Thermo Fisher 269-3617 01 Nicolet Apex FTIR Spectrometer Installation Guide
- June 1, 2024
- Thermo Fisher
Table of Contents
Thermo Fisher 269-3617 01 Nicolet Apex FTIR Spectrometer
Set up your new instrument
Nicolet Apex Site and Safety Guide
MANUAL CONVENTIONS
The following conventions are used in this manual to draw your attention to
important information:
DANGER
- Avoid hazard. Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in serious injury or death.3
WARNING
- Avoid hazard. Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION
- Avoid hazard. Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
Follow the instructions with this label to avoid damaging the system
hardware or losing data.
- Note Contains helpful supplementary information.
- Tip Provides information that can make a task easier.
Site preparation and intended use
The following table lists some of the safety symbols and their indications that may appear in the user documentation.
Table 2-1: Electrical symbols
CAUTION
- Avoid personal injury. If this equipment is used in a manner not specified in the accompanying documentation, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
- Avoid personal injury. Perform only those procedures described in the documentation. If there are other problems, contact us. Any other service must be performed by trained personnel.
- Avoid personal injury. Do not remove the cover of the instrument. All service to the instrument must be performed by trained personnel.
For Research Use Only. This instrument or accessory is not a medical device and is not intended to be used for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or cure of disease.
INGRESS PROTECTION RATING
This product is rated IP20.
WHEN THE INSTRUMENT ARRIVES
- Check the exterior of the shipping box for signs of damage. If damage is apparent, contact us or your local distributor for instructions.
- Move the shipping box to the installation location at least 24 hours before installation.
- Keep the instrument upright while moving it to the installation location.
NOTICE
The instrument is sealed in a plastic bag inside the shipping box to keep
the unit dry. Allow 24 hours for the instrument to reach room temperature
before opening the bag. If the bag is opened before the instrument reaches
room temperature, moisture could condense on the optical components and cause
permanent damage.
Note It is important to have all system utilities installed before the spectrometer arrives. Utility installations must also comply with all local building and safety codes.
LIFTING OR MOVING THE INSTRUMENT
To avoid the risk of injury, use proper lifting techniques when lifting or
moving the instrument or other system components. Lifting or moving this
instrument requires two people. Be sure to grasp with both hands under the
base on both sides of the instrument.
SPECIFICATIONS AND WORKSPACE CONSIDERATIONS
- Instrument weight: 35 kg (77 lb)
- Dimensions: 57.15 cm (L), 54.6 cm (W), 31.75 cm (H) If the optional sample compartment expansion kit is installed, the length (L) is increased by approximately 5.0 cm.
- Computer: Plan for the location of the computer, monitor, and keyboard. A standard USB A-B data cable is required to connect the instrument to the computer.
- Clearance: Leave ample space near and behind the system to allow access to cable and purge connections. The presence of an additional space next to the instrument makes it easier to access, speeding up and facilitating maintenance and operation.
NOTICE
Do not position the instrument so that it is difficult to reach the cable
connections and power switch. Use a heavy-duty table strong enough to support
the weight of the instrument and any other items that you plan to place on the
table. The table must not visibly flex or otherwise deform when the instrument
is placed on it. A flat and stable tabletop is essential to maintain proper
alignment of components and the beam path. Maintaining proper alignment is
necessary for instrument stability. For more details, see Vibration.
ELECTRICAL SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS
- Input current: 2.5 A (max)
- Input voltage : 100 to 240 VAC (primary), 12 VDC (secondary)
- Line frequency : 50/60 Hz
- Line disturbance : Sags, surges, or other line disturbances must not exceed 10% of input voltage (even for a half cycle)
- Noise: Less than 2 V common mode and less than 20 V (normal mode)
CAUTION
Avoid shock hazards. Each wall outlet used must be equipped with a ground.
The ground must be a noncurrent-carrying wire connected to the earth’s ground
at the main distribution box.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
- The instrument is designed for indoor use in normal operating environments (Pollution Degree 2).
- The instrument operates reliably at temperatures between 15 °C and 30 °C. For optimal performance, keep the temperature between 20 °C and 22 °C.
- Maintain humidity at 20% to 80%, non-condensing.
- When stored unpackaged or when operating the instrument in ambient conditions above 40% RH, it is highly recommended that the instrument be purged with dry air or nitrogen to protect the internal components
- Operation or storage with desiccant only in a high-humidity environment may require desiccant replacement every 14 days depending on the conditions
- Do not rely on the humidity indicator to determine when the desiccant has become saturated; use the System Status table in OMNIC Paradigm software instead
- Avoid damage to the optical components
- Do not place the system near sources of air conditioning ducts or large windows
- Do not place the system near sources of heat, such as heating ducts, hot plates, or heating mantles
- Purge the system with clean dry air or nitrogen.
- Avoid rapid temperature changes that may cause condensation.
ALTITUDE
The instrument is rated for altitudes of up to 2, 000 m (6, 500 ft).
STORAGE
When stored in the original shipping container, the instrument can be exposed
to temperatures from -20 °C to 60°C without damage to the instrument. Maximum
humidity for storage is 85% RH, non-condensing. The storage time for the
instrument at high humidity in its original packaging ranges between 60 and 70
days. Storage at lower ambient humidity will extend this time.
VIBRATION
- The instrument will perform better in a mechanically stable environment.
- Keep instruments away from machinery that may vibrate the floor.
- Minimize or eliminate acoustic noise and vibration wherever possible.
- Consider placing the instrument on a marble-top table or counter.
Floor vibration or acoustical noise from heavy manufacturing equipment, computer equipment, or other sources will not damage the system, but it can affect performance and spectral quality.
MAGNETIC AND ELECTRIC FIELDS
- Place the instrument at least 5.5 m (18 ft) away from magnetic fields.
- Minimize or eliminate exposure to magnetic fields wherever possible.
- Some wireless devices may also affect instrument performance. If this type of interference is suspected, move all wireless devices at least 2.0 m (6.5 ft) away from the instrument.
Safety precautions
PURGE REQUIREMENTS
- The instrument contains precise optical components that may be damaged by a moist environment. It is recommended to install a source of clean dry air or nitrogen to purge the spectrometer. This is especially important if humidity levels are above 70% RH in the laboratory environment.
- Optical damage caused by failure to maintain the desiccants or to purge the spectrometer is not covered under your warranty.
- You may also have a laboratory environment that contains solvents or other agents that can corrode spectrometer components. Purging the spectrometer will better protect the components.
- The interaction of chlorinated solvents, perfluorochlorinated solvents, or other solvents containing halogenated hydrocarbons (for example, Freon®) with an IR source can corrode spectrometer components. Do not leave these solvents exposed around the spectrometer any longer than necessary.
SELECTING A PURGE GAS
WARNING
- Avoid hazard. Never use a flammable, combustible, or toxic gas to purge this instrument. The purge gas must be free of oil and other reactive materials. The heat from the source or laser absorption may ignite flammable gases or reactive materials in purge gas. Use only dried air or nitrogen to purge your instrument.
- Dry air and nitrogen are equally effective in eliminating water vapor and volatile solvents, but nitrogen will remove carbon dioxide from your spectrum more effectively. The purge gas must be free of moisture, oil, and other reactive materials. To remove particulate matter and oil, you may need to install a 10-micrometer filter. Dry air or nitrogen supplied for purge should be dried to a dew point of -70 °C (-94 °F) or below for best performance.
NOTICE
- Do not use argon as a purge gas. Argon is an insulator and prevents the system from cooling properly.
INSTALLING PURGE GAS FITTINGS
If you plan to purge the instrument, you must install the purge line and
on/off valve before the instrument arrives. The source line pressure delivered
to the pressure regulator must be at least 1.4 bar (138 kPa, or 20 psig) and
must not exceed 7 bar (700 kPa, or 100 psig), with a minimum flow rate of 20
SCFH.
Figure 2-1: Purge valve
- Either 1/4 in male fitting or 3/8 in the female fitting
- B Main on/off valve (must be vertically aligned and easily accessible)
A pressure regulator is required at 20 psig. If the purge kit was purchased with the system, our service representative will install a pressure regulator and flowmeter. These components will maintain pressure and flow for optimal data collection. See the “Service” section of the user guide for more detailed information. Note It is important to have all system utilities installed before the spectrometer arrives. Utility installations must comply with all local building and safety codes.
PURGE GAS GENERATORS
If your facility does not have a source of clean, dry, compressed air or
nitrogen for system purge, we recommend using a purge gas generator. It cleans
and dries the air supplied by an air compressor so it can be used to purge the
instrument. If your facility does not have an air compressor, a complete dry
air generating system is available. Contact our sales or service
representative in your area for more information.
NOTICE
If using a purge gas generator: l Position it as far from the instrument as
practical to reduce noise and vibration.
- Purge gas generators require a minimum pressure for proper operation. Failure to supply this pressure may allow moisture to enter the system, causing permanent damage.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions before installing air-drying equipment or performing any maintenance. The installation and maintenance of air-drying equipment is your responsibility. Failure to perform routine maintenance as specified by the manufacturer may void your instrument warranty.
- Before connecting a new air dryer to the instrument, it is vital to purge the dryer of water and particulates by running it for at least 12 hours at nominal airflow. Otherwise, there is a risk of severe damage to the instrument when you connect the pure air dryer.
LIQUID NITROGEN
Some detectors must be cooled with liquid nitrogen before use. Follow your
organization’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and handling guidelines
when working with liquid nitrogen.
WARNING
Avoid freeze burns. Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold and potentially hazardous. Wear protective equipment and follow standard laboratory safety practices. To avoid hazardous contact with liquid nitrogen, make sure that any dewar or container used to hold liquid nitrogen can do so without breaking. When filling the dewar, be careful not to contact the liquid nitrogen with your skin. Fill the dewar slowly. Cooling the detector too quickly may cause the dewar to rapidly boil off liquid nitrogen.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCLUDING CORROSIVES AND FLAMMABLES
Spectroscopic analysis may involve the use of solvents or samples which are
volatile or corrosive.
WARNING
Avoid an explosion or fire hazard. This instrument or accessory is not
designed for use in an explosive atmosphere.
CAUTION
Avoid personal injury. Do not leave solvents or flammable samples near the
instrument. Be sure that the workspace is properly ventilated.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling these samples.
- Solvents and corrosives may damage the surfaces or structure of the instrument if spilled on it.
- When working with volatile materials, ensure proper workspace ventilation to minimize the entry of vapors into the interior of the instrument.
FIRE SAFETY AND BURN HAZARDS
CAUTION
Avoid personal injury and risk of fire or explosion.
- Do not test flammable or explosive samples.
- Use only nitrogen or dried air to purge your instrument.
- Do not touch the infrared source housing; it may be very hot.
- Do not place anything on the electronics cover.
- After you turn off the instrument, wait 15 minutes before you replace the components.
- Never block any of the vents on an instrument or its power supply.
- Use the exact Thermo Fisher-provided replacement for power supplies.
The infrared source in your instrument can be removed without removing the main cover. If you remove the source, be aware that the source housing may be very hot and stays hot for up to 15 minutes after you turn off the instrument. To avoid being burned or starting a fire, do not touch the source with your body or any flammable object until it has cooled.
CORROSIVE SOLVENTS
WARNING
Avoid toxic inhalation hazards. Materials such as hydrochloric acid,
hydrofluoric acid, and phosgene are highly toxic. If regular use of solvents
containing halogenated hydrocarbons is desired, be sure the work area is
properly ventilated. Using solvents that may produce HCl or HF vapors in the
sample compartment may severely damage the system. If using halogenated
solvents, such as those listed below, purging the instrument with clean dry
air or nitrogen is strongly recommended. Equipment damage due to failure to
purge is not covered under the warranty. For questions about this, please
contact us. The following is a list of commonly used halogenated solvents:
- Freon
- Methylene chloride
- Trichloroethylene
- Chloroform
- Carbon tetrachloride
BIOHAZARD OR RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND INFECTIOUS AGENTS
WARNING
Avoid hazard. Reduce the risk associated with potentially infectious
samples. Do not spill samples on any of the instrument components. If a spill
occurs, dis-infect the external surfaces immediately following your laboratory
protocols.3
- Follow your organization’s Biosafety Program protocols for working with and/or handling potentially infectious materials. Individuals should be trained according to applicable regulatory and organization requirements before working with potentially infectious materials.
- Do not return to us any instruments, accessories, components, or other associated materials that have been contaminated with biohazard or radioactive materials, infectious agents, or any other materials and/or conditions that could constitute a health or injury hazard to employees.
- Biological samples such as tissues, body fluids, infectious agents, and blood of humans and other animals have the potential to transmit infectious diseases. Contact us if you have questions about decontamination requirements.
ZINC SELENIDE
The Nicolet Apex spectrometer can be optionally purchased in a non-hygroscopic
zinc selenide (ZnSe) configuration, as opposed to the more common potassium
bromide (KBr) configuration. The ZnSe configuration replaces the instrument’s
KBr sample compartment windows, beamsplitter, and detector windows with ZnSe
counterparts.
WARNING
Avoid toxic inhalation and ingestion. Zinc selenide is toxic. Refer to the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet at www.specac.com for handling and exposure controls.
- Wear protective gloves when replacing the ZnSe sample compartment windows.
Laser safety
This instrument is a laser product. The laser source is an 850 nm diode laser
that emits radiation invisible to the human eye.
WARNING
Avoid personal injury. Never stare into the laser beam or at its
reflection. Never tamper with the laser head, even if you are replacing a
defective laser.
Protective housing
A protective housing covers this instrument. More than 80 percent of the laser
light is lost as it passes through the instrument optics. The accessible laser
radiation in the sample compartment is very low, with less than 200 µW of
continuous power.
Laser emissions
This instrument is classified as a Class I laser product (FDA-CDRH and IEC
60825-1:2014), which is inherently safe. Less than 200 µW of reflective laser
light is accessible during normal use and maintenance.
Manufacturer’s laser information
In some jurisdictions, you may be required to register this instrument. Check
with your company’s safety officer or your local government offices. The
following is information that might be needed for registration.
Cleaning your instrument
CAUTION
- Avoid shock hazards. Turn off power before cleaning the instrument.
NOTICE
- Do not use harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals, or abrasives.
- Do not allow liquid to run onto optical surfaces.
- Do not attempt to clean or touch the mirror surfaces.
Clean the outside of the spectrometer with a damp (not wet) soft cloth and a mild soap.
CONTACT US
- www.thermofisher.com
- Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLC
- 5225 Verona Rd.
- Madison WI 53711 USA
- PN 269-361701_B
- All rights reserved. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.