OHAUS MB27 Moisture Analyzer Instruction Manual

OHAUS MB27 Moisture Analyzer

INTRODUCTION

Safety Precautions

For safe and dependable operation of this moisture Analyzer, please comply with the following safety precautions:

• Use the Analyzer exclusively for determination of moisture in samples. Improper operation of the Analyzer can endanger personnel and cause property damage.
• If the Analyzer is used in a manner not specified in this manual, the protection provided may be impaired.
• Verify that the input voltage printed on the voltage identification label information and the plug type matches the local AC power supply.
• The Analyzer has a 3-pin power cable that includes a ground connection. Intentionally disabling the equipment grounding connection is prohibited.
• Do not position the Analyzer so that it is difficult to disconnect the Power Plug from the local AC power supply.
• Make sure that the power cord does not pose any obstacle or tripping hazard.
• Do not operate the Analyzer in hazardous, wet or unstable environments.
• Disconnect the Analyzer from the power supply when cleaning the Analyzer.
• Ensure sufficient free space around the Analyzer as a safety zone. Allow at least 1 meter of free space above the Analyzer.
• The Analyzer must be operated only by trained personnel who are familiar with the properties of the samples being tested and with the equipment operation.
• Use appropriate personal safety equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, protective clothing and respirators.
• Do not make any modifications to the Analyzer.
• Service should be performed only by authorized personnel.

The Moisture Analyzer works with heat!

• Never place flammable materials on, below or next to the Analyzer.
• Use caution when removing a test sample. The sample, the sample chamber, the heating element and the surrounding areas may be very hot and can cause burns.

Some samples require special care!

• Should there be any uncertainty regarding the safety of a substance, perform a careful risk analysis. In such cases, never leave the Analyzer unattended.
• Fire or explosion: Substances which contain solvents or release flammable or explosive vapors when heated. With such samples, work at drying temperatures low enough to prevent the formation of flames or an explosion.
• Poisoning or burning: Substances which contain toxic or caustic components should only be dried in a fume hood.
• Corrosive: Substances which release corrosive vapors when heated should be tested in small amounts.
• The user assumes responsibility for any damage caused by the use of these types of samples.

Application Disclaimer
Moisture determination applications must be optimized and validated by the user according to local regulations. Application specific data provided by OHAUS is for reference purposes only. OHAUS waives all liability for applications based on this data.

INSTALLATION

Package Contents

• Moisture Analyzer
• Draft Shield
• In-Use Cover
• Pan Support
• Power Cable
• 50 Sample Pans
• Glass Fiber Pad
• Instruction Manual
• Sample Pan Handler

Selecting the Location

• Operate the Analyzer on a firm, level surface.
• Select a location that is safe and with adequate ventilation. Fire, corrosive or toxic fumes and other hazards associated with the test samples will require specially prepared locations.
• Ensure that the location has easy access to the local AC power supply.
• Avoid locations with rapid temperature changes, excessive humidity, air currents, vibrations, electromagnetic fields, heat or direct sunlight.

Installing Components

1. Install and position Draft Shield

2. Install Pan Support, turn until it engages into position

3. Optional Sample Pan Handler – Slide an empty sample pan under the pan handler, then place over the pan support.

Connecting Power

Verify that the input voltage printed on the voltage identification label information and the plug type matches the locations AC power supply.
Connect the supplied power cable to the power input receptacle at the rear of the Analyzer and into a properly grounded power outlet.

Power: On (short press) / Off / Standby Mode (long press)
When powered on from standby mode, the Analyzer is ready for immediate use.

See also Section 1, Safety Precautions.
After connecting the Analyzer to the AC supply (standby mode), allow the Analyzer to warm up for at least 15 minutes for best results.

OPERATION

Leveling the equipment
The MB27 has a level bubble in a small round window near the display.
Make sure that the bubble is centered in the circle and that he equipment is level each time its location is changed.

Display

• Stable indicator
  % Percent solids
   Percent moisture
  g grams
  100° Temperature setting or current chamber temperature (Celsius)
  10:00 Time setting (minutes : seconds)

Controls

Start/Stop (short press)
Back (short press)| | Set | Increase value (short or long press)
| Tare| Tare (short press)
Enter / Accept value (short press)| | Set | Decrease value (short or long press)
| Temp| Temperature Setting (short press)| | Print / Cal| Print (short press) Calibrate (long press)
| Time| Time Setting (short press)| | %g| Result Unit (short press)

There are also several modes of operation which affect how each button operates. Please refer to the following section.

Operating Modes

Standby Mode
When the Analyzer is connected to AC power and the display is off, the unit is in Standby mode.
Start (Short press) Turns on the display and enters Weigh mode.
Print (Long press) Displays the RS232 settings (see Section 6, RS232 Data Connection.). Thereafter,
Set (Short or long press) Switch the RS232 setting between two settings. (see section 6, RS232 Data Settings)
Set (Short or long press) Switch the RS232 setting between two settings. (see section 6, RS232 Data Settings)
Print (Short press) Re-enters Standby mode (off).
Weigh Mode
The display shows the weight of items placed on the pan support.
Tare (Short press) Sets the displayed weight value to zero
Start (Long press) Enters Standby mode (Off)
The following operations can be initiated:
Temp (Short press) Enters Edit mode for the temperature setting, the value will blink
Time (Short press) Enters Edit mode for the time setting, the value will blink
Start (Short press) Activates Run mode, initiates test with a sample greater than 0.5 g
Cal (Long press) Initiates weight or temperature Calibration (see Section 5, Maintenance)
Temperature / Time Edit Mode (Preparing a Test)
Temperature editing: (50° to 160°C in 5° steps)
Temp (Short press) Enters Edit mode for the temperature setting, the value will blink.
Set (Short or long press) Increases the value of the temperature setting.
Set (Short or long press) Decreases the value of the temperature setting.
Tare (Short press) Accepts the blinking value and returns to Weigh mode.
Start (Short press) Exits Edit mode without saving changes.
Note: After 5 seconds of no activity the blinking setting is automatically saved and the mode returns to Weigh.

Time editing : (1 to 60 minutes in 30 second steps, 61 to 99 minutes in 1 minute steps)
The time parameter can be set to timed duration or AUTO (the test ends when the Analyzer detects the weight loss has ended). Selecting AUTO or timed duration:
Time (Short press) Enters Edit mode for the time setting, the value will blink.
Time (Short press) While the time setting is blinking, toggles between AUTO and a time value.
Tare Accepts the blinking setting.
If AUTO is selected Weigh mode is entered.
If time duration is selected:
Set (Short or long press) Increases the value of the time setting.
Set (Short or long press) Decreases the value of the time setting.
Tare (Short press) Accepts the blinking value and returns to Weigh mode.
Start (Short press) Exits Edit mode without saving changes.
Note: After 5 seconds of no activity the blinking setting is automatically saved and the mode returns to Weigh.

Run Mode (Performing a Test)
A moisture determination test is initiated. The results in progress are displayed.
Start (Short press) Activates Run mode, initiates test with a sample greater than 0.5 g.
%g Changes the unit of the displayed result: weight (grams) > % Moisture

% Solids.
Stop (Short press) Manually stops the test in progress.
Print Sends the current displayed value to the RS232.

Result Mode
At the end of the test (Run Mode), the display blinks the test result.
%g Changes the unit of the displayed result: weight (grams) > % Moisture > % Solids.
Tare Exits to Weigh mode.
Print Sends the current displayed value to the RS232.

How to Prepare a Test

Moisture determinations can be made very simply. The three steps are:

1. Setting the drying temperature (see Section 3).
2. Setting the drying time, and (see Section 3).
3. Preparing the sample to be tested:

• Place the Pan Handler with empty test pan on the Pan Support (see Section 2).
• Press Tare to zero out the pan weight.
• Remove the test pan and place the test sample onto the test pan. The sample must be greater than 0.5g.
• Spread the sample evenly across the test pan.
• Place the test pan with the sample on the Pan Support. The weight value of the sample will be displayed.

Section 4. Test Optimization gives hints on determining optimal drying temperatures and times, sample sizes, and proper preparation of samples.

How to Perform a Test

1. Close the Heater Cover.
2. Press Start to begin the test (press Start again to stop the test in progress).
3. When the test is over the display will blink showing the final result.
4. To change the displayed units, press %g.
5. To print the current displayed value, press Print.
6. Press Tare to exit to Weigh mode.

Performing a Trial Test
Prior to actual testing, a test run can be performed with these suggested settings:

1. Temperature = 120

2. Time = AUTO

3. Sample = 3g of water. Place a glass fiber pad (included with the Analyzer) on the test pan, place on Pan Support.
   Press Tare to zero the pan weight. Add 3g of water to the fiber pad.

4. Press Start to initiate the test. A perfect result on the trial test would be: 0g, 100% moisture or 0%solids.

TEST OPTIMIZATION

Moisture is determined from the weight loss of a sample dried by heating.
The speed and quality of the measurement process will rely on the following parameters. Experimentation will also help ascertain the optimal setup of these parameters:

• Drying temperature
• Drying time
• Sample weight
• Sample preparation
• Type of sample

Drying Temperature

• The drying temperature exerts a controlling influence on the drying time (e.g., a low temperature can prolong the drying time unnecessarily).
• Select a drying temperature that neither decomposes nor changes the chemical structure of the sample.
• Some samples can give off different amounts of moisture at different drying temperatures. In these cases, deviations can be compensated by changing the drying temperature.

Drying Time
This analyzer has three methods to establish the drying time.

• Manual, where the user stops the test in progress by pressing the Stop button. The test must be longer than 30 seconds to be a valid test.
• Automatic, which ends the drying process when detecting less than 1mg loss in 60 seconds. To keep the drying time short, select a small sample weight that still maintains the required measurement accuracy.
• Timed duration, where the test ends when the pre-set drying time elapses.

Sample Weight
The weight of a sample influences the measurement time and repeatability of the results. With large amounts of samples, more moisture must be vaporized and the process takes longer. Generally, the sample weight should be between 3g and 20g. 3g samples give fast results with some sacrifice in accuracy. 20g samples generally give more consistent results but require a longer test time.
Another way to determine the sample weight is to use the relation between sample weight and repeatability, as shown in the following table. If requiring repeatability results better than ±0.3%, for example, the table indicates that a sample weight of at least 2g will be needed.

Sample Preparation
Samples must always be uniform and representative of the total amount to obtain accurate and reproducible results. When preparing samples, it is essential to ensure thin and uniform distribution of the sample on the test pan (i.e., avoid piling and excessive amounts).

Types of Samples

Pasty, fat containing and melting substances
Use a glass fiber filter to increase the surface area of these types of samples (e.g., butter). The moisture in these substances is more uniformly distributed through the filter. The increased surface area results in faster and more complete vaporization of the moisture.

Liquid substances
Liquids (e.g., dispersions) tend to form drops on the test pan, which prevents rapid drying. Use of a glass fiber filter shortens the drying time significantly as the filter distributes the liquid sample over a larger surface area.

Skin-forming and temperature sensitive substances
Formation of a film on the surface of these samples can prevent complete determination of moisture. Using a glass fiber filter to cover the sample allow gentler and more beneficial heating, improving reproducibility.

Sugar-containing substances
Samples containing large amounts of sugar tend to caramelize. Ensure that a thin and uniform layer is applied and a moderate temperature selected. The sample can also be covered with a glass fiber filter that improves reproducibility.

The following substances present risk of fire, explosion, damage or injury.
Should there be any uncertainty regarding the safety of a substance, always perform a careful risk analysis. In such cases, never leave the Analyzer unattended.

Volatile substances
With volatile samples, rapid application of the sample on the test pan is advisable, to limit the moisture from escaping before the initial weight is recorded. These substances also include samples treated with solvents, and substances which contain solvents or release flammable or explosive vapors. Work at drying temperatures low enough to prevent the formation of flames or an explosion. Always work with small samples (maximum 1g).

Poisonous and toxic substances
Substances which contain toxic or caustic components should only be dried in a fume hood.
Corrosive substances
Substances which release corrosive vapors when heated (e.g. acids) should be tested in small amounts. The vapors can condense on the Analyzer parts causing corrosion.

MAINTENANCE

Weight Calibration

Weight calibration is rarely required. Moisture analyzers use relative weight values to determine the results, so a minor offset from the absolute weight has little effect on accuracy. OHAUS moisture analyzers have rugged, high quality temperature stabilized weighing modules that retain their calibration over long periods of time.

1. Remove any load on the Pan Support including the sample pan.
2. Press and hold Cal while in the Weigh mode. “CAL” will appear followed by “50.00g”.
3. Place a 50g calibration mass on the Pan Support. The display will show “—–”.
4. Remove the mass when “–0–” is shown on the display. The display will show “—–”.
5. The Analyzer will return to Weigh mode when calibration is complete.
   Note : Pressing START will cancel the calibration without saving the changes.

Temperature Calibration
Temperature calibration is rarely required under normal use. If the heating elements become dirty, the usual setting may no longer produce the same results. A temperature calibration can correct for these changes.

Use only the OHAUS Temperature Calibration Kit (accessory) to perform temperature calibration.
Damage to the Analyzer can occur if using other methods.

1. Remove the Pan Support for the temperature calibration to start.
2. Place the OHAUS Temperature Calibration Kit into the temperature chamber (see Kit Instructions). Close Cover.
3. Press and hold Cal until “Cal” is displayed. When Cal is released “TC100” will appear and the heater turns on.
4. After 15 minutes, the unit will beep and blink “100” on the display.
5. Read the thermometer on the Temperature Calibration Kit and press Set to change and match the displayed value to the thermometer reading.
6. Press Tare to enter the value. The display will show “TC160” as the heater turns on again.
7. After 15 minutes, the unit will beep and blink “160” on the display.
8. Read the thermometer on the Temperature Calibration Kit and press Set  to change and match the displayed value to the thermometer reading.
9. Press Tare to enter the value. The Analyzer returns to Weigh mode.
10. Temperature calibration is now complete.
    Note : If Tare is not pressed within 10 minutes the calibration will be aborted.

Cleaning

•   Disconnect the Analyzer from the power supply before cleaning the Analyzer.
• Make sure that no liquid enters the interior of the Analyzer.
• Make sure the Analyzer is cooled down before cleaning.
• Clean the Analyzer at regular intervals.
• Housing surfaces and the temperature sensor may be cleaned with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or a mild cleaning agent.
• Glass surfaces may be cleaned with a commercial glass cleaner.
• Do not use solvents, harsh chemicals, ammonia or abrasive cleaning agents.

Troubleshooting

cover
Poor accuracy| Improper calibration Unstable environment| Perform calibration

Move the analyzer to suitable location

Cannot calibrate| Unstable environment Incorrect calibration masses| Move the analyzer to suitable location Use correct calibration masses
Err 7.0| Time out|
Err 8.1| Pan support has load during power on| Remove weight from pan support
Err 8.2| Pan support was removed prior to power on| Install pan support
Err 8.3| Weight on pan support exceeds capacity| Remove weight from the pan support
Err 8.4| Pan support was removed during weighing| Re-install pan support
Err 8.5| Cannot perform temperature calibration| Cool down the analyzer
Err 8.6| Current temperature is higher than setting| Cool down the analyzer
Err 9.5| Factory calibration data corrupted| Contact an Ohaus-authorized dealer
Err 10.3| Temperature sensor out of range – high| Contact an Ohaus-authorized dealer
Err 10.4| Temperature sensor out of range – low| Contact an Ohaus-authorized dealer
Err 10.5| Temperature sensor defective| Contact an Ohaus-authorized dealer
Err 10.6| Temperature sensor defective| Contact an Ohaus-authorized dealer
Err 10.7| Temperature out of control| Contact an Ohaus-authorized dealer
Err 11.0| AC power is unstable| Use a power line conditioner
Err 53| EEPROM checksum error| Contact an Ohaus-authorized dealer
Err 54| Loading of calibration parameters failed| Contact an Ohaus-authorized dealer

Service Information
If the troubleshooting section does not resolve or describe your problem, contact your authorized OHAUS service agent.
Please visit our web site: www.ohaus.com to locate the OHAUS office nearest you.

Accessories

TECHNICAL DATA

Admissible Ambient Conditions
Location : Indoor use only
Temperature : 10°C to 40°C
Relative humidity : 15 % to 80 % at 30°C non-condensing
Warm up time : At least 15 minutes after connecting the Analyzer to the AC supply;
when switched from standby mode the Analyzer is ready for immediate use.
Height above sea level : Up to 2000 m
Power Input : 100VAC – 120VAC, 3A, 50/60Hz or 200VAC -240VAC, 3A, 50/60Hz
Voltage fluctuations : -15% +10%
Power load : 250W
Power line fuse : 1 piece, 5 x 20mm, 2.5A 250V
Protected against dust and water, Pollution degree : 2, Installation category: Class II

Specifications

Communication

RS232 Pin Connections

Female DB9 connector
Pin 2 : Analyzer transmit line (TxD)
Pin 3 : Analyzer receive line (RxD)
Pin 4 and 6 : Internally connected
Pin 5 : Ground signal (GND)
Pin 7 : Clear to send (hardware handshake) (CTS)
Pin 8 : Request to send (hardware handshake) (RTS)

RS232 Data Settings

RS232 Data Settings|
---|---
Baud Rate(default): 2400| Data Bits: 7| Parity: N| Stop Bits: 2| Flow Control: X on/X off
Baud Rate: 9600| Data Bits: 8| Parity: N| Stop Bits: 1| Flow Control: X on/X off

RS232 Commands

The RS232 Interface allows a computer to control the Analyzer, as well as to receive data such as displayed weight.

displayed on the LCD by pressing
Print for 2 seconds while in standby mode.) Baud:1200,2400,4800,9600,19200
Data Bits: 7 or 8
Parity: N = none, O = odd, E = even Stop Bits: 1 or 2
Handshake: X = x on/x off (software), R = RTS-CTS (hardware), N = none

The Analyzer will return “ES” for invalid commands.
All communication uses standard ASCII format.
Sent commands must terminate with a Line Feed or Carriage Return Line Feed (CRLF).

RS232 Output

MOISTURE DETERMINATION
OHAUS MB2x SN #########
Switchoff Mode TIMED 10:00
Drying Temp 100C
Result Units %Moisture
00:10 0.0%MC
00:20 0.0%MC
Elapsed Time 00:02:21
Initial Weight 8.560 g
Final Weigh 8.555 g
Final Result 0.0%MC

Header on
Header on
Header on
Header on
Header on
If Print pressed or print interval set.
If Print pressed or print interval set.
Printed at successful end of test.
Printed at successful end of test.
Printed at successful end of test.
Printed at successful end of test.

Compliance

Compliance to the following standards is indicated by the corresponding mark on the product.

Directive 2006/95/EC. The complete Declaration of Conformity is available from Ohaus Corporation
| AS/NZS4251.1 Emission, AS/NZS4252.1
| CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04; UL Std. No. 61010A-1

Disposal
In conformance with the European Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) this device may not be disposed of in domestic waste. This also applies to countries outside the EU, per their specific requirements.
Please dispose of this product in accordance with local regulations at the collecting point specified for electrical and electronic equipment.
If you have any questions, please contact the responsible authority or the distributor from which you purchased this device.
Should this device be passed on to other parties (for private or professional use), the content of this regulation must also be related.
Disposal instructions in Europe are available online at www.ohaus.com. Choose your, country then search for “WEEE“.
Thank you for your contribution to environmental protection.

FCC Note
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Industry Canada Note
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

ISO 9001 Registration
In 1994, Ohaus Corporation, USA, was awarded a certificate of registration to ISO 9001 by Bureau Veritus Quality International (BVQI), confirming that the Ohaus quality management system is compliant with the ISO 9001 standard’s requirements. On June 21, 2012, Ohaus Corporation, USA, was re-registered to the ISO 9001:2008 standard.

LIMITED WARRANTY

OHAUS products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of delivery through the duration of the warranty period. During the warranty period OHAUS will repair, or, at its option, replace any component(s) that proves to be defective at no charge, provided that the product is returned, freight prepaid, to OHAUS.
This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse, exposed to radioactive or corrosive materials, has foreign material penetrating to the inside of the product, or as a result of service or modification by other than OHAUS. In lieu of a properly returned warranty registration card, the warranty period shall begin on the date of shipment to the authorized dealer. No other express or implied warranty is given by OHAUS Corporation. OHAUS Corporation shall not be liable for any consequential damages.
As warranty legislation differs from state to state and country to country, please contact OHAUS or your local OHAUS dealer for further details.

Customer Support

Ohaus Corporation
7 Campus Drive
Suite 310
Parsippany, NJ 07054, USA
Tel: 973-377-9000
Fax: 973-944-7177
With offices worldwide / Con oficinas alrededor del mundo / Avec des bureaux dans le monde entire
www.ohaus.com

References

• Lab Balance | Industrial Scales | Lab Equipment | Lab Instruments | OHAUS

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