TA Instruments Nano ITC Series User manual

Revision F Issued February 2011
Getting Started Guide for
Models 5300, 5301, 5302
Nano Isothermal
Titration Calorimeter
(Nano ITC)

Page 2 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide
Notice
The material contained in this manual, and in the online help for the software used to support this instru-
ment, is believed adequate for the intended use of the instrument. If the instrument or procedures are used
for purposes other than those specified herein, confirmation of their suitability must be obtained from TA
Instruments. Otherwise, TA Instruments does not guarantee any results and assumes no obligation or liabil-
ity. TA Instruments also reserves the right to revise this document and to make changes without notice.
TA Instruments may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual prop-
erty covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in written license agreement
from TA Instruments, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trade-
marks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.
TA Instruments Operating Software, as well as Module, Data Analysis, and Utility Software and their asso-
ciated manuals and online help, are proprietary and copyrighted by TA Instruments. Purchasers are granted
a license to use these software programs on the module and controller with which they were purchased.
These programs may not be duplicated by the purchaser without the prior written consent of TA Instru-
ments. Each licensed program shall remain the exclusive property of TA Instruments, and no rights or
licenses are granted to the purchaser other than as specified above.
TA Instruments can accept no liability for loss or damage, however caused, arising from the faulty or
incorrect use of its products.TA Instruments shall not be liable for any damages caused by interactions
between exogenous materials (e.g. chemicals) and parts of the instrument. This includes interactions of
gaseous, liquid or solid materials with, for instance, ampoule surfaces and/or parts of the instrument. It also
includes gases or vapors leaking from ampoules (e.g. originating from chemical reactions producing
gaseous substances), with subsequent cause of damage to the instrument.
©2011 by
TA Instruments — Waters LLC
159 Lukens Drive
New Castle, DE 19720

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 3
Introduction
Important: TA Instruments Manual Supplement
Please click the TA Manual Supplement link to access the following important information
supplemental to this Getting Started Guide:
• TA Instruments Trademarks
• TA Instruments Patents
• Other Trademarks
• TA Instruments End-User License Agreement
• TA Instruments Offices

Page 4 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

This manual uses NOTES, CAUTIONS, and WARNINGS to emphasize important and critical
instructions. In the body of the manual these may be found in the shaded box on the outside of the page.
NOTE: A NOTE highlights important information about equipment or procedures.
CAUTION: A CAUTION emphasizes a procedure that may damage equipment or cause loss of data if not
followed correctly.
Regulatory Compliance
Safety Standards
EMC Directive
This instrument has been tested to meet the European Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC
Directive, 2004/108/EC). The Declaration of Conformity for your instrument lists the specific standards to
which the unit was tested.
The instrument was designed specifically as a test and measuring device. Compliance to the EMC directive
is through IEC 61326-1 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - EMC require-
ments (1998).
As noted in the IEC 61326-1, the instrument can have varying configurations. Emissions may, in non-typi-
cal applications, exceed the levels required by the standard. It is not practical to test all configurations, as
the manufacturer has no control over the user application of the instrument.
Immunity Testing
The instrument was tested to the requirements for laboratory locations.
Emission Testing
The instrument fulfills the limit requirements for Class A equipment but does not fulfill the limit
requirements for Class B equipment. The instrument was not designated to be used in domestic
establishments.
A WARNING indicates a procedure that may be hazardous to the operator or to the
environment if not followed correctly.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 5
Low Voltage Directive (Safety)
In order to comply with the European Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC), this equipment has been
designed to meet IEC 1010-1 (EN 61010-1) standards. To comply with requirements in the USA, this
instrument has been tested to the requirements of UL61010a-1.
Safety
High voltages are present in this instrument. Maintenance and repair of internal parts must be performed
only by TA Instruments or other qualified service personnel.
Electrical Safety
You must unplug the instrument before doing any maintenance or repair work; voltages as high as
125/250 VAC are present in this system.
Lifting the Instrument
The Nano ITC is not a portable instrument. In order to avoid injury, particularly to the back, please follow
this advice:
WARNING: If this instrument is used in a manner not intended or specified in this manual, the
protection provided by the instrument may be impaired.
DANGER: High voltages are present in this instrument. Maintenance and repair of
internal parts must be performed only by TA Instruments or other qualified service
personnel.
WARNING: Use appropriate care when unpacking or moving the instrument. It may be too
heavy for some individuals working alone to handle safely.

Page 6 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide
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Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 7
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Important: TA Instruments Manual Supplement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Electrical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Lifting the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Chapter 1:
Introducing the Nano ITC .............................................................................................. 9
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Instrument Models Covered in this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
The Nano Isothermal Titration Calorimeter (ITC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Batch/Incremental Titration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Titration/Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Calculation of Equilibrium Constants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Measuring Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Reaction Vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Syringe/Stirrer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Buret Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Options and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Instrument Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Chapter 2:
Installing the Nano ITC ................................................................................................ 17
Unpacking/Repacking the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Installing the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Inspecting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Near . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Away from . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting Up the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connecting the Cables and Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Starting the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Shutting Down the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Page 8 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide
Chapter 3: Use, Maintenance, & Diagnostics ................................................................................ 23
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Calibrating Chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Heat of Protonation of Tris Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Sample Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Experiment Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Experiment Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Preparing and Degassing the Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Degassing Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Preparing the Sample and Reference Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Loading the Buret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Installing the Buret Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Starting the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Cleaning the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Analyzing the Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Maintaining the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Purging the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Troubleshooting the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Minimizing Blank Corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Operating at Non-Ambient Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Stirring Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Stable Instrument Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Appendix A:
Buret Position Functions ........................................................................................... 41
Index ................................................................................................................................................... 43

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 9
Chapter: 1
Introducing the Nano ITC
Overview
There are three ways in which a calorimeter may be designed. Heat measurements may be based on the
following:
• A temperature rise measured in a system of known heat capacity, (ΔT)
• The measured change in power (typically resistance heating) required to maintain a system at a
constant temperature (power compensation), and
• A direct measure of the heat flowing between the system and large heat sink maintained at a constant
temperature (heat flow)
Each method (ΔT, power compensation, and heat flow) has its advantages and disadvantages. The TA
Instruments Nano Isothermal Titration Calorimeter (ITC) uses a differential power compensation design
for maximum sensitivity and responsiveness.
The Nano ITC is available in three configurations: the Standard Volume model with 1-mL measurement
cells made of either 24K gold or Hastelloy®alloy, and the Low Volume model with 190-µL gold cells.
Standard Volume ITCs shipped before September 2009 were labeled “Nano ITC2G”. The Nano ITC
incorporates second generation technology featuring enhanced baseline stability and increased sensitivity.
Instrument Models Covered in this Guide
This guide covers Nano ITC instrument models 5300, 5301, and 5302.

Page 10 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide
The Nano Isothermal Titration Calorimeter (ITC)
The Nano ITC (shown in the figure below) consists of the measuring unit (calorimeter block and two non-
removable reaction vessels), the buret assembly, which includes the stirring system, and a cleaning acces-
sory. With the exception of the power on/off switch located on the back of the calorimeter unit, all func-
tions of the Nano ITC are controlled remotely by the computer through the USB connection.
Figure 1 Nano ITC2G
.
Applications
Batch/Incremental Titration
In incremental or continuous titration, one of the reactants is placed in a syringe or buret external to the
reaction vessel. If individual, repeated injections are made, incremental titration takes place (as seen in the
example below); if only one injection is made, it is continuous injection calorimetry.
Figure 2 Incremental titrations.
Buret assembly

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 11
The baseline data, i.e. heat flow in the regions before and after each titrant pulse, shows the power required
to maintain a zero temperature difference between the sample and reference cells.
The baseline in this region is a function of heating by stirring. The baseline is used to calculate the area or
the heat from each pulse in the reaction vessel during the titration or batch reaction. The thermogram
constructed from the integrated peak areas is then used for data analysis.
Titration/Data Analysis
A single titration calorimetric experiment yields heat data as a function of the ratio of the concentrations of
the reactants. Titration data, in the form of heat change versus volume of titrant added, can be examined for
both analytical (thermometric titrimetry) and thermodynamic (titration calorimetry) information.
Other corrections must be made to the heat data to account for heat effects associated with titrant dilution
and any temperature difference between titrant and titrate solutions. These corrections are most easily
accomplished by performing a blank titration experiment and subtracting the blank heat data from the
experimental thermogram.
In the case of quantitative reaction of added titrant, the analysis of the thermogram is quite simple. All
peak areas will be the same (with the possible exception of the last peak) and ΔH calculated from the incre-
mental heat and the number of moles of titrant added per increment. The titrant concentration is calculated
from the total heat divided by the ΔH for the reaction.
Calculation of Equilibrium Constants
The equilibrium constant for a given reaction may be simultaneously determined with the enthalpy change,
if the magnitudes of K and ΔH for the overall reaction taking place in the calorimeter are within certain
limits. The family of curves presented in the figure below shows that increased overall curvature of the
thermogram is generated with decreasing values of the association constant, Keq.
Figure A below shows the effects of varying magnitudes of the enthalpy change ΔH. Figure B shows the
effects of varying the equilibrium constant K.
Figure 3 Calculation of equilibrium constants.
AB

Page 12 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide
System Components
• Nano Isothermal Titration Calorimeter
• Personal computer (optionally available from TA Instruments)
• ITCRun and NanoAnalyze software
• Power cord
• Getting Started Guide (this manual)
• Data Collection and Analysis Software
• 1 each 2.5-mL filling syringe with 16-gauge, 8-inch long needle (Standard Volume ITC)
• 1 each 0.5-mL filling syringe with 16-gauge, 8-inch long needle (Low Volume ITC)
• 1 each 100-µL and 250-µL syringes (with Nano ITC Standard Volume)
• 1 each 50-µL syringe (with Nano ITC Low Volume)
• 1 each buret drive
• USB cable
The components that make up the Nano ITC system are briefly described in the following sections.
Measuring Unit
The measuring unit includes the calorimeter block and two non-removable reaction vessels (sample and
reference cells). Access tubes extend downward from inside the buret mounting cavity on the top of the
calorimeter. The access tubes serve as conduits for the filling syringe, titrant delivery, and reference needle.
They also provide for titrant equilibration and as a thermal barrier to the environment outside the
calorimeter.
Figure 4 Nano ITC measuring unit.
The Nano ITC utilizes a differential power compensation design. Semiconducting thermoelectric devices
(TED) are used for temperature control and to detect temperature differences between the sample and
TED-controlled
block
Thermal
shield
Reference
cell
Sample cell
Control heater
DT

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 13
reference cells. A proportional/integral/derivative (PID) control loop uses a control heater on the sample
cell to maintain a zero temperature difference between the sample and reference cells. The power required
to maintain this zero difference is used as the calorimeter signal and is monitored as a function of time. If a
reaction that produces heat occurs in the sample cell, the heat required to maintain the zero difference
decreases by the amount of heat supplied by the reaction, resulting in a peak in the thermogram.
A calibration heater located on the outside of the sample cell is used to provide precisely controlled heat
pulses for electrical calibrations, and to verify instrument performance.
The entire measuring unit is encased within an insulated air-tight canister which has been purged on a vac-
uum pump and filled with dry nitrogen at the factory. This is to prevent possible condensation and
evaporation of moisture around the unit which would create excessive baseline noise.
CAUTION: The purge port valve on the back of the Nano ITC should remain in the closed posi-
tion at all times to maintain the integrity of the nitrogen purge.
NOTE: Purging of the canister is not a routine maintenance operation; contact TA Instruments before
proceeding.
Reaction Vessel
The calorimeter uses two matched reaction vessels with options of 1-mL gold, 190-µL gold, or
1-mL Hastelloy®. The vessels are accessed through platinum tubes. The reference cell is constructed to
match as closely as possible the thermal properties of the sample cell. Accordingly, a reference needle is
placed inside the reference cell during operation to correspond to the titrant needle in the sample cell.
Figure 5 Sample cell assembly.
CAUTION: Extreme care should be taken not to bend the syringe needle, because this would
impair proper stirring and possibly damage the reaction vessel.
Platinum
Access Tube
Teflon Bushings on
Needle to Dampen
Stirring Noise
24K Gold
Reaction Vessel
Titrant Delivery
Needle
Stir Paddle
Titrant Exit Point

Page 14 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide
Syringe/Stirrer
Nano ITC Standard Volume systems include two syringes of 100 and 250 µL capacities. Two buret
syringes are provided with 100 µL and 250 µL capacities. The only difference in dimension between the
two is the inner diameter of the syringe barrel; the needles are identical in order to maintain the thermal
and mechanical properties.
The Nano ITC Low Volume system includes one 50-µL syringe. This syringe uses a shorter needle. To
avoid possible damage, do not use the larger syringes with the Low Volume ITC. If you feel a stiff resis-
tance or if the buret handle does not readily slip fully into place in the ITC, do not force it. Remove the
buret and check to see if the correct size syringe is installed. You can verify the feel of the normal
resistance by installing a buret with no syringe in place.
The titrant syringe needle also functions as the stirrer and extends down into the reaction vessel from the
top when the buret is mounted. The needle is balanced for optimum stirring efficiency. It has two Teflon
bushings to help dampen stirring noise and ensure that the needle spins true within the cell access tube (see
the figure below).
Figure 6 Orientation of buret, syringe, needles, and cells during experiments.
CAUTION: To avoid possible damage, do not use the 100 or 250 µL syringes with the Nano ITC
Low Volume instrument. Syringes are shipped with warning labels which may, if desired, be
affixed to the ITC by the customer to serve as a reminder.
Plunger position
indicator
Buret handle
Syringe plunger
Rotating buret
shaft
Graduated
syringe barrel
Knurled syringe
mounting knob
Reference cell
with reference
needle
Sample cell
with syringe
needle/stirrer

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 15
Each syringe needle is equipped with a flattened, twisted paddle at the tip, which does the actual stirring of
the solutions in the cell. The stirring paddle spins clear of the sides of the reaction vessel. When stirring is
activated, the contents of the reaction vessel are stirred continuously until the end of the experiment or
until stirring is turned off.
Stirring is controlled by a stepping motor mounted inside the calorimeter. This type of motor is used
because of its very constant and adjustable speed. The motor drives the rotating shaft of the buret, which
holds the titrant syringe.
Buret Assembly
The buret accurately delivers the titrant to the reaction vessel at specified volumes and intervals. The
assembly also functions as the stirring mechanism for the reactants in the cell when the titrant syringe is
installed. The rotating shaft on the lower portion of the buret assembly holds the titration syringe in place,
and has two external o-rings which provide the friction necessary for the stir motor to rotate the shaft
during operation.
See online help for details on using the buret.
Options and Accessories
A degassing station is available to complement your Nano ITC instrument.

Page 16 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide
Instrument Specifications
The table found below contains the technical specifications for the Nano ITC instrument.
Table 1: Nano ITC Technical Specifications
Item/Area Specifications
Dimensions Depth 38 cm (15 in.)
Width 37 cm (14 in.)
Height 32 cm (13 in.)
Weight 20 kg (43 lbs)
Power 100–240 VAC, 3 amps. 50–60 Hz
Operating environmental
conditions
Temperature: 15 to 30°C
Relative Humidity: 5 to 80% (non-condensing)
Installation Category II
Pollution Degree 2
Maximum Altitude: 2500 m (8200 ft)
Emissions class Class A
Temperature range 2 to 80°C
Injection interval 150 s minimum
Response time 15 s
Effective cell volume Standard Volume: 1.0 mL (24K gold or Hastelloy)
Low Volume: 190 µL
Sample volume range Standard Volume: 1200 to 1500 µL
Low Volume: 300 to 700 µL
Injection syringe capacity Standard Volume: 100 or 250 µL
Low Volume: 50 µL
Volume increment 0.114% of the total syringe capacity (0.06, 0.11, or 0.29 µL
respectively for the 50, 100, and 250 µL syringes)
Stirring rate 150 to 400 rpm

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 17
Chapter: 2
Installing the Nano ITC
Unpacking/Repacking the Nano ITC
CAUTION: To avoid mistakes, read this entire chapter before you begin installation.
The instructions needed to unpack and repack the instrument are found as separate unpacking instructions
in the shipping box and in the online documentation associated with the instrument control software. You
may wish to retain all of the shipping hardware and boxes from the instrument in the event you wish to
repack and ship your instrument.
Installing the Instrument
Before shipment, the instrument is inspected both electrically and mechanically so that it is ready for oper-
ation upon proper installation. Only limited instructions are given in this manual; consult the online
documentation for additional information. Installation involves the following procedures:
• Inspecting the system for shipping damage and missing parts
• Connecting the Nano ITC to the TA Instruments controller computer
• Connecting USB cables
It is recommended that you have your Nano ITC installed by a TA Instruments Service Representative; call
for an installation appointment when you receive your instrument.
Inspecting the System
When you receive your instrument, look over the instrument and shipping container carefully for signs of
shipping damage, and check the parts received against the enclosed shipping list.
• If the instrument is damaged, notify the carrier and TA Instruments immediately.
• If the instrument is intact but parts are missing, contact TA Instruments.
WARNING: Do not attempt to unpack this instrument alone.

Page 18 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide
Choosing a Location
It is important to choose a location for the instrument using the following guidelines. The Nano ITC should
be:
In
• a temperature- and humidity-controlled area. Temperatures should be in range 15 to 30°C.
• a clean, vibration-free environment, preferably on the ground floor in the building. It should be located
away from pumps, motors, or other devices which produce vibrations.
• an area with ample working and ventilation space. At least 18 by 18 inches is needed for the instru-
ment. Additional space is needed for the computer and (if present) printer.
On
• a stable work surface.
Near
• a power outlet. See the “Power Requirements” section below.
• your TA Instruments computer.
Away from
• dusty environments.
• exposure to direct sunlight.
• direct air drafts (fans, room air ducts).
• poorly ventilated areas.
• noisy or mechanical vibrations.
• high traffic areas, where constant movements from passing personnel could create air currents or
mechanical disturbances.
Power Requirements
The Nano ITC requires a grounded, single-phase power source. A three-conductor line cord ensures a
safety ground. The operating voltage and line frequency were preset at the factory for 100–240 VAC,
50–60 Hz operation.
The Nano ITC and computer system should be plugged into the same surge suppressor. An isolated power
line (one that is used only for electrical type instruments with no motors, compressor or heaters) is recom-
mended. Unstable power sources may also require the use of a power conditioner in order to obtain opti-
mum performance from the Nano ITC.
NOTE: Use a power strip to run the instrument and computer from a common power source.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 19
Setting Up the Nano ITC
When you have received your TA Instruments Nano ITC, follow these basic steps to set it up for use. For
detailed information refer to the sections that follow.
1Unpack and inspect the instrument and all components.
2Place the Nano ITC on a suitable bench with at least 18 by 18 inches of bench space for the instrument,
along with space for the computer system.
3Use a power distribution strip with a voltage surge suppressor function to provide a single protected
power connection for all system components.
Note for IT personnel: Since the data control and collection software depends on accurate timings, it is
highly recommended to set the computer BIOS settings for performance rather than power savings. Some
computer manufacturers may have different names for this. For example, some Dell computers have a set-
ting called “C-States” that includes the C1E setting, which should be disabled. Others may call it the
“Enhanced Halt State”. Other settings that should be disabled, if available, are EIST (Intel SpeedStep) and
AMD’s Cool‘n’Quiet. Set the Microsoft Windows®power option to Performance instead of Power
Savings. Disable automatic reboots in the Windows Update utility.
Connecting the Cables and Cords
NOTE: To choose a location for your instrument, see page 18 for guidelines.
Follow these steps to make the connections needed for the Nano ITC.
1Make sure that the Nano ITC power switch is turned off.
2Attach the power cord provided to the back of the Nano ITC. See the figure below. Do not plug the
instrument into a power source at this time.
3Plug the loose USB cable into the back of the instrument.
4Plug the power cord of the Nano ITC into a surge suppressor power strip. Do not turn equipment power
on at this time.
5Connect the free end of the Nano ITC USB cable into a free USB port on the external computer system.
6Turn the computer power on and allow the system to boot up.
Figure 7 Rear of Nano ITC.
Power cord
Power
switch
USB cable

Page 20 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide
Starting the Nano ITC
Once you have completely set up the calorimeter and computer system, you can start the instrument as
follows:
1Turn on the surge suppressor power switch and the computer system and monitor.
2Turn on the power switch to the calorimeter, which is located on the back panel. The front LED will
light up green when in the “on” position.
Figure 8 LED location on Nano ITC Low Volume instrument.
3Start the ITCRun software on the computer. You are now ready to begin preparing to run an experiment.
Power LED light