Malvern Mastersizer Series User manual

Getting Started

MAN 0101 Issue1.3 August 1997

Malvern Instruments Ltd. 1995, 1997.

Malvern Instruments makes every effort to ensure that this document is correct. However,

due to Malvern Instruments policy of continual product development we are unable to

guarantee the accuracy of this, or any other document after the date of publication. We

therefore disclaim all liability for any changes, errors or omissions after the date of

publication.

No reproduction or transmission of any part of this publication is allowed without the express

written permission of Malvern Instruments Ltd.

Head office:

Malvern Instruments Ltd.

Spring Lane South,

Malvern.

Worcestershire. WR14 1XZ

U.K.

Tel + [44] (0) 1684-892456

Fax + [44] (0) 1684-892789

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Tygon is a registered trademark of Cole Parmer Instruments Company Limited.

Printed in England

Contents

Chapter 1 - Introduction to this manual

Welcome 1-1

Systems covered by this manual 1-1

Access to the instrument 1-2

Assumed information 1-3

Windows terms 1-3

Menu commands 1-5

Where to find information 1-5

Other reading 1-7

Chapter 2 - Getting to know your system

Introduction 2-1

A typical system 2-1

The optical unit 2-2

The transmitter 2-2

The sample area 2-4

The receiver 2-7

Differences between the long and standard bench Mastersizers 2-9

The Malvern software 2-10

The Mastersizer program group 2-10

Finding your way around the screen 2-11

Modes of operation 2-15

Menu mode 2-15

Easy mode 2-15

Program mode 2-16

Getting help 2-16

CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED

Page i

On-line help 2-16

The F1 Function key 2-17

The Help menu 2-17

The Help window 2-17

Jumps and Popups 2-18

Status line 2-19

Reporting Problems 2-19

Chapter 3 - How the Mastersizer works

Introduction 3-1

What does the Mastersizer do? 3-1

How does the Mastersizer do it? 3-2

How to make a measurement 3-4

How to analyse the measurement data 3-6

The analysis model 3-6

The presentation 3-6

Calculating the result 3-7

Viewing the result 3-8

Saving the result 3-8

Chapter 4 - Making a measurement

Introduction 4-1

General measurement advice 4-1

Sample preparation 4-2

Cleanliness of the optical system 4-2

Choosing a range lens 4-3

Size range of your sample 4-3

Sample dispersion method 4-5

As general advice 4-5

CONTENTS Getting Started

Page ii

MAN 0101

Avoiding lens cut off (Vignetting) 4-5

Always measure a background 4-6

Making a measurement 4-6

Instrument preparation 4-6

Document the measurement 4-8

An introduction to the measure windows 4-8

Align the system 4-10

Take a background measurement 4-11

Add the sample 4-11

Measure the sample 4-13

Chapter 5 - Analysing the measurement data

Introduction 5-1

Choosing the correct analysis mode 5-1

Choosing the correct presentation 5-3

The Malvern presentation grid 5-3

Methods of selecting a presentation 5-5

When is the presentation important? 5-6

Selecting a presentation 5-7

Special Presentations 5-8

Calculating the result 5-8

Chapter 6 - Viewing and printing the results

Introduction 6-1

Views 6-1

Reports 6-3

Overview of the standard views and reports 6-4

Understanding printing 6-6

Selecting fonts for graphs and tables 6-7

CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED

Page iii

The Graph fonts 6-7

The Table fonts 6-7

Installing and selecting a printer 6-8

Changing print settings 6-9

Printing from the Mastersizer 6-9

Chapter 7 - Interpreting the results

Introduction 7-1

Fundamental concepts 7-1

Results are volume based 7-1

Equivalent spheres 7-2

Derived distribution parameters 7-3

Understanding the tables and graphs 7-4

Chapter 8 - Automating the process

Introduction 8-1

Setting up a sequence 8-1

Chapter 9 - Sample preparation

Introduction 9-1

Representative sampling 9-1

Considerations for dry samples 9-2

Considerations for wet samples 9-3

Choice and preparation of the dispersant 9-3

Surfactants and admixtures 9-5

Surfactants 9-5

Admixtures 9-6

Slurries 9-6

The use of ultrasonics 9-6

CONTENTS Getting Started

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MAN 0101

Samples with unstable concentrations 9-7

Bubbles 9-7

Summary of sample preparation 9-8

Chapter 10 - Advanced result processing

Modifying results 10-1

Killing channels 10-1

Killing data channels 10-1

Killing result channels 10-3

Using the Kill cursors 10-4

Shape correction - Changing the size calibration 10-4

Extending the result 10-6

Transforming result type 10-7

Blending results 10-8

Multiple modifications 10-9

Tromp curve analysis 10-9

Chapter 11 - Maintenance

Introduction 11-1

Replacing the sample tubing 11-1

Replacing fuses 11-2

Cleaning the covers 11-3

Cleaning the optics 11-4

Cleaning the cell windows 11-4

Cleaning the range lenses 11-6

Cleaning the beam expander 11-7

Appendix A - Specification

Introduction A-1

CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED

Page v

Particle sizing specification A-1

Optical unit specification A-2

Computer requirements (minimum) A-4

Mastersizer programme specification A-5

Software Revision Level A-6

Appendix B - Chemical compatibility

Introduction B-1

Components in contact with sample and dispersant B-1

Wet sample measurements B-1

Dry sample measurements B-1

Spray measurements B-2

Appendix C - Remote interlock

Remote interlock C-1

Appendix D - Estimating the absorption

Introduction D-1

Estimating the absorption using concentration measurements D-1

Appendix E - Advice for continuous sprays

Introduction E-1

Arrange for the spray to be extracted E-1

Use the correct optical configuration E-1

Positioning the spray nozzle E-1

Don’t spray the optical unit E-2

Ensure the spray is stable during measurement E-2

CONTENTS Getting Started

Page vi

MAN 0101

Appendix F - Malvern addresses

Malvern subsidiaries F-1

Appendix G - EMC performance

Statement of EMC performance G-1

Statement of EMC performance for the Mastersizer S G-1

Equipment under test G-1

Test conditions G-1

EMC performance G-2

Statement of EMC performance for the Mastersizer X G-3

Equipment under test G-3

Test conditions G-3

EMC performance G-3

CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED

Page vii

CONTENTS Getting Started

Page viii

MAN 0101

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