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