TA DHR Series User manual

Revision E Issued November 2013
Getting Started Guide
DHR Series and AR Series
Electrically Heated Plate

Page 2 DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate 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.
©2013 by
TA Instruments — Waters LLC
159 Lukens Drive
New Castle, DE 19720

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate 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 DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate 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.
MISE EN GARDE: UNE MISE EN GARDE met l'accent sur une procédure susceptible d'endom-
mager 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 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use, Part 1: General Requirements.
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-010 Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of
materials.
For European Economic Area
(In accordance with Council Directive 2006/95/EC of 12 December 2006 on the harmonization of the laws
of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits.)
EN 61010-1:2001 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory
use, Part 1: General Requirements + Amendments.
EN 61010-2-010:2003 Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of materials +
Amendments.
For United States
UL61010-1:2004 Electrical Equipment for Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements.
UL61010A-2-010:2002 Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of materials +
Amendments.
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'environnement si elle n'est pas correctement suivie.

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 5
Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards
For Australia and New Zealand
AS/NZS CISPR11:2004 Limits and methods of measurement of electronic disturbance characteristics of
industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio frequency equipment.
For Canada
ICES-001 Issue 4 June 2006 Interference-Causing Equipment Standard: Industrial, Scientific, and Medical
Radio Frequency Generators.
For the European Economic Area
(In accordance with Council Directive 2004/108/EC of 15 December 2004 on the approximation of the
laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.)
EN61326-1:2006 Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use-EMC requirements-
Part 1: General Requirements. Emissions: Meets Class A requirements per CISPR 11. Immunity: Per
Table 1 - Basic immunity test requirements.
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).

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 6
Safety
Do not attempt to service this instrument, as it contains no user-serviceable components.
Required Equipment
While operating this accessory, you must wear eye protection that either meets or exceeds ANSI Z87.1
standards. Additionally, wear protective clothing that has been approved for protection against the
materials under test and the test temperatures.
Instrument Symbols
The following label is displayed on the accessory for your protection:
Please heed the warning labels and take the necessary precautions when dealing with these areas. This
Getting Started Guide contains cautions and warnings that must be followed for your own safety.
Symbol Explanation
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.

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate 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
Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Instrument Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Chapter 1:
Introducing the Electrically Heated Plates ................................................................... 8
About the Electrically Heated Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Electrically Heated Plates Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Chapter 2:
Installing the Electrically Heated Plates ..................................................................... 12
Installing the EHP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Mounting and Connecting the Manifold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Mounting and Connecting the Upper and Lower Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Attaching and Removing the Geometry Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Attaching the Geometry Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Removing the Geometry Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Attaching and Removing the Purge Gas Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Attaching the Purge Gas Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Removing the Purge Gas Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
About the View Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Setting the Gas Flow Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
EHP Temperature Calibration Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Discovery Series and AR-G2 with Standard Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Discovery Series and AR-G2 with Disposable Plates/AR2000/AR2000ex/AR 1500ex . . . .22
Index ................................................................................................................................................... 23

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 8
Chapter 1:
Introducing the Electrically Heated Plates
About the Electrically Heated Plates
The Electrically Heated Plates (EHP) consist of a high temperature parallel plate and a cone and plate
Smart Swap™ temperature system. It designed for use with the Discovery Series and AR-G2, AR2000ex,
and AR 1500ex rheometers. The EHP is commonly used for the testing of polymer melts. On the
Discovery Series and AR-G2, the temperature of the upper plate is measured directly using the Upper
Temperature Sensor (UTS). This consists of a special drawrod containing a Pt100 temperature sensor, the
information from which is transmitted to a remote reading device.
The EHP is cooled by air passing through ducts. The air flow is controlled manually. The EHP includes a
heated purge. Operation can be either in air or under nitrogen or other inert gas. A gas purge cover is
provided for operation under inert gas.
An optional low temperature cooling accessory, the Gas Cooling Accessory (GCA), is also available for
temperature control down to –70°C.
Figure 1 The EHP with cover up on left, and cover down on right (AR Series shown).

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 9
Electrically Heated Plates Components
The EHP consists of three main components (see the figure below).
• An upper fixture that attaches to the rheometer head. This fixture contains electrical heating elements,
cooling ducts, and purge duct.
• A lower fixture that mounts on the rheometer Smart Swap connector. This fixture contains electrical
heating elements and a cooling duct.
• A geometry holder that attaches to the rheometer rotating shaft. The geometry holder contains a heat
spreader. There is no physical contact between this component and the upper fixture. For the Discov-
ery Series and AR-G2, the geometry holder is supplied as a single unit, with a fixed geometry. For the
AR2000ex and AR 1500ex, the geometry can be removed from the holder.
Figure 2 EHP components.
In addition to the three main components, a supplied pneumatic manifold containing flow meters mounts
on the rear of the rheometer. The 6-mm outer diameter high-temperature tubing required to connect this
unit to the cooling ducts of the upper and lower fixtures is supplied cut to length and with the appropriate
connectors attached.
Upper fixture
Lower fixture
Gas purge duct
Motor cooling duct
Upper fixture
heating element
Sample
Lower fixture
cooling duct
Lower fixture
Smart Swap
connector
Geometry holder
heat spreader
Geometry holder
Upper fixture
cooling duct
Lower fixture
heating element

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 10
Heating of the EHP is through the electrical elements in the upper and lower fixtures. Cooling is provided
by air carried in the coolant ducts. The air flow rate is manually controlled.
The temperature of the lower fixture is read by a Pt100 probe placed close to the surface of the lower plate,
and in close thermal contact with it.
WARNING: Do not use any tubing other than that provided by TA Instruments to
connect the bracket to the upper and lower fixtures. If replacement tubing is
required, please contact your local TA Instruments' representative or service engi-
neer.
AVERTISSEMENT: N'utilisez pas une tuyauterie autre que celle fournie par TA
Instruments pour raccorder le support aux fixations supérieure et inférieure. S'il
est nécessaire de remplacer la tuyauterie, contactez votre représentant local de
TA Instruments ou l'ingénieur d'entretien.

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 11
System Specifications
Refer to the table below for EHP system specifications:
* Ramp rate: The maximum sustainable ramp rate will depend on a number of factors such as the start and end tem-
perature and the temperature / flow rate of circulation fluid. To determine the maximum sustainable heating/cooling
rate, perform the following test and analysis:
1Equilibrate to start temperature: Perform a time sweep or peak hold test with the temperature set (if possible) to a
few degrees in excess of the end temperature. Set the time much longer than you expect; the test can be aborted when
the temperature has reached a stable value.
2Plot a graph of temperature vs. time (min) and take the derivative: Inspect the derivative curve over your tempera-
ture range of interest. The maximum sustainable rate will be the lowest value on the derivative curve.
Table 1: Electrically Heated Plate System Specifications
Temperature range Ambient to 400°C
Maximum heating rate 30°C/min (uncontrolled)
10°C/min (controlled)
ramp rate*
Crash cooling flow rate No limits.
Purge gas flow rates 5 L/min recommended
(Set the lowest flow below 5 L/min that stops oxidation. This
will reduce noise and residuals during sensitive creep tests.)

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 12
Chapter 2:
Installing the Electrically Heated Plates
The steps needed to attach the EHP to the rheometer involve the following:
• Mounting and connecting the manifold.
• Mounting and connecting the upper and lower fixture.
• Attaching the geometry holder.
• Attaching the purge gas cover.
The following topics are also covered in this section:
• Removing the geometry holder.
• Removing the purge gas cover.

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 13
Installing the EHP
Follow the instructions below.
Mounting and Connecting the Manifold
Follow these instructions to install the EHP manifold:
1Ensure that the main air supply is turned off and depressurized.
2Mount the manifold to the rear of the rheometer using the four crosshead screws provided. For a DHR
instrument, mount the adapter bracket onto the rear of the rheometer and then mount the manifold to the
adapter.
A schematic of the main air and purge gas inlet connections to the rheometer and manifold is shown in
Figure 4 on the next page. Refer to the schematic for the remaining instructions.
Figure 3 EHP manifold.
3Disconnect the main air supply from the instrument filter regulator system, and attach the 8-mm ‘Y’
piece provided to the main air line.
Motor cooling outlet
Crash cool upper
outlet
Crash cool lower
outlet
Gas purge outlet
Crash cool
inlet Motor cooling
inlet Gas purge inlet

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 14
4Connect one branch of the ‘Y’ piece to the filter regulator system using the 8-mm outer diameter white/
natural tubing provided.
5Insert the 8-mm to 6-mm reducer into the second branch of the ‘Y’ piece. Then connect this to the
6-mm ‘Y’ piece using the 6-mm outer diameter white/natural nylon tubing.
6Connect one branch of the 6-mm ‘Y’ piece to the crash cool inlet port on the manifold using the 6-mm
outer diameter white/natural nylon tubing.
Figure 4 Schematic of air and gas purge from the manifold to the rheometer.
7Connect the other branch of the ‘Y’ piece to the motor cooling inlet port on the manifold using the
6-mm outer diameter white/natural nylon tubing.
NOTE: The motor cooling inlet and outlet, and gas purge inlet connectors are Swagelok®fittings that you
will need to install. Information on the correct procedure for this is given on the Swagelok company
website at www.swagelok.com.
8If inert gas is required, connect the gas purge supply to the gas purge inlet on the manifold using the
6- mm outer diameter white/natural tubing. The purge gas should be nitrogen or other inert gas used to
prevent oxidation of the sample by contact with air. The maximum pressure for the purge gas is 100 psi
(6.9 bar).
"Y" Pieces
Reducer
Main air in
(8 mm) Filter
regulator Instrument
bearing
(8 mm)
Crash cool
(6 mm)
Motor Cooling
(6 mm)
On/Off
valve Gas purge
(6 mm)
This is used to isolate the manifold
if you want to remove it.

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 15
Mounting and Connecting the Upper and Lower Fixtures
Follow the instructions below to install the upper and lower fixtures on the rheometer. Refer to the figure
below, which shows the upper and lower fixtures mounted, for reference.
Figure 5 The EHP with cover up on left, and cover down on right (AR Series shown).
1Ensure that the rheometer is turned on. Raise the head to the maximum (use the Head UP button located
on the instrument control panel).
2Attach the upper fixture to the mounting ring on the underside of the instrument head using the three
captive screws provided. Note that the power cable should project to the right of the instrument when
viewed from the front.
3Mount the lower fixture on the rheometer using the Smart Swap connection.
4Connect the upper and lower fixture cables to the right and left sockets respectively on the Smart Swap
EHP adapter. For proper system identification, it is important that this step be completed before step 5.
5Connect the Smart Swap EHP adapter to the Smart Swap socket (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 Smart Swap adapter connections.
Connector to Smart Swap socket
Connector to upper fixture
Connector to lower fixture

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 16
A schematic of the cooling air and gas purge outlet connections from the manifold is shown in the figure
below.
Figure 7 Schematic of cooling air and gas purge outlets from upper and lower fixtures.
6Remove the plugs from the connectors on the cooling ducts.
7Connect the motor cooling and crash cool upper and gas purge outlets on the manifold to the appropriate
inlets on the upper fixture using the fittings provided. See the figure below.
Figure 8 Cooling air and purge gas connections to the upper and lower fixtures.
Motor cooling Gas purge
Crash cool upper
Crash cool lower
Motor cooling
exhaust
Motor cooling
inlet
Crashcoollower
exhaust
Gas purge inlet
Crash cool
upper inlet
Crash cool
upper exhaust
Crash cool
lower inlet

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 17
8Connect the crash cool upper exhaust pipe and lower exhaust pipe to the crash cool upper and lower
outlets, respectively, using the compression fittings provided. Ensure that the pipes are pointing away
from the flexible tubing.
Figure 9 Crash cool upper exhaust pipe.
Attaching and Removing the Geometry Holder
The geometry holder and geometry holder spanner are shown in the figure below. The holder used with the
Discovery Series and AR-G2 is a single piece, with fixed geometry. The holder used with the AR 2000ex
and AR 1500ex has a removable geometry.
Figure 10 Geometry holder (left) and geometry holder spanner (right).
Attaching the Geometry Holder
Follow the instructions below to install the geometry holder onto the rheometer:
1Ensure that the rheometer is turned on. Raise the head to the maximum (use the Head UP button located
on the instrument control panel).
2FortheAR2000exandAR1500exonly: Attachthegeometrytotheholderandtightenusingthegeometry
holder spanner.
3Carefully insert and position the holder within the upper fixture, and connect it to the instrument shaft
by rotating the drawrod.
4Tighten the geometry holder by grasping it on the machined flats at the base of the heat spreader with
the geometry holder spanner, and rotating the drawrod.
Machined flats
Geometry Heat spreader

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 18
Removing the Geometry Holder
Follow the instructions below to remove the geometry holder:
1Ensure that the rheometer is turned on. Raise the head to the maximum (use the Head UP button located
on the instrument control panel).
2Grasp the geometry holder on the machined flats at the base, and unscrew from the instrument shaft by
rotating the drawrod.
3Lower the geometry holder carefully until it is clear ofthe upper fixture, and remove from the rheometer.
Attaching and Removing the Purge Gas Cover
The purge gas cover fixing tool and cover are shown in the figure below. The fixing tool should always be
used to handle the hot cover.
Figure 11 The purge gas cover fixing tool (left) and purge gas cover (right).
Attaching the Purge Gas Cover
Follow the instructions below to install the purge gas cover:
1Raise the instrument head (use the Head UP button located on the instrument control panel).
2Usethetooltoliftthecoverbyengagingwiththeslotsonthelovercoverrim,asshowninthefigurebelow.
Figure 12 Using the purge gas cover fixing tool (AR Series shown).
CAUTION: Gloves should be worn when handling the tool, as it can get hot.
MISE EN GARDE: Portez des gants lors de la manipulation de l'outil, car il peut devenir chaud.
Hold here

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 19
3Slide the cover over the upper fixture, engaging the bayonet fittings on the cover with the lugs on the
upper fixture.
4Twistthecover to holdinplace and remove the fixingtool.Thecoveris now in theupposition,asshown
in the figure below.
Figure 13 Purge gas cover in up position (AR Series shown).
NOTE: The fitting tool may not fit if the temperature difference between the cover and the tool is too
large. In that case, cool the UHP before attempting to remove the cover.
Running Experiments Using the Purge Gas Cover
While an experimental procedure is running, the cover should be in the DOWN position, as shown in the
figure below.
Figure 14 Purge gas cover in down position (AR Series shown).
To lower the purge gas cover, twist the fitting tool slightly to disengage from the lugs on the upper fixture,
and lower the cover. The cover should sit squarely on the rim on the lower fixture.
Remove the fixing tool after lowering the cover.

DHR/AR Series Electrically Heated Plate Getting Started Guide Page 20
Removing the Purge Gas Cover
Follow these instructions to remove the purge gas cover:
1Raise the instrument head (use the Head UP button located on the instrument control panel).
2Lower the cover using the fitting tool, and bring it clear of the instrument upper and lower fixtures.
About the View Cover
An optional extra for the EHP is the view cover, shown below. This is designed to allow the sample to be
seen by the user, and replaces the purge gas cover. The view cover can also be used with nitrogen or other
inert gas. To attach and remove the view cover, use the same procedure as that used for purge gas cover.
Figure 15 The view cover shown in place on the EHP.
NOTE: The view cover should not be used above 300°C.