Arizona Instrument Computrac MAX 5000XL MOISTURE ANALYZER USER MANUAL Firmware Revision 3.0X April 2008 Arizona Instrument LLC 1912 W 4th Street Tempe, AZ 85281 (800) 528-7411 (602) 470-1414 Fax (480) 804-0656 http://www.azic.com email: azi@azic.com - General intl@azic.com - International support@azic.
Computrac MAX 5000XL PROPRIETARY RIGHTS NOTICE The material in this manual contains valuable information developed by Arizona Instrument LLC for use with the Computrac line of moisture analyzers. No part of this manual can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, or otherwise. This includes photocopying and recording or in connection with any information storage or retrieval system without the express written permission of Arizona Instrument LLC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. WARNINGS AND SAFETY INFORMATION----------------------------------------------------------- 5 2. PACKING AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS---------------------------------------------------------- 7 3. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 3.1. Hardware .............................................................................................................................10 3.2. Oven ............................................
Report Items to Print ......................................................................................................52 Add/Edit Company Name ..............................................................................................52 Date/Time Setup .....................................................................................................................52 Data Format Setup ................................................................................................................
1. WARNINGS AND SAFETY INFORMATION The MAX 5000XL moisture analyzer complies with the Underwriter Laboratories Inc. standards and European Council Directives, for Electrical Equipment for Laboratory Use, electromagnetic compatibility, and the stipulated safety requirements. However, improper use or handling of the instrument can result in damage to the equipment and/or injury to personnel. The MAX 5000XL is Equipment Class I, Pollution Degree 2, and Installation Category II.
HAZARDS FOR PERSONS OR EQUIPMENT POSED BY USING SPECIFIC SAMPLES: Flammables; explosives; substances that contain flammables, explosives, solvents; and/or substances that release flammable or explosive gases or vapors during the drying process. The user shall be liable and responsible for any damage that arises in connection with the MAX 5000XL and potentially harmful substances. Substances containing toxic, caustic, or corrosive substances may be analyzed with the unit in an appropriate fume hood only.
2. PACKING AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS IMPORTANT Movement, handling, and packaging of the instrument must be done with EXTREME CARE to avoid permanent, expensive internal damage. The MAX 5000XL uses a delicate and very sensitive electronic force balance to measure small weights and weight losses. The balance is capable of measuring weight to a resolution of 0.1 milligram. Careful handling is necessary to prevent damage to the balance.
Please save the shipping box and all packaging materials for future use.
3. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION The Computrac MAX 5000XL is a high performance programmable loss-on-drying analyzer. Typical Repeatability: Moisture Level (%) >10% <5% Relative Standard Deviation >0.1% <0.1 Standard Deviation Ash (%) >10% >0.5% ≤5% Relative Standard Deviation ≤0.1 Standard Deviation Periodic balance and temperature calibration maintains accuracy. Test temperatures from 25º C to 600º C set at increments of one degree.
3.1. Hardware The MAX 5000XL consists of: A ceramic convection air oven A precision balance weighing mechanism with a resolution of 0.
3.3. Inventory Carefully unpack the instrument and locate the following items: Part Name MAX 5000XL Accessory Kit Line Cord, 110 VAC or Line Cord, 220 VAC (UK) or Line Cord, 220 VAC (Europe) Test Weights: 3grams 5 grams 50 grams Tweezers Sample Pans, Waffle: 100 ea. Sample Pans, Heavy: 5 ea. Optional Accessories* Printer Kit Serial Cable - null modem for computer interface Temperature Calibration Kit, 110V Temperature Calibration Kit, 220V Sample Pans, Flat: 100 ea.
4. INSTRUMENT SETUP Contact Arizona Instrument Customer Service at 800-528-7411 or 602-470-1414 or by e-mail at support@azic.com if you have any questions about the following instructions. The MAX 5000XL is designed to provide reliable results under normal ambient conditions in the laboratory and on the production floor. Compliance with the following guidelines will help ensure optimum accuracy in minimum time. Set up the MAX 5000XL on a stable, even surface that is not exposed to vibrations.
4.1. Interior of Test Chamber Remove the sample pan support from its separate box and packing foam. Save the box and foam so that the support can be packaged when the instrument is returned to the factory for annual calibration. NOTE: Shipment of the instrument with the pan support in place will damage the ceramic oven and the balance. Damage caused by improper shipment is not covered by the warranty. Open the lid of the MAX 5000XL by lifting the handle just above the display.
4.2. AC Power Connection Power Requirements: 100-130 VAC, 50/60 Hz @ 8 Amps – fuse is F8A T250V 220-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz @ 4 Amps – fuse is F4A T250V Fused on/off switch is part of an EMI power entry module The MAX 5000XL can be used with a 100-130 VAC or a 220-240 VAC input power source. Check the setting on the fuse holder, located at the rear of the instrument, and make sure it is set for the correct voltage for your environment.
All accessory equipment, printer, computer, etc., should be connected before applying power to the instrument. See the following sections, 4.4 and 4.5, to connect a printer and/or computer. Plug the line cord into a dedicated electrical power outlet. Line noise on the power lines may affect accuracy. A dedicated AC power line or an isolation transformer for the MAX 5000XL may be beneficial in eliminating this noise.
After power-up, the balance temperature will be stabilized for high temperature testing, which may take up to 2 hours. Wait for the balance temperature stability icon on the main screen to change from unstable to stable before performing the balance calibration or low moisture/solids/ash testing (<1%). See section 6.1 Balance Temperature Stability on page 64 for more information. 4.3. Contrast Adjustment If necessary, adjust the display contrast controls for better viewing of the display.
To set up the MAX 5000XL, begin at the Main Test Screen and press [Menu], (center key below display) to access the Main Menu. Select SETUP MENU, press [ENT]. Select PRINTER SETUP, press [ENT]. Highlight Parallel for printer only, RS-232 for computer only, and Both for the printer and computer at the same time. When the correct port selection is highlighted, press [ENT] again. Move the select box to PRINTER TYPE and press [ENT]. Select the type printer you have and press [ENT].
Move the selection box down to REPORT START and press [ENT]. Select between: Test Start – begins to send data at the start of the test, First Prediction - begins to send data as soon as the instrument makes the first prediction, or Test End – waits to send data until after the test is over and then sends only the final results of the test. Press [ENT] to select your choice. Move the selection box down to REPORT INTERVAL and press [ENT].
4.5. Connecting a Computer If you wish to monitor the test with a computer, connect a null modem cable to the serial connector at the rear of the instrument. Use any serial port communications program (not provided) on your computer to read the reports transmitted from the MAX 5000XL serial port. The content of each message can be selected from the REPORT SETUP menu which is described on page 51.
4.7. Calibrate the Balance - 50 gram weight NOTE: The MAX 5000XL must be powered on until the balance temperature stability icon in the lower left corner of the main screen changes from unstable to stable to allow the balance to stabilize before beginning the balance calibration. (See section 6.1 Balance Temperature Stability on page 64 for more information). The unit should not be moved, jarred, or otherwise disturbed in any way during the calibration period.
After placing a clean pan on the balance, close the lid. The screen will display “CALIBRATING ZERO LOAD, PLEASE WAIT.” As soon as the tare is finished, the next prompt appears. Open the lid and gently place a 50-gram weight in the center of the sample pan or press [ABORT] to return to the menu. Avoid excess pressure on the balance. Use the tweezers included with the MAX 5000XL to gently place the weight on the pan.
4.8. Weight Test To ensure proper calibration and become familiar with the instrument, run a weight test. This test simulates moisture loss by the removal of one of two known weights. Both a three and a five-gram weight are required. Ensure that a clean, dry, empty sample pan is placed on the pan support. From the Main Test Screen, press [MEMORY]. If the highlight bar is not already there, highlight (Factory) WEIGHT and press [START].
5. MAIN MENU Press [MENU] to display the MAIN MENU. 5.1. Memory Starts Menu Memory Starts are stored test parameter sets. The MEMORY START MENU allows access to the stored test parameter sets. This is where the contents of the stored parameters may be printed out or changed. The MEMORY STARTS are sequentially numbered from 1 to the total of Memory Starts entered into the instrument. The figure to the right shows memory start 1 of 250 selected (1/250 in the upper right hand corner).
Editing Test Parameters The memory start parameters may be edited by highlighting a memory start and pressing the [ENT] key. From the eight (8) primary selections, there are many other selections available to allow changing the data stored and altering the test characteristics. The keys at the bottom of the display aid the editing process.
Temperatures This menu gives access to three temperature parameters, an oven stable indication, an ashing moisture rate control parameter, and an enable switch used during a test. Test Temperature - The current temperature setpoint is displayed to the right of TEST TEMPERATURE. Press [ENT] and the cursor will be positioned at the left most significant digit. Use the number keys to enter the desired test temperature.
The possible displays are: CHAMBER STABLE - The oven has been at a stable temperature for at least the time period set. CHAMBER STABILIZING: LOW TEMP - Oven is below temperature setpoint. CHAMBER STABILIZING: HIGH TEMP - Oven is above temperature setpoint. CHAMBER STABILIZING: xx:xx - Oven temperature is within the correct range and the time remaining until specified time is displayed. Ash Rate – This is used for high test temperatures that will ignite a sample.
When the prediction is sufficiently reliable, the test ends and the predicted result is displayed, stored in the instrument, and printed if an accessory printer is enabled and attached. Proper selection of the ending criteria can greatly improve the test times and repeatability. Auto - The instrument monitors the progress of moisture determination and automatically selects the ending criteria most appropriate to the test under way.
Some samples contain more than one volatile material, for example, nylon resins with large amounts of unpolymerized material (Caprolactam). In these cases, the rate will fall to some fixed value when all the moisture is evaporated but while the monomer is still evaporating. The graphical display available from the Main Test Screen is of great help in visualizing these cases. The rate ending criteria, if set above the rate of monomer volatilization, may give the best results.
Reliability – This feature is similar to Rate but is based on a percent of accuracy. With reliability set to 99%, the test would end when the actual moisture loss was within 99% of the predicted result. A value may be set that would give exceptional results when the actual result is within 90 to 99 percent of the predicted result. This ending criterion is less dependent on actual moisture loss than Rate.
Inside Limits and Outside Limits - Selections of no sound, one beep, two beeps or three beeps may be programmed to have the instrument indicate when the weight of the sample is inside or outside the sample weight tolerance. Tare Options Two tare options define how stable the balance must be before a test will start. The third tare option is labeled Special Options and is used to tare a syringe, foil tray or other lightweight device used to carry or hold the sample on the pan.
Sample Tare – Records the average initial sample weight during a programmable period of time. After lid closure, there is a 7 second delay before the sample tare time begins. There are five (5) possible choices under this menu. The factory default is Start After 8s. Start When Stable – Taring continues until the weight is found stable (≤ 0.2mg deviation) over 4s of time. Start After (selectable) Seconds: Test starts after (selectable) seconds of averaging, i.e.
Result Display Options DISPLAY RESULT AS: Selects the final display value of moisture, solids or dry weight, ash or LOI. % Moisture - Test results are displayed as a percentage of weight loss. % Solids - Test results are displayed as a percentage of weight remaining. The instrument is optimized to run in %Solids for samples > 99.5% volatiles. % Dry Weight - Test results are displayed as a dry weight basis.
Linked Test Options Linking tests enables multiple adjoining memory starts to be run together as one test. Increasing temperatures, rates, times, etc., may be selected to monitor the progress of moisture loss for research and/or control purposes. In some materials, such as gypsum powder, moisture occurs in more than one molecular state, usually free water and one or two bound water states.
Use This Test Weight For Total Calculations? Toggle this parameter to YES if this test’s starting weight is to be used in Total Result calculations for this or later linked tests. The starting weight for this test will be used for total calculations until another YES is encountered. Note the starting weight of the first test in a linked series is used for total calculations until a YES is encountered.
CUT Memory Start This command removes a memory start, which can be optionally inserted at another location. Use this carefully. The “(Factory)” memory starts cannot be deleted with this option. COPY Memory Start To quickly create a new set similar to an old one, use [COPY] from one location, move the highlight bar to the desired location and [INSERT↑] or [INSERT↓] into a new location. Highlight the memory start set you wish to copy. Press [COPY].
PRINT Memory Start This command prints the stored parameters. All of the numbered Memory Start Sets are printed, giving the values of the parameters shown below in the print out example. COMPUTRAC MAX 5000XL MEMORY START REPORT COMPANY: AZI Preferred Customer UNIT #: 500061 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------# ID TST IDL HST SSZ SWN T/I TOT EC MODE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------1 WEIGHT 105 25 25 8.0 1.0 I No Rate 1.
5.2. Stored Data Menu This function is used to work with data stored in the instrument from past tests. Up to 1,000 test results and 100 graphs can be stored before the oldest is "pushed out" (overwritten). To access this function, go to the Main Menu and select the STORED DATA MENU. On 21 CFR, Part 11 compliant units, the DELETE is not available. Delete Stored Data (Not available on 21 CFR, Part 11 compliant units) This function is used to delete individual results and is non-reversible.
To analyze a set of data: Use the arrow keys to highlight the data items to be included in the analysis, and press the [ENT] key. Notice that each selected item is marked with a triangular symbol at the left of the data item. If one has been designated in error, move the selector bar to it and press the [ENT] key to deselect (and unmark) it. When all desired items are selected, press [ANALYZE].
View Stored Data This function is used to view a list of results for a selected test. Move the selector bar to a particular test and press [VIEW] to display the data. There are three (3) pages of data. Print Stored Data Stored data can be printed to a parallel printer attached to the MAX 5000XL (See page 16). That same data can also be routed to a computer (See page 19). To print stored data, press [PRINT] on the STORED DATA MENU.
5.3. Calibration Menu Balance Calibration Balance calibration is explained and performed as part of instrument setup, see page 20. The sequence is repeated here for continuity. The balance should be calibrated: If the instrument has been turned off for several hours or in storage, After the instrument is moved, Whenever a problem is suspected, and/or As often as required by your quality policy.
As soon as the instrument detects weight on the balance, the prompt “CLOSE LID” appears. With the lid closed the prompt “CALIBRATING, PLEASE WAIT” appears. At the conclusion of the calibration, the “OPEN LID” “REMOVE WEIGHT” prompt appears with a PASS/FAIL indication of the calibration success. If the result is “PASS”, open the lid; remove the weight and press [PROCEED] to continue. If the result is “FAIL”, the calibration was unsuccessful. Rerun the calibration.
High Temperature Lift Calibration The MAX 5000XL High Temperature Lift Calibration routine records the lift that is created in the heat chamber from air currents. The calibration will significantly improve low ash accuracy and unit to unit correlation. Since the calibration is performed at 600°C and ramps the temperature to 600°C twice with a room temperature cool down in between, it takes about 2 ½ hours to complete the calibration.
Temperature Calibration The MAX 5000XL temperature calibration routines will calibrate and verify the accuracy of the oven temperature throughout the usable range. The oven is calibrated at twelve (12) preset increments and verified at temperatures that are user selectable. Verification Setup The VERIFICATION SETUP menu allows the verification of the temperature calibration to be enabled or disabled, and selection of which temperatures are to be verified.
Perform Calibration This selection starts the automatic process of calibration, and verification if selected, of the MAX 5000XL when the Temperature Calibration Interface (TCI) is connected to the unit. A detailed procedure begins on page 47. The calibration uses an NIST traceable device to measure the temperature at the sample level and compare that to the temperature measured by the probe (temperature sensor) in the heater.
View Cal Report The VIEW CAL REPORT selection provides information about the last calibration date and performance. A record of the calibration date, verification date, and calibration devices used is shown. The data may be printed from this screen by pressing [PRINT]. Pressing [DETAIL] gives a listing of the calibration temperatures and their verification results between 50º C and 575º C degrees. See page 43 for information on how set up the temperature verification.
Calibration Reminder Setup A TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION REMINDER is available to remind you when scheduled calibrations are due. The default factory settings are: ENABLE - No TIME – 00:00 INTERVAL - 0 Weeks To turn the prompt on, off, or adjust the interval, go to the Main Test Screen and select in order: MENU, CALIBRATION MENU, TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION, and CALIBRATION REMINDER SETUP. Enable – Toggle to YES to enable the prompt or NO to prevent the prompt from appearing.
Temperature Calibration Instructions Ensure the instrument is turned ON A Temperature Calibration Kit, [AZI P/N Y990-0193 for 110V or Y990-0224 for 220V], with 9 VDC, 100 mA, 3.5 mm male plug positive tip adaptor, must be used to perform the calibration. A graphics capable printer may be connected to the MAX 5000XL if a printed report is required. Gently remove the pan support and ceramic balance cover.
The disk number is located on the probe fixture and should match the probe number on the TCI box. If the probe number does not match the serial number on the TCI box, call customer service at 800-528-7411 or 602-470-1414 for assistance. Return to the TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION MENU; highlight VERIFICATION SETUP and press the [ENT] key. Select AUTO VERIFY AFTER CAL: YES to automatically run the verification after the calibration is complete and the instrument has cooled down.
Oven Cleaning This selection is the start of an oven cleaning process that burns off most residue build-up in the oven. Use a fume hood to remove possible toxic emissions from the work place. Similar to the self-cleaning mode in a home oven, the process turns the heating elements on to reach an oven temperature of 550º C in less than 22 minutes. The oven temperature will be maintained for a total oven cleaning time of 45 minutes from start to finish.
5.4. Setup Menu The SETUP MENU is used to program the MAX 5000XL with information relevant to all operations and tests. From the SETUP MENU, it is possible to setup the printer, items to be printed, time and date, certain items on the display, access codes, network addressing and access, and prepare foils for testing. Printer Setup This menu provides a means of selecting the type of printer that is attached to the MAX 5000XL, which port is to be used, and if an automatic form feed is desired.
Report Setup This menu allows the report outputs to be enabled and the printout to be customized to your needs. Report Control Options REPORT ENABLED – A YES sends a progress report (optional, see below) to the printer during a test and a final report to the printer after a test. REPORT START – These three options determine if a progress report begins at the start of the test, when the first prediction of final result is made, or just a final report at the end of the test.
Report Items to Print Test results are available to be printed, sent to a computer, or used for statistical analysis (mean, standard deviation and relative standard deviation). To be printed, the data fields must be selected. Highlight the data to be printed and press the [ENT] key. Press [PAGE 2] or [PAGE 1] to switch between pages. Add/Edit Company Name This selection provides a means of customizing reports to show the name of the company, test location, or other alphanumeric identifiers.
Data Format Setup This menu brings up the two categories of data, one display oriented and the other report oriented. EC Display This selection controls the displaying of the word RELIABILITY on the Main Test Screen for PREDICT ENDING CRITERIA. Displaying this value is useful during parameter development to aid in selecting the best ending criteria. It may also help the operator to determine the remaining test time if the ending criteria target is known.
Access Key Setup This menu provides a means of preventing unauthorized access to memory start edit, calibration, and setup menus. If Access Keys have been activated by setting Activate Keys: Yes, and a Master Key code has been entered, the instrument will prompt for the key code each time a protected menu is accessed.
Although the following options are accessible in all MAX 5000XL instruments, the optional Web Server feature must be purchased in order to access the instrument over your network. NAME and PASSWORD The NAME and PASSWORD can be used to restrict access to the instrument over the intranet. When using IE enter NAME for the User name and enter PASSWORD for the Password to gain access to the instrument. OBTAIN IP ADDRESS This can be set to Automatic, Manual, or Ethernet Off.
Special Features This menu provides optional features for the instrument. A Web Server and Parameter development tools are examples of additional features that can be purchased. If you have purchased one of these features, you have been given an access code to enable/disable the feature. Entering the code will toggle the feature on/off.
To add a new foil, select [ADD]. Follow the prompts to open the lid, place a foil on the sample pan, and close the lid. After the foil is weighed and the lid is opened, the weight of the foil is given and a box appears so that a unique identifying name may be given to the foil. Save the weight and ID so they will be available during sample test. Press [SAVE] to save the information or [CANCEL] to return to the SAMPLE FOIL menu.
5.6. Parameter Expert (Optional Feature) A Parameter Expert option can be purchased for the MAX 5000XL. The Parameter Expert (PE) assists a user through the development of a memory start. PE queries the user about his reference method, sets up a memory start, and walks the user through a series of tests to determine the highest acceptable test temperature. To speed development, tests are stopped if it looks like they will not end in a reasonable time; a higher test temperature will be tried instead.
• This is an interim screen. Ensure you have the material properly prepared. •This is another interim screen. You will see these throughout the Parameter Expert testing. Continue to press start to go to next step in the parameter development process •Add sample to pan until white bar is within green area. Instrument will beep indicating the proper weight. Close lid. •The test will complete, and additional instructions will come to the screen.
• Answer appropriately and the system will ask you to start the next test. • In this example, the answer was YES. In this case, the parameterization will be done at a lower temperature. Press start to begin the next test. •The display will recommend opening the lid if the oven temperature is too high. Open the lid and press OK. • Once the temperature in the chamber is correct, press Start. The system will lead you through the next test. •Note the test temperature is lowered from 150 to 134 deg C.
•Again the system prompts to see if the temperature is too high, indicated by a burned or degraded sample. In this case the answer is NO. •The system will then lead you to the optimal temperature for the fastest test time. Press Start to begin the next test. •The system will continue through the iterative optimization process until the optimal temperature is achieved in the shortest amount of test time without degrading or burning the sample. A memory start will be created. Press OK.
Optimize Temp/Speed/Repeatability The Parameter Expert Optimize feature determines the proper ending rate criteria for a user-specified test temperature for the currently active memory start. The Optimize feature is for an already developed memory start that needs minor improvement. The Optimize feature allows the user to raise or lower the test temperature to improve test speed and repeatability. Typically, a higher temperature results in a faster and less repeatable test.
•Optimization is complete and the memory start has been modified. Press OK and exit Parameter Expert to use the optimized memory start. For more information regarding the Parameter Expert option, please contact Arizona Instrument Sales or a customer service representative at 800-528-7411 or 602-470-1414.
6. SAMPLE PREPARATION, TESTING AND ANALYSIS 6.1. Balance Temperature Stability The force balance in the MAX 5000XL is most accurate in a stable temperature environment. To maintain a constant balance temperature, whether the instrument is testing or idling, the instrument heats the balance at initial power-up and maintains the balance temperature at all times. The balance temperature stability icon is in the lower left corner of the LCD when viewing the main screen. It is a triangle with a line on top.
6.2. Preparing Granular and Powdery Samples The MAX 5000XL can be used to test a wide range of products from finely ground, low-moisture powders to high-moisture slurries. For best results, the sample should be of a uniform particle size distributed evenly over the sample pan. If sample material is collected into a jar or sampling bag, shake the jar or bag to produce a uniform mixture. Liquid samples should also be mixed or shaken to ensure a more homogeneous mixture.
6.4. Selecting the Optimum Sample Size Each particular sample will have its own optimum sample size. Best results will be obtained if the sample consists of a single layer of particles, as long as this is sufficient to develop a weight loss of 10 milligrams or more. A rule of thumb is "the lower the moisture, the larger the sample." Low-moisture samples, less than 0.10%, such as chemicals or plastics, require larger amounts; the instrument is optimized to run low moisture samples with a 30g load.
A typical drying curve is shown at the right. Section (A-B) represents the sample's weight loss as it heats from room to testing temperature. Section (B-C) is linear, representing moisture loss from the interior of each particle of the tested sample. Section (C-D) is exponential in nature and represents the final evolution of moisture from within the particle. The point at which no additional weight loss occurs represents the complete evolution of water from the original sample (E).
7.2. Determining Proper Test Temperature If the moisture of the sample material is known, as determined by a reference method, the MAX 5000XL's temperature can be adjusted until test results correlate with the established moisture concentration. If the moisture is not known, prepare a moisture versus temperature curve to decide the proper test temperature for a particular sample. An appropriate curve can be prepared by testing sample material at increasing temperatures of five-degree increments.
7.3. Selection of Ending Criteria The decision of which ending criteria to use is application dependent. Best results are typically given with PREDICTION or RATE, rather than TIME. Experiment with your particular sample to determine which criterion is best for your product. See Ending Criteria on page 26. For PREDICTION, the MAX 5000XL uses a sample dependent test to automatically end a test.
8. PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION Periodic checks of the system are recommended to verify proper system operation. These periodic checks will satisfy some quality assurance requirements as specified in your quality assurance/control policy. A log is recommended, either hand written or computer managed, which will record the weight test results, sodium tartrate test results, and retained samples’ results. Shifts in results that are out of range can be quickly detected and the appropriate corrections made.
8.2. The Precision Weight Test The precision weight test consists of performing the weight test in Section 8.1 multiple times to determine the instruments repeatability. This is a more critical verification of the instrument’s performance. Mean, Standard Deviation, and Relative Standard Deviation are calculated using the following formulas. Mean = total of results divided by number of results.
8.3. Sodium Tartrate Test The sodium tartrate test verifies the heater and force balance operation. Sodium tartrate dihydrate is a chemical with a known moisture concentration that releases moisture at temperatures greater than 120º C. Because of its consistent moisture concentration, it is used as a standard in moisture measurement using oven or titration methods. To obtain consistently reliable results, use a high quality or reagent grade (ACS certified) granular sodium tartrate.
8.4. Precision Sodium Tartrate Test Perform the sodium tartrate test in Section 8.3 multiple times to determine the instruments repeatability. This is a more critical verification of the instrument’s performance. Mean, Standard Deviation, and Relative Standard Deviation are calculated using the following formulas. Mean = total of results divided by number of results.
8.5. Retained Samples The weight test and the sodium tartrate test are usually sufficient to satisfy industry guidelines for quality control in moisture measurement. Some additional checks can be performed using replicate testing of retained samples. Retained samples, when stored under airtight conditions, should maintain moisture levels for long periods. Routine testing of these samples should produce the same results day after day.
9. WEB SERVER An optional Web Server can be purchased for the MAX 5000XL. MS Internet Explorer® Version 6 or higher (IE) is used to view a calibration report, view the LCD screen, save/load memory starts, and save test results. Memory starts can be retrieved from one instrument and saved to another. Test data is saved in a comma delimited format, which can be read by MS Excel® or a compatible spreadsheet program. To access the instrument with IE, type the IP address into the IE address field (192.168.2.
9.2. LCD View The LCD screen is viewed by selecting LCD VIEW in the left bar. This may help to remotely monitor the instrument. 9.3. Memory Starts Memory starts can be viewed by selecting MEMORY STARTS in the left bar. Memory starts can be downloaded from the instrument or can be uploaded to the instrument. Thus, memory starts can be retrieved from one instrument and saved to another.
9.4. Test Results Test results can be viewed by selecting TEST RESULTS in the left bar. Test results can be downloaded from the instrument to a PC. Test data is saved in a comma delimited format, which can be read by MS Excel or a compatible spreadsheet program. Graph data contains only the data points that are used by the instrument to generate the graph, so the actual visual graph is not downloaded.
10. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE The MAX 5000XL requires routine cleaning to keep the test chamber free of excess sample material. Failure to keep the instrument interior clean reduces its accuracy and repeatability. Sample material collecting in the test chamber prevents free movement of the pan support. In addition, sample material collecting on the rim of the heater shroud prevents the lid from closing completely, causing erratic results. Material may fall into the system's interior, causing balance problems.
10.2. Shroud Gasket The shroud gasket creates a seal between the heater shroud and ceramic plate. Over time, this gasket will require replacement. Check the shroud gasket (AZI P/N 300-0446) regularly for cracks or deterioration. Perform a Kimwipe test to verify the seal’s integrity. (See Kimwipe test below.) If Kimwipe pulls out easily, then either the shroud gasket or insulator seal will need replacement. (See Insulator Seal, Section 10.
10.4. Oven Chamber Cleaning This selection is the start of an oven cleaning process that burns off most residue build up in the oven. Similar to the self-cleaning mode in a home oven, the process turns the heating elements on to reach an oven temperature of 550º C in less than 22 minutes. The oven cleaning cycle lasts a total of 45 minutes.
10.5. Oven Vent Cleaning The oven vent should be inspected regularly for debris build-up. To clean debris from the vent: Switch the main power switch OFF. Remove the three (3) screws securing the vent cover. Remove the vent cover. Mechanically remove debris from the wire screen with a stiff-bristled brush. Inspect the vent to ensure that there is no excessive corrosion.
10.7. Sample Pan Support The sample pan support may need to be cleaned if high volatile material condenses on it. Turn the unit OFF. Use the supplied tweezers to carefully remove the pan support up out of the test chamber. Clean the support post and pan support arms by wiping with a soft cloth or paper towel. Carefully reinstall the pan support into the balance stem. Ensure the arms of the support are all level and about 1/16” to 3/16” from the heat shield.
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Temperature set too high Lower temperature, see pages 25 & 68 Bent sample pan Use new pan Dirty sample pan Use new pan Debris in balance gaps Call AZI at 800-528-7411 or 602-470-1414 for assistance Dirty heater assembly Clean heater assembly, see page 80 Ending criteria incorrect Determine new ending criteria, see page 26 Call AZI at 800-528-7411 or 602-470-1414 for assistance Temperature too low Increase temperature, see pages 25 & 68 Sample size too small or too large Adjust sample size, se
No heat (cont.) No power to instrument Door sensor failure Check display for LID OPEN message when open during a test, call AZI at 800-528-7411 or 602-470-1414 for assistance Temperature setpoint too low Raise temperature above room ambient or standby temperature, see pages 25 & 68 Power switch off Check switch position, confirm power cord seating, remove and test fuse, see page 14, test the outlet with a lamp or meter.
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13. MAX 5000XL SPECIFICATIONS Feature Specification Size 18.5” length x 12.7”width x 9.5” height 470 mm length x 323 mm width x 240 mm height (Height varies slightly with adjustable feet for leveling purposes.) Weight Casework Power Requirements Operating Environment Moisture Range Heating Range Heater Calibration Temperature Control Test Temperatures Heater Chamber Balance 31 lbs.
Balance Calibration Menu driven calibration and verification in the field Annual factory servicing recommended Programmable calibration prompt Sample size 200 milligrams to 100 grams Resolution 0.0001 grams 0.
Moisture Level >10% <5% Relative Standard Deviation >0.1% <0.1 Standard Deviation Repeatability Ashing >10% >0.5% ≤5% Relative Standard Deviation ≤0.1 Standard Deviation Moisture Level >10% ≤5% Relative Standard Deviation >0.1% ≤0.2 Standard Deviation Inter-unit Correlation Ashing >0.5% Certification Self-diagnostics Options Calibration Weights Warranty ≤0.
14. CHANGES Firmware Rev 3.0X, Manual Rev A 1. Initial release of MAX-5000XL. a. Added TempRate to memory start record. b. Added high temperature lift calibration. c. Added polynomial calculation for high temperature lift compensation to adjust for different test temperatures. d. Added a balance temperature stability icon in the lower left corner of the main screen.
15. WARRANTY Arizona Instrument LLC warrants the Computrac MAX 5000XL to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for two (2) years from the date of purchase for those units sold in the USA. All other sales normally carry a one (1) year warranty. AZI will repair or replace, at its option, products that AZI determines to be defective during the warranty period. All defective parts replaced by AZI become the property of AZI.
TRADEMARK AND COPYRIGHT PROTECTION Computrac, Arizona Instrument and the stylized AZI are all registered trademarks of Arizona Instrument LLC. MAX 5000XL is a trademark of Arizona Instrument LLC. Instrument firmware is copyright protected. The MAX 5000XL uses the Graphics Interchange Format as part of its Ethernet interface. The Graphics Interchange Format is the Copyright property of CompuServe Incorporated. GIF(sm) is a Service Mark property of CompuServe Incorporated.
