i CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION/INSTALLATION 1 The miniAV-LT® Automatic Viscometer ................................................................................. 1 Measuring kinematic viscosity ............................................................................................... 2 Safety cautions ..................................................................................................................... 2 Specifications ....................................................................
ii Configuring the Machine Status window to correspond with multiple-instrument placement ....................................................................................................................... 26 Viewing test results ............................................................................................................. 27 Creating an analysis ............................................................................................................
iii Inserting/deleting a sample ID in the test sequence ................................................... 68 Saving Sample ID information ................................................................................. 69 miniAV analysis modules ......................................................................................... 70 Configuring the VI Matcher ................................................................................................. 70 Turning off the VI Matcher ...............
iv Keystrokes for selecting data for printing ................................................................. 87 Exporting analysis data ........................................................................................................ 87 7 SAMPLE DATA TABLE 89 Configuring the Sample Data analysis ...................................................................... 90 8 SAMPLE DATA EXPORT ANALYSIS 95 Configuring the Sample Data Export analysis ..............................................
1 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION/INSTALLATION The miniAV-LT Automatic Viscometer The miniAV-LT Low Temperature Automatic Viscometer is specially designed to handle the unique needs of low temperature (sub-zero) kinematic viscosity determinations of jet fuels, turbine lubricants, and hydraulic fluids. The miniAV-LT offers determination of kinematic viscosity in accordance with ASTM D445 and D2532 specifications.
2 Measuring kinematic viscosity Kinematic viscosity is a measure of the internal resistance to flow of a fluid under gravity with the pressure head being proportional to the density of the fluid. For any particular viscometer, the time of flow of a fixed volume of fluid is directly proportional to its kinematic viscosity. Units of measure An accepted unit of kinematic viscosity is one centimeter squared per second, which is called one stoke.
3 Make sure that your unit is operated only by qualified personnel. Make sure that you read and understand all operating instructions and safety precautions listed in this manual before installing or operating your unit. If you have questions regarding instrument operation or documentation, contact CANNON® Instrument Company. Do not deviate from the installation, operation or maintenance procedures described in this manual.
7 Installing VISCPRO ® software To install the VISCPRO® software, follow the instructions below in the sequence presented. Make certain that you complete the sections on checking instrument settings and initial calibration data. If you encounter difficulties at any stage in the installation process, call CANNON® service at 814-353-8000. Computer requirements Consult CANNON® Instrument Company at 814-353-8000 for current computer specifications.
8 Running the software the VISCPRO II icon Provide power to the miniAV-LT instrument, and verify serial connections to the computer. To load your newly-installed VISCPRO® software, double-click on the VISCPRO® icon on your Windows® desktop (Windows® NT® users can click Start/All Programs/VISCPRO/VISCPRO 2.0).
9 The Sample Input window NOTE If the Sample Input window does not appear when the software loads, click View Instrument from the Main menu, then click the desired instrument group (type of instrument, e.g. miniAV-LT, CCS, CAV-2100) from the list of available instruments and click OK. If the Available Instruments list box is blank, your miniAV-LT instrument may not be on-line. Check cable connections and make certain the unit power switch is ON.
10 NOTE If you wish to restore the original configuration, archive your sample data before doing so (see Chapter 13 for information on using the Database Manager software). Then copy the original SAMPLES.MDB file from the CD-ROM to the database directory corresponding to your operating system (see table, previous page).
11 You will use the Instrument Settings window (see below) to describe and control miniAV-LT instrument operational features. These settings affect the instrument as a whole. Check the instrument settings for your instrument per the instructions below, and make any necessary changes: The Instrument Settings window Use the ID field to input instrument identification information using up to 16 alphanumeric characters.
12 Viewing/editing setup information NOTE For first-time installation, make certain that the factory-prepared Configuration file has been copied to the Default Data directory ( see page 7) per instructions.If your instrument has already been configured, you can use the instructions in this section of the manual to check or, if necessary, change the instrument settings. 1. Click Configure from the VISCPRO® menu bar. 2. Select your instrument group and instrument from the list of available instruments. 3.
13 Manually changing tube calibration constants If you discovered any errors in the values of the calibration constants (see previous section), follow the directions in this section to manually correct them using calibration information previously obtained for your unit. If the calibration values are correct, instrument setup is complete. NOTE This procedure for manually entering/changing calibration constants bypasses the normal calibration procedure.
14 The Calibration window Compare this value to your archive of the calibration constant data (if available) for bulb 1. The values should be identical. 3. If they are not, place your cursor in the appropriate field, delete the entry, then type the correct values for the constant in the text box. 4. Click Update tube . 5. Use the bulb spin controls to select the other bulb(s) for which you noted calibration constant errors. Input the correct values for each.
15 Compare the values in the Tray Settings: Wash window with your archived values and make any necessary changes; then click OK. To check Advanced Settings for your miniAV-LT instrument, click Configure from the VISCPRO menu options and select the desired instrument. Then click Tray Settings: Advanced. The Tray Settings: Advanced window will appear. CANNON® miniAV-LT Automatic Viscometer with VISCPRO® Instruction & Operation Manual Version 1.
16 Compare the values in the Tray Settings: Advanced window with your archived values and make any necessary changes; then click OK. Preparing the miniAV-LT for testing Inserting the miniAV-LT temperature probes/reference thermometer Inserting the probes The temperature probe is semi-permanently installed. Initial installation or replacement of the temperature probe requires removal of the top cover of the bath unit. The probe is inserted through the narrow aperture on the top bath flange.
17 Adjusting Vacuum/Pressure settings To adjust the vacuum setting for the miniAV-LT, click Service from the VISCPRO menu options and select the desired instrument group and instrument. Then click Adjust Vacuum/Pressure to open the Adjust Vacuum/Pressure window. Select the desired adjustment (vacuum or pressure) and then follow the screen prompts to complete the adjustment procedure, using the appropriate controls on the instrument side (“ear”) panel.
18 NOTE The temperature stipulated here is the target test bath temperature. The miniAV-LT will normally be controlled at 30°C (called the idle temperature) and the target test bath temp will only be achieved during sample test. 3. Select the desired unit of temperature measurement (°C or °F). 4. Type the desired temperature in the Bath Temp: field. Acceptable values are any numbers between -40°C and 30°C. If necessary, you may use the decimal point key to input temperature to the nearest 0.01°C.
19 Bypass .... option To begin washing an evacuated sample cup, click the option box to make certain that the Bypass initial cup evacuation option is selected. Do not use this option with a filled cup or the cup will overflow. 4. When the Wash cycle has been completed, click Done to exit the Wash viscometer tube window. NOTE CAUTION The Wash operation cannot be executed if the tube is currently running a sample. To terminate the Wash cycle at any time, click Abort Wash.
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21 CHAPTER 2 TESTING SAMPLES WITH THE miniAV-LT AUTOMATIC VISCOMETER This chapter of the manual will provide information on testing samples using the miniAV-LT. Observe the safety cautions noted in the introductory chapter when operating equipment. The miniAV-LT should only be operated by qualified personnel. Turning on the miniAV-LT Turn on the miniAV-LT Bath Unit using the power switch on the power supply unit. Testing samples Loading software NOTES 1.
22 5. Check the thermometer in the temperature bath to make sure the bath is holding the proper temperature. If necessary, calibrate the miniAVLT temperature control probe using the temperature calibration procedure in Chapter 3. 6. Open the View Instrument Group window (if it is not already open) by clicking View Instrument from the Main menu and selecting the desired instrument group from the list box (see Chapter 4 for more information). The View Instrument Group window 7.
23 Then click the Tray tab corresponding with the desired miniAV-LT. 8. Double-click on Sample ID (1) with the left mouse button to access the sample ID data entry field (or press 2). 9. Enter sample ID information in the sample list box using your computer keyboard. After you have typed the sample ID, press the T key to complete the entry and move the cursor to the next Sample ID field. Or press R to complete the entry.
24 Pausing a test To temporarily halt testing for a given tube/sample, click the Pause button from the Sample Input window. Then select the desired tray (miniAV-LT instrument) and pause action(s) from the Select Trays window (Pause Now will immediately pause test actions; Pause after current sample will pause testing after the current test is complete). Click OK to pause testing for the selected tray(s).
25 If necessary, wipe any excess oil from the base of the miniAV-LT, sample vial and vial holder using an absorbent paper towel. If necessary, clean these components before reuse by wiping with a paper towel wetted with appropriate solvent. Working with Instrument Groups VISCPRO II provides a convenient interface for working with multiple CANNON instruments simultaneously.
26 You can toggle back and forth between the Sample Input window and the new instrument group Machine Status window by pressing CtrlPage Down. Monitoring instrument status You can monitor the status of all instruments in an instrument group by pressing Ctrl-Page Down from the Sample Input window to display the Machine Status window. To return to the Sample Input window, press Ctrl-Page Down again.
27 NOTE Do not use “0” or “9” as an instrument address for this configuration option. When configured per the above instructions, the instruments will always be displayed in the same “sequence” in the Machine Status window even if a single instrument in the series is not online. Viewing test results Data obtained from all miniAV-LT instruments during sample testing is promptly displayed in the Sample Input window (Sample Action column). It is also stored in the central VISCPRO® database.
28 8. Click on the spin controls to select a value for the sample time window (the time parameter you desire for the report of recent test data). 9. Configure any other report options (see Chapter 7 for details). Then click OK. The program will prompt you to save the analysis configuration. 10. Click Yes. (OR click NO to display the analysis without saving it.) 11. If Yes was selected, use your keyboard to type the name you wish to use for the analysis in the text box. 12. Click OK.
29 CHAPTER 3 CALIBRATING THE miniAV-LT Calibration is essential for the proper operation of the miniAV-LT. The miniAV-LT is calibrated before it is shipped to the customer. It should be calibrated again after installation. Frequency of recalibration is at the discretion of the user.
30 2. Click Service/Temperature Calibration for the desired instrument. 3. To calibrate temperature, enter the current temperature reading to the nearest 0.01°C into the Temperature: field, subject to the following: A decimal point MAY be included as an entry. The entered actual temperature must not cause a correction in temperature greater than +/- 5.0 degrees. 4. Select the desired offset button.
31 sensor training data is then stored by the miniAV-LT instrument, and recalled when testing at that temperature. The sensor training procedure requires approximately 30 minutes (longer at lower temperatures). NOTES The miniAV-LT pulls the sample into the tube at 30°C (called the wash temperature) and then goes to the test temperature to perform the required sample determinations.
32 Prewash option: Click the Prewash option if the tube is not clean and dry. VISCPRO will initiate a cleaning cycle using current wash configuration settings prior to initiating the sensor training procedure. Trip Points Only option: Click the Trip Points Only option to adjust the senor trip points without setting the voltages. This is useful if it is necessary to adjust trip points on sensors for which voltages have already been set.
33 NOTE CAUTION If a check standard viscosity has NOT been entered (or if the default viscosity value of 1.000 has not been accepted by the user), a yellow arrow (current sample) or red circle caution symbol will appear to the left of the sample ID: Make certain to enter the correct check standard viscosity (in centistokes) BEFORE running the standards. Incorrect data entry may skew future calibration results. 5. Click Run, then select the appropriate sample trays to test the standards. 6.
34 The miniAV-LT Calibration window 9. Use the spin controls to select the desired Bulb for calibration. Selecting samples 10. Select (or deselect) the specific sample entries you desire to use for calibration from the displayed list by clicking on them. To select a range of samples, highlight the first sample and click on the last sample while simultaneously pressing the S key. To select several individual samples for calculation, hold down the C key and click on each of the desired samples.
35 If the difference is still too great, repeat the calibration process until the difference falls within acceptable limits (refer to the precision statement in ASTM D446). If the tube calibration fails repeatedly, refer to Chapter 5 for miniAV-LT maintenance/service information. 12. When the new calibration constants are acceptable, click on Update tube to save the constants for the current instrument.
36 miniAV-LT calibration equations Viscosity calculation equation In the miniAV-LT, viscosity is calculated by using the viscosity calculation equations as described in ASTM Methods D 445 and D 446. Because samples running in the miniAV-LT can have short flow times, the kinetic energy correction term (E / t2) is used as prescribed in the aforementioned ASTM methods. The VISCPRO® software for Windows® performs all necessary calculations to derive constants C and E.
37 CHAPTER 4 USING THE miniAV-LT SOFTWARE VISCPRO ® generic instrument interface Your software for Windows® XP® is comprised of a generic instrument interface (VISCPRO®) and a collection of instrument/analysis-specific modules. This chapter of the manual will explain the software options for the VISCPRO® program and other modules commonly bundled with the instrument software.
38 Main Menu The View Instrument menu item opens the View Instrument Group window which permits you to select the desired test instrument type from the list of on-line instruments. The View Instrument Group window The View Instrument Group window is comprised of: The Instrument Group list box Three button options (OK, Cancel, and Help). View Instrument Group window button options: Opens the Sample Input window for the selected instrument group and restores any configuration settings for that group.
39 The Poll for Instruments menu item queries the hardware interface to establish communications with CANNON® instruments attached to the host computer. Use Poll for Instruments to establish a computer connection with instruments which may have come “on line” after the software has been in operation. When the connection has been verified by the controlling software via the hardware interface, the instrument name will be added to the status bar at the bottom of the VISCPRO® window.
40 3. Type the password in the Password field for the individual selected. 4. Click OK. Use the Change Password feature to change the current user password. Procedure 1. Log in to the VISCPRO® software using the Log In command from Main. 2. Select Change Password from the Main menu options. 3. Type in the new password in the Password field. 4. Retype the password in the Confirm Your New Password field. 5. Click OK to save the new password and close the Change Password window.
41 To use the Log Out feature, click Log Out from Main. The current user will be logged out of the security list of authorized miniAV-LT technicians and managers. The software will automatically reset to the lowest security level. Any ongoing test operations will continue. Adjusting Security Settings VISCPRO® provides an interface to customize security settings for your facility. To adjust the security settings for your VISCPRO® software, complete the procedure below: 1. Log in as a Manager. 2.
42 Print/Print setup menu items Select this standard Windows® print option to access the Windows® print window. Then select print menu item for the currently-active analysis/ report (see Analysis options). Select this standard Windows® print menu item to access the print setup window. Check your printer driver documentation for additional information on print setup options. Select the Exit option to exit VISCPRO. Or you may click application title bar.
43 The following VISCPRO® menu options are used to create and manage analyses: View Analysis—opens the Choose Analysis window. See View Analysis, below, for more details. Report Title—opens the Designate Report Title window. Permits data entry of up to three lines of text for the report title. Configure Analysis—Accesses Configuration options. For information on configuring analyses, consult Chapter 6 and the manual chapter corresponding to the particular analysis.
44 Click the appropriate radio button . Then select the desired saved configuration (if any) and click OK: Radio button options for analysis configuration Select Open Selected Analysis Configuration if you wish to create and display the selected analysis using the saved configuration highlighted in the list box on the right side of the Choose Analysis window.
45 group button on the status bar on the bottom of the primary window. Restoring a saved window configuration does not affect current miniAV-LT sample testing operations. miniAV-LT module menu options In addition to the VISCPRO® general instrument menu functions, unique software application modules for each type of CANNON® instrument generate additional interface options. The modules determine the characteristics, function and appearance of VISCPRO® software menus and windows.
46 To access all Restore: options, log into VISCPRO as a Manager. Then click the Restore Instrument Settings check box if you want to restore all Instrument Settings for the highlighted saved configuration (see Instrument Settings section in this chapter). Instrument settings apply to the instrument as a whole. Click the Restore Tray Settings check box if you want to restore all tray settings for the highlighted saved configuration (see Tray Settings: ... sections in this chapter).
47 NOTE If you wish to permanently delete a saved Configuration, highlight it and click the DELETE button or press the D key. Click Yes at the Confirm Delete prompt to immediately and permanently delete the configuration. Select Print Calibration Certificate to print calibration parameters for your current instrument configuration. CANNON Instrument Company recommends archiving calibration data each time a new calibration is performed.
48 Cancel to exit the window without saving the Configuration. You can also delete existing configurations by selecting them from the Existing Configurations list box and pressing the Delete button. Select Restore Instrument and Tray Settings to restore certain instrument information, including instrument specifications and calibration data (Instrument settings) basic and advanced operational parameters (Tray Settings), and previously-entered Sample ID information.
49 Use the ID field to input instrument identification information using up to 16 alphanumeric characters. The S/N: field displays the instrument serial number stored by the operational firmware of the miniAV-LT. This is a non-editable field. The miniAV-LT Instrument Settings window Click on this check box to activate a software counter which will generate a warning for a tube whenever the specified number of days have elapsed without performance of the Verify Known KV sample action.
50 Instrument Settings window button options: saves the current instrument settings and exits the Instrument Settings window. restores the default configuration settings for several instrument options closes the Instrument Settings window without saving any configuration changes. Tray Settings: Tube and Bath Use the Tray Settings: Tube and Bath window to describe and control test parameters for the viscometer tube. Alter the settings using the instructions below.
51 NOTE For reporting and calibration purposes, each tube serial number value should be unique for all instruments attached to a single computer. Click on the Fast Run Tube check box if the viscometer tube is the fast run type. The Wet Tube option is required for some viscosity determination protocols. If this option is checked, the miniAV-LT automatic determination will be preceded by an untimed sample drop, coating the inside of the capillary with the sample material.
52 Soak time Input the desired sample soak times for each bulb of the viscometer tube. The soak time is the length of time in which the sample will remain in the viscometer tube before being dropped. The soak time is important to ensure temperature equilibration of the sample. The range is from 0 to 240 based on which units of time the user selected from Soak Time Units. Constants The Tray Settings: Tube and Bath screen displays the calibration constants (C and E) for each bulb of the viscometer tube.
53 Enter the maximum acceptable difference in measured results when using multiple determinations (the default percent difference value is 0.35 percent and the default absolute difference value is 0.2 seconds). Use greater If both tolerance options are selected, the VISCPRO software will apply both criteria unless the Use greater option is checked. If Use greater is checked, then the software will apply the less exacting tolerance value when calculating/evaluating test results.
54 If the Always perform maximum determinations radio button is selected, the last flow times will be used for the viscosity determination. When you have completed the configuration and saved the current settings, you may wish to permanently store the settings using the Save Instrument and Tray Settings.Tray Settings: Wash Use the Tray Settings: Wash window to determine wash settings. For multi-tube units, different wash settings may be selected for each tube individually.
55 Max Solvent fill time(s) The Max Solvent fill time(s) setting determines if/when the user receives a screen prompt instructing him to check/refill the external solvent vessel. Select a value from 1 to 60 seconds for this option. The recommended default is 30 seconds. During this time, the VISCPRO software monitors the filling of an internal solvent chamber in preparation for solvent evacuation through the viscometer tube.
56 Cup Empty Time The Cup Empty Time option determines the amount of time allotted for evacuation of sample from the sample cup prior to the beginning of the wash sequence. Select a value from 1 to 255 seconds for this option. The evacuation time should be set higher for high viscosity oils and lower for low viscosity oils. Improper adjustment may result in solvent overflow if/ when solvent is evacuated into a waste line that still contains sample residue.
57 The Tray Settings: Advanced window Maximum bulb 1 fill time(s): Adjust this setting to select the desired maximum fill time for bulb 1. Acceptable values are between 20 and 400 seconds. Min. bulb 1 selection time(s): Adjust this setting to select the desired minimum time permitted for selection of bulb 1 or bulb 2 for sample testing. Acceptable values are between 0 and 20 seconds. Decreasing the setting will increase the probability that the sample will be tested in bulb 1.
58 Maximum tube empty time %: Adjust this setting to select the percentage of the drop time between the bottom sensor and the sensor at the top of bulb 1. The default value is 100%. Pull Sample Pulse On Time Adjust this setting to help eliminate bubbles that can occasionally be formed as the vacuum draws some types of samples into the viscometer tube. The pulse value is a percentage of time that the sample will be drawn up into the tube during each five-second interval of the draw period.
59 Date selection: The calibration program uses data from previously-run standards to determine the calibration constants. To select the desired standard data, use the No older than [x] days spin controls to set the date parameters for the database search (if “1” is selected, only the standards run in the past 24 hours will be used). Bulb selection: Viscometer bulbs are numbered from the bottom to the top of the viscometer tube. Use the spin controls to select the correct bulb for calibration.
60 The Calibration window NOTES Once the Update tube button is pressed, the updated calibration constants are associated with the selected instrument, and will remain the same regardless of the instrument configuration defined for that instrument. You must click Update tube before changing bulbs if you wish to save the new calibration constants for that bulb. If you close the Calibration window without updating the tube, the new calibration information will not be saved.
61 CAUTION Do not use this option with a filled cup or the cup will overflow. When the Wash cycle has been completed, click Done to exit the Wash viscometer tube window. NOTES The Wash operation cannot be executed if the tube is currently running a sample. To terminate the Wash cycle at any time, click Abort Wash. To adjust the vacuum/pressure settings for the miniAV-LT, click Service menu and select the desired instrument group and instrument.
62 To calibrate for temperature, see Chapter 3 for details. Temperature calibration requires a reference thermometer with an accuracy meeting the precision specification of ASTM D445. To zero temperature offsets, click the Service/Clear Temperature Offsets menu for the desired instrument. The Zero Temperature Offsets window will open. Click the check box to select each desired action. Then click OK to clear the selected settings.
63 To train tube sensors (required for miniAV-LT operation at each desired temperature setting) click the Service/Train Tube Sensors menu option for the desired instrument. The Train Tube Sensors window will open. Click the check box to select each desired option. Then click the Start button to initiate tube sensor training. Prewash option Select this option if the tube needs to be cleaned and dried prior to training.
64 To set security levels, first log into the VISCPRO software as a Manager.
65 When you have finished updating settings, click the Save button to save settings and close the Set Security Levels window. Or click Cancel to close the window without saving changes. Testing samples—software options This section of the manual provides information on using the software to perform common miniAV-LT operations. For a step-by-step procedure detailing both hardware and software operations involved in sample testing, refer to Chapter 2. Entering sample ID information Procedure 1.
66 Sample actions The Sample Action popup Viscosity Action window No action—clears action column for highlighted samples. No testing will take place for this tray position. Measure kinematic viscosity—measures sample viscosity. Verify Known KV—measures sample viscosity at the conclusion of the automated test and tags data for possible use in calibrations/ reports. Configure—Opens the Viscosity Action window (see next section) to select test actions for selected individual samples/standards.
67 Procedure 1. To use the Sequential Sample IDs feature, highlight the desired sample tray location(s) in the list box (or skip to the next step to select all). 2. Right-click any of the desired ID locations and select Sequential Sample IDs from the Sample Action popup. 3.
68 The viscosity of the standard must be entered in the Check Standard Viscosity field in order that the resultant viscosity determination may be used for verification and calibration. Copy & Paste Sample ID data entry options The VISCPRO® Sample ID data entry screen supports Copy and Paste options. Copying Sample IDs To copy a Sample ID entry, including the configuration information, highlight the desired line(s) from the Sample List Box and right-click your mouse to access the Sample Action window.
69 Saving Sample ID information Many users will test the same series of samples on a regular basis for trend analysis and other quality control objectives. To save time with Sample ID data entry, VISCPRO provides an option for saving and recalling Sample ID information. Saving Sample IDs To save Sample IDs, complete your sample ID data entry (see previous sections) from the Sample Input window, then click the Save Sample IDs button. The Samples window will open.
70 Click the name of the desired configuration to highlight it. Then click OK. Selected settings will be restored. The Load Instrument and Tray Settings window miniAV-LT analysis modules The VISCPRO® software is shipped with several analysis modules which can be used to create reports based on sample test data. For general instructions on using analyses, see Chapter 6, Analysis Configuration Options.
71 displayed on the VI analysis. The VI Matching function is always indicated on the VISCPRO® status bar, whether or not a VI domain (viscometer tube set) has been defined. Configuration procedure To configure the VI Matcher: 1. Load the VISCPRO® software. 2. Log on to the system as a Manager (a password may be required) to access the VI Matcher function, which is security-protected. NOTE For more information on the security log-in procedure, see Security Options, this chapter. 3.
72 NOTE To “de-select” a selected tube, click again on the highlighted tube serial number 7. Click on the tubes in the Select High Temperature Tubes list box which correspond to tubes that should be configured as high temperature tubes by the VI Matcher. As you do so, the serial numbers will be added to the Selected Tubes list box. 8. When you have finished adding low and high temperature tubes, click OK to save the configuration and exit the General Configuration window.
73 CHAPTER 5 OPERATING, MAINTAINING AND SERVICING THE miniAV-LT This chapter of the miniAV-LT Instruction & Operation Manual contains information regarding the operation, service and maintenance of the miniAV-LT instrument. For additional information on required utilities, instrument installation and setup, refer to Chapter 1.
74 Bath Unit connections For information regarding Bath Unit connections, refer to the installation section of Chapter 1. Solvent Dispensing System The miniAV-LT is equipped with a solvent system used to wash the viscometer tubes after each sample test. The system consists of the internal and external solvent and drain lines, the user-supplied solvent vessel, and the Waste Receiver assembly (including solvent dispensing unit).
75 Application compatibility The solvent used in a particular viscometer tube must be able to dry at the test temperature of the tube (during the washing cycle). Choose the appropriate solvent accordingly. Checking solvent levels It is the responsibility of the operator to visually monitor the amount of solvent remaining in the solvent container. Check the solvent container liquid level frequently. When the solvent level drops to within 2.5-5.
76 WARNING Waste sample/solvents can present possible environmental and health hazards. Dispose of all waste materials in accordance with environmental and safety regulations. Dual-solvent washing For testing heavy or hard-to-clean materials, CANNON® Instrument Company recommends a dual-solvent washing system. The dual-solvent washing process uses two different solvents. The first wash might ordinarily use a heavy solvent to clean the sample residue out of the viscometer tubes.
77 Temperature bath The temperature bath is capable of maintaining constant temperatures between -40°C and 30°C. Silicone bath fluid is agitated via an air pump. Solid state temperature control circuits provide proportional control with reset. Bath fluid The temperature bath is filled with Dow Corning 200 1 cSt silicone fluid, available from CANNON® Instrument Company.
78 Draining the bath CAUTION Remove MAINS power from the instrument before beginning the drain procedure. 1. Open the stop cock valve on the rear panel of the miniAV-LT. 2. Fluid should begin draining from the bath into the storage container. 3. When fluid has drained from the bath, close the drain valve. The miniAV-LT Bath Unit is equipped with a fluid level sensor located on the left ear side panel.
79 Dual-solvent washing For testing heavy oils or hard-to-clean materials, CANNON® Instrument Company recommends a dual-solvent washing system. The dual-solvent washing process uses two different solvents. The first wash might ordinarily use a heavy solvent to clean the sample residue out of the viscometer tubes. The second wash might use a lighter solvent to clean the remaining sample and solvent residue from the viscometer tube. Consult Chapter 1 for information on dual-solvent connections.
80 Complete? Daily maintenance Check liquid level in the Waste Receiver. Empty if necessary, using appropriate precautions for your solvent/samples. Check solvent level(s) in the solvent vessel(s). Refill solvent vessel(s) if necessary. Clean instrument surfaces with a damp cloth or absorbant paper towel. Run a calibration check standard or reference oil for each bulb to be used for the day’s testing. Calibrate if result variance warrants.
81 CHAPTER 6 ANALYSIS CONFIGURATION OPTIONS Data obtained from all instruments during sample testing is stored in the central VISCPRO® database. To view data, you must create an analysis configuration requesting the desired sample information in the desired format. Analysis configurations can be saved and later restored. The analysis configuration options provide powerful tools for reporting sample information.
82 NOTE If you have already configured and saved an analysis, its name will appear in the list box on the right side of the window. If you click on an existing configuration and click OK, the analysis will be performed using the selected configuration settings. It will not be necessary to complete the remaining steps in this procedure. 5. Click OK. The analysis Configuration window will appear. The Configuration window consists of tabbed pages with filter options appropriate for the analysis. 6.
83 Using the date filter Use the date filter to select date/time parameters for the analysis. To use the date filter, click the Date Filter tab from the analysis configuration window. To define a Fixed Date and Time, click the corresponding radio button . Then use the spin controls and/or list box selection options to set the appropriate date/time parameters. All samples tested after the start date/time and before the end date/time, inclusive, will be included.
84 Using the sample filter Use the sample filter to limit the analysis to samples which have been tested on certain instruments and tubes, or which have certain Sample ID characteristics. To filter samples by instrument, tube serial number (S/N) or Sample ID, click the Sample Filter tab from the analysis configuration window. Some (not all) analyses offer an option to display data for samples which did not complete successfully. Click the Display Unsuccessful Samples box if you wish to use this data.
85 include data from all samples starting with S. %S% would include data from all samples containing S. The underscore (_) is a single-character wildcard. You may use multiple IDs separated by a comma. For example, AV%,40C% would display all samples beginning with AV or 40C. NOTE If no instruments/tubes/Sample IDs are selected, the analysis will display data for ALL instruments/tubes/Sample IDs.
86 Saving a current analysis To save a current analysis configuration: 1. Select Analyses from the VISCPRO® primary menu options. 2. Select Save Analysis from the Analyses menu options. 3. Select the desired analysis. The Save Configuration window will appear. Type the name of the new configuration in the Save As: field. Or double-click the name of a preexisting configuration in the Existing Configurations list box to replace the existing configuration with the new configuration settings. 4. Click OK.
87 Keystrokes for selecting data for printing You can print data for a selected sample or samples from an on-screen analysis by highlighting the desired sample data and then using the Print option from the VISCPRO® Main Menu. To select data for a single sample, click on the line of data associated with the sample on the screen display. To print a sequential range of samples, highlight the first sample in the range, then hold down the S key and click on the last sample in the range.
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89 CHAPTER 7 SAMPLE DATA TABLE The sample analysis is designed to permit convenient viewing of data collected from samples which have been tested using the Measure Sample Viscosity sample action option. The sample analysis displays sample data in a tabular format.
90 {1,10} Efflux%—For multi-drop samples: displays the first 10 sample efflux times {1,20} Efflux%—For multi-drop samples: displays the first 20 sample efflux times Avg Efflux%—The average efflux time for efflux values used for viscosity calculation C, E—The calibration constants used for this determination SUS—Saybolt Furol Seconds calculation % KE—Percent contribution of the kinetic energy correction to the measured viscosity.
91 The Choose Analysis window 5. Click on the Define and Open New Configuration radio button (or verify that the option is selected). NOTE If you have already configured and saved an analysis, its name will appear in the list box on the right side of the window. If you click on an existing configuration and click OK, the analysis will be performed using the selected configuration settings. It will not be necessary to complete the remaining steps in this procedure. 6. Click OK.
92 Date/Sample filters Complete selection of Date/Sample filter options per the instructions in Chapter 6. Report filter To select data for inclusion in the Analysis, click the Report tab. Then select which fields to include in the report by clicking the “Click here...” box and selecting the desired data from the dropdown list. After individual options have been selected, review the default settings for Precision, Format and Units [of measure].
93 8. When you have completed the configuration, click OK. The program will prompt you to save the configuration. 9. Click Yes to save the configuration. The Save Configuration window will appear. The Save Configuration window 10. Type the name of the new configuration in the Save As: field. Or double-click the name of a preexisting configuration in the Existing Configurations list box to replace the existing configuration with the new configuration settings. 11. Click OK.
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95 CHAPTER 8 SAMPLE DATA EXPORT ANALYSIS The VISCPRO® Sample Data Export analysis provides a convenient operator interface for configuring sample information from the sample database for serial output and exporting it in ASCII text format. The port output filters (Date, Sample and Port Output Format) permit the user to select and output desired data to a file, LPT port or serial port in whatever format is desired.
96 Configuring the Sample Data Export analysis 1. Select Analyses from the VISCPRO® menu options. 2. Select View Analysis from the Analyses menu options 3. Double-click Data Export Package from the list of available analysis types. 4. Select the Sample Data Export analysis option. 5. Click the Define and Open New Configuration radio button define a new analysis configuration.
97 The Port Output Format window NOTE If you select NEW FILE for output, click the button to open the Windows Save As: box. Select the desired directory and type the desired file name in the File Name: text box. If you select an existing file, ASCII port analysis data will be appended to the file. Make certain that you have selected the desired port for configuration by clicking on the port name in the Add Port list box prior to selecting output data and formatting options for that port.
98 NOTE For some data output options, you will need to select the desired output field length using the spin controls provided in the Format Data Output window. Experienced users may type code directly into the text box by placing the cursor at the appropriate point. The text box information may also be manipulated using the mouse click-and-drag technique C-X), copy to highlight data and then using standard Windows® cut (C C-C), and paste (C C-V) keyboard combinations.
99 The Port Output Analysis cannot be reconfigured. This avoids duplication of output data for collection devices your facility may have in place. You may still view configuration options for a displayed analysis by selecting Configure Analysis from the Analyses menu and choosing the correct analysis.
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101 CHAPTER 9 ERROR DATA EXPORT ANALYSIS The VISCPRO® Error Data Export analysis compiles error information from the sample database for serial output and exports it in ASCII text format. The port output filters (Date, Error and Error Report) permit the user to select and output desired data to a file, LPT port or serial port in whatever format is desired. NOTE Available data for analysis Once the port output analysis has been generated, it cannot be reconfigured like other VISCPRO® analyses.
102 5. Click the Define and Open New Configuration radio button define a new analysis configuration. NOTE to If you have already configured and saved an analysis, its name will appear in the list box on the right side of the window. If you click on an existing configuration and click OK, the analysis will be performed using the selected configuration settings. It will not be necessary to complete the remaining steps in this procedure. 6. Click OK. The Port Output Configuration window will appear.
103 The Error Page tab You may use multiple IDs separated by a comma. For example, AV%,40C% would display all samples beginning with AV or 40C. NOTE Port Output Format filter Adding ports If no error sources/technicians are selected, the analysis will display data for ALL error sources/technicians. c. To adjust other analysis configuration options, click the Port Output Format tab (see Figure, next page): Click Add Port from the Port Output Format button options to open the Select Port window.
104 Error Ports Output Configuration options Delaying serial output e. You may delay data transmission of serial output for a time parameter you specify by clicking the Delay button to insert the delay code into the Configuration list box, Header or Footer. The Delay Configuration window will appear. To set the time of the Delay, type a numeric value in the appropriate field, and click on one of the radio buttons to select the correct unit of time. Then click OK. Selecting output data f.
105 Adding a header g. If you would like to include a header at the beginning of the analysis, click the Header button and add the desired text string via the keyboard. Format the entry as desired using the Carriage Return (CR) and Line Feed (LF) options as necessary to indicate line breaks. Then click OK. Adding a footer h. If you would like to include a footer at the end of the analysis, click the Footer button and add the desired text string via the keyboard.
106 Re-sending export data To re-send Port Output Analysis data for a displayed analysis, first save the analysis by clicking Analyses/Save Configuration, selecting the desired analysis, typing the analysis name in the Save As: list box and clicking OK. Then close the Port Output Analysis window and re-select Port Output Analysis by clicking Analyses/View Analysis from the primary menu options. Then click on the desired configuration from the list of saved configurations and click OK.
107 CHAPTER 10 ERROR LOG TABLE ANALYSIS The Error Log Table is designed as a troubleshooting tool to display error messages generated by the software during automatic processing of sample data. The Error Log Table displays data in a tabular format.
108 Choosing the Error Log analysis 4. Click on the Define and Open New Configuration radio button (or verify that the option is selected). NOTE If you have already configured and saved an analysis, its name will appear in the list box on the right side of the window. If you click on an existing configuration and click OK, the analysis will be performed using the selected configuration settings. It will not be necessary to complete the remaining steps in this procedure. 5. Click OK.
109 8. Click Yes to save the configuration. The Save Configuration window will appear. The Save Configuration window 9. Type the name of the new configuration in the Save As: field. Or double-click the name of a preexisting configuration in the Existing Configurations list box to replace the existing configuration with the new configuration settings. 10. Click OK. The analysis will be performed and displayed using the selected configuration settings.
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111 CHAPTER 11 USING THE DATABASE MANAGER The Database Manager is a separate software program which is automatically installed in the same directory as your VISCPRO® software.
112 Starting the program To start the Database Manager software: 1. Exit the VISCPRO® application. Then click on the Windows® Start bar. 2. Select Programs/VISCPRO 2.0/VISCPRO Database Manager from the list of options. Archiving old data When to archive Data from the VISCPRO® database should be regularly archived in order to maintain the size and utility of the database file and to provide an additional level of security for your test data.
113 Change . . . procedure NOTE 1. Select Change Database Directory from the button options. A Browse … window will permit you to select the correct location for the database (SAMPLES.mdb) file. The current database directory is indicated at the top of the window. 2. Select the correct drive and use the Windows® controls to select the directory (folder) you wish to identify as the database location. 3. Click on OK to confirm database directory selection.
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12 CHAPTER 115 REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST Following is a list of miniAV-LT replacement parts available from CANNON® Instrument Company. Replacement fuses are initially provided with your CAV-2100 instrument. It may be desirable for some users to maintain additional components in inventory. PART # DESCRIPTION P25.4030 P65.0149 P65.3013 P65.3245 P65.3247 P81.2100 P81.2102 P81.2108 P81.2109 P81.2111 P81.2113 P81.2150 P81.2162 P81.2164 P81.2185 P81.2194 P81.2198 P81.2217 P81.2219 P81.2236 P81.2238 P81.
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117 CHAPTER A APPENDIX A–MULTIPLE UNIT CONFIGURATION Introduction The miniAV-LT instrument is capable of being networked with the controlling computer via available RS-485 connections. As many as four miniAV-LT instruments may be connected to a single computer. Follow the instructions in this appendix to complete assembly of the multi-unit networking kit, available from CANNON®.
118 4. Attach a shorter RJ-45 cable to one of the twin RS-485 connectors on the ear panel of the first miniAV-LT bath. Then attach the other end of the cable to one of the twin RS-485 connectors on the ear panel of the adjacent Bath Unit. 5. Continue the procedure from the previous step for each bath consecutively until you have completed RS-485 connections between each Bath Unit and the previous unit in the sequence (see diagram). ------ --- ---- ----- 6.
119 CHAPTER A D Abort test 24 Advanced configuration 56 Analyses 42 Analysis types 42 creating 81 deleting 86 menu options for 42 printing 86 printing selected data from 86 reconfiguring 85 resizing table columns for 86 saving 86 sorting data in 82 using the date filter for 83 using the report filter for 85 using the sample filter for 84 viewing 43 wildcard filter options for 84, 85, 114, 115 Analysis modules 71 ASTM methods 2 Available Instruments 38 Database Manager 125 archiving old data with 126 ch
120 O S (continued) Open Selected Analysis Configuration 44 Solvent container filling 75 Solvent Wash by computer 79 dual 80 Solvents 76 Spare parts kit 80 Standard ASCII Port Output analysis 102 adding a footer to 105 adding a header to 105 delaying serial output for 104 P Password changing 40 Pause 24 Poll for Instruments 39 Power supply 73 Preventive maintenance 21 R Repair/replacement kits 80 Restore Instrument Configuration 45, Restore Sample Information 45, Restore software options 45 T S V S