TA DISCOVERY DSC2500 User manual

Getting Started Guide for
DSC2500, DSC250, DSC25
Revision C Issued December 2016
DISCOVERY DSC™
DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETER

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 1
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
liability. 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,
trademarks, 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 parts of the instrument.
©2016 by
TA Instruments — Waters LLC
159 Lukens Drive
New Castle, DE 19720

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 2
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

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 3
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.
UNE MISE EN GARDE met l'accent sur une procédure susceptible d'endommager l'équipement ou
de causer la perte des données si elle n'est pas correctement suivie.
Regulatory Compliance
Safety Standards
For Canada
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-12 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control,
and laboratory use, Part 1: General Requirements.
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-010-04 Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of
materials.
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-081-04 Particular requirements for automatic and semi-automatic labora-
tory equipment for analysis and other purposes.
For European Economic Area
(In accordance with Council Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26
February 2014 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on
the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits.)
EN 61010-1:2010 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory
use, Part 1: General Requirements.
EN 61010-2-010:2014 Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of materials.
EN 61010-2-081:2015 Particular requirements for automatic and semi-automatic laboratory equipment for
analysis and other purposes.
For United States
UL61010-1:2012 Electrical Equipment for Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements.
UL61010-2-010:2015 Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of materials.
UL 61010-2-081:2015 Particular requirements for automatic and semi-automatic laboratory equipment for
analysis and other purposes.
A WARNING indicates a procedure that may be hazardous to the operator or to the environment
if not followed correctly.
Un AVERTISSEMENT indique une procédure qui peut être dangereuse pour l'opérateur ou l'envi-
ronnement si elle n'est pas correctement suivie.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 4
Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards
For the United States
CFR Title 47 Telecommunication Chapter I Federal Communications Commission, Part 15 Radio
frequency devices (FCC regulation pertaining to radio frequency emissions).
CAUTION: This equipment is not intended for use in residential environments and may not provide
adequate protection to radio reception in such environments.
MISE EN GARDE: Cet appareil n'a pas destiné à être utilisé dans des environnements résidentiels et
ne peut pas fournir une protection adéquate à la réception radio dans de tels environnements.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 5
Safety
Instrument Symbols
The following labels are displayed on the Discovery DSC™system for your protection:
Please heed the warning labels and take the necessary precautions when dealing with those parts of the
instrument. The Discovery DSC Getting Started Guide contains cautions and warnings that must be
followed for your own safety.
WARNING: The operator of this instrument is advised that if the equipment is used in a manner
not specified in this manual, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
AVERTISSEMENT: L'utilisateur de cet instrument est prévenu qu'en cas d'utilisation contraire
aux indications du manuel, la protection offerte par l'équipement peut être altérée.
Symbol Explanation
This symbol indicates that you should read this Getting Started Guide for impor-
tant safety information. This guide contains important warnings and cautions
related to the installation, operation, and safety of the Discovery DSC system.
If you are not trained in electrical procedures, do not remove the cabinet covers
unless specifically instructed to do so in the manual. Maintenance and repair of
internal parts must be performed only by TA Instruments or other qualified
service personnel.
Ce symbole indique que vous devez lire entièrement ce guide de démarrage
pour obtenir d'importantes informations relatives à sécurité. Ce guide contient
d'importants avertissements et mises en garde relatifs à l'installation, à l'utilisa-
tion et à la sécurité du système Discovery DSC.
Si vous n'êtes pas formé aux procédures électriques, ne déposez pas les couver-
cles de l'armoire sauf indications spécifiques contenues dans le manuel. La
maintenance et la réparation des pièces internes doivent être effectuées unique-
ment par TA Instruments ou tout autre personnel d'entretien qualifié.
This symbol indicates that a hot surface may be present. Take care not to touch
this area or allow any material that may melt or burn come in contact with this
hot surface.
Ce symbole indique la présence possible d'une surface chaude. Prenez soin de
ne pas toucher cette zone ou de laisser un matériau susceptible de fondre ou de
brûler entrer en contact avec cette surface chaude.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 6
Electrical Safety
You must unplug the instrument before doing any maintenance or repair work; voltages as high as
120/240 VAC are present in the instrument.
Handling Liquid Nitrogen
Some of the cooling accessories use the cryogenic (low-temperature) agent, liquid nitrogen, for cooling.
Because of its low temperature (–196°C [–321°F)]), liquid nitrogen will burn the skin. When you work
with liquid nitrogen, use the following precautions:
1Wear goggles or a face shield, gloves large enough to be removed easily, and a rubber apron. For extra
protection, wear high-topped, sturdy shoes, and leave your pant legs outside the tops.
2Transfertheliquidslowlytopreventthermalshocktotheequipment.Usecontainersthathavesatisfactory
low-temperature properties. Ensure that closed containers have vents to relieve pressure.
3The purity of liquid nitrogen decreases when exposed to air. If the liquid in a container has been open
to the atmosphere for a prolonged period, analyze the remaining liquid before using it for any purpose
where high oxygen content could be dangerous.
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. High voltages are present in this instrument. Maintenance and
repair of internal parts must be performed only by TA Instruments or other qualified service per-
sonnel.
DANGER: Risque de choc électrique. Présence de tensions élevées dans cet instrument. La
maintenance et la réparation des pièces internes doivent être effectuées uniquement par TA
Instruments ou tout autre personnel d'entretien qualifié.
WARNING: Protective earthing is provided through the mains power cord. Use of a grounded
mains power outlet is required.
AVERTISSEMENT: Mise à la terre de protection est assurée par le cordon d'alimentation secteur.
Utilisation d'une prise d'alimentation secteur terre est nécessaire.
WARNING: Liquid nitrogen boils rapidly when exposed to room temperature. Be certain that
areas where liquid nitrogen is used are well ventilated to prevent displacement of oxygen in the
air.
AVERTISSEMENT: L'azote liquide bout rapidement lorsqu'il est exposé à la température ambi-
ante. Assurez-vous que les zones où l'azote liquide est utilisé sont bien aérées pour éviter le
déplacement de l'oxygène dans l'air.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 7
Thermal Safety
Chemical Safety
DANGER: The cell surfaces can be hot enough to burn the skin during a sample run. If you are
conducting a subambient test on the DSC, cold could also cause injury. After running any type
of experiment, you must allow the DSC cell to return to room temperature before you touch the
inner cell surfaces.
DANGER: Les surfaces de cellule peuvent être assez chaudes pour vous brûler la peau pendant
l'analyse d'un échantillon. Si vous effectuez un essai à basse température sur le DSC, le froid
peut également provoquer des blessures. Après avoir effectué un type d'expérience quel-
conque, vous devez laisser la cellule DSC revenir à la température ambiante avant de toucher
les surfaces internes de la cellule.
WARNING: Do not use hydrogen or any other explosive gas in the DSC.
AVERTISSEMENT: N'utilisez pas d'hydrogène ou tout autre gaz explosif dans le DSC.
WARNING: Oxygen can be used as a purge gas in the DSC. However, the cell must be kept clean
so that volatile hydrocarbons, which might combust, are removed. Maximum pressure for oxy-
gen shall be no greater than 34 kPa gauge (5 psig).
AVERTISSEMENT: L'oxygène peut être utilisé comme gaz de drainage dans le DSC. Toutefois la
cellule doit rester propre pour que les hydrocarbures volatils, qui peuvent brûler, soient élimi-
nés. Pression maximale d'oxygène ne doit pas être supérieure à 34 kPa (5 psig).
WARNING: If you are routinely evaluating materials in the DSC that lose a large amount of vola-
tile hydrocarbons (e.g., lubricating oils), clean the DSC cell more frequently to prevent danger-
ous buildup of debris in the furnace.
AVERTISSEMENT: Si vous évaluez systématiquement les équipements du DSC qui perdent une
grande quantité d'hydrocarbures volatils (p.ex., les huiles de graissage), nettoyez la cellule du
DSC plus souvent pour éviter l'accumulation dangereuse des débris dans le four.
WARNING: If you are using samples that may emit harmful gases, vent the gases by placing the
instrument near an exhaust.
AVERTISSEMENT: Si vous utilisez des échantillons qui émettent des gaz nocifs, ventilez les gaz
en plaçant l'instrument près d'un échappement.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 8
Laser Safety
This instrument is a Class 1 Laser product. Do not stare into the beam. Exempt laser product.
Class 1 Laser Products are accompanied by the following label:
This product complies with IEC 60825-1, with FDA performance standards for laser products.
21 CRF 1040.10 except for deviation pursuant to Laser Notice No.50.
Lifting the Instrument
The Discovery DSC™ is a fairly heavy instrument. In order to avoid injury, particularly to the back, please
follow this advice:
WARNING: Use two people to lift and/or carry the instrument. The instrument is too heavy for
one person to handle safely.
AVERTISSEMENT: Demandez à deux personnes de soulever et/ou de porter l'instrument.
L'instrument est trop lourd pour qu'une seule personne le manipule en toute sécurité.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 9
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................2
Important: TA Instruments Manual Supplement ...................................................................................2
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings ..............................................................................................................3
Regulatory Compliance ..........................................................................................................................3
Safety Standards ..............................................................................................................................3
Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards ..............................................................................................4
Safety ......................................................................................................................................................5
Instrument Symbols .........................................................................................................................5
Electrical Safety ...............................................................................................................................6
Handling Liquid Nitrogen ...............................................................................................................6
Thermal Safety ................................................................................................................................7
Chemical Safety ...............................................................................................................................7
Laser Safety .....................................................................................................................................8
Lifting the Instrument ......................................................................................................................8
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................9
Introducing the Discovery DSC™ 2500, DSC250, DSC25 ....................................................................11
Overview..................................................................................................................................................... 11
DSC System Components........................................................................................................................... 12
Discovery DSC .....................................................................................................................................12
Discovery DSC Cell ......................................................................................................................12
Gas Delivery Module .....................................................................................................................14
DSC Autosampler ..........................................................................................................................14
Cooling Accessories .............................................................................................................................14
Finned Air Cooling System (FACS) .............................................................................................15
Quench Cooling Accessory (QCA) for FACS ..............................................................................15
Stand-Alone Quench Cooler ..........................................................................................................15
Refrigerated Cooling System (RCS) .............................................................................................16
Liquid Nitrogen Pump (LN Pump) ................................................................................................17
The Discovery DSC™ User Interface........................................................................................................ 18
Primary Function Buttons ....................................................................................................................19
View Panel ...........................................................................................................................................20
Additional Function Buttons ................................................................................................................21
Instrument Specifications ........................................................................................................................... 22
Options and Accessories............................................................................................................................. 24
Tzero® Sample Encapsulating Press ...................................................................................................24
Installing the Discovery DSC™ System ..................................................................................................25
Unpacking/Repacking the DSC.................................................................................................................. 25
Installing the Discovery DSC System ........................................................................................................ 25
Inspecting the System ..........................................................................................................................26
Choosing a Location ............................................................................................................................26
In ....................................................................................................................................................26
On ..................................................................................................................................................26
Near ...............................................................................................................................................26
Away from .....................................................................................................................................26

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 10
Setting Up System Communication .....................................................................................................29
Connecting Lines to the Gas Delivery Module ....................................................................................29
Purge Gas Lines .............................................................................................................................29
Cooling Gas Line ...........................................................................................................................30
Connecting the Power Cable ................................................................................................................31
Starting the Discovery DSC System........................................................................................................... 31
Shutting Down the Discovery DSC System............................................................................................... 32
Installing the DSC Cooling Accessories..................................................................................................... 33
Installing the Finned Air Cooling System (FACS) ..............................................................................33
Installing the Refrigerated Cooling System (RCS) ..............................................................................35
Installing the Quench Coolers ..............................................................................................................38
Quench Cool Accessory for FACS ................................................................................................38
Stand-Alone Quench Cooler ..........................................................................................................38
Installing the Liquid Nitrogen Pump (LN Pump) ................................................................................39
Installing the Transfer Line ...........................................................................................................40
Installing the LN Pump to the Tank ..............................................................................................42
Installing the LN Pump on the Discovery DSC ............................................................................43
Installation of Additional Items.................................................................................................................. 49
Installing the Autosampler Tray ...........................................................................................................49
Installing the Lid (DSC2500 only) ................................................................................................49
Use, Maintenance, & Diagnostics ............................................................................................................51
Using the Discovery DSC™....................................................................................................................... 51
Before You Begin ................................................................................................................................51
Calibrating the Discovery DSC™.............................................................................................................. 52
T1 Baseline Calibration (Discovery DSC2500, DSC250, DSC25) .....................................................52
Tzero®Calibration ...............................................................................................................................52
Enthalpy (Cell) Constant Calibration ...................................................................................................53
Temperature Calibration ......................................................................................................................53
Heat Capacity Calibration (Discovery DSC2500 only) .......................................................................53
Heat Capacity (MDSC®) Calibration ...................................................................................................53
Autosampler Calibration ......................................................................................................................54
Running a Discovery DSC™ Experiment.................................................................................................. 54
Experimental Procedure .......................................................................................................................54
Loading the Sample ..............................................................................................................................54
Starting an Experiment .........................................................................................................................55
Stopping an Experiment .......................................................................................................................55
Maintaining the Instrument......................................................................................................................... 55
Cleaning the User Interface Screen ......................................................................................................55
Replacing Fuses ...................................................................................................................................56
Replacement Parts ...................................................................................................................................... 57

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 11
Chapter 1:
Introducing the Discovery DSC™ 2500, DSC250, DSC25
Overview
The Discovery Differential Scanning Calorimeter determines the temperature and heat flow associated
with materials as a function of time and temperature. It also provides quantitative and qualitative data on
endothermic (heat absorption) and exothermic (heat production) processes of materials during physical
transitions that are caused by phase changes, melting, oxidation, and other kinetic and thermodynamic pro-
cesses. It can also be used to measure and quantify the heat capacity of a material. This information helps
the scientist or engineer identify processing and end-use performance.
Figure 1 Discovery DSC2500 shown.
Your controller is a computer that performs the following functions:
• Provides an interface between you and the analysis instruments.
• Enables you to set up experiments and enter necessary information.
• Stores experimental data.
• Runs instrument control and data analysis program (TRIOS software).
NOTE: For technical reference information, theory of operation, and other information associated with the
DSC not found in this manual, see the online help associated with the instrument control software.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 12
DSC System Components
A functional Discovery DSC™ system has two major components: the Discovery DSC instrument, which
includes the DSC cell used for monitoring differential heat flow and temperature and a gas delivery mod-
ule; and a cooling accessory. The cooling accessory selected depends on the temperature range desired for
your experiments.
Discovery DSC
The Discovery DSC instrument consists of a cell module, gas delivery module, and optional Autosampler.
These components are described below.
Discovery DSC Cell
In a “heat flux” DSC, the sample material (encapsulated in a pan) and an empty reference pan are placed
on a thermoelectric sensor surrounded by a furnace. The DSC cell module is shown below.
Figure 2 DSC cell module.
As the temperature of the furnace is changed (usually by heating at a linear rate), heat is transferred to and
from the sample and reference through the thermoelectric sensor. The differential heat flow to the sample
and reference is measured by a thermocouple device using the thermal equivalent of Ohm's Law.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 13
This simple relationship, however, does not take into account extraneous heat flow within the sensor. The
TA Instruments DSC is specifically designed to account for those latter heat flows.
The cell sensor consists of a constantan transducer with separate chromel disk welded to the surface under
the sample platform. Chromel wires are welded to the Chromel disks to generate the delta-T signal. A third
thermocouple measures the temperature at the base and one of those wires with the sample platform wire
generates the delta-T zero signal. The T4 equation below shows the thermal network model which repre-
sents this cell arrangement, and the resultant heat flow expression that describes this cell arrangement (des-
ignated the T0[Tzero®] cell):
The first term in this expression is the equivalent of the conventional single-term DSC heat flow expres-
sion. The second and third terms account for differences between the sample and reference sensor resis-
tances and capacitances respectively. These terms have their largest impact during regions of the thermal
curve where the heat capacity of the sample is the predominant contributor to heat flow. The fourth term
accounts for the difference in heating rate between the sample and reference. This term has its largest
impact during enthalpic events (e.g., melting). This equation can be further adapted to account for pan heat
flow effects T4P.
The DSC can deliver any of three separate heat flow signals, including:
• The conventional (single-term) heat flow (commonly designated as “T1 heat flow”).
• The expanded four-term heat flow (designated as “T4 heat flow”), which accounts for the cell
resistances and capacitances and the heating rate difference between the sample and reference.
• A third heat flow (designated as “T4P heat flow”), which also accounts for pan effects.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 14
Gas Delivery Module
The Discovery DSC™ gas delivery module controls the flow and delivery of purge gas to the Discovery
DSC cell. It is based on a manifold design, and is capable of switching between two different purge gases
at any point during or between experiments. It also measures the base purge flow, which prevents frosting
when cooling accessories are used, and switches on/off the cooling gas flow.
DSC Autosampler
The Autosampler (shown below) is standard on the TA Instruments Discovery DSC2500, and optional for
the Discovery DSC25 and DSC250.
Figure 3 Discovery DSC2500 with Autosampler.
The Autosampler is a four-axis robotic device that automatically loads sample and reference pans between
the DSC measurement cell and the Autosampler tray. Once the Autosampler loads the pans and the cell
covers are in place, the controller takes over and runs the pre-programmed thermal analysis experiments.
After the experiment is complete and the cell returns to standby temperature, the instrument uncovers the
cell and the Autosampler then unloads the pans. The unattended process can be pre-programmed to run up
to 53 samples with one reference pan.
Cooling Accessories
The Discovery DSC operates in conjunction with one of the cooling accessories listed below. Your choice
of cooling accessories depends on the temperature range that you wish to use for your experiments. For
information on installing the cooling accessories, see Chapter 2. For proper operation, the correct cooler
type must be selected through the instrument control software; see the online help for details.
WARNING: Do not place your hands in the path of the Autosampler when it is in motion. Physi-
cal injury may occur.
AVERTISSEMENT: Ne placez pas vos doigts sur le chemin de l'échantillonneur automatique
lorsqu'il est en mouvement. Des blessures physiques peuvent se produire.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 15
Finned Air Cooling System (FACS)
The Finned Air Cooling System (FACS) allows operation from ambient to 725°C, using flowing air as the
coolant. For installation instructions, see Chapter 2. You can use the optional Quench Cool accessory with
the FACS (see next section) if you want to return the temperature of the cell to ambient more quickly. This
cooler is not intended for use at temperatures below ambient due to the potential for frost formation on the
fins.
Figure 4 Finned Air Cooling System (FACS).
Quench Cooling Accessory (QCA) for FACS
The Quench Cooling Accessory (QCA) is placed inside the FACS and has a reservoir into which you can
place coolant to return the cell to ambient more quickly. The rate of temperature drop depends on the
coolant used (ice and water, dry ice, or liquid nitrogen).
NOTE: When using the FACS QCA, make sure that the cooling accessory identified in the instrument
control program is the FACS and not the Quench Cooler. If the wrong cooler is identified, your results will
be affected.
NOTE: Before you initiate a heating experiment, remove the Quench Cooler and put the manual silver lid
back in place.
Stand-Alone Quench Cooler
The stand-alone Quench Cooler is designed for rapidly cooling the DSC cell to a lower temperature before
initiating programmed heating experiments. The DSC Quench Cooler, along with a thermal enclosure, fits
over the standard DSC cell and has a reservoir into which you can place coolant to cool the cell. The tem-
perature range when using the Quench Cooler is –180 to 550°C. The actual range depends on the coolant
(ice and water, dry ice, or liquid nitrogen).

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 16
Figure 5 Stand-alone Quench Cooler with thermal enclosure.
NOTE: The Quench Cooler cannot be used to perform a Tzero calibration of the DSC. Therefore, only T1
heat flow is available when using the Quench Cooler.
NOTE: The Quench Cooler requires the manual silver lid provided in the Discovery DSC™ kit, and
therefore cannot be used with the Autosampler. The DSC Autosampler is disabled during Quench Cooler
operation.
Refrigerated Cooling System (RCS)
The Refrigerated Cooling Systems (RCS) are used to perform DSC cooling experiments. There are three
different models offered by TA Instruments: the new RCS120, the RCS90, and the RCS40. All three mod-
els have a cooling head, which is made up of an internal heat exchanger, anti-condensate heaters, and vari-
ous other components. The cooling head fits over the DSC cell.
• The RCS120 is a three stage, vapor compression refrigeration system with an attached cooling head.
The operating range of the RCS120 is -120 to 400°C.
• The RCS90 consists of a two-stage, cascade, vapor compression refrigeration system with an attached
cooling head. The RCS90 can be used for experiments requiring cooling within an operating range of
–90 to 550°C. The maximum rate of cooling depends on the temperature range of your experiment.
• The RCS40 consists of a single-stage vapor compression refrigeration system with an attached cooling
head. The RCS40 can be used for experiments requiring cooling within an operating range of –40°C to
400°C. The maximum rate of cooling depends on the temperature range of your experiment.
CAUTION: We recommend that you do not use the RCS40 when running long isothermal experi-
ments above 325°C. Damage to the unit can occur if used at high temperatures for extended
periods. Contact TA Instruments for more information.
MISE EN GARDE: Nous recommandons de ne pas utiliser le RCS40 lorsque vous effectuez de
longues expériences isothermes au-dessus de 325°C. L'appareil peut subir des dégâts s'il est utilisé à
des températures élevées sur de longues périodes. Contactez TA Instruments pour plus de renseigne-
ments.
Quench Cooler
Thermal enclosure

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 17
Liquid Nitrogen Pump (LN Pump)
The Liquid Nitrogen Pump (LN Pump) is a cooling accessory that allows continuous temperature control
within the range of –180 to 550°C. The LN Pump delivers (via a pump) liquid nitrogen to the heat
exchanger, which in turn cools the cell.
The LN Pump can be controlled from the General panel of TRIOS software or the user interface on Dis-
covery DSC 25, DSC 250, and DSC 2500 units. Refer to the Discovery Liquid Nitrogen Pump Getting
Started Guide for more information on the LN Pump.
Figure 6 LN Pump.

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 18
The Discovery DSC™ User Interface
The Discovery DSC includes an integrated user interface display for local operator control. The functions
of the user interface change depending upon the view displayed. This section briefly describes the basic
layout of these functions.
Figure 7 Discovery DSC user interface display (DSC2500 shown).
The instrument user interface has three basic sections:
• The status line along the top of the display indicates the current instrument status and sample tempera-
ture.
• The primary function buttons allow for easy access of common functions.
• View panel allows for real-time instrument status and associated actions.
Status line
View panel
Primary function buttons

Discovery DSC™ Getting Started Guide Page 19
Primary Function Buttons
Use the following buttons for the main functions of the instrument.
Table 1: Primary Function Buttons on the User Interface
Key Name Description
Start Begins the currently-programmed experiment. This is the same function
as Start on the instrument control software. Start automatically loads
the selected sample pan and closes the furnace, if necessary, before
beginning the experiment.
Stop If an experiment is running, this button ends the method normally, as
though it had run to completion; i.e., the method-end conditions go into
effect and the data that has been generated is saved. This is the same
function as Stop on the instrument control software. If an experiment is
not running (the instrument is in a standby or method-end state), the
Stop button will halt any activity (air cool, all mechanical motion, etc.).
If an Autosampler sequence is in progress, Stop will halt the sequence.
Lid Open/Close Toggles between opening and closing the lid on the DSC cell.
Reset Returns the Autosampler to the Home position and eliminates all
records of pans.
Back Returns you to the previous page used
Home Returns you to the Main screen.