Atlas XENOTEST BETA+ Operating Instructions Manual

Operating Instructions

XENOTEST BETA+

2

Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

Copyright

These operating instructions are protected by copyright. Rights resulting thereof, particularly

reprint, photomechanical or digital postprocessing or reproduction, even in part, are only

allowed with the written consent of ATLAS Material Testing Technology GmbH.

This regulation does not apply to reproductions for in-plant use. The content of the operating

instructions is subject to change without further notice. For translations into foreign lan-

guages, the German version of the operating instructions is binding.

2004, ATLAS MTT GmbH • D-63589 Linsengericht • Germany

Trademarks

XENOTEST is a registered trademark of ATLAS Material Testing Technology GmbH. All other

trademarks mentioned in the operating instructions are the exclusive property of the respective

manufacturers.

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

Table of Contents

1. Safety instructions...........................................................................6

1.1 Explanation of symbols .........................................................9

1.2 General safety instructions ....................................................9

2. Delivery of the instrument... .......................................................... 11

2.1 Packaging .......................................................................... 11

2.2 Standard equipment ............................................................ 11

3. Location requirements...................................................................12

3.1 Room climate .....................................................................12

3.2 Room ventilation .................................................................12

3.3 Instrument exhaust air system .............................................12

3.4 Water supply system ..........................................................13

3.5 Space requirements ............................................................13

3.6 Dimension of the instrument and space requirements ............14

4. Description of the instrument.........................................................15

4.1 Front and right view .............................................................15

4.2 Rear and left view ................................................................16

4.3 View of the test chamber .....................................................17

4.4 View of the operating panel ..................................................18

5. Functional description ...................................................................19

5.1 Program control ..................................................................19

5.2 XENOCHROME filter system ...............................................19

5.3 Filter system overview .........................................................22

5.4 Ventilation system ..............................................................23

5.5 Spray and humidification system ..........................................24

5.6 Measuring and control sensor system ..................................25

5.7 Calibration sensor system ...................................................26

6. Start-up ..........................................................................................27

6.1 Initial start-up......................................................................27

6.2 Checking the instrument components ...................................27

6.3 Installing / Removing Xenon lamps ........................................29

6.4 Replacing the filter system ..................................................31

6.5 Loading sample holders .......................................................32

6.6 Installing the XENOSENSIV sensor ......................................34

6.7 Filling the water reservoir .....................................................35

6.8 Connecting the irradiator cooling to the exhaust air system ....36

6.9 Setting up the interface........................................................37

6.10 Power supply connection .....................................................37

6.11 Setting up the printer ...........................................................38

7. Operation.......................................................................................40

7.1 Menu structure of the instrument control ...............................40

7.2 Operating the touch screen..................................................41

7.3 Switching the instrument on.................................................42

7.4 Starting the test program .....................................................43

7.5 Adjusting the XENOSENSIV sensor .....................................44

7.6 Control without senors .........................................................46

7.7 Temperature fields ...............................................................47

7.8 Adjusting the test chamber humidity.....................................48

8. Shut-down .....................................................................................49

8.1 Switching the instrument off .................................................49

8.2 Switching the instrument off in an emergency........................49

8.3 Removing samples ..............................................................49

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

Contents

9. Troubleshooting ............................................................................. 50

9.1 Error messages and correction ............................................ 50

10. Maintenance .................................................................................. 52

10.1 Inspection .......................................................................... 52

10.2 Repairs .............................................................................. 52

10.3 Service............................................................................... 53

10.4 Cleaning ............................................................................. 55

11. Technical data ............................................................................... 56

12. Accessories.................................................................................... 57

13. Consumables................................................................................. 58

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

Tables

Fig. 1 Dimensions of the instrument and space requirements............14

Fig. 2 Front and right view ..............................................................15

Fig. 3 Rear and left view .................................................................16

Fig. 4 View of the test chamber ......................................................17

Fig. 5 View of the operating panel ...................................................18

Fig. 6 Control and output components.............................................19

Fig. 7 XENOCHROME filter system ................................................19

Fig. 8 Representation of the irradiation path.....................................20

Fig. 9 Diagram of the XENOCHROME filter system 300....................21

Fig. 10 Diagram of the XENOCHROME filter system 320....................21

Fig. 11 Ventilation system ...............................................................23

Fig. 12 Spray and humidification system ...........................................24

Fig. 13 Measuring and control sensor system ...................................25

Fig. 14 Installing the xenon lamps ....................................................29

Fig. 15 Removing the xenon lamps ...................................................30

Fig. 16 Loading the filter dome .........................................................31

Fig. 17 Installing / Removing the external cylinder..............................31

Fig. 18 Standard sample holder ........................................................32

Fig. 19 Loading sample holders ........................................................32

Fig. 20 Special 3-piece sample holderss ...........................................33

Fig. 21 Special 2-piece sample holders (bluescale) ............................33

Fig. 22 Installing the XENOSENSIV sensor .......................................34

Fig. 23 Filling the water reservoir ......................................................35

Fig. 24 Connecting the exhaust air system .......................................36

Fig. 25 Setting up the interface.........................................................37

Fig. 26 Power supply connection ......................................................37

Fig. 27 Setting up the printer ............................................................38

Fig. 28 Inserting a paper roll .............................................................38

Fig. 29 Menu structure ....................................................................40

Fig. 30 Touch screen .......................................................................41

Fig. 31 Basic functions ....................................................................42

Fig. 32 Switching the instrument on..................................................42

Fig. 33 Starting the test program ......................................................43

Fig. 34 Temperature fields of the XENOCHROME filter system............46

Fig. 35 Humidity diagram .................................................................47

Fig. 36 Switching the instrument off ..................................................48

Fig. 37 Installing / Removing the irradiation cooling air filter ................52

Fig. 38 Installing / Removing the sample chamber cooling air filter ......52

Fig. 39 Installing / Removing the dirt filter ..........................................53

Fig. 40 Cleaning the water reservoir ..................................................54

Figures

Tab. 1 XENOCHROME 300 ...........................................................22

Tab. 2 XENOCHROME 320 ...........................................................22

Tab. 3 Filter system overview .........................................................22

Tab. 4 Filter types ..........................................................................31

Tab. 5-1 Troubleshooting ...................................................................50

Tab. 5-2 Troubleshooting ...................................................................51

Tab. 6 Accessories for XENOTEST BETA+ ......................................57

Tab. 7 Consumables ......................................................................58

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

1. Safety instructions

Notes for users

These operating instructions describe the XENOTEST BETA weathering testing instrument.

Please note that only properly trained personnel with appropriate qualifications must work

on this instrument:

• The XENOTEST

BETA must be operated only by authorized, qualified personnel.

The following persons are considered to be qualified personnel:

• Those who have obtained their knowledge through specialized training;

• Those who have been trained in the operation and operating features of

the XENOTEST

BETA on the basis of these operating instructions;

• Those who, on the basis of their professional activities and professional

experience and training with regard to safety-related regulations are

capable of assessing and recognizing potential work hazards.

• Only properly trained cleaning personnel must perform cleaning work to the instrument

or its components.

• Please read these operating instructions carefully prior to the first use of the

XENOTEST

BETA in order to fully utilize the instrument's advantages and to avoid

possible damage.

• Should a particular problem occur which you feel is not adequately treated in

these operating instructions, we urge you for your own safety to contact your supplier.

ATLAS Material Testing Technology GmbH

Vogelsbergstr. 22

D-63589 Linsengericht

Phone ++ 49 / 6051 / 707-140

Fax ++ 49 / 6051 / 707-149

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

1. Safety instructions

Notes for operators

This instrument has been manufactured in accordance with the current state-of-the-art and

is operationally safe. Nonetheless, this instrument can pose hazards, particularly if it is ope-

rated by inadequately trained personnel or if it is employed for other than its intended and

designated purpose:

• For personnel responsible for working with this instrument, the employer shall prepare

written instructions based on these operating instructions in a form that is easily un-

derstandable and in the operators' native language (FRG: Accident Prevention Code,

UVV VGB 1 § 7, 2).

• Please use this instruction manual to train your cleaning personnel regarding operation,

and cleaning of the instrument.

• The contents of these operating instructions are subject to change at any time,

without prior notification.

• The German version of these operating instructions remains binding for translations into

foreign languages.

• For safety reasons, alterations to, or modifications of this instrument are prohibited.

• Store these operating instructions in the vicinity of the instrument in order to

be able to refer to the safety information and important operating information

at any time.

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

1. Safety instructions

1.1 Explanation of symbols

Symbols in the operating instructions:

WARNING!

Non-observance may result in serious injuries

or death.

CAUTION!

Non-observance may result in minor to

medium injuries or physical damage.

NOTE

Provides application tips and useful

information.

Warning against hazardous solvents

Warning against hot surfaces

Warning against electric shock

Symbols on the instrument:

WARNING AGAISNT A HAZARDOUS SITE!

Caution! Observe the operating instructions.

HOT SURFACE!

Warning against the risk of burns.

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

1. Safety instructions

1.2 General safety instructions

Correct use

• XENOTEST BETA+ is used for exposing material samples to irradiation and

weather.

• The instrument is suitable for continuous operation.

• XENOTEST BETA+ has been tested for electromagnetic compatibility and is suitable

for installation in industrial applications.

Incorrect use

• XENOTEST BETA+ must not be operated in rooms that do not comply with the

location requirements.

• Do not use tissues, substances or liquids as samples that are easily ignitable or

explosive .

• Do not use tissues, substances or liquids as samples that release poisons.

Safety requirements

• DIN EN ISO 12100, Part 1, Part 2 Issue 2004-04

Safety of machinery

• DIN EN 61010, Part 1 Issue 2002-08

Safety regulations for electrically operated measuring, control and laboratory devices.

General requirements

• DIN EN 61010-2-010 Issue 2004-06

Risks from partial control failures

• DIN EN 50178 (VDE 0160): 1998-04

Equipment of high-current systems with electronic resources

• DIN EN 60204 (DIN VDE 0113): Part 1 Issue 1998-11

Electric equipment of industrial machinery

• DIN EN 563 and DIN EN 60598 Part 2 - 24 Tab. 1 und 2

Burns from hot surfaces

• DIN EN 45635 Part 8 and DIN EN 11690-1

Risks from noise

• DIN EN 60947-1 Issue 1999-12

Low-voltage switching devices

• DIN EN 61508-3

Risks from software - Safety features

• DIN EN 60947-3 Issue 2001-12

Low-voltage switching devices

• DIN EN 50274 Issue 2002-11 and DIN EN 60529-1 Issue 2000-09

Safety for fingers and backs of hands

• DIN EN 61558-1 Issue 1998-07

Transformers, safety

• DIN EN 60950 Issue 2003-03

Information technology safety

• DIN EN 61326 EMV

• DIN EN 61000 EMV

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

1. Safety instructions

Safety devices

The XENOTEST BETA+ is equipped with safety switches and temperature sensors that

monitor the individual functions.

• If the test chamber door is opened during operation, all functions are switched off.

• A thermoswitch monitors the heat build-up within the test chamber.

• A thermoswitch monitors the exhaust airflow. If the exhaust air temperature exceeds

120 °C, all functions are switched off.

• A float switch terminates all functions whenever the water reservoir filling level falls below

a minimum quantity.

• If the Xenon irradiator fails to ignite after four attempts, the ignition process is

cancelled.

After the instrument has been switched off due to a fault condition, the operation can be

resumed only after the failure message has been acknowledged. An interrupted test will be

resumed from the point where it had been interrupted.

Power supply connection

The XENOTEST BETA+ is supplied with electrical power through a power supply

connection with:

• 400 V ± 10 %, (3P, N, PE), CEE (32 A, 5 poles., 6 h).

Disposal

• Please discard the packaging materials according to the applicable discarding

guidelines. For a list of the used packaging materials, please refer to Section 2.1,

"Packaging materials".

• Used instrument contain reusable materials. Therefore, before discarding instruments,

contact your local magistrate or community office about the possibilities of recycling.

From 1 September 2004, local community discarding codes will no longer apply but

are replaced by the national implementation of the European Code WEEE (Waste Elec-

trical and Electronic Equipement).

• Xenon irradiators can be shipped to ATLAS MTT GmbH to be discarded for a fee.

All other components of the instrument can be recycled through regular channels.

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

2. Delivery of the instrument

2.1 Packaging

XENOTEST BETA+ is delivered in a stable packaging box. All packaging materials can be

separated and are reusable.

• Packaging box made of plywood

• Steel bolts for securing the box and the box lid

• Polyethylene film (PE)

• Polyethylene foam (PE)

The following delicate components are packaged separately:

• Xenon irradiators

• XENOSENSIV sensor

• Exterior cylinder

2.2 Standard equipment

XENOTEST BETA+ is delivered in a non-operational state.

For the start-up of the instrument, the separately packaged components must be installed.

The instrument comes with the following standard equipment:

Basic instrument with functional units:

• Irradiation system with three air-cooled Xenon irradiators,

• Air volume control,

• Humidification / sprinkler system

Exterior cylinder and sample holder turntable:

• Exterior cylinder made of UV special glass

• Sample holder turntable for accommodating the sample holders

Measuring system consisting of:

• Sensor for measuring the chamber air temperature and humidity

• XENOSENSIV sensor for measuring the radiation intensity and the black standard

temperature

• Protective plug for operation without XENOSENSIV sensor

• Adapter for installing the XENOSENSIV sensor in the test chamber

Technical documentation:

• Operating instructions

• Software documentation

• Spare parts list

NOTE - Testing equipment!

For conducting weathering and irradiation

tests, additional sample holders and an optical

filter system are required.

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

3. Location requirements

3.1 Room climate

Climatic requirements of the location:

During continuous operation, the heat emitted from the irradiator cooling causes a constant

change of the room climate.

Therefore, the instrument must be installed only in a sufficiently ventilated, dust-free room.

• Room temperature: between 18 °C and 25 °C

• Relative humidity: 50 % max

3.2 Room ventilation

The room where the instrument is installed must be connected to an air recirculation system

with a capacity that ensures an incoming volume of air of at least 400 m³/h.

The incoming air must be cleaned using a filter of filter class EU 4

The laboratory room must be kept free from dust.

3.3 Instrument exhaust air system

The irradiator cooling of the XENOTEST BETA+ must be connected to an exhaust air system.

The irradiator cooling exhaust air can be routed directly into the open if the exhaust air sys-

tem complies with the following:

• The exhaust air duct must be made of flexible, heat-resistant material since the exhaust

air temperature can rise up to 120 °C.

• The length of the exhaust air duct must not exceed 3 m.

• The exhaust air duct must have a minimum diameter of 100 mm.

The connecting sleeve at the XENOTEST BETA+ has a diameter of 100 mm.

• The exhaust duct must not have more than two 90° elbows.

• If a length of more than 3 m or more than two 90° elbows are required, an on-site

exhaust air blower must be installed.

The exhaust air from the test chamber can be routed into the room where the instrument

is located and recirculated by the room ventilation system.

NOTE - Function impairment

If the maximal length of the exhaust air duct

and the permitted number of 90° elbows (max

2) are exceeded, the instrument exhaust air

system may overheat. In this case, the safety

devices of the XENOTEST BETA+ will interrupt

the power supply of the instrument perma-

nently.

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

3. Location requirements

3.4 Water supply system

For the humidification of the test chamber and for spraying the samples with water, the

XENOTEST BETA+ requires treated water.

This treated water circulates within a closed system; the system is fed from the instrument-

integral reservoir or the used water is removed immediately from the XENOTEST BETA+.

The water reservoir can either be filled manually or be connected to a water

preparation system.

• Connection G 3/8 "

The treated water must have the following quality characteristics.

• Conductance < 5 µS/cm

• pH value 6-8

• max silicate content < 1 ppm

3.5 Space requirements

The instrument must be transported only by qualified expert personnel.

Install the device only on a sufficiently stable, non-combustible floor and align it horizontally.

• Weight of the device: approx 400 kg

NOTE - Ceiling load-bearing capacity

If several instruments are to be installed in an

operating room, observe the static load-bearing

capacity of the ceiling.

To ensure the accessibility of the instrument for repair, service, and maintenance work, keep

sufficient distances around the instrument open (min 1 m on each side, see Fig. 1):

• Instrument dimensions: 900 x 1200 x 1800 mm (W x D x H)

CAUTION - Instrument overheating!

The air exchange of the instrument is achieved

via air inlet and air outlet openings at the

instrument top and at the side vent openings.

If the air exchange is blocked, the constant con-

duction of tests will be impaired because the

safety devices will shut the instrument off. Also,

the repeated shut-on/shut-off resulting thereof

will shorten the life of the involved instrument

components.

Make sure that the vent openings are always

clear!

• The operating room must have a minimal

height of 2.5 m.

• Observe the minimal side distances. For the

dimensions of the safety and service

distances, please refer to Fig. 1.

14

Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

3. Location requirements

3.6 Dimensions of the instrument and space requirements

A Front view

B Side view

C Top view

D Service area space requirements

Fig. 1

All dimensions in mm

15

Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

4. Description of the instrument

4.1 Front and right view

Fig. 2: Front view:

1 Communication ports

2 Operating panel with touch screen

3 Test chamber door with viewport

4 Test chamber with sample holder turntable

5 Irradiator unit with filter system

6 Access panel for water supply system

7 Container for treated water

8 Height-adjustable stand

9 Lock for water supply system access panel

A Air inlet opening for irradiator cooler and

cooling system for electrical components with

filter in door (see Technical Data)

Right view:

B Side door of electrical supply unit

C Side door of electrical supply unit / humidifi-

cation system

D Test chamber ventilation exhaust air sleeve

E Printer for test documentation

F Main power switch for switching the device

on / off

G Test chamber door release

Fig. 2

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

Left view:

5 Side door of electrical supply unit / humidifi-

cation system

6 Side door of electrical supply unit

Fig. 3

4. Description of the instrument

4.2 Rear and left view

Fig. 3: Rear view:

1 Air inlet opening of test chamber cooling

2 Device backpanel cover

3 Connecting cable for device power supply

4 Water connection

17

Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

4. Description of the instrument

4.3 View of the test chamber

Fig. 4: View of the chamber:

1 Sample holder mount with sample cage strap

(4) for accommodating the sample holder

2 XENOSENSIV sensor for measuring the

irradiation intensity and black standard tem-

perature.

3 Spraye rod for spraying the samples

4 Filter system for generating specific light and

internally installed Xenon irradiators for

irradiating the material samples

5 Integral sensor system for measuring temp-

erature and relative humidity in the test cham-

ber

6 Sample holder for accommodating the samples

7 Spray rod release

8 Door seal

Fig. 4

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

4 Menu keys for activating the program modules

5 Numeric keypad for entering program parame-

ters and test values

Fig. 5

4. Description of the device

4.4 View of the operating panel

Operating panel with touch screen, Fig. 5:

1 Display for menu dialogs, status indicators, and

program parameters

2 Arrow keys for navigation through menus

3 Function keys for selecting basic functions:

• ENTER: For confirming entered values

• ESCAPE: For cancelling menu dialogs

• START: For starting test programs

• STOP: For interrupting tests

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Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

5. Functional description

5.1 Program control

Fig. 6: The XENOTEST BETA+ is switched on using the main

switch 2 and operated using the program control 1 of the touch

screen.

The microprocessor-controlled program includes preprogrammed

test sequences as well as the design and initialization of user-

specific tests.

The values required for the tests are entered using the numeric

keypad and the various function keys.

The entered data and the resulting status messages are shown

on the display.

The test documentation can be output using an integral (opti-

onal) printer 3 on paper rolls.

For details about the program control and about programming

test sequences, refer to the software documentation of the

device.

5.2 XENOCHROME filter system

Fig. 7: The XENOCHROME filter system consists of:

• a filter dome 2 with three absorbers 1 offset by 120°,

• the XENOCHROME filter plates 3 with specific filtration

characteristics:

• XENOCHROME 300 (II) and

• XENOCHROME 320 (III) and

• an exterior cylinder 4

The labeling of the XENOCHROME filters is located at the lower

end of the filters:

For differentiation reasons, the filters are marked with the

character combinations II or 30 and III or 32, respectively.

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

20

Operating instructions XENOTEST BETA+

5. Functional description

Representation of the irradiation path:

Fig. 8: The Xenon irradiators 3 irradiate evenly in all directions.

The fractions of the UV und irradiation that strike the coated XENOCHROME filters 2

pass the outer cylinder and irradiate the samples 4.

The IR irradiation fractions are partially reflected, directed to the black absorbers 1,

absorbed by them, and routed to the outside by the cooling air flow.

The irradiation intensity is set in accordance with the filter system in the wavelength range

of 300 to 400 nm used.

• XENOCHROME 300: 45 to 120 W/m²

• XENOCHROME 320: 35 to 100 W/m²

Fig. 8

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Atlas XENOTEST BETA+ Operating Instructions Manual

Atlas XENOTEST BETA+ Operating Instructions Manual

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