KERN & Sohn GmbH Ziegelei 1 D-72336 Balingen E-Mail: info@kern-sohn.com Phone: +49-[0]7433- 9933-0 Fax: +49-[0]7433-9933-149 Internet: www.kern-sohn.com Operating manual Electronic Moisture Analyser KERN MLB_C Version 3.
GB KERN MLB_C Version 3.1 03/2014 Operating manual Electronic Moisture Analyser Contents 1 1.1 2 TECHNICAL DATA ............................................................................................. 5 Dimensions ............................................................................................................................... 6 DEVICE OVERVIEW ........................................................................................... 7 2.1 Keyboard overview.........................
6.4 Switch on/switch off device .................................................................................................. 17 Stability display ................................................................................................................................... 17 Balance zero display ........................................................................................................................... 17 6.5 Connection of peripheral devices .....................................
16 GENERAL INFORMATION CONCERNING MOISTURE ANALYSIS ........... 57 16.1 Application .............................................................................................................................. 57 16.2 Basics ...................................................................................................................................... 57 16.3 Adjustment to existing measuring method ......................................................................... 57 16.
1 Technical data Data Radiator MLB 50-3C MLB 50-3C110V Infrared (1 x 400 W) Temperature range max. 160°C Maximum load (Max) 50 g Readability (d) 1 mg Display accuracy Weighed portion < 1.5 g 0,01 % Display accuracy Weighed portion > 1.5 g 0,001 % Recommended adjustment weight, not added (class) 50g (F1) Sample size max.
• Shut-down criteria • • • • • • Automatic 1 (shut-down at change of weighing value < 1mg within 10 s) Automatic 2 (shut-down at change of weighing value < 1mg within 25 s) Automatic 3 (shut-down at change of weighing value < 1mg within 60 s) Automatic 4 (shut-down at change of weighing value < 1mg within 90 s) Automatic 5 (shut-down at change of weighing value < 1mg within 120 s) Manual Time-controlled (1 min – 9h 59 min) Sample dishes included 10 (Ø 92 mm) Display after drying Moisture [%] = Weight l
2 Device overview Pos.
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2.2 Display overview (during measurement) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. MLB_C-BA-e-1431 Display in moisture % Current moisture content in %.
3 Basic Information (General) 3.1 Proper use The device purchased by you is designed for a fast and reliable determination of material moisture in liquid, porous and solid materials by applying the method of thermogravimetrics. 3.2 Improper Use Impacts and overloading exceeding the stated maximum load (max) of the device, minus a possibly existing tare load, must be strictly avoided. Balance may be damage by this. Never operate device in explosive environment. The serial version is not explosion protected.
4 Basic Safety Precautions 4.1 Pay attention to the instructions in the Operation Manual Carefully read this operation manual before setup and commissioning, even if you are already familiar with KERN balances. All language versions contain a non-binding translation. The original German is binding. 4.2 Personnel training The device may be used and serviced only by trained staff. 4.3 Danger Information WARNING ! The moisture analyser is used to analyse the moisture content of materials.
CAUTION The moisture analyzer operates using heat! + Maintain sufficient space in the environment of the instrument to prevent heat build-up (distance from the instrument 20cm, upwards 1m). + The heat extractor of the sample must never be covered, blocked, taped up or altered in any other way. + Never place combustible materials on, under or next to the instrument, as the environment of the instrument heats up to a high temperature. + Careful when removing the sample.
5 Transport and storage 5.1 Testing upon acceptance When receiving the appliance, please check packaging immediately, and the appliance itself when unpacking for possible visible damage. 5.2 Packaging / return transport Keep all parts of the original packaging for a possibly required return. Only use original packaging for returning. Prior to dispatch disconnect all cables and remove loose/mobile parts.
14 Secure all items against slipping or damage.
6 Unpacking, Setup and Commissioning 6.1 Installation Site, Location of Use The instrument is designed to achieve reliable weighing results under normal conditions of use. You will work accurately and fast, if you select the right location for the instrument. On the installation site observe the following: ! Remove explosion prone and easily flammable material in the immediate vicinity.
6.2 Unpacking and assembly Take the moisture meter carefully out of its packaging, remove the plastic jacket and install it at the designated work space. The moisture meter is supplied part-assembled. Control whether the delivery is complete immediately after unpacking the individual parts and assemble the separate component parts according to the enclosed diagram.
6.2.1 Scope of delivery Serial accessories: • Moisture analyzer, see illustration chap. 2 • • 10 sample dishes Power cable • Operating manual 6.3 Mains connection Power supply is provided via the supplied mains cable. Check, whether the voltage acceptance on the scales is set correctly. Do not connect the scales to the power grid unless the information on the scales (sticker) matches the local mains voltage.
6.5 Connection of peripheral devices Before connecting or disconnecting of additional devices (printer, PC) to the data interface, always disconnect the balance from the power supply. With your balance, only use accessories and peripheral devices by KERN, as they are ideally tuned to your balance. 6.6 Initial Commissioning In order to obtain exact results with the electronic balances, your balance must have reached the operating temperature (see warming up time chap. 1).
7 Weigh/tare Weighing Switch on with ON/OFF switch. Place load on and off weighing platform several times before weighing. Place items to be weighed on platform and wait for stability indicator [ appear; take weight reading. ] to Tare Tare device with TARE button if using a weighing container. The tare weight is saved until it is deleted. Note: The tare procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary, for example with initial weighing of several components for a mix (add-on weighing).
8 Menu The menu is arranged in a user and operator menu. The scales are adjusted to user requirements in the user menu; setting of drying parameters is carried out in the application menu. The user menu is displayed using the F switch, the application menu is displayed using the MENU switch.
Navigation in the menu: Button Function in Menu • Enter user menu • Scroll to next page • Reduce digit • Scroll back • Change parameter value • Increase digit • Submenu/Parameter call-up • Shift selection of number to be changed to the right • Exit sub-menu/parameter, return to menu • Shift selection of number to be changed to the left • Confirm/save settings • Quit function without changing the settings • Back to menu Storing / jumping back to weighing mode Any changes made in the
9 P1 CAL - adjustment As the acceleration value due to gravity is not the same at every location on earth, each balance must be coordinated - in compliance with the underlying physical weighing principle - to the existing acceleration due to gravity at its place of location (only if the balance has not already been adjusted to the location in the factory).
9.2 P1-02 Adjustment test Here, deviation from the last adjustment is determined. Only a check will be carried out, no variables will be changes. Wait until the weighed value for the required adjustment weight appears. Place adjustment weight in the centre of the sample dish. The results of the adjustment test will be displayed. Return to weighing mode: Press the ESC-key repeatedly until the query ”SAVE?“ appears. Confirm query by pressing the PRINT-key or reject it by pressing the ESCkey.
9.3 P1-03 Temperature adjustment We recommend occasionally checking the temperature level of the device using the temperature calibration set MLB-A12. The temperature is measured at three points and can be adjusted at these temperature points. Before you do this, allow the device to cool down for at least 3 hours after the last heating phase.
Preparation: Switch off instrument. Remove sample dish, dish holder, removal aid and windshield. Install the temperature-calibration set acc. to fig. Switch on instrument. Begin temperature adjustment: Close heating hood and carry out temperature calibration as described in the following. On the temperature calibration set switchon the digital thermometer by the ON/OFF button.
Keep pressing until tE_CAL appears. The first heating phase is starting. The current temperature is displayed. Temperature calibration of first point will take 8 min after which you will hear an acoustic signal. Compare flashing temperature display with the temperature reading displayed on the thermometer. If the two values do not match, correct with the help of the navigation buttons . Confirm input, the second heating phase is starting.
Confirm input, the third heating phase is starting. Temperature calibration of the third point will take 8 min after which you will hear an acoustic signal. Compare flashing temperature display with the temperature reading displayed on the thermometer. If the two values do not match, correct with the help of the navigation buttons . confirm, the instrument is returning to the menu. Return to weighing mode: Press the ESC-key repeatedly until the query ”SAVE?“ appears.
9.5 P1-04 Adjustment record print-out If the function is activated, your adjustment data will automatically be printed-out after every adjustment. YES NO Function activated Function deactivated Return to weighing mode: Press the ESC-key repeatedly until the query ”SAVE?“ appears. Confirm query by pressing the PRINT-key or reject it by pressing the ESCkey. The content of this printout depends on the data defined in P2 GLP (See chap.
9.6 P1-05 temperature calibration This function is used to measure the temperature of the instrument. Only a check will be carried out, no variables will be changed. For preparation/installation of temperature calibration set, see chap. 9.3. Begin temperature calibration Keep pressing until tSt_Co appears. . The display to enter the temperature value to be tested will appear. Select the desired temperature with the navigation keys. Confirm entry.
The instrument will be automatically heated to the set temperature. The current temperature and the elapsed time will be indicated in the display. The procedure lasts 8 minutes. The display for entering the temperature of the external thermometer will be displayed. Enter temperature value with the navigation keys. Confirm entry. If an optional printer is connected, a record will be produced.
10 P2 GLP (Good laboratory practice) Quality assurance systems require printouts of weighing results as well as of correct adjustment of the balance stating date and time and balance identification. The easiest way is to have a printer connected. • P2-01 USr/P2-02 PrJ Input of user/project (max 6 characters) The first digit is flashing Alter the value for the number/amount using the keys. Press the keys, to select the digit on the left/right (the relevant current digit flashes). Confirm by .
The contents of the data output is set in menu options P2-03 to P2-08 (for setting, see P2-01 USr/P2-02 PrJ). All parameters set to “YES“ will be issued. P2-03 Ptin YES Printout time P2-04 PdAt YES Printout date P2-05 PUSr YES User print-out (input via P2-01 USr) P2-06 PPrJ YES Project print-out (input via P2-02 PrJ) P2-07 PId YES Scales serial number print-out P2-08 PFr YES Frame print-out (see following example) P2.8 PFrn: YES P2.
11 P3 Setting date/time • P3-01 tinnE setting time The variable for the amount is changed using the keys. Press the keys, to select the digit on the left/right (the relevant current digit flashes). Confirm by . • P3-02-dAtE – setting date The variable for the amount is changed using the keys. Press the keys, to select the digit on the left/right (the relevant current digit flashes). Confirm by . Return to weighing mode: Press the ESC-key repeatedly until the query ”SAVE?“ appears.
12 P4 Basic settings • P4-01-AuE –filter settings Press repeatedly. 34 AuE = StAnd Standard, normal environmental conditions AuE =Slouu Low sensitivity but slow, not a calm location (e.g.
• P4-01-AuE –Autozero This function is used to tare small variations in weight automatically. In the event that small quantities are removed or added to the material to be weighed, incorrect weighing results can be displayed due to the “stability compensation“. (e.g. slow flow of liquids from a container placed on the balance, evaporating processes). With small weight variations it is thus preferable to switch this function off.
13 P5 RS 232 interface • P5-01-bAud – Baud rate setting • P5-02-PStb – output of stable/unstable scales reading YES NO 36 Output for stable weighing value only. Output even for unstable weighing value.
• P5-03-LinE_t – output interval setting Return to weighing mode: Press the ESC-key repeatedly until the query ”SAVE?“ appears. Confirm query by pressing the PRINT-key or reject it by pressing the ESCkey.
Setting „YES“ Setting „No“ Only the measurement reading will be produced. Complete record print out with header and footer Printout examples KERN YKB-01N Return to weighing mode: Press the ESC-key repeatedly until the query ”SAVE?“ appears. Confirm query by pressing the PRINT-key or reject it by pressing the ESCkey.
14 P6 Other useful functions • P6-01-Libr – activate/deactivate program library for drying programs YES NO • Function activated Function deactivated P6-02-bl – display backlight ON OFF AUT bl = ON Background illumination on bl = OFF Background illumination on bl = Aut Background illumination automatically switched off 10 seconds after achieving stable weighing value.
• P6-03 – display brightness 100 20 20 • Maximum brightness Minimum brightness No brightness P6-04-bEEP – Switch on/off keypad tones YES NO 40 Keypad tones on Keypad tones off MLB_C-BA-e-1431
• P6-05-PrnS – output of set weighing parameters via RS 232 interface PRnS MLB_C-BA-e-1431 41
15 Operator menu – moisture analysis To carry out user-defined drying processes, the device has space for up to 20 different, operator-defined drying programs. Simply invoke and start the finished programs from the library (See chap. 15.2). How to set drying parameters without using the program library is describes in the chapter below. 15.
• Shutoff criterion Selection of criteria with which drying will be completed is made here Call-up user menu The pictogram for the “shut-down criteria” drying parameter with its current setting is flashing. Parameter selection, see Tab. 1 Tab.
Time setting for “timed shut-down criteria” selection : The variable for the amount is changed using the keys. Press the keys, to select the digit on the left/right (the relevant current digit flashes).
• Heating profiles Selection of suitable heating program is made here, as is input of drying temperature and hearing time. Heating program selection, see Tab.
Tab. 2: “Heating profile” parameter selection Standard drying Standard drying is the most-used heating profile. This heating profile is suitable for the majority of substances. Drying temperature tmP adjustable from 40°C-160°C. Quick drying This heating profile is usable for samples with a moisture content of approx. 5% - 15%. The temperature will exceed the set drying temperature by 30% within 180 s. After that the temperature will be adjusted down to the set value.
Phased drying Phased drying can be used for substances which display special behaviour when heated. The individual steps are freely selectable regards duration and temperature rising step. The adjustable parameters include drying temperature tmP, heating steps tmP1 and tmP2, and warming up times t1 and t2 between the individual steps.
MLB_C-BA-e-1431
• Result display Here is where the unit of the measurement results is defined. Parameter selection, see Tab.
Tab.
How to implement drying After setting the desired drying parameter for the sample to be tested, you can now start the drying process. Place removal aid with empty sample dish on the sample dish retainer. Make sure that the sample dish is resting flat on the sample dish retainer. Use the sample retainer at all times as it allows safe working and prevents burns. The device is ready for weighing the sample Place sample in sample dish. Close lid; the device is ready for measuring.
The display can be switched to the various units for measurement results using . When drying is finished, you will hear an acoustic signal and the heating will be shut off. The display shows the measured result in the set unit. Open lid and remove the sample with the help of the removal aid. Caution: Caution! Sample dish and all parts of the sample chamber are hot! When an optional printer is connected, data output is carried out automatically via the RS 232 interface.
Example of printed output: --------------------Drying start---------------Date Time Balance Id Program nb. : : : : 2008/06/16 10:15:03 209198 1 Profiles Dry temp. Switch off Result : : : : Standard 122 °C Automatic 3 Grams Start weight : 0:02:00 0:04:00 0:06:00 0:08:00 Current date Current time Serial no. Set drying program, see chap. 15.2 Set drying parameters, see chap. 15.1 5.336 g Start weight 5.211 g 5.111 g 5.029 g 4.999 g Output interval, setting see chap.
The drying process can be aborted by pressing START/STOP followed by PRINT. When shut-down criteria setting = manual End drying process by pressing START/STOP.
15.2 Moisture analysis using the program library The device has a memory for drying programs! 20 drying programs can be allocated to this memory (library). Simply invoke and start the finished programss from the library. Activate program library “P6-01-Libr” Press the ESC-key repeatedly until the query ”SAVE?“ appears. Confirm query by pressing the PRINT-key Setting drying parameters The current drying program no. will appear.
Select drying parameters and carry out drying When program library is activated, select desired drying program as follows. The current drying program no. will appear. Select desired drying program no. After setting the desired drying program for the sample to be tested, you can now start the drying process. Procedure see chapter 15.1.
16 General information concerning moisture analysis 16.1 Application In all cases where moisture is added to or removed from products, a fast determination of the moisture content is of enormous importance. For countless products the moisture content is not only a quality feature but also an important cost factor.
16.4 Preparing a sample Prepare one sample at a time for measuring. This prevents the sample from exchanging moisture with its surroundings. If several samples have to be taken at the same time, they should be packed in airtight boxes so that they do not undergo changes during storage. To receive reproducible results, spread the sample thinly and evenly on a sample dish.
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16.7 Drying temperature Bear in mind the following factors when setting the drying temperature: Surface of the sample: Compared with powdery or grainy samples, liquid and spreadable samples have a smaller surface for the transmission of heat energy. The use of a glass fibre filter improves the heat application. Colour of sample: Light-coloured samples reflect more heat radiation than dark ones and therefore require a higher drying temperature.
16.8 Recommendations / Guidelines Prepare standard sample: Crush sample, as required, and spread it evenly in the aluminium dish. Prepare special samples: For sensitive or hard to spread test materials (e. g. mercury) a glass fibre filter is available for use. Spread sample evenly on glass fibre filter and cover is with a second glass fibre filter. The glass fibre filter is also useful as a protection when splashing materials are dealt with (each splash falsifies the final result).
17 Data output Pin allocation of the balance output plug (front view): 5 1 Pin 2: Pin 3: Pin 5: 9 Receive data Transmit data Signal ground 6 Interface cable: Balance - printer 3 (TxD) 5 (GND) 7 - 8 jumpered 1 (RxD) 3 (GND) Balance – PC 9-pole 2 (RxD) 3 (TxD) 5 (GND) 4 - 6 jumpered 7 - 8 jumpered 3 (TxD) 2 (RxD) 5 (GND) 4 - 6 jumpered 7 - 8 jumpered Balance – PC 25-pole 2 (RxD) 3 (TxD) 5 (GND) 7 - 8 jumpered 62 2 (TxD) 3 (RxD) 7 (GND) 4 – 5 jumpered 6 - 20 jumpered MLB_C-BA-e-1431
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18 Servicing, maintenance, disposal Before any maintenance, cleaning and repair work disconnect the appliance from the operating voltage. 18.1 Cleaning + Only carry out cleaning tasks when the equipment has cooled down. Sample dish Dish retainer Removal aid Windshield Draft protection base plate Please do not use aggressive cleaning agents (solvents or similar agents), but a cloth dampened with mild soap suds. Ensure that no liquid penetrates into the device. Polish with a dry soft cloth.
Clean temperature sensor Temperature sensor Clean the same way, as described above. Ensure the emitter is not touched or damaged in any way.
18.2 Change fuse + Disconnect equipment from power supply. + Swap fuse as shown in illustration. 18.3 Servicing, maintenance The appliance may only be opened by trained service technicians who are authorized by KERN. Ensure that the balance is regularly calibrated, see chap. Monitoring of test resources. 18.4 Disposal Disposal of packaging and appliance must be carried out by operator according to valid national or regional law of the location where the appliance is used.
19 Instant help Fault Possible cause Display is not lit up. • The display unit is not switched on • The mains supply connection has been interrupted (mains cable not plugged in/faulty) • Power supply interrupted • Fuse has blown The display does not change when a sample is being loaded • The weight display changes • constantly / the stability display does not appear. • Sample dish / dish holder is fitted incorrectly.
20 Declaration of Conformity KERN & Sohn GmbH D-72322 Balingen-Frommern Postfach 4052 E-Mail: info@kern-sohn.de Tel: 0049-[0]7433- 9933-0 Fax: 0049-[0]7433-9933-149 Internet: www.kern-sohn.
