Systech 8701 User manual

Industrial Physics Ltd
68 Barnum Road
Devens
Massachusetts
01434-3508
Industrial Physics Product Integrity Ltd
17 Thame Park Business Centre
Wenman Road
Thame
Oxfordshire
OX9 3XA
E: [e-mail]
E: [e-mail]
www.systechillinois.com
MODEL 8701
OXYGEN PERMEATION
ANALYSER
FOR BOTTLES AND PACKAGES
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Version 2.10 26th July 2021

Model 8701 Operator’s Manual v2.10
www.systechillinois.com
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................1
1.1 BRAND...................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION.............................................................................................2
3.0 INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................3
3.1 VOLTAGE INPUT/FUSE CARTRIDGE..................................................................................... 3
3.2 CONNECTING GAS LINES...................................................................................................... 3
3.3 INSTALLATION OF COMM PORTS CONTROLLER................................................................ 4
4.0 SOFTWARE ........................................................................................................................5
4.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................... 5
4.2 INSTALLATION......................................................................................................................... 5
4.3 CONNECTING THE INSTRUMENT ......................................................................................... 8
5.0 BASE LINE AND SYSTEM CALIBRATION.......................................................................9
5.1 BASE LINE................................................................................................................................ 9
5.2 HISTORY OF BASELINE........................................................................................................ 14
5.3 SYSTEM CALIBRATION......................................................................................................... 15
5.4 PREPARATION FOR CALIBRATION..................................................................................... 15
5.4.1 Package Calibration...............................................................................................................15
5.4.2 Gas calibration.......................................................................................................................15
5.5 STARTING THE CALIBRATION............................................................................................. 16
5.6 HISTORY OF CALIBRATION ................................................................................................. 19
6.0 PERMEATION TESTS ......................................................................................................20
6.1 BOTTLE PREPARATION........................................................................................................ 21
6.2 COMPLETE PACKAGES ADAPTOR PREPARATION........................................................... 23
6.3 DELAY ADAPTOR FITTING................................................................................................... 26
7.0 PERFORMING A TEST.....................................................................................................27
7.0.1 Notes on Settle to Proceed and Auto Stop ..............................................................................32
7.1 STARTING A TEST ................................................................................................................ 33
7.2 STOPPING A TEST................................................................................................................ 37
8.0 REPORT GENERATION...................................................................................................38
9.0 FILE GENERATION..........................................................................................................42
9.1 DATA FILES............................................................................................................................ 42
9.2 DIAGNOSTIC FILES............................................................................................................... 42
9.3 O2 TRACE FILES................................................................................................................... 42
9.4 SETUP FILES......................................................................................................................... 42
9.5 TEMPERATURE FILES.......................................................................................................... 42
10.0 TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................42
10.1 OTR READINGS ARE HIGH................................................................................................. 43
10.1.1 Test with loops/blanks..........................................................................................................43
10.2 OTR READINGS ARE LOW. ................................................................................................ 46
10.3 NO POWER.......................................................................................................................... 46
11.0 ACCESSORIES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS..............................................................47
12.0 MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY .................................................................................49
12.1 MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................................... 49
12.2 WARRANTY.......................................................................................................................... 49
12.3 RETURNING THE INSTRUMENT FOR REPAIR ................................................................. 49
13.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................50

Model 8701 Operator’s Manual v2.10
www.systechillinois.com
Revision History
Issue
Issue Date
Changes
By
1.0
08-08-2008
Current Release Version
Bryan Cummings
2.0
06-11-2009
Format changes, updated to mark II 8701.
Nick Stuart
2.1
10-09-2009
Updated with additional info and new branding.
Nick Stuart
2.2
01-12-2011
Changed to reflect latest version of software.
Nick Stuart
2.3
06-03-2013
ECN 1227, Added troubleshooting tips
Bryan Cummings
2.4
26-06-2016
Editorial, new PC software V2.3b8
Bryan Cummings
2.5
22-01-2018
Editorial, different issues
Victor Kofman
2.6
09-03-2018
Changes in temperature and O2 ppm files
Victor Kofman
2.7
June 25, 2018
Added to maintenance section, ECN-1854i
Victor Kofman
2.8
May 2, 2019
ECN 19051i
Victor Kofman
2.9
February 25,
2020
ECN 19093
Victor Kofman
2.10
July 2021
Updated for a new software release
Peter Pichler

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Model M8701 Package Oxygen Permeation Analyser has been designed to provide accurate
and uncomplicated measurements of oxygen transmission rates (OTR) through bottles and
packages. The instrument displays the test OTR result in cc/package/day. The instrument can be
equipped with a variety of adaptors to measure any type of bottle or package.
The M8701 is unique in its ability to test up to 11 bottles / packages or a mixture thereof
simultaneously; with individual testing regimes controlled by the Systech M8701 software.
The M8701 can be calibrated to a package or gas.
This manual is arranged in a manner we feel will provide the greatest ease of reference and use.
We are proud of our active program of research and development. If you encounter any
difficulties, we would like to hear about them.
1.1 BRAND
Systech Illinois is a division of Industrial Physics. Throughout this manual, Industrial Physics,
Industrial Physics Product Integrity, Systech, Systech Illionois and Systech Instruments are used
interchangeably.
IMPORTANT
Please read this manual before attempting to install or operate the equipment.
The equipment should be electrically connected and grounded in accordance with good standard
practice and at the correct voltage. (Refer to the voltage tag label on the back panel.)
No responsibility is accepted by Systech Instruments Limited
for accidents resulting from improper use of this equipment.
This symbol is known as the ‘Crossed-out Wheelie Bin Symbol’. When this symbol is
marked on a product it means that consideration should be given to the disposal of the
product, parts or accessories. Only discard electrical/electronic items in separate
collection schemes which cater for the recovery and recycling of the materials contained
within. Your co-operation is vital to ensure the success of these schemes and for the
protection of the environment.

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2.0 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The 8701 incorporates our proprietary, coulometric, oxygen sensor to detect oxygen transmission
rates through all types of bottles or packages. Bottles / packages are fitted onto their respective
adaptor using a fast-setting epoxy adhesive (3-5 minutes setting time).
Adaptors are fitted onto the 8701 using a combination of “Star Screws” and VCR connections for
the gas.
An oxygen-free (99.999% zero grade N2) carrier gas flows through the bottle.
Molecules of oxygen diffusing through the walls of the bottle are conveyed to the sensor by the
carrier gas.
This allows a direct measurement of the oxygen without using complex extrapolations. The
oxygen transmission rate of the bottle is displayed as cc/package/day.

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3.0 INSTALLATION
3.1 VOLTAGE INPUT/FUSE CARTRIDGE
The power entry module is on the back of the instrument it not only allows attachment of the
power cord, but also contains the fuses. Supply voltage is 90-260 VAC, 50-60Hz.
Note that the cartridge contains two fuses. Both fuses must be installed to ensure proper
operation of the instrument. The fuses are rated 5A @ 250V and are a slow-blow type. Replace
only with fuses of equivalent ratings.
3.2 CONNECTING GAS LINES
The user must supply oxygen-free (99.999% zero grade) nitrogen to the instrument. Systech
Instruments provides an oxygen trap with the analyser to remove traces of oxygen from the
nitrogen.
NOTE: The inlet pressure must be set between 4.0 and 6.0 bar gauge. If the supply
pressure is not within this range, then flow through the instrument will be at the
wrong level, resulting in erroneous measurements.
On the back panel are the gas, power and communications connections. The 9-pin D-type
connector is for the communications and the power is via a standard IEC socket.
There is an inlet fitting for N2(nitrogen) labelled N2In 5 Barge, an inlet fitting for CAL (calibration)
labelled Cal Gas In. There are also two outlet fittings marked as N2VENT1 and N2VENT2 (8mm
OD tube connection). The inlet and outlet fittings are 1/8" Swagelok® type, except for the N2
VENT2.
The oxygen-free nitrogen is connected to the N2IN fitting. Do not over tighten the nuts when
connecting the gas lines. It is recommended that the input gas lines are purged prior to being
tightened up at the instrument connections. This will reduce the amount of air that is present in
the pipes.
There is no need to connect tubing to the vent lines. It is vital for the correct running of the
instrument that these vents are not compromised in any way
When instrument is not connected to a nitrogen source, the N2IN fitting should be sealed with the
provided blanking cap to prevent saturation of the oxygen trap (the cylindrical object in the photo
below).

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3.3 INSTALLATION OF COMM PORTS CONTROLLER
Note: This is required for some computer systems which either do not have an RS232 comms
port fitted or where the existing comms port is already in use.
Install the COM port controller board (or USB –RS232 adaptor) according to the manual shipped
with the controller / adaptor.
Make sure that COM ports have assigned numbers from COM 2 (if there is one RS232 port in
your PC) or from COM 3 (if there are two RS232 ports in your PC).
If they are not assigned to these figures, reassign the COM ports through the computers “Control
Panel –System - Hardware - Device Manager –COM ports”. If in any doubt, contact your IT
department or Systech Customer Service Department.
The Model 8701 Analyser software will look for installed units on COM ports 1 to 6.
It should be noted that some USB to Serial RS232 adaptors will not work, and others give
intermittent results. Therefore, we recommend using only USB to Serial adaptors obtained from
Systech Illinois.

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4.0 SOFTWARE
4.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Model 8701 software has the following minimum computer requirements:
Windows XP Professional Operating Software (NOT Windows Vista or Windows 7)
64 MB of RAM
256 SVGA (1024 x 768)
100 MB hard disk space
NOTE: The software will not run on Windows Vista or Windows 7.
4.2 INSTALLATION
Insert the Model 8701 Memory Stick into an available USB slot on the control computer. Explore
the memory stick and double click on Setup.exe. The following screen will appear.
At this point click on “Install 8700 software”. Windows may ask you to allow the installation:

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Click on “Yes” to continue the installation. The screen changes to the begin install as shown
below. You can choose to install the program to a different directory or leave the default settings.
Systech Instruments recommend you install the software in the default directory. Click “Next” to
continue or “Cancel” to abort the installation process.
In the next screen, you can choose whether you want the installation process to create a desktop
shortcut. Tick the box if you wish to, then click on “Next” to continue, “Back” to return to the
previous screen or “Cancel” to abort the installation process.
The next screen offers the last chance to change any settings. Click “Install” to proceed.

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The window below is displayed. The green bar indicates the status of the installation process. It
should only take a few seconds. Once the bar reaches 100%, the installation is complete and you
should be presented with the following screen.
Please do not start the software until the instrument is connected to the computer.

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4.3 CONNECTING THE INSTRUMENT
A 9 pin D-type RS232 cable is provided to connect the Model 8701 to a computer. The connector
can be found on the rear left of the instrument, just to the right of the power connector, labelled
RS232 COMMS.
Further Model 8701 units may be connected to the same computer (up to five more), if the
computer is equipped with as many com ports. (See chapter 3.3).

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5.0 BASE LINE AND SYSTEM CALIBRATION
5.1 BASE LINE
Connect power and nitrogen to the instrument complying with the earlier instructions and turn on
the power switch.
Note: A base line check should be carried out when first commissioning the instrument, or after a
period without use. The baseline should be re-established every three to four months or on a
regular basis and records kept of the baseline. Should the Nitrogen connection to the instrument
be lost during a test, or if a test has failed due to a leak to air, the instrument will have been
saturated with very high Oxygen levels and these issues will require a base line retest.
With the Model 8701 switched on, double click the 8701 program icon if you have installed a
shortcut, otherwise select it from the program menu. The main menu screen will appear as shown
or like that shown below:
Note that the product images show both 8700 and 8701 variants. This is because both instrument
constructions share the same PC software.

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Click the “BASE LINE”button.
The following “‘BASE LINE’ STARTER” screen will appear.
Click on a ‘COM’ port button with a green square next to it, where an installed unit is found that is
not in use. The ‘baseline screen’ will appear as shown below:
Enter a value of at least 30 minutes in the PURGE TIME box. (Longer if the gas has only just
been connected or a new cylinder installed.)
Click the “START” button to begin a baseline.

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Click the ‘YES’ button to confirm.
When the BASE LINE routine is started, nitrogen flows through the instrument to evacuate any
residual oxygen. The flow is automatically set to high. The gas will bypass the sensor for a time
equal to the PURGE TIME parameter set by the user, the bar located beneath PURGE MFC
indicates the percentage of purging completed (see diagram below).

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When the PURGE TIME is within the last minute of purging the progress bar will turn yellow and
the flow rate is adjusted automatically and controlled to 10 cc/min.
After the PURGE TIME expires, then the BASE LINE process begins. The O2ppm will now be
plotted in 1-minute intervals on the graph. The O2value will change on the graph as the value
approaches equilibrium and becomes stabilised.
When the base line has reached equilibrium, which will normally take approx 24 hrs, click the
“BASE LINE NOW”button to set the BASE LINE for the instrument.
Note: in the above example the base line has not run for long enough to be fully stabilised.

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A window will appear asking the user to confirm the BASE LINE.
Click “YES” and the instrument now has a re-established BASE LINE.
At this point, the user may either click the STOP button or allow the BASE LINE to continue in
order to verify the result has stabilised.
Clicking the BASE LINE AGAIN button will do a second BASE LINE. Clicking the STOP button
ends the BASE LINE routine.
To exit the BASE LINE window, close the window by clicking on the “X” in the upper right corner.
Note, the time required to run a baseline will inevitably be a function of the permeation level that
the instrument is required to operate.
If the instrument is required to run tests on packages above 0.03 cc/pk/day then a base line run
for 24 hours should be adequate.
However if the instrument is required to test the highest of barriers and the instrument will need to
work at its best performance then the baseline test should be accomplished over a few days.
Refer to the Troubleshooting guide to read more about this topic.

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5.2 HISTORY OF BASELINE
The history of baseline data (and calibration data) is saved under a directory called “8701
maintenance files”. This directory is created when the software is first installed and is saved on
the ‘C’ drive. It is important to review this information from time to time as it can indicate the
variation of the base line over time.
Open the file “base.txt” and a list of baseline history will be shown.

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5.3 SYSTEM CALIBRATION
The Model 8701 is calibrated at the factory prior to delivery. It is not necessary to perform a
calibration during commissioning of the instrument but a calibration check is recommended every
9 –12 months. When it becomes necessary to calibrate the instrument, one of two methods may
be used, package (bottle) or calibration gas. All methods calibrate using the Station 0.
View of the 8701 Platen with Shorting Loops installed on all stations.
5.4 PREPARATION FOR CALIBRATION
5.4.1 Package Calibration
Calibration of the instrument to a package would not normally be practical because packages of
known OTR are unusual.
For a package calibration a package of known OTR must be glued to the appropriate adaptor.
This in turn will be fitted to Station 0.
Attach the package following the instructions in section 6.2.
5.4.2 Gas calibration
For gas calibration the calibration gases may be obtained from a reputable special gases
supplier. (BOC, Air Liquide, Air Products, etc.). It is recommended that a certified cylinder of
approximately 20ppm O2 in Nitrogen be obtained. It will come with a certificate showing the actual
measured value. Connect this cylinder with a good quality regulator to the instrument at a
pressure of 5 Bar, taking care to purge the regulator and the connecting pipes first.
Prior to running a gas calibration a non-permeable link must be fitted to Station 0. This is usually
in the form of a link “U” tube fitted directly to the platen at station 0.

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5.5 STARTING THE CALIBRATION
NOTE: For gas calibration only, make sure you position the valve (CALIBRATE/NORMAL)
at the rear of the instrument to the CALIBRATE position.
Double click the 8701 program icon to start the software. At the main menu, click on the
CALIBRATE button. “’CAL’STARTER” screen will appear as shown below.
Click on the COM port button corresponding to the unit to be calibrated (ensure there is a green
square next to it) and the Calibration screen will appear as shown below.
The top half of the ‘Calibration’ window consists of setup parameters and status indicators. The
bottom half displays a real time graph during the calibration process.
First click the GAS or PACKAGE button in the CALIBRATION TARGET area.
Calibration Gas
Calibration Package

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For GAS calibration enter the ppm value of the calibration gas in the O2 (ppm) box; for
PACKAGE calibration enter the OTR value of the package in the OTR box.
Enter the purge time in the box in the PURGE MONITOR area, a suggested time would be 30
minutes.
Clicking the “START” button will begin a calibration cycle.
Confirm the start by clicking “YES”.
When the Calibration routine is started, nitrogen flows through the instrument to purge any
residual oxygen. The flow is set automatically. The gas will bypass the sensor for a time equal to
the PURGE TIME parameter set by the user. The Purge Progress Bar located next to the Purge
Time indicates the percentage of purging completed.
When the PURGE TIME is within the last minute of purging the progress bar will turn yellow and
the flow rate is adjusted automatically and controlled to 10 cc/min.