Mettler HC103 Moisture Analyzer Quick Guide PDF
Mettler HC103 Moisture Analyzer Quick Guide PDF
Mettler HC103 Moisture Analyzer Quick Guide PDF
HC103
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Halogen Moisture Analyzer from METTLER TOLEDO.
Your Moisture Analyzer is fast and reliable. It offers a high level of operating convenience and useful functions to
facilitate determination of the moisture content of your samples.
Behind your instrument stands METTLER TOLEDO, a leading manufacturer of not only balances and scales for the
lab and production, but also analytical measuring instruments. A customer service network covering the entire globe
with well trained personnel is your service at all times, whether you are choosing accessories or require guidance
for a specific application to ensure optimum utilization of your instrument.
Your Halogen Moisture Analyzer is used for determining the moisture content of almost any substance. The
instrument works on the thermogravimetric principle. At the start of the measurement the Moisture Analyzer
determines the weight of the sample, the sample is then quickly heated by the integral halogen heating module and
the moisture vaporizes. During the drying process the instrument continually measures the weight of the sample and
displays the reduction in moisture. Once drying has been completed, the moisture or solids content of your sample
is displayed as the final result.
Of decisive importance in practice is the rate of heating and even heating of the surface of the sample. In
comparison with conventional infrared heating or the drying oven method, for example, the halogen heating module
of your instrument needs a shorter time to reach its maximum heating power. It also allows use of high
temperatures, an additional factor in shortening the drying time. Uniform heating of the sample material ensures
good repeatability of the drying results and makes it possible to use a smaller amount of sample.
The Moisture Analyzer conforms with all common standards and directives. It supports stipulations, work techniques
and result records as demanded by all international quality assurance systems, e.g. GLP (Good Laboratory
Practice), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). The instrument has a CE declaration of conformity and METTLER
TOLEDO as the manufacturer has been awarded ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. This provides you with the
assurance that your capital investment is protected in the long term by a high product quality and a comprehensive
service package (repairs, maintenance, servicing, adjustment service).
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Signal Words
WARNING for a hazardous situation with medium risk, possibly resulting in severe injuries
or death if not avoided.
CAUTION for a hazardous situation with low risk, resulting in damage to the device or the
property or in loss of data, or minor or medium injuries if not avoided.
Intended Use
Your Moisture Analyzer is used for determining the moisture in samples. Use the instrument exclusively for this
purposes. Any other type of use and operation beyond the limits of technical specifications without written consent
from Mettler-Toledo AG, is considered as not intended.
Moisture determination applications must be optimized and validated by the user according to local regulations.
Application-specific data provided by METTLER TOLEDO is intended for guidance only.
It is not permitted to use the instrument in explosive atmosphere of gases, steam, fog, dust and
flammable dust (hazardous environments).
Protective Clothing
It is advisable to wear protective clothing in the laboratory when working with the instrument.
A lab coat should be worn.
Use appropriate gloves when handling chemicals or hazardous substances, checking their
integrity before use.
Safety Notes
WARNING
Risk of electric shock
Your instrument is supplied with a 3-pin power cable with an equipment grounding conductor. Only
extension cables which meet this relevant standards and also have an equipment grounding
conductor may be used. Intentional disconnection of the equipment grounding conductor is
prohibited.
CAUTION
The Halogen Moisture Analyzer works with heat!
a) Ensure sufficient free space around the instrument to avoid heat accumulation and overheating
(approx. 1 m free space above the heating module).
b) The vent over the sample must never be covered, plugged, taped over or tampered with in any
other way.
c) Do not place any combustible materials on, under or next to the instrument since the area
around the heating module may be hot.
d) Exercise caution when removing the sample. The sample itself, the sample chamber, the draft
shield and any sample vessels used may still be very hot.
e) During operation, you should never open the heating module itself as the ring-shaped heating
reflector or its protective glass can reach 400 °C! If you have to open the heating module e.g.
for maintenance, disconnect the instrument from the power supply and wait until the heating
module has cooled down completely.
f) No modifications must be made within the heating module. It is particularly dangerous to bend
any components or remove them or to make any other changes.
CAUTION
Fire or Explosion
• Flammable or explosive substances.
• Substances containing solvents.
• Substances which evolve flammable or explosive gases or vapors when heated.
a) In cases of doubt, perform a careful risk analysis.
b) Work at a drying temperature that is low enough to prevent the formation of flames or an
explosion.
c) Wear protective goggles.
d) Work with small amounts of sample.
e) Never leave the instrument unattended!
WARNING
Substances which contain toxic or caustic components
Toxic gases produced during drying could cause irritations (eyes, Skin, breathing), illness or death.
a) Such substances may be dried only in a fume cupboard.
CAUTION
Corrosion
Substances which evolve corrosive vapors when heated (e.g. acids).
a) Work with small amounts of samples as the vapor can condense on cooler housing parts and
cause corrosion.
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CAUTION
Do not touch the touch screen with pointed or sharp objects!
This may damage the touch screen.
Name Explanation
1 Status bar The status bar shows status icons, date and time.
2 Title bar The title bar shows elements for the user's orientation and information.
3 Content area The content area is the main working area for menus and applications.
4 Action bar The action bar shows buttons for available actions in the current dialog
(e. g. Back, ->0/T<-, Print, Save, Delete, OK).
5 Main menu In the main menu, the submenus Measurement, Results, Method Definition, Test/
Adjust or Settings can be chosen.
6 Status icons Icons that show the status of the device.
Status Messages.
7 User shortcuts User-specific shortcuts for frequently used methods. Shortcuts are saved in the user
profile.
Name Explanation
1 Input field Shows the characters that have been entered.
2 Explanation field Shows additional information.
3 Specialized tabs To switch the keyboard mode for entering letters, numbers or special characters.
Shift-Lock To enter lower and upper case letters.
Note
It is also possible to place cursor directly in input field by tapping the respective position.
Name Explanation
1 Content area
2 Content title
3 Scroll bar Use the scroller to scroll up and down
Name Explanation
1 Name field Name of current method
2 Shortcut button Adding/editing a shortcut to the home screen for this method
3 Value panel Displays the current measured values of the work process
4 Graphics panel E.g. graphical illustrations of the drying curves, instructions for the user for
performing tasks, and weighing-in aid
5 Parameter panel Displays the parameters of the current work process. A detailed overview of the
method parameters appears after tapping the parameter panel.
6 Action buttons Depending on the current context
➀ 56
Strip printer
Workstation
➀ 56
➂ USB device
076,&6
Name Explanation
1 RS232C connection RS232C interface for connecting the instrument to a peripheral device (e.g. to a
printer or a PC with a 9-pin male connection).
2 USB Host USB interface for connecting a peripheral device to the instrument (e.g. a memory
stick up to 32 GB. Type A socket.
3 USB Device USB interface for connecting the instrument to a peripheral device (e.g. a PC).
Type B socket.
Note
Store all parts of the packaging. This packaging guarantees the best possible protection for the transport of your
instrument.
4.2 Location
Your Moisture Analyzer is a precision instrument. An optimum location guarantees accuracy and dependability.
Make sure that the following environmental conditions are met:
• Operate the instrument only indoors and at an altitude of less than 4000 m above sea level.
• Before switching on the instrument, allow all its parts to reach room temperature (+5 to 30°C).
Make sure that the relative humidity is between 20% and 80% and non-condensing conditions are met.
• The power plug must be easily accessible.
• Firm, horizontal location as free from vibrations as possible.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• No excessive temperature fluctuations.
• No powerful drafts.
• Surroundings as free from dust as possible.
• Sufficient clearance around the instrument to allow warm air to
dissipate.
• Sufficient distance from heat-sensitive materials in the vicinity of the
instrument.
WARNING
Risk of electric shock
a) Use only the 3-pin power cable with equipment grounding conductor which was supplied with
your instrument.
b) Only a 3-pin grounded outlet for connecting your instrument must be used.
c) Only extension cables which meet this relevant standards and also have an equipment
grounding conductor may be used.
d) Intentional disconnection of the equipment grounding conductor is prohibited.
Attention
• Check if the voltage printed on the type plate corresponds to your local line voltage. If this is not the case,
contact your METTLER TOLEDO sales representative or dealer. Do not connect the drying unit to the power
supply.
Two different versions with country-specific power cable are available (110 V AC or 230 V AC).
• The power plug must be always accessible.
• Before operating, check all cables for damage.
• Guide the cables so that they cannot become damaged or interfere with the measuring process.
The Moisture Analyzer can also be levelled by using the Tutorial 1. Leveling the instrument. For more information
see at section Instrument Tutorial [} 20].
Note
The application Setup Wizard appears automatically when the instrument was switched on for the first time (or
when a factory reset was performed). It must be successfully finished. If it is not finished, the device is not
operational and the function will reappear when the device is switched on the next time.
After the application Setup Wizard is successfully finished, the settings can be changed via Settings of the user
home screen.
Note
The application Instrument tutorial starts automatically after the application Setup Wizard is succesfully finished.
This option can be skipped by inactivating the checkbox Proceed to the Instrument Tutorial.
4.10 Adjustment
The following adjustment options are possible:
• Balance adjustment with external weight (accessory).
• Temperature adjustment with temperature adjustment kit (accessory).
To obtain accurate measuring results, it is necessary to adjust the integrated balance as well as the heating module
under working condition.
Adjusting is necessary before the instrument is used for the first time or after a change of location.
We recommend to do TESTS at regular intervals and adjust if necessary.
Create a method
1 Tap Method Definition.
ð Method Definition menu appears.
2 To define a new method, tap [New...].
ð The keypad appears.
3 Enter a name for your first method e.g. My first method.
4 Confirm with [OK].
5 To store your new method with factory settings, tap [Save].
6 Tap [Home].
ð User home screen appears.
Note
The number of methods that can be created is limited to 20.
Start measuring
1 Place the specimen sample in the sample pan.
2 Wet the specimen sample with a few drops of water.
3 Close the sample chamber.
ð The drying process starts automatically.
Drying process
You can follow the measurement process on the display, see Work Screen.
• The drying process is continuously displayed graphically.
• The current temperature in the heating module is displayed as well as the elapsed drying time and the current
drying value.
• The display shows the selected settings.
• Tap on [Stop drying]. The options [Abort measurement and save data], [Abort without saving] or [Cancel]
are available.
• Tap on [Abort measurement and save data] or [Abort without saving] to abort the process.
• Tap on [Cancel] to continue the process.
At the end of the drying process you can read the moisture content of your sample on the display.
Remove Sample
§ The drying process is completed.
Congratulations!
You have just performed your first measurement with your new Moisture Analyzer. In the following sections you
will find more information about the extensive functions of this instrument.
Icon Function
Lower weight limit (tolerance range)
Target weight
Editing a shortcut
WARNING
Risk of electric shock
– The instrument must be disconnected from the power supply, before cleaning or other maintenance
work to be performed.
– Use only the power cord from METTLER TOLEDO, if it needs replacing.
Note
6.1 Cleaning
CAUTION
Danger of burns
The interior parts of the heating module as well as the parts in the sample chamber could be very
hot.
a) Wait until the heating module has cooled down completely.
To obtain precise measurement results, we recommend you to clean the temperature sensor and the protective glass
of the halogen lamp regularly. Please note the following directions for cleaning your instrument.
General
Your Moisture Analyzer is made from high quality, resistant materials and can therefore be cleaned with a
commercially available, mild cleaning agent e.g. isopropanol.
Note
CAUTION
Avoid touching the round halogen lamp. If you have to remove any splashes, deposits, or spots of grease from the
halogen lamp, it is advisable to use a weak organic solvent such as, for example ethanol. Ensure that the lamp is
cool. Do not remove the halogen lamp!
CAUTION
The protective glass is made of quartz glass. Always use gloves for touching the protective glass. Do not touch the
protective glass with bare hands. For cleaning always use non-alkaline cleaning agents.
Removing reflector ring
1 To unlock the reflector ring push the clips towards each other.
2 Pull carefully out the reflector ring.
CAUTION
The protective glass is loose and may fall out when the reflector ring is
removed.
Note
Do not touch the lamp with your fingers.
6.2 Disposal
In conformance with the European Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) this device may not be
disposed of in domestic waste. This also applies to countries outside the
EU, per their specific requirements.
Please dispose of this product in accordance with local regulations at the
collecting point specified for electrical and electronic equipment. If you
have any questions, please contact the responsible authority or the
distributor from which you purchased this device. Should this device be
passed on to other parties (for private or professional use), the content of
this regulation must also be related.
Thank you for your contribution to environmental protection.
Balance
Maximum capacity 101 g
Readability 1 mg
Minimum sample weight 0.5 g
Weighing technology Strain Gauge
Adjustment External weight (100 g, accessory)
Moisture Content
Readability 0.01%
Repeatability (sd) with 2 g sample 0.10%
Repeatability (sd) with 10 g sample 0.015%
Materials
Drying Unit
Housing PBT, PBX45A (UL94-V0)
Inspection window grill PPS, A504X90 (UL94-V0)
Protective glass Quartz glass
Halogen lamp Quartz glass
Reflector Stainless steel, X2CrNiMo17-2 (1.4404)
Draft shield, interior bottom plate Stainless steel, X2CrNiMo17-2 (1.4404)
Environmental Conditions
Height above sea level up to 4000 m
Ambient temperature range 5 °C to 40 °C
Relative air humidity 10% to 80% at 31 °C, linearly decreasing to 50 % at 40 °C,
noncondensing
Warm-up time At least 60 minutes after connecting the instrument to the power
supply; when switched on from standby, the instrument is ready for
operation immediately.
Power Supply
110 V AC Version 100 V–120 V, 50/60 Hz, 4 A
230 V AC Version 220 V–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 2 A
Voltage fluctuations -15%+10%
Power load max. 450 W during drying process
Interfaces
• 1 x RS232C (for METTLER TOLEDO RHT sensor only)
• 1 x RS232C (9-pin socket)
• 2 x USB Host (Type A socket), USB 1.1
Supported memory sticks up to 32 GB
• 1 x USB Device (Type B socket), USB 1.1
Data
Export data format of results • CSV (Comma-separated values)
• PDF
Hardware
Drying unit
Sample chamber opening/closing manual
Leveling 2 leveling screws
Sample pan Ø 90 mm
Maximum height of sample 15 mm
Thermal overload protection Bimetallic-element switch in heating module
Dimensions (w x h x d) 192 x 169/370 x 385
See Dimensions
Weight, ready to measure 5.1 kg
Display WVGA color display, resistive touch-sensitive
Further information about conformance of this instrument can be found in the Declaration of Conformity which is
coming with the product or can be downloaded from the internet.
uhttp://www.mt.com/moisture-hc103