Melting Point Apparatus SMP40 Instructions for use aut oma e lt t ic m in g p o in t SMP 40 Dynalab Corp. 350 Commerce Drive Rochester, NY 14623 Tel: 585-334-2060 800-828-6595 Fax: 585-334-0241 www.dynalabcorp.com Version 1.
1. Introduction 1 2. Safety Advice Before Use 1 3. General Description 1 3.1 Module Separation 2 3.2 Melting Point Determination 3 3.3 Temperature Settings 3 3.4 Sample Preparation 3 4. Preparation for Use 4 4.1 Electrical Installation 4 4.2 Installation 4 5. Instrument and Software Controls 5 5.1 Instrument 5 5.2 Main Menu Screen 6 6 Setting up New Methods 10 6.1 Creating a New Method 11 6.2 Preset Methods 12 6.
1. Introduction 3. General Description Thank you for purchasing this piece of Stuart equipment. To get the best performance from the SMP40 please read these instructions carefully before use. Before discarding the packaging check that all parts are present and correct. The device is designed to automatically measure and record the melting temperatures of crystalline samples held within capillary tubes. Up to three tubes can be accommodated in an illuminated chamber within an aluminium block.
3.1 Module Separation Melt module Control module au ti c m to m a e lt in g po in t SMP4 0 Figure 1: SMP40 module separation The SMP40 can be split into two separate modules using the split module release mechanism located at the rear of the “Control” module. Using the supplied accessory cables the modules can be placed in separate locations up to 1m apart. The SMP40s touchscreen display is fitted with an accelerometer device.
3.2 Melting Point Determination 3.3 Temperature Settings The capillary technique is a standard method for determining the melting point of a substance. In this method, thin glass capillary tubes containing prepared samples of a substance are introduced into the heating block of a suitable device. The block is then heated at a fixed rate over a temperature range that brackets the expected melting temperature of the substance, until the substance is completely melted (i.e. clear point).
The SMP40 can accommodate up to three sample capillaries. For accurate melting point determinations it is recommended that three samples of the same material are prepared in the same way and analysed at the same time. The average of the three capillaries results can then be reported as the substances melting point. The appropriate mains lead should be connected to the instrument BEFORE connection to the mains supply.
5. Instrument and Software Controls Sample Compartment 5.1 Instrument Split Module Release Mechanism Touch Screen Interface and Display Capillary Storage and Cutter aut oma e lt t ic m in g p o in t SMP 40 A/C power input ON/OFF Switch USB and Ethernet Connections Figure 2: SMP40 front view Mains On/Off: This is a rocker type switch found on the left hand side of the unit. Pressing the “I” switches the unit ON. Pressing the “O” switches the unit OFF.
5.2 Main Menu Screen Figure 3: Main Menu When the instrument is first switched on the display will show “LOADING PLEASE WAIT” message. After 30 seconds the display will show the main menu screen and the four main menu options: Measurement: This menu gives access to options that allow a new melt determination to be performed using new, previously stored or preset method parameters. Results: This menu gives access to the result files stored on the device.
The command toolbar is located at the bottom of the screen in most menus within the software interface. The command toolbar will give the user either one or two options based upon the menu shown. Figure 5: The Command Toolbar If the number of options available in a menu exceeds the number that can be displayed on the screen, a scrollbar will be displayed on the right hand side. Pressing the arrows at the top and bottom of the scrollbar enables the list of options available in the menu to be seen.
5.2.1 5.2.2 8 Alphanumeric Entry Field 1 Selecting an Alphanumeric Entry Field opens the text keypad interface. 2 The alphanumeric entry field can be populated with letters (Abc), numbers (123) or symbols (SYM). Text, numbers and symbols are accessed using the Abc, 123 and SYM keys on each of the respective keypads. 3 Entries are confirmed by pressing the “Accept this text” button on the command toolbar. 1 Selecting a Numerical Entry Field opens the numeric keypad interface.
5.2.3 5.2.4 5.2.5 Date Entry Field 1 Selecting a Date Entry Field opens the date keypad interface. 2 The date entry field is displayed in the format specified in the User Settings menu. 3 Press the arrows above and below each number to increase or decrease the value displayed. 4 Entries are confirmed by pressing the “Accept this date” button on the command toolbar. 1 Selecting a Time Entry Field opens the time keypad interface. 2 The Time Entry Field is displayed in the 24 hour format.
5.2.6 5.2.7 Drop Down List Field 1 Selecting a Drop Down List Field displays the options available for that field. 2 Arrows keys may be displayed to indicate that further options are available. Use the arrow buttons to view the additional options. 3 Press the required option from the list to select it. 1 Pressing a Toggle Selection Field will add or remove the check mark in that field. 2 A check mark indicates that the option is active. Toggle Selection Field 6.
6.1 Creating a New Method In the Measurement menu screen touch the “Create a new measurement” section of the screen. 1 Enter a sample name for the samples by selecting the Sample Name field 2 Enter an appropriate start or plateau temperature for the sample by selecting the Start Temperature field. 3 Enter the required temperature ramp rate for the samples by selecting the Ramp Rate field.
6.2 Preset Methods In the Measurement menu screen touch the “Use a preset from the library” section of the screen. 12 1 In the preset methods screen select the method to be used for the melt determination by pressing on the method details. 2 Press “Select preset and continue”. 3 Method parameters such as the Sample Name, the Start Temperature and the Ramp Rate can then be adjusted if required by selecting the relevant field.
6.3 8 The option of saving this new method as a new preset method will be given if the sample name has been changed. Select “Yes” to save the method for future use or select “No” to proceed without saving the method. 9 If changes are made to the temperature settings the user will be asked whether they wish to overwrite the existing preset method of that name. Select “Yes” to save the new method settings for future use or select “No” to proceed without saving the new settings.
7. Performing Melt Determinations Once the analysis method and sample information have been entered into the SMP40 software the instrument will display the New Measurement screen. Current block temperature Sample name Method information Live image of the sample compartment Capillary tubes melt status Figure 6: New Measurement Screen The Capillary tubes melt status is for Information Only. An accurate analysis of the data is performed after the melt determination has been completed.
3 The instrument status will change to “Heating” and the command toolbar options will change. 4 The SMP40 will quickly heat the sample block to the set start temperature. 5 When the sample block reaches the start temperature the SMP40 status will change to “Stabilising” and the temperature of the sample block will remain constant for 60 seconds.
8 As the melt determination progresses the capillary tube melt status changes through: Solid: No changes have been detected in the samples physical form. Melting: The sample is showing the first signs of a change in its physical form. Liquid: The change in the samples physical form is complete. Finished: Once a capillary tube displays “finished” the melt determination is complete.
8. Results Touching the results section on the main menu screen will open the results menu. Two options are now available: View previous results: Displays the result files of melt determinations previously carried out on the device which are currently located on internal storage. Re-use result parameters: A result can be selected and a repeat melt determination carried out using the method settings from that result. 8.
Rename: The Rename action is used to change the Sample Name for the selected result. Delete: The Delete action is used to delete the selected result from the instruments internal storage. 8.1.1 Sort/Search Function In the menus that display the stored methods and results the user has the option to organise the displayed data using either a sort by or search for function. Sort: 1 Pressing the “Sort/Search” button will change the tool bar to allow the user to specify which function is required.
4 The required option should be selected from the displayed list or alternatively enter the search criteria using the keypad that is displayed. 5 When the search criteria have been finalised, press “Apply this search”. 6 Only the results that match the search criteria specified will now be displayed. 7 Pressing the “Sort/Search” and “Search” buttons again will display the search results summary and allow a new search to be started. 8 Press the “Search again” button to apply new search criteria.
8.1.2 Opening Results Files When a melt determination is complete or a result file is opened, the screen will display the Report Screen. The report displays the following information: The mean clear point: The average of the sample capillaries clear point values is automatically calculated. The standard deviation of the clear points: The standard deviation of the sample capillaries clear point values is automatically calculated.
8.1.3 Viewing Videos When a video record is accessed the Video Replay screen is displayed. Block temperature at specific time Displays report information summary Selected capillary Tagged event selection Video replay window Capillary selection buttons Video controls Figure 8: Video Replay Screen The Video Replay screen is designed to allow the user to review the recorded video of a melt determination and reprocess the results if required.
1 To start the video replay press the play button () in the video replay controls. Once the play button has been pressed it will change to a pause symbol ( ❙❙ ). 2 The video replay scrollbar will move and display the elapsed time in the format mins:seconds. 3 The scrollbar can be used to quickly move to any timeframe within the video file. Touch the scrollbar and whilst still touching the screen, drag the scrollbar to the required timeframe.
1 Select the capillary tube to which the manual event is to be added by pressing the relevant “Capillary selection” button. 2 Select the timeframe in the video file, where the manual event is to be added, using the video replay scrollbar and the video controls. 3 A manually determined event is added to the timeframe by pressing the “Tagged Events” field and selecting the required event from the drop down list. Manual events can only be used once in each capillaries report. e.g.
The melt determination report is updated with any manual events that are added and saved. An asterisk next to the event name is used to denote that it has been manually added by the user. CAUTION: IF A MANUAL CLEAR POINT EVENT IS ADDED BY THE USER, THE TEMPERATURE VALUE IN THE MANUAL EVENT WILL BE USED TO CALCULATE THE SAMPLES REPORTED MELTING POINT. 8.1.4 Renaming Result Files 1 When the “Rename” button is pressed for a result a rename dialogue box is opened.
8.1.5 Deleting Result Files 1 To delete individual results from the instruments memory highlight the result to be deleted and press the “Delete” button on the Result Toolbar. 2 A confirm delete dialogue box will appear asking the user to confirm the action. Select “Yes” to confirm or “No” to cancel. 8.2 Re-use Result Parameters In the Results menu screen touch the “Re-use result parameters” section of the screen. 1 In the Repeat Measurement screen highlight the result file to be repeated.
9 File Management Touching the File Management section on the main menu screen will open the File Management menu. Two options are now available: Manage files: Result files can be copied, moved or deleted from the devices internal storage. View storage information: Displays status information on the internal storage or an inserted USB flash drive. 9.1 Manage Files In the File Management menu screen touch the Manage files section of the screen.
9.1.1 9.1.2 Select All/Clear Selection 1 Pressing the “Select All” button in the Manage Files toolbar will highlight all of the result files. 2 If any of the result files in the Manage Files screen are selected, the “Select All” button will change to a “Clear Selection” button. Pressing the “Clear Selection” button will deselect all the highlighted result files.
9.1.4 9.2 3 Once the move action has been completed the files will no longer be available on the instrument so ensure that no further reprocessing of the results is required before using the move action as it is not possible to move the file back, from the USB flash drive to the instrument, once the action is complete. 1 To delete results from the instruments memory highlight the results to be deleted and press the “Delete” button on the Manage Files Toolbar.
10 Settings and Calibration Touching the Settings and Calibration section on the main menu screen will open the Settings and Calibration menu. There are three options available: Change user settings: Settings that relate to how the device operates and displays information can be viewed and adjusted in this menu. Change maintenance settings: The devices software can be upgraded and the touch screen can be recalibrated in this menu.
Set time: The devices displayed time can be set using the time keypad interface. Set date: The devices displayed date can be set using the date keypad interface. Save melt video: If the video files of the devices melt determinations do not need to be stored, remove the check mark in this Toggle Selection field. Use sounds for events: If sounds are not required for events that occur on the device, remove the check mark in this Toggle Selection field.
10.2 Maintenance Settings In the Settings and Calibration menu screen touch the Change maintenance settings section of the screen. The Maintenance screen allows the user to upgrade the version of software on the instrument and to recalibrate the touch screen. 1 To upgrade the instruments software, firstly download the new software version onto a USB flash drive. Insert the USB flash drive into one of the SMP40’s USB ports and touch the “Press to upgrade” button.
For information on where to purchase suitable certified reference materials please contact us: stuarthelp@bibby-scientific.com Tel: +44 (0)1785 810433 In the Settings and Calibration menu screen touch the Manage device calibration section of the screen.
10.3.1 Current Current Calibration Calibration Factor Factor 10.3.1 The current current calibration calibration factor factor shows shows the the factor factor which which isis used used to to calculate calculate the the displayed displayed block block The temperature on on the the device. device.
8 In the Select Calibration screen highlight the result file to be used for the first calibration point. 9 Press the "Select result and continue" button on the Command toolbar. 10 The results melting point (mean clear point) is now displayed in the field. If the selected result needs to be changed press this field again and go to step 8. 11 If a dual point calibration is required press the “Choose Result” field next to Value 2 and repeat the selection process described in steps 8 to 10.
15 The calibration screen is now updated to show the new calibration details. The Calibration history window will now update to display details of the previous calibration. 16 If a calibration record needs to be deleted, pressing the X next to the calibration record will display a confirm deletion dialogue box. Press “YES” to confirm or “NO” to cancel.
11. Maintenance & Servicing WARNING: Ensure the unit is disconnected from the mains electricity supply before attempting maintenance or servicing. This equipment does not require routine servicing. The only maintenance required is to clean internal and external surfaces using a damp cloth and mild detergent solution. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents. 11.1 Repairs and Support Any repairs or replacement of parts MUST be undertaken by suitably qualified personnel.
12. Warranty 13. Specification Stuart warrants this instrument (excluding the VGA touch screen) to be free from defects in material and workmanship when used under normal laboratory conditions, for a period of 3 years (the VGA touch screen warranty period is 12 months). In the event of a justified claim Bibby Scientific Ltd will replace any defective component or replace the unit free of charge.
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This product meets the applicable EC harmonized standards for radio frequency interference and may be expected not to interfere with, or be affected by, other equipment with similar qualifications. We cannot be sure that other equipment used in its vicinity will meet these standards and so we cannot guarantee that interference will not occur in practice.
INSPECTION REPORT MODEL SMP40 ELECTRICAL SAFETY 1. Earth continuity 2. Insulation 3. Flash test FUNCTIONAL 1. Indicators 2. Temperature control 3. Visual acceptance QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR Dynalab Corp. 350 Commerce Drive Rochester, NY 14623 Tel: 585-334-2060 800-828-6595 Fax: 585-334-0241 www.dynalabcorp.
