User Manual RPV-1 Gen 3

Poulten Selfe & Lee Ltd

VCM Viscometer Control Module – for measurement and cleaning

User Manual RPV-1 Gen 3 MAN/GEN3/030

Poulten Selfe & Lee Ltd

RPV-3_VCM_V1.1

Russell House, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM08TE. UK www.psl-rheotek.com

Viscometer Control module – USER MANUAL

Contents Safety ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 Lifting .................................................................................................................................................. 5 Voltage ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Solvents ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Replacement Parts .............................................................................................................................. 5 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 6 Description .......................................................................................................................................... 6 Viscometer Control Module - Single ................................................................................................... 7 Viscometer Control Module – Dual .................................................................................................... 8 Unpacking ........................................................................................................................................... 9 Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................................ 10 Viscometer Control Module.............................................................................................................. 10 Peripheral items ................................................................................................................................ 11 Solvents ............................................................................................................................................. 12 Installation ............................................................................................................................................ 13 Location of the Viscometer Control Module .................................................................................... 15 Rear Connections .............................................................................................................................. 16 Front of the module .......................................................................................................................... 17 Side of the module (LHS and RHS) – standard Peek valves .............................................................. 18 Side of the module (LHS and RHS) – PTFE valves.............................................................................. 19 Waste bottle Connections ................................................................................................................ 20 Breather (overfill) connections ......................................................................................................... 21 External Waste lines and breather lines – overview......................................................................... 22 Internal layout Peek valves - LHS ...................................................................................................... 23 Internal layout Peek valves - RHS...................................................................................................... 24 Internal Layout Peek valves - rear ports ........................................................................................... 25 Communication connections ............................................................................................................ 26 Measuring Head Connections ........................................................................................................... 27 Measuring Head trimmers ............................................................................................................ 28 Connect the power cable .................................................................................................................. 29 Electronic Layout................................................................................................................................... 30 Check list prior to Start-Up of the Viscometer Control Module ........................................................... 31 Start-up of the Viscometer Control Module ......................................................................................... 32 Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................... 33 POULTEN SELFE & LEE LTD

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Viscometer Control module – USER MANUAL Breather Clean .................................................................................................................................. 34 On completion of the breather clean: .......................................................................................... 35 Moving the Instrument ..................................................................................................................... 36 Shipping the Instrument ................................................................................................................... 37 Trouble Shooting................................................................................................................................... 38 Poor cleaning or drying ..................................................................................................................... 38 Replacement Spare Parts ...................................................................................................................... 40 Viscometer Control Module – Peek valves, pumps and fittings ....................................................... 40 Filling station – spare parts ............................................................................................................... 41 Additional spares for Auto loading systems ..................................................................................... 41 Recommended Tools ........................................................................................................................ 41 Standard Spares Kits ......................................................................................................................... 42 Bottles ............................................................................................................................................... 42 Vacuum Pumps ................................................................................................................................. 43 Electronics ......................................................................................................................................... 44 Recommended Accessories .................................................................................................................. 45 EVS-MH-100 Measuring Head........................................................................................................... 45 Filling stations ................................................................................................................................... 46 Shelf Assembly .................................................................................................................................. 47 EVS-TCB Temperature Controlled Bath ............................................................................................ 48 Appendix ............................................................................................................................................... 49 Internal layout – PTFE valves ............................................................................................................ 49 PTFE valves ........................................................................................................................................ 50 Revision Log .......................................................................................................................................... 51

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Safety The instrument is intended to be used in a laboratory by trained technical personnel.

For safe and correct use, both operating and service personnel should follow the instructions contained in the USER MANUAL when installing, cleaning, and maintaining the instrument.

The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, maintenance, service, and repair of the instrument.

Failure to comply with these precautions, or with specific warnings elsewhere in the USER MANUAL violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Poulten Selfe & Lee Ltd assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

Risk Assessment This manual provides guidance on the safe installation and operation of the Viscometer Control Module, however, the user should carry out their own full Risk Assessment.

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Viscometer Control module – USER MANUAL The following electronic and hazard symbols may appear on the instrument:

The following notices may appear in this manual:

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Lifting The module can be lifted by one person using the hand holds on either side.

Refer to the Technical Specification for the weight of the instrument.

Always lift the instrument using the handholds provided. Ensure that the 4 thumbscrews securing the top cover are in place and are tight.

The instrument should be unpacked carefully, removing any loose packing materials before lifting.

Voltage If access is required, undo the thumbscrews on either side and remove the top lid. The instrument must be detached from all voltage sources before maintenance, service, repair, or exchange of parts.

For normal operation, the instrument is to be grounded through the AC line cable.

Failure to do so can result in potential shock hazard resulting in serious personal injury.

Use only fuses with the rated current and of the type as specified in this manual.

Use only the IEC mains power cable provided.

Ensure that the bench top power supply is placed in a dry location i.e. away from solvents.

Solvents Observe safe laboratory practices when handling solvents.

If working with hazardous solvents or flammable liquids, ensure that there is proper ventilation and that adequate protection such as safety glasses, gloves and protective clothing are used.

If dangerous liquids are used, precautions should be taken to limit potential hazards from leaks and/or spillages or fumes through the use of a fume hood or other local extraction.

If there is the potential of explosive gases being developed, a fume hood or other means should be used to safely manage that risk.

Replacement Parts Ensure to use only replacement parts as specified in this USER MANUAL. Do not repair the instrument or change parts not listed in this USER Manual. Contact Poulten Selfe & Lee Ltd, PSL Rheotek USA, or local agent for any part not listed.

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Introduction Description

The RPV Viscometer Control Module has been designed to control the flow time measurement and cleaning of 1 or 2 automated viscometer positions.

Features - the Viscometer Control Module comprises of a stainless-steel outer case with an easily removal top lid.

Configurations – various configurations are available to support 1 or 2 measuring positions with 2 or 3 cleaning solvents or nitrogen purge.

Power – the Viscometer Control Module uses a 24VDC, 150W, 6.25A bench top power supply.

Interfaces - the Viscometer Control Module is interfaced to the following: -

PC Control System Measuring Heads for meniscus detection Solvent containers Waste containers Overfill bottles (on breathers) Vacuum source Optional sample delivery system

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Viscometer Control Module – Single A single Viscometer Control Module is designed to be configured with one or two measuring heads as follows:

PC Other peripheral modules e.g. sample preparation

Configured with Windows & internal control cards RPV Software

Viscometer Control Module

MH 1

PIAB or Vacuum Pump

MH 2

Viscometer Bath

Solvent container Waste container MH 1

Overfill container (VAC valve breather

Measuring Head – to accommodate glass viscometer container

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Viscometer Control Module – Dual Dual Viscometer Control Modules are designed to be configured with four measuring heads as follows:

PC

Viscometer Control Module 2

Viscometer Control Module 1

Configured with Windows & internal control cards RPV Software

MH 1

MH 2

MH 3

MH 4

PIAB or Vacuum Pump

Viscometer Bath Solvent container Overfill container

Waste container MH 1

Measuring Head – to accommodate glass viscometer container

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Unpacking The Viscometer Control Module will be supplied fully assembled. Keep the original packing in case the control module has to be returned.

Standard equipment After unpacking the control module, you should have the following: Standard equipment: • •

Viscometer Control Module 24VDC power supply

Cables: Depending upon the instrument platform the following cables will be included: • •

Communication cable to PC RS232 USB cable

Accessories: • • •

Solvent containers and tubing Waste containers and tubing Breather bottles and tubing

The following documents are included: •

User Manual

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Technical Specifications Viscometer Control Module Changes or modifications made to the RPV (Gen 3) VCM Viscometer Control module not expressly

NOTICENOTICE agreed by Poulten Selfe & Lee Ltd may void the warranty

Viscometer Control Module – 1 or 2 positions with 2 solvent/3 solvent cleaning (or Nitrogen purge) Model Dimensions (W x D x H) Weight

VCM-1P-* 375 x 285 x 175mm

VCM-2P-* 375 x 285 x 175mm

20 kg

25 kg

100 to 240V 50/60Hz

100 to 240V 50/60Hz

24 V

24 V

6.25A 150W

6.25A 150W

No. of measuring positions

1

2

No. of Solvent connections

2 or optionally 3

2 or optionally 3

Nitrogen purge

Option

Option

Valve material

PEEK or PTFE (T models)

PEEK or PTFE (T models)

Communication

RS232

RS232

Power Requirements for external bench top supply: Input: Voltage range Frequency range Output (to VCM): Voltage rating Current range Power Consumption (max)

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Peripheral items For information only, refer to specific manuals for full operating and safety instructions.

Part PC Controller

Specification Dimensions

375 x 285 x 175mm (W x D X H)

Weight

15 kg

Power*

100 to 240V, 50/60Hz, 650W, 5A

PC Monitor

Dimensions Weight Power*

500 x 200 x 300mm (W x D X H) 3kg 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz, 120W, 0.5A

Diaphragm vacuum pump

Dimensions

243 x 211 x 198mm (W x D X H) 9.6 x 8.3 x 7.7 in 23 kg 10.2 lbs 230V, 50Hz, 400W, 1.8A 110V, 60Hz, 400W, 3.4A

Weight Power*

PIAB Pump

Dimensions Weight Power Air in

195 x 66 x 120 mm (W x D X H) 1kg n/a 87 PSI (max)

* this can vary with model

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Solvents Where solvents are used carefully read the SDS and carry out an appropriate risk assessment. Wear the appropriate PPE.

Solvents for use with Peek or PTFE valves Specified Solvent Peek ✓ Orthochlorophenol (OCP) ✓ Phenol TCE  Dichloroacetic acid (DCA) ✓ Formic acid (90%)  Sulphuric acid (96%) ✓ m-Cresol ✓ Cyclohexanone ✓ Cupriethylene Diamine Solution (CED) ✓ Decahydronaphalene (Decalin) ✓ Xylene ✓ Acetone ✓ Methanol ✓ Chloroform

NOTICE

PTFE ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓  ✓ ✓ ✓

Changes to the specified solvents not expressly agreed by Poulten Selfe & Lee Ltd may void the warranty

Cleaning Solvent The cleaning solvent is typically the dissolving solvent. The VCM can be configured with 1, 2 or 3 cleaning solvents.

Drying solvent The drying solvent is typically acetone. Other solvents can be used e.g. methanol or Xylene (typically for higher temperature applications).

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Installation

NOTICE

Installation should be carried out by a trained factory engineer, authorised agent or via seeking technical support via video link from the factory

The Viscometer Control Module is located on top of the bath module, or on an optional shelf

Filling station

PC communication from the lefthand side of the VCM

Measuring Head

Temperature Controlled bath

•

Ensure all packing material has been removed.

•

Locate the Viscometer Control Module on top of the bath or for multiple modules using the optional shelf (see below).

•

Ensure the location is free from vibration

Ensure sufficient ventilation space is provided at the rear of the bath as well as on the right-hand side. Inadequate ventilation will cause damage to the bath.

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Installation steps: •

Locate the bath on a bench, ensure it is level and that there is sufficient space for ventilation behind and to the right-hand side of the bath

500mm

620mm

PC Monitor

VCM

PC

660mm

BATH

Keyboard

•

Locate the Viscometer Control Module (VCM) on the space provided on top of the bath module or on the optional shelf

•

For multiple Control modules use the optional shelf:

900mm width is required for 2 x VCM’s

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Location of the Viscometer Control Module From above

660 mm

900 mm width From Rear

Ensure that there is a minimum of 100mm clearance behind the Viscometer Control Module and Bath module

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Rear Connections

24V DC power jack Breathers (Some ports will be blanked off depending upon configuration

Mains – 24VDC power supply module. Locate power supply in a dry and ventilated position.

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Front of the module

Measuring Head DIN sockets LED for flow time measurement

Sensitivity adjustment for measuring heads

Pressure Control (for sample push up)

ON/OFF LED

Pneumatic tube connections to filling stations

FILL arm CAP arm AIR arm

Each position has 6 valves (for 2 solvent configurations) or 7 valves (for 3 solvents or nitrogen purge configurations).

AIR and CAP valves are two-way valves and are NORMALLY CLOSED. This means that the valves are in the OFF position and there can be no flow, until the valves are energised.

All other valves are three-way valves and consist of a COMMON port, NORMALLY OPEN (NO) port and a NORMALLY CLOSED (NC) port.

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Side of the module (LHS and RHS) – standard Peek valves (Valve configuration for one or two positions with two or three cleaning solvents)

FRONT

Ports in upper section signify Peek valves

Solvent 1

Solvent 2

Solvent 3 (optional)

VPH Breather

Optional Waste

VAC Valve Breather (overfill)

Waste Breather

100mL bottle

Attach Solvent 1..3 tubes to the ports on either side of the instrument as shown.

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Side of the module (LHS and RHS) – PTFE valves (Valve configuration for one or two positions with two or three cleaning solvents) (PTFE valves are supplied for corrosive applications e.g. sulphuric acid)

Ports in lower section signify PTFE valves

Solvent 1

Solvent 2

Solvent 3 or Breather

VAC valve Breather (overfill)

VPH Breather Waste

Waste Breather

Attach Solvent 1..3 tubes to the ports on either side of the instrument as shown.

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Waste bottle Connections With internal vacuum pumps:

Connect the waste bottle as follows: -

Vacuum IN Waste OUT

With external PIAB or vacuum pump:

To mains power supply

PIAB

To compressed air supply (85psi max)

Note – if required both waste lines can exit the same side. This modification can be made by the installation engineer.

Attach the vacuum gauge to the waste container cap.

When an external vacuum source is being used - attach the vacuum pump inlet to the waste container cap.

Attach a tube to the vacuum source outlet. This tube should run to a fume cupboard.

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Breather (overfill) connections The VAC valve for each position will have a WASTE port and a BREATHER port.

Externally, the waste line is connected to the waste port waste. This line is connected to the waste bottle and vacuum source.

The breather line shall be connected to the Vac Breather Port. This line is connected to a smaller container in case of sample overfill.

During sample push up, the Capillary valve will open and the VAC valve will be open to the breather.

In the case of the sample not being detected on the push up, it will travel out of the breather path into the breather (over fill) container.

This breather path will need to be cleaned (breather clean) before a new sample is measured.

To carry out a breather clean, the VAC supply is first moved to the spare port on the breather bottle.

Waste port

VAC Supply

VAC valve Breather Port

Breather bottle

Ensure that the breather bottle and tube is connected to the VAC valve breather port before measurement commences.

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Viscometer Control module – USER MANUAL

External Waste lines and breather lines – overview

Vac Gauge RPV044 4mm OD x 2mm ID

Viscometer Control Module

Blue cap

W

VAC Pump Or PIAB

B V,C,A manifold

AV1028 (4mm OD x 3mm ID PTFE)

W = waste port B = breather port – to 100mL bottle

Waste bottle (RPV106) with blue cap and three connections (RPV126)

Breather (overfill) bottle (RPV00046 – 100mL or RPV133 – 500mL) with blue cap and two connections (RP130) Open to atmosphere

Ensure that waste lines and breather lines are connected before running samples.

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Internal layout Peek valves - LHS Left hand side or Position 1

Overfill Breather

To FILL arm

To CAP arm

To AIR arm

Pump Adjuster

JV264 two port valves (C1 and A1)

JV263 three port valves (VAC1 , S1, S2 and Viscometer Pump (VP)

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Internal layout Peek valves - RHS Right hand side or Position 2

To CAP arm

To AIR arm

To FILL arm

JV263 three port valves (VAC2 , S1, S2 and Viscometer Pump (VP)

Pump Adjuster

JV264 two port valves (C1 and A1)

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Internal Layout Peek valves - rear ports

There are no connections to the Mini Pump Breathers.

A breather (overfill) tube should be connected to the VAC breather ports (note these may be fitted to the rear or the side of the instrument

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Communication connections

For RPV-1 Gen. 3 systems, connect the 78-way cable to the rear of the VCM (to the PC)

Connect the communication cable to the port on the left-hand side (to the PC).

USB-A to USB-B (RPV-1 Gen 3)

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Measuring Head Connections

Connect the measuring heads to MH1 and MH2

Summary instructions for measuring head and filling station

Insert the required glass viscometer tube into each measuring head and place in the viscometer bath.

Attach a filling station to each measuring head – the filling station consists of three parts – a base, funnel and screw cap. Push the base on, so that it forms a seal with the glass viscometer tubes. Gently tighten the nylon screws to secure the filling station base to the top plate of the measuring head.

Connect the AIR and CAP tubes to the base. The filling tube is connected to the cap.

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Measuring Head trimmers Each measuring head position has two trimmers – for adjusting the voltages on the top and bottom sensors on the measuring heads.

The RPV-1 software manual should be referred to for detailed instructions.

Trimmer for top sensor (measuring head 1)

Trimmer for bottom sensor (measuring head 1)

Use a small flat head screwdriver or “trimming tool” to make adjustments.

The sensor values should be trimmed to 2.5V ± 0.1V. Open the RPV-1 Software.

Start a separate log on Serial Monitor (Teraterm) software for each scenario.

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Connect the power cable The final installation step is to power up the module.

The power switch is located on the left-hand side panel.

The power ON/OFF button activates the 24V DC. Green light on front comes on

24VDC power in

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Electronic Layout

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Check list prior to Start-Up of the Viscometer Control Module Wear PPE, including safety glass and gloves when connecting solvents to the control module

Step

Check

1

Viscometer Control Module is connected to the PC using the 78 way communication cable

Yes/No (tick)

2

RS232 cable is also connected to the PC

3

24VDC power supply is plugged in at rear

4

Check measuring heads are plugged in to each position

5

Check filling stations are plugged in to each position

6

Solvent 1 “cleaning” solvent is plugged in.

7

Solvent 2 “drying” solvent is plugged in (or optional second cleaning solvent)

8

Solvent 3 is plugged in if applicable

9

Waste line – position 1 is connected – from the control module to waste bottle 1

10

Waste line – position 2 is connected – from the control module to waste bottle 2

11

Vac valve breather 1 is connected – from the control module to breather bottle 1

12

Vac valve breather 2 is connected – from the control module to breather bottle 2

13

Waste vessels are empty

14

Vacuum is connected – from the vacuum manifold (located on the vacuum source) to each waste bottle.

15

Vacuum gauges are connected to each waste bottle and are reading a vacuum level below -0.7 bar e.g. 0.8 or lower

16

If applicable – check auto sampler fill lines are connected

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Start-up of the Viscometer Control Module Ensure that the check list has been completed before start-up

To start the Viscometer Control Module:

1. The module is connected to a power source 2. The module is connected to the PC 3. Turn on the ON/OFF switch located on the LHS of the module 4. Turn on the (external) vacuum source

On power up: •

The LED on light will be Green

Validation on Start Up The Viscometer Control Module can be validated via the RPV software using the Engineer Screen.

Switching valves on and off individually can produce dangerous results.

Each valve can be clicked on or off to check that it is working.

Clicking a single valve on/off should not create a dangerous situation as long as ALL other valves/pumps are turned OFF. When you energise a valve you should be able to hear it click. This will indicate that the valve is working and is not blocked.

A full description of the valve and pump operations are set out in the RPV user/software manual.

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Maintenance

To obtain optimum performance and maximum life from the Viscometer Control Module, the following maintenance should be observed: Daily

Check solvent and waste levels Check breather bottle is empty. In the case of a sample overfill, the breather line and bottle must be cleaned.

6 monthly

Check all external tubing connections – replace as necessary Check the performance of the mini pumps – hold spares to replace as necessary

Annually

Check all tubing connections – internal Check vacuum pump performance – service diaphragm type external pump

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Breather Clean If the breather path becomes slightly or totally blocked with sample, it will affect the viscosity measurements.

To carry out a breather clean, the Vacuum supply from the corresponding waste bottle is moved to the spare port on the breather bottle. For measuring position 1 move the vacuum line from waste bottle 1 to breather bottle 1.

To unblock: Step 1 – carry out a user activated clean to ensure that the viscometer is empty.

Step 2 – attach the vacuum supply (from the waste position).

Step 3 – Using Engineer mode – energise: OPEN the AIR valve, then open the S1 valve for 2 seconds – watch to ensure solvent goes through the viscometer and out via the breather tube. Repeat several times.

Step 4 - Repeat step 3 using S2.

Step 5 – With the AIR valve OPEN and Solvent valves CLOSED allow air to be sucked through for 10 minutes to ensure the breather path is completely dry.

To carry out a breather clean, the VAC supply is first moved to the spare port on the breather bottle.

Waste port

VAC Supply

VAC valve Breather Port

Breather bottle

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On completion of the breather clean: Step 6 – visibly inspect the breather tube to make sure it is clear of sample or solvent – all liquid must be removed.

Step 7 – disconnect the vacuum from the breather and re-connect to the waste port.

Step 8 – carry out a final normal clean of the viscometer – using a user activated clean.

On completion of the breather clean, the VAC supply is reconnected to the waste bottle.

Waste port

VAC Supply

VAC valve Breather Port

Breather bottle

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Moving the Instrument

Before moving the Viscometer Control Module, follow these steps: Step 1: Carry out a user activated clean and dry of the system Step 2: Carefully remove the solvent lines from the solvent bottles and place in a clean beaker Step 3: Carry out a second clean and dry – this time not sucking any new solvent into the system – this is designed to purge the system Step 4: Turn off the vacuum (if external) Step 5: Turn off the Viscometer Control Module and remove the power lead Step 6: Dis-connect the waste lines Step 7: Disconnect the solvent lines Step 8: Disconnect any other communication cables Step 9: Ensure that the thumbscrews holding the top lid on are secure and tight Step 10: Lift the module using the two hand holds on either side

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Shipping the Instrument

Before shipping the Viscometer Control Module, follow these steps: Step 1: Carry out a user activated clean and dry of the system.

Step 1B: Carry out a second user activated clean with the drying solvent connected to Solvent 1 – this will flush the cleaning solvent path and will completely dry it, leaving no residue solvent in the system.

Step 2: Carefully remove the solvent lines from the solvent bottles and place in a clean beaker Step 3: Carry out a second clean and dry – this time not sucking any new solvent into the system – this is designed to purge the system Step 4: Turn off the vacuum (if external) Step 5: Turn off the Viscometer Control Module and remove the power lead Step 6: Dis-connect the waste lines Step 7: Disconnect the solvent lines Step 8: Disconnect any other communication cables Step 9: Ensure that the thumbscrews holding the top lid on are secure and tight Step 10: Lift the module using the two hand holds on either side Step 11: Use the original packaging or a strong shipping crate Step 12: Ensure plenty of foam or packaging material is in the bottom of the case Step 13: Place the instrument carefully into the packing case Step 14: Pack with plenty of foam on the sides and top

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Trouble Shooting Poor cleaning or drying 1. First of all, after cleaning (or during) does solvent 1 and/or solvent 2 fall back in its tubing towards the bottle?

2. If no OK go to 3, if yes, then there is a leak at either: a. Where tubing goes into the Viscometer Control Module b. At connections SOLVENT 1 or SOLVENT 2.

3. Check for a vacuum leak. a. If vacuum is at zero and you turn the pump on, do both gauges increase in vacuum at the same rate? (also see 5.) b. When the vacuum reaches its maximum value, do both gauges give the same reading? c. If no to a) and/or b), then you have a leak. The system is idle (no valves activated), so the leak is somewhere between: i. The back of the V1 valve and the connection to the vacuum pump manifold. ii. However, you may need to check tightness of fittings and tubing flanges: 1. On the vacuum valve port 2. All three fittings on bottle lid (to RPV, to vacuum pump, to gauge) 3. Fitting on vacuum pump manifold.

4. If the gauges increased at the same rate and to same maximum (at least -0.7) then: a. The leak is on other side of vacuum valve, so i. Open vacuum valve – does vacuum on gauge decrease? ii. If no, OK (go to x.) iii. If yes, then leak may be at fitting to front of vacuum valve iv. Or on one or more of the three fittings to the round T piece. v. Or at back of C or A valve. vi. Troubleshoot by disconnecting V valve at round T piece. vii. Put your finger over the fitting - does vacuum go back to maximum? viii. If yes, reconnect, disconnect C valve at T piece and put your finger over fitting.

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Viscometer Control module – USER MANUAL ix. Carry on until point of leak is found. x. (We know that the sample can measure, so in this case a leak at the filling station or where the filling station connects to the Viscometer Control Module is not likely. Otherwise the sample would not measure, a leak on the C path would mean sample does not “hold”, a leak on the A path would mean sample would go up the air arm of the viscometer tube when drawing). xi. A leak at the filling station barrel, (where it fits into the viscometer filling arm) is possible. xii. Open vacuum valve and air valve. Do the same on viscometer 2 and compare gauge readings. xiii. If viscometer 1 reading is low, try a new barrel. xiv. If this still does not solve the problem…. xv. A leak or constriction at the AS1 valve may be the problem. When solvent is being drawn, do you see bubbles entering at the AS valve? xvi. Follow AS1 valve to H1S1 valve. Is there a leak here, do bubbles enter when cleaning? xvii. It is possible for H1S1 to become constricted and need changing. xviii. Maybe the problem is H1S2 valve (so not enough acetone?) xix. If the problem is drying; you will see the drying path goes through AS1, H1S1, H1S2, VPH1 to breather. xx. If you open Viscometer 1 and Viscometer 2 V and A valves, and Viscometer 1 gauge drops away less (when compared to the expected or normal drop on V2) then this would show a constriction on the path described above.

5. It is possible that Viscometer1 gauge is seen to increase quicker (and fall away slower when pump is turned off) than Viscometer2 gauge (whereby the increase/decrease is deemed as expected/normal) a. This would indicate a constriction. b. Check all tubing (and change if required) from the vacuum valve to bottle, bottle to vacuum manifold. c. Check manifold for debris. d. Check down pipe in waste bottle, and other holes in underside of bottle.

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Replacement Spare Parts Viscometer Control Module – Peek valves, pumps and fittings Part Ref RP164

Description 24VDC power supply

RA-1S-016

Internal vacuum pump

RPV289-REP

Mini pump (sample push up)

JV264

2 port Peek valve

JV263

3 port Peek valve

RPV001

Needle valve

RPV3-082

3.2mm UNF polypropylene nut, 20mm long

RPV081

3.1mm M8 polypropylene nut

RP00288

Push in connector, 3mm cross

RPV3-025

M4 thumbscrew

RPV078

Glass solvent bottle filter (large)

RPV106

2L waste or solvent bottle

RPV126

3 port (blue) cap

RPV130

2 port (blue) cap

RP00139

Breather (overfill) tubing connection kit

RPV997-S1

Solvent line tubing connection kit

RPV996

Waste line connection kit

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Filling station – spare parts Part Ref

Description

RPV254

PTFE white screw cap

RPV012/AUTO

PTFE white screw cap (auto system)

RPV255

Filling station funnel

RPV045

PTFE screw

Additional spares for Auto loading systems Part Ref

Description

RPV079

Filter gauze (10 pcs)

RP00027

260mm needle

RPV088

Inverted cone

RPV061

Peek screw fitting with cone end

RP00096

Perlast o-ring

Recommended Tools Part Ref TOOL14-R

Description Tube cutter

RPV041

Flanging kit

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Standard Spares Kits Part Ref RPVS007/S

Description Standard spares kit (PEEK valves)

RPVS007/A/S

RSS (auto loading) spares kit (PEEK valves)

Bottles Part Ref RPV106

Description 2L glass (round) bottle with GL45 screw thread

RP00046

100mL glass (round) with GL45 screw thread (recommended for breather tubes)

RPV133

500mL glass (square) bottle with GL45 screw thread (recommended for breather tubes)

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Vacuum Pumps Part Ref RPV048/K

Description PIAB pump

50030-1 50030-2 50030-3

Diaphragm vacuum pump 230V Diaphragm vacuum pump 115V Diaphragm vacuum pump 100V

VP017

Replacement diaphragm seal kit

RPV055

Vacuum manifold M8 fittings

RPV055/A

Vacuum manifold ¼ BSP fittings

RPV081/BLANK

Polypropylene Bulkhead M8 fitting BLANK

RPV048/K

RPV055/A RPV055

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Viscometer Control module – USER MANUAL

Electronics

Part Ref REP02000/ASS/*

Main bath RPV signal processing board – front control board

REP02200/ASS/*

RPV pneumatic control board

REP01600/ASS/*

RPV Main control board

REP01700/ASS/*

RPV timer pneumatic interface board

REP01710/ASS/*

RPV timer break out board

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Viscometer Control module – USER MANUAL

Recommended Accessories EVS-MH-100 Measuring Head

EVS-MH-100 Measuring head for standard applications – accommodates AKV Ubbelohde glass viscometer (not included)

EVS-MH-100/AC

Measuring head with PTFE top cover and PFA coated top plate - for corrosive applications – accommodates AKV Ubbelohde glass viscometer (not included)

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Viscometer Control module – USER MANUAL

Filling stations With screw cap for for pouring in samples or auto loading

EVS-FS-100/G3 PTFE Filling station – complete assembly – including Base, funnel and screw cap.

Includes tubing and connectors.

EVS-FS-110/G3 PTFE Auto Filling station (for automated sample loading) – complete assembly – including Base, funnel and screw cap.

Includes tubing and connectors.

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Viscometer Control module – USER MANUAL

Shelf Assembly

Shelf Assembly – to accommodate 2 x Viscometer Control Modules.

Part Ref RPV3060

Description Shelf assembly for EVS-TCB type viscometer bath

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EVS-TCB Temperature Controlled Bath Suitable for use with the RPV Viscometer Control Module – 2 internal bath sizes (small with 1 to 3 positions) and large (up to 5 positions) .

The EVS-TCB bath is one of the modules used in the configuration of the Gen. 3 RPV Polymer Viscometer System.

The EVS-TCB bath provides excellent temperature stability at set-points between 20 to 30°C commonly used for dilute solution viscosity.

The bath is designed to accommodate a Viscometer Control Module on top – immediately behind the viscometer positions.

Part Ref EVS-TCB-3-C EVS-TCB-5-C EVS-TCB-3-RA

Description Suitable for use with RPV-1 and RPV-3 systems with 1 or 2 measuring positions Suitable for use with RPV-1 and RPV-3 systems with up to 4/5 measuring positions Suitable for use with RPV-2 system with 1 or 2 measuring positions

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Appendix Internal layout – PTFE valves

VAC1 Breathe r

Left hand side – Position 1 (right hand side is the reciprocal)

To FILL arm

To CAP arm

To AIR arm

Pump Adjuster Solvent Bottle

Normally Open (NO)

Waste Bottle VAC valve – connects vacuum or atmospheric pressure to the viscometer

Normally Closed (NC)

Common

NC – joined to VACUUM PUMP or PIAB via waste trap NO – to breather (see instructions on “Breather Clean” Comm – to T-piece which connects AIR and CAP 2-way valves

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PTFE valves Part Ref

Description

RPV003-ASS

3 port PTFE valve (small)

RPV004-ASS

2 port PTFE valve small)

RPV032

2 port PTFE valve (large)

RPV033

3 port PTFE valve (large)

RPV100

M8 T-piece (round) PTFE connector

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Revision Log Revision 1.0 1.1

Release dates January 2022 February 2022

Summary of changes Gen 3 first version Breather clean revisions and photos

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