Malvern Mastersizer X Series Getting Started

Getting Started

MAN 0101 Issue1.3 August 1997

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

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

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

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

Page iv

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

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

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

Page vii

CONTENTS Getting Started

Page viii

CHAPTER1

Introduction to this manual

Welcome

Welcome to the Malvern Mastersizer “Getting started” manual. By now you

should have installed your system by following the instructions in the installation

manual.

This manual is designed to give a brief overview of what the Mastersizer can do

and how to do it. Obviously, all the features of the Malvern Mastersizer can not

be given within this manual. More detailed information is given in other manuals,

such as the Software Reference manual. After reading this Getting Started manual

you will be able to; identify the main features of the system, understand the basic

measurement technique, perform a simple measurement and analyse the data.

If you have never operated a Malvern Mastersizer before it is recommended that

you read this manual fully before you start your first measurement.

#

Warning

Systems covered by this manual

Mastersizer is a generic name given to a family of systems. Each system within the

family uses the same principles of operation and only vary in operation in small

areas. For this reason this manual has been written to cover more than one

instrument.

This manual covers the operation of the long and standard bench versions of the

Mastersizer X and the Mastersizer S i.e.

Instrument. Ref. Number.

The Mastersizer or the samples to be measured may be dangerous if misused.

You must read the Health and safety booklet before operating the system.

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Access to the instrument

Within this manual reference is made to the various people that will have access to

the instrument. Below is a list of these people and their responsibility:

Malvern personnel

Malvern personnel (service engineers, representatives etc.) have full access

to the instrument and are authorized to perform all service procedures that

may require the removal of the transmitter and receiver covers.

Supervisor

The supervisor is the person responsible for the management/safety of the

instrument and of its operation. The supervisor is responsible for the

training of the operators. The supervisor can perform all user maintenance

routines identified in chapter 11, including changing the fuses.

The supervisor must on no circumstances remove the covers of the

transmitter or receiver and should only remove the sample area cover when

using the Mastersizer for spray measurements.

Operator

An operator is a person trained in the use of the instrument. The operator

can perform all user maintenance routines identified in chapter 11 except

for changing the fuses.

The operator must on no circumstances remove the covers of the

transmitter or receiver and should only remove the sample area cover when

using the Mastersizer for spray measurements.

#

Warning

Failure to follow these guidelines could result in the emission of laser

radiation. Laser radiation can be harmful to the body and can cause

permanent eye damage.

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Assumed information

For clarity this manual will assume that you have a standard bench Mastersizer S.

If there are any operational procedures that differ for the long bench Mastersizer

S or the Mastersizer X then alternative information will be given.

Most samples measured on the Mastersizer are those dispersed in a liquid. For

this reason all references to a sample preparation accessory within this manual will

refer to the Automated Sample Dispersion Unit. If you are using any other

accessory then consult its manual for details of operation, installation etc.

Within this manual it will be assumed that the “flow cell” is to be used. Again, if

this is not the case for your particular installation consult the accessory manuals

for details on installation and use of the cell you do have.

Within this manual the Mastersizer system will be referred to as the “Mastersizer”

or the “system” unless the information given is for a particular instrument.

Windows terms

It is important that you understand some Windows terms before reading further.

(Note that US spelling is used for some terms for compatibility)

Program - The Mastersizer software - it can also mean the Mastersizer Basic

program used within the main Mastersizer software.

Cursor or Pointer - The graphic - usually a pointer that is moved on the screen

by operation of the mouse.

Icon - The graphic on the desktop that represents a program.

Click - The mouse button is depressed and released. If this is not qualified with a

button description then assume it is the left button. ‘Clicking a button’ means

click the left mouse button when the cursor is over the button.

Double-click - Press and release the mouse button twice in quick succession. If

this is not qualified with a button description then assume it is the left button.

Use the Mouse icon in the Control Panel of Program Manager to change the

double-click speed.

Dialogue Box - A window containing controls.TheOK button accepts

changes in the dialogue box. The Cancel button closes the dialogue without

accepting the changes.

Control - This can mean a graphic on a dialogue like a button, listbox,

textbox etc.

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Press or Select - This means click the mouse over a control or use the

accelerator key (the underlined letter) or use the Tab key to move the focus to a

control then use the Enter key. Menu items can be selected using the cursor

keys in the same way.

Button - This acts like a real-life button. Click to carry out an action. A typical

button is shown below.

Option Button or Radio Button - A series of buttons in a group, selecting one

button cancels the others in the group. A radio button is shown below.

Check Box - A button that can be toggled on and off. A check box is show below.

Text Box or Edit Box - A box you can type text or values into. A text box is

shown below.

List Box - A box containing a list of options. Some List Boxes allow multiple

entries to be selected.

Combination List Box or Combo Box - A combination of a list box with a

text box. A button beside the text box displays or hides the list part of the

control. In some cases you can type new values into the text box part, in others

the text box just shows the current selection from the list.

Drag - An action with the mouse which involves moving the mouse while

holding down the left mouse button. This is used for moving icons or making

multiple selections in a list box.

ILL 1992ILL 1993ILL 1994ILL 1995ILL 1996ILL 1997

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Menu commands

Menu commands from the Malvern software are referred to in the form main

menu-menu item. As an example, the command File-Save Sample refers to

selecting the Save Sample item in the File menu. The same rules apply for

sub-menus of sub-menus, so that Edit-Copy-Data refers to the Data item in

the Copy sub-menu, which itself is a sub-menu of the Edit menu. Menu

commands are always shown in bold text.

Where to find information

As stated above this manual is designed to give a brief overview of what the

Mastersizer can do and how to do it. In other words it is a quick guide that allows

you to understand how the Mastersizer gets a result and runs you through a

simple measurement procedure, hopefully steering you around the main pitfalls

and directing you to more information if needed.

If you have used a Malvern particle analyser before you may wish to go straight to

chapters 4 and 5 where you can find practical information on making a

measurement and analysing the data. However, it is recommended that you read

this manual fully before you start a measurement.

On-line help can be gained at any point when using the Malvern software. See

chapter 2 for more details.

The following is a list of the contents and objectives of the chapters within this

manual.

Chapter 2 - Features of the Mastersizer system.

This chapter is designed to enable you to identify the physical features of the

system and is divided into two parts.

The first part identifies the features of the optical unit, for example the function

of the connectors on the end panels or the purpose of the lenses etc. The second

section does the same for the Malvern software, identifying the key areas of the

screen.

Chapter 3 - How the Mastersizer works.

After reading chapter 3 you will have a basic idea of the operating procedures of

the Mastersizer and in particular be able to:

.

Know the basic operating principles.

.

Know the simple steps involved in making a measurement and analysing

the data.

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Chapter 4 - Making a measurement.

Chapter 4 will guide you through the practical steps needed to make a

measurement to obtain the raw data.

Chapter 5 - Analysing the measurement data.

This chapter will show you how to take the raw measurement data and analyse it,

using the Malvern software, to get a final result. Advice is given on the choice of

optical model and the presentation.

Chapter 6 - Viewing the results.

The Mastersizer software has several standard viewing formats that allow you to

display and print the results in different ways. This chapter explains the standard

views and how to print them.

Chapter 7 - Interpreting the results.

This chapter gives some essential advice on understanding the results given by the

software.

Chapter 8 - Automating the procedure.

This chapter gives a brief overview of the procedures involved in measuring and

analysing a sample by setting up a semi-automatic sequence.

Chapter 9 - Sample preparation.

Sample preparation is one of the most important stages in making a measurement

on the Mastersizer. This chapter gives additional advice to that covered in the

chapter 4.

Chapter 10 - Advanced result processing.

The Mastersizer software gives the option to perform some advanced result

manipulation. This chapter gives an overview on some of the options.

Chapter 11 - Routine maintenance.

The Mastersizer has no user serviceable parts but there are certain maintenance

routines that can be carried out by the user. These include cleaning the optics etc.

This chapter gives advice on these routines.

Appendices.

At the rear of the manual is a series of appendices that cover some of the technical

aspects of the Mastersizer, including the technical specification.

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Page 1.6

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