSE 1
PRODUCTO LASER DE CLASE 1
CAUTION - CLASS 3R LASER
RADIATION WHEN OPEN
AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE
Figure 2.1 Location of laser warning labels.
CHAPTER2 HEALTH AND SAFETY

8
Red light specification
Table 2.1 Specification of the red light
Item Specification
Light source He-Ne Laser
Power Internal laser maximum output of less than 4 mW (CW)
Beam wavelength 632.8 nm
Beam divergence 1.3 mrad
Blue light specification
Table 2.2 Specification of the blue light
Item Specification
Light source LED
Power 10 mW
Beam wavelength 470 nm
Electrical safety warnings
The Mastersizer 3000 and its dispersion units are mains powered; treat input power cables
accordingly. The metal parts of the system are earthed via a protective earth connection.
!
WARNING!
This product must be connected to a protective earth.
Take care when measuring samples not to spill liquid or powder over the instrument covers.
Conducting materials or liquids can damage insulation and cause dangerous conditions. If a
spillage occurs, disconnect the power and scrupulously clean up before re-applying power to
the system. Users who suspect powder or liquid has entered the covers should call a Malvern
Panalytical representative to arrange a service call.
CHAPTER2 HEALTH AND SAFETY

9
!
WARNING!
Never attempt to remove the covers; always contact a Malvern Panalytical representative.
PAT testing
If PAT testing is required, please contact Malvern Panalytical for advice.
Instrument covers
!
WARNING!
Under no circumstances should you remove the main cover of the instrument. Failure to
follow these guidelines could result in exposure to hazardous voltages or, on some instru-
ments, exposure to laser radiation, which can be harmful to the body and cause per-
manent eye damage.
!
WARNING!
Malvern Panalytical personnel (service engineers, representatives, etc.) are the only people
authorized to perform procedures that require the removal of the covers.
!
WARNING!
Removal of the covers by unauthorized personnel will void the warranty of the instrument.
Unless advised within the content of this manual, only Malvern Panalytical trained per-
sonnel are permitted to remove the cover of any part.
Power cords and power safety
Power cord set requirements
Power cords must meet the requirements of the country where the product is used. For fur-
ther information contact your Malvern Panalytical representative.
CHAPTER2 HEALTH AND SAFETY

10
General requirements
The requirements listed below are applicable to all countries:
lThe power cord must be approved by an acceptable accredited agency responsible for
evaluation in the country where the power cord set will be installed.
lThe power cord set must have a minimum current capacity of 10A (7A in Japan only) and a
nominal voltage rating of 125 or 250 volts AC, as required by each country's power sys-
tem.
lThe area of the wire must be a minimum of 0.75 mm2or 18AWG, and the length of the
cord must be less than 3 m.
lThe power cord must be routed to avoid: being walked on, pinched by items placed upon
it or against it, or made wet. Pay particular attention to the plug, the electrical outlet, and
the point where the cord exits the product.
!
WARNING!
Do not operate this product with a damaged power cord set. If the power cord set is dam-
aged in any manner, replace it immediately.
!
WARNING!
Do not use the power cord received with this product on any other products.
Power safety information
The following notes indicate guidelines to follow when connecting the Malvern Panalytical power
supply using single and multiple extension leads, connection via AC Adapters and use of Unin-
terruptible Power Supplies (UPS).
!
WARNING!
To prevent electric shock, plug the instrument or accessory into correctly earthed elec-
trical outlets. Never use the system without a properly connected protective earth con-
ductor.
CHAPTER2 HEALTH AND SAFETY

11
The power cord supplied is equipped with a grounding connection to ensure grounding integrity
is maintained.
Advice on use of extension leads
Follow this advice when using single or multiple socket extension leads. These are also called
trailing sockets.
lMake sure the lead is connected to a wall power outlet and not to another extension lead.
The extension lead must be designed for grounding plugs and plugged into a grounded
wall outlet.
lMake sure that the total ampere rating of the products being plugged into the extension
lead does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension lead.
lUse caution when plugging a power cord into a multiple socket extension lead. Some
extension leads may allow a plug to be inserted incorrectly.
lIncorrect insertion of the power plug could result in permanent damage to the instrument
or accessory, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire. Make sure that the ground con-
nection (prong/pin) of the power cord plug is inserted into the mating ground contact of
the extension lead
Advice on use of AC adapters
!
WARNING!
Do not use adapter plugs that bypass the grounding feature, or remove the grounding fea-
ture from the plug or adapter.
lPlace the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the floor.
lThe AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of the instrument or accessory.
Use care handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.
lUse only the Malvern Panalytical-provided AC adapter approved for use with the instru-
ment and/or accessory. Use of another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion.
CHAPTER2 HEALTH AND SAFETY

12
Advice on use of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
To help protect the instrument and/or accessory from sudden, transient increases and
decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner or UPS.
Aero Dry dispersion units
This section lists safety issues common to the dry dispersion units.
!
WARNING!
The air pressure regulator fitted to the Aero has a maximum input pressure limit of 10
Bar. If there is a possibility that the air supply could exceed this, then a protection device
ensuring this limit is not exceeded must be fitted.
!
WARNING!
Typically the Aero is not suitable for measuring hazardous materials. However, if extra pre-
cautions are taken (e.g. using a fume cupboard or efficient exhaust filtering) this may be
possible.
!
WARNING!
Static discharge can occur around the exit and feed pipe regions under certain com-
binations of material, flow rate and humidity. If this is a concern contact your Malvern
Panalytical representative.
!
WARNING!
If the unit is used with a vacuum unit not supplied by Malvern Panalytical , this must meet
the specification: air flow 39 l/s (minimum rate), vacuum 20.4 kPa.
!
WARNING!
Take care when removing the venturi not to trap fingers between the tray holder and the
venturi.
CHAPTER2 HEALTH AND SAFETY

13
Magnetic field
!
WARNING!
Magnetic field. Pacemakers or other similar implanted devices may be affected. Wearers
must stay back at least 10 cm from instrument.
CHAPTER2 HEALTH AND SAFETY

14
Warning labels
The following warning triangles warn of the potential risk of danger to user or damage to dis-
persion unit.
Table 2.3 Warning labels
Label Text Location Meaning
Warning:
To prevent electric shock do not
remove screws.
No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to authorized per-
sonnel.
Ancillary
Switching
Unit
As described
!
None
Behind
venturi
on unit body
Warning:
Operator exposure to noise levels
increases with the use of higher pres-
sures and operator proximity to the
unit. Always wear suitable ear pro-
tection.
Pneumatic safety
Observe all local regulations and recommendations on the use of compressed air.
Do not direct a compressed air line at the human body.
During installation and maintenance, make sure that the supply pressure regulator is adjusted
to zero and the on/off supply valve is in the OFF position.
!
WARNING!
Do not attempt to remove any compressed air pipe without first reducing and switching
off the air supply as well as venting the dispersion unit.
Always use pipes of a suitable pressure rating. The air inlet pipe should have a normal operating
rating of 10 bar g.
Some dispersion unit fittings are of the push-in quick-release collet type.
CHAPTER2 HEALTH AND SAFETY