TA DTC-300 User manual

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY METER
DTC-300
Getting Started Guide
Revision EIssued April 2020

Page 1 DTC-300 Getting Started Guide
Notice
The material contained in this manual 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 suit-
ability 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, 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 Instruments. 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.

©2020 by 
TA Instruments — Waters LLC 
159 Lukens Drive
New Castle, DE 19720

DTC-300 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

Page 3 DTC-300 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.
Please heed the warning labels and take the necessary precautions when dealing with those parts of the
instrument. The DTC-300 Getting Started Guide contains cautions and warnings that must be 
followed for your own safety.
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 61010-1:2012 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
UL61010-1:2012 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 environ-
ment 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.

DTC-300 Getting Started Guide Page 4
Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards
For Australia and New Zealand
AS/NZS CISPR 11:2007 Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) Equipment - Radio-frequency Distur-
bance Characteristics - Limits and Methods of Measurement.
For Canada
ICES-003 Issue 5, February 2004 Information Technology Equipment (ITE) - Interference-Causing Equip-
ment Standard - Limits and Methods of Measurements.
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 Require-
ments - Part 1: General Requirements.
Emissions: Meets Class A Requirements per CISPR 11.
Immunity: Per Table 1 - Basic Immunity Test Requirements.
For the United States
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 47 - Telecommunication, Chapter I - Federal Communications
Commission (FCC), Part 15 - Radio Frequency Devices, Subpart B - Unintentional Radiators for a Class A
Digital Device (FCC regulation pertaining to radio frequency emissions).
Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
47 CFR § 2.1077 Compliance Information
Unique Identifier: 854030.901–.906
Responsible Party:
TA Instruments
159 Lukens Drive
New Castle, DE 19720
302-427-4000
www.tainstruments.com
FCC Compliance Statement:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

DTC-300 Getting Started Guide Page 5
Safety
Instrument Symbols
The following label is displayed on the instrument for your protection:
Please heed the warning labels and take the necessary precautions when dealing with these areas. This Get-
ting Started Guide contains cautions and warnings that must be followed for your own safety.
Warnings
Symbol Explanation
This symbol indicates that a hand crush hazard is present. Take care to keep hands
clear of the Test Stack during loading and unloading of samples.
Ce symbole indique la présence d'un risque de broyage de main. Prenez soin
d'éloigner vos mains de la cheminée d'essai pendant la mise en place et la
décharge des échantillons.
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 to 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.
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.
WARNING: Always unplug the instrument before performing any maintenance.
AVERTISSEMENT: Débranchez toujours l'instrument avant de procéder à la maintenance.
WARNING: No user serviceable parts are contained in the DTC-300. Maintenance not specified
in the DTC-300 Getting Started Guide and repairs must be performed by TA Instruments or other
qualified service personnel only.
AVERTISSEMENT: Aucune pièce du DTC-300 n'est réparable par l'utilisateur. Les travaux de
maintenance non spécifiés dans le guide de démarrage du DTC-300 et les réparations doivent
être effectués uniquement par TA Instruments ou tout autre personnel d'entretien qualifié.

DTC-300 Getting Started Guide Page 6
CAUTION: Do not power off the chiller during instrument operation. The top stack, guard furnace,
and bottom stack must be below 50°C. Failure to do so may result in damage to the instrument.
Electrical Safety
Supply voltage: 100 to 120VAC or 200 to 240VAC (Instrument Dependent, Reference the Voltage Rating
on the Back Panel)
Mains frequency: 50 to 60 Hz
Current Rating: 10A
Fuse type: 2X T 10A L 250V
Lifting the Instrument
WARNING: Do not raise the guard furnace until it is below 50°C. Failure to do so may result in
personal injury and/or damage to the instrument.
AVERTISSEMENT: Ne soulevez pas la fournaise de protection tant qu’elle n’est pas inférieure à
50 ° C. Dans le cas contraire, vous risquez de vous blesser et / ou d'endommager l'instrument.
DANGER: Because of the high voltages in this instrument, maintenance and repair of internal
parts must be performed by TA Instruments or other qualified service personnel only.
DANGER: À cause de la 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: Only use a mains power cable that meets the ratings displayed on the back on the
instrument being installed/reinstalled.
AVERTISSEMENT: Utilisez uniquement un câble du secteur électrique qui répond à la capacité
nominale affichée à l'arrière de l'instrument installé/réinstallé.
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.

DTC-300 Getting Started Guide Page 8
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
Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity ....................................................................................... 5
Safety ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Instrument Symbols ............................................................................................................6
Warnings ............................................................................................................................. 6
Electrical Safety .................................................................................................................. 7
Lifting the Instrument .........................................................................................................7
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 1: Introducing the DTC-300 ........................................................................................ 11
Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 11
DTC-300 System Components ......................................................................................................12
Electronic Enclosure ............................................................................................................... 12
DTC-300 Front Panel ....................................................................................................... 12
DTC-300 Back Panel ........................................................................................................ 14
Test Stack ................................................................................................................................ 15
Instrument Specifications .............................................................................................................. 16
Chapter 2: Installing the DTC-300 System ............................................................................... 18
Unpacking/Repacking .................................................................................................................... 18
Installing the System ...................................................................................................................... 18
Inspecting the System ............................................................................................................. 18
Choosing a Location ............................................................................................................... 19
In ....................................................................................................................................... 19
On ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Near .................................................................................................................................. 19
Away from ........................................................................................................................ 19
Moving the Instrument ............................................................................................................ 20
Connecting the Utilities ........................................................................................................... 20
Connecting the Power ....................................................................................................... 20
Connecting the Air Supply ............................................................................................... 21
Connecting the Drain Hose ............................................................................................... 21
Connecting the Coolant .................................................................................................... 22
Chapter 3: Operating the DTC-300 ........................................................................................... 23
Using the DTC-300 ........................................................................................................................ 23
Before You Begin ................................................................................................................... 23
Startup and Shutdown Procedures ................................................................................................. 23

DTC-300 Getting Started Guide Page 9
Starting the DTC-300 System ................................................................................................. 23
Shutting Down the DTC-300 System ..................................................................................... 24
Running a DTC-300 Experiment ...................................................................................................24
Sample Requirements .............................................................................................................. 24
Low-Temperature Testing ....................................................................................................... 25
Loading the Sample .......................................................................................................... 25
Testing the Sample ........................................................................................................... 26
High-Temperature Testing ...................................................................................................... 27
Loading the Sample .......................................................................................................... 27
Testing the Sample ........................................................................................................... 28
Sub-Ambient Temperature Testing ......................................................................................... 28
Loading the Sample ......................................................................................................... 28
Testing the Sample ........................................................................................................... 29
Unknown Sample Testing ....................................................................................................... 29
Special Sample Testing ........................................................................................................... 31
Thin Film (Multiple) Sample Testing ............................................................................... 31
Non-Solid Sample Testing ................................................................................................32
Paste Cell Testing .............................................................................................................32
Polymer Melt Cell Testing ...............................................................................................33
Unloading the Sample ............................................................................................................. 34
Running a Conductivity Test ......................................................................................................... 35
Stopping a Test .............................................................................................................................. 39
Analyzing a Completed Test ......................................................................................................... 39
Reviewing the Results ............................................................................................................. 39
Reanalyzing the Test Results ..................................................................................................40
Manually Creating a Conductivity Test ............................................................................ 40
Chapter 4: Calibrating the DTC-300......................................................................................... 42
Calibration Procedures for Low Temperatures 
(20°C to 100°C) ............................................................................................................................. 42
Calibration Procedures for High Temperatures 
(100°C to 300°C) ........................................................................................................................... 43
Calibration Procedures for Sub-Ambient Temperatures 
(-20°C to 20°C) .............................................................................................................................. 44
Calibration Procedure with the Paste Cell ..................................................................................... 45
Reanalyzing and Modifying a Calibration ..................................................................................... 45
Reanalyzing a Calibration ....................................................................................................... 45
Modifying a Calibration .......................................................................................................... 47
Adding a Reference .......................................................................................................... 47
Deleting a Reference ........................................................................................................ 48
Manually Creating a Calibration File ......................................................................................49
Chapter 5: Maintaining the DTC-300........................................................................................ 51
Cleaning the Test Stack Surface .................................................................................................... 51
Uninstalling and Installing the Stack Spacer ................................................................................. 51

DTC-300 Getting Started Guide Page 10
Uninstalling the Stack Spacer ................................................................................................. 51
Installing the Stack Spacer ...................................................................................................... 52
Uninstalling and Installing the Bottom Stack ................................................................................ 53
Uninstalling the Bottom Stack ................................................................................................ 53
Installing the Bottom Stack ..................................................................................................... 54
Replacement Parts ......................................................................................................................... 55