KERN DAB 100-3 (01) PDF Document

The technical data for the KERN DAB 100-3 is as follows:

The KERN DAB 100-3 is designed for the fast and reliable determination of material moisture in liquid, porous, and solid materials by applying the method of thermogravimetrics.

Improper uses that must be strictly avoided include:

• Impacts and overloading exceeding the stated maximum load (max).

• Operating the device in an explosive environment.

• Making unpermitted changes to the unit’s design.

• Operating the unit outside of its described default settings unless released by KERN in writing.

When operating the KERN DAB 100-3, you must follow these critical safety precautions:

General Hazards:

• The moisture analyser must be used exclusively for analysing the moisture content of materials.

• It should be used mainly for drying aqueous substances and not in a hazardous or explosive environment.

• Only trained, competent specialist staff should operate and maintain the device.

• Never make modifications or design changes to the equipment. Always use original spare parts.

• Ensure liquids cannot penetrate the interior of the device. If a spill occurs, disconnect it immediately and have it checked by a competent KERN stockist before further use.

Hazards During and After Measuring:

• Ensure correct installation of all components.

• Be careful when removing the sample. The sample itself, the sample dish, and the heating unit may be very hot. Use the sample retainer at all times to prevent burns.

• Individual parts of the case (e.g., ventilation grids) may heat up considerably during operation.

Heat Hazards:

• Maintain sufficient space around the instrument (20cm distance, 1m upwards) to prevent heat build-up.

• The heat extractor must never be covered, blocked, or altered.

• Never place combustible materials on, under, or next to the instrument.

Fire or Explosion Hazards:

• Explosive, easily flammable samples, and samples that undergo a chemical reaction when heated must not be analysed with the moisture analyser.

• If in doubt, conduct a risk analysis. Select a drying temperature low enough to prevent ignition or explosion and wear safety goggles.

Toxic/Corrosive Substance Hazards:

• Substances that contain toxic or corrosive ingredients, or produce toxic gases when drying, must be dried using a special extraction system to prevent inhalation of hazardous vapours.

• For substances that liberate corrosive gases (like acids), work with smaller sample amounts to prevent corrosion of casing parts.

To achieve reliable weighing results, observe the following conditions for the installation site of your KERN DAB 100-3:

• Place the instrument on a firm, level surface.

• Remove explosion-prone and easily flammable material from the immediate vicinity.

• Protect the instrument from direct draughts from open windows and doors.

• Avoid extreme heat and temperature fluctuations, such as installing it next to radiators.

• Do not expose the instrument to extreme dampness for long periods. If condensation occurs, acclimatize the disconnected instrument for about 2 hours at room temperature.

• The air humidity should be between 45% and 75%, non-condensing.

• Avoid direct sunlight.

• Maintain sufficient distance from heat-sensitive materials.

• Protect the instrument from high humidity, vapours, and dust.

• To avoid display deviations, change location or remove sources of electromagnetic fields (e.g., mobile phones), static electricity, or unstable power supply.

• Avoid static charging of the material to be weighed, the weighing container, and the windshield.

• Avoid jarring during weighing.

The scope of delivery / serial accessories for the KERN DAB 100-3 includes:

• Moisture analyser

• 50 sample dishes

• Power cable

• Operating manual

To assemble the separate component parts of the KERN DAB 100-3, follow these steps in sequence:

1. Put the heat shield into the sample chamber.

2. Place the windshield in a way that the pin in the heat shield is aligned to the hole in the windshield.

3. Place the removal aid into the windshield. Ensure that the lug lies exactly in the groove of the windshield.

4. Attach the sample dish holder carefully and rotate it until it locks.

5. Put the sample dish on the removal aid.

Precise alignment is a precondition for repeatable results. To level your KERN DAB 100-3, adjust the foot screws until the air bubble in the bubble level (water balance) is within the prescribed circle. You should check the levelling regularly.

Mains Connection:

1. Check that the voltage information on the instrument’s sticker matches the local mains voltage. Do not connect if they are different.

2. Use the supplied mains cable. Do not use an extension lead without an earth terminal.

3. Ensure the mains plug is accessible at all time.

4. Check the mains cable for damage before commissioning.

5. If the voltages match, connect the moisture analyser to the power grid.

Switching On and Off:

• To turn on the appliance, press the ON/OFF key. The display will light up, and the equipment will conduct a self-test. Wait until the basic configuration appears.

• To switch off the appliance, press the ON/OFF button. The display will disappear.

For precise results, the KERN DAB 100-3 must reach its operating temperature. A warm-up period of 2 hours is required, during which the integrated balance must be connected to the power supply.

To adjust the integrated balance of the KERN DAB 100-3, follow this procedure:

1. Ensure stable environmental conditions and that the 2-hour warm-up time has been completed.

2. Place an empty sample dish in the instrument.

3. Press and keep the ESC key pressed until “CAL” is displayed.

4. Wait until the weighed value for the required adjustment weight (e.g., “100.000 g” for DAB 100-3) appears flashing.

5. Carefully put the required adjustment weight (100g F2 class) into the center of the sample dish. The adjustment is carried out automatically.

6. After successful adjustment, the balance automatically returns to weighing mode, and “100.000 g” will be displayed.

7. Take away the adjustment weight. Wait until “0.000 g” appears. The adjustment is complete.

To calibrate and, if necessary, adjust the temperature, you will need the optional temperature calibration set KERN DAB-A01. Allow the device to cool down for at least 30 minutes before starting.

Temperature Calibration:

1. Switch off the moisture analyser.

2. Install the temperature calibration set as per its illustration.

3. Turn on the moisture analyser.

4. Set the test parameters: Set ident number to <1>, heating profile to , and switch-off criterion to .

5. Enter the desired test temperature (e.g., 120°C).

6. Switch on the external temperature calibration set.

7. Close the heating hood and press START/STOP. The instrument will heat to the set temperature.

8. After approximately 15 minutes, press START/STOP to finish. Compare the temperature value on the moisture analyser’s display with the value on the temperature calibration set. If the difference is ±5°C or more, an adjustment is recommended.

Temperature Adjustment:

1. Switch off the instrument.

2. Press and quickly release the ON/OFF key, then immediately press and hold the ON/OFF key and the down arrow key at the same time. The display should show “8.2X”. If not, disconnect from power and repeat this step.

3. Use the up and down arrow keys to adjust the temperature. Each key press changes the temperature by 1°C.

4. Press ENTER to confirm your input.

To get acquainted with the KERN DAB 100-3, perform a simple measurement using the factory settings (standard drying 120°C, automatic switch off). Ensure the instrument has completed its warm-up time.

1. Place a dry piece of paper into the sample dish.

2. Place the removal aid with the sample dish onto the sample dish retainer.

3. Close the heating hood and press TARE. The display will show “0.000 g”.

4. Open the heating hood and pour approx. 3 g of water onto the paper in the sample dish.

5. Wait until the stability indicator “o” goes out.

6. Close the heating hood.

7. Press the START/STOP button to begin the drying process.

8. You can watch the drying process on the display. The current temperature, elapsed time, and interim result will be continuously updated.

9. When drying is finished, an acoustic signal will sound, and the final result will be displayed.

10. You can use the g/% key to switch the result display between % moisture, % dry content, and residual weight in grams.

11. Open the heating hood and remove the sample with the removal aid. Caution: the components are hot.

12. Press ESC to delete the result from the display. The device is now ready for another measurement.

The KERN DAB 100-3 allows you to define and save up to 16 complete drying methods (ident numbers 0-F). Follow these steps to define a new method:

1. Enter ident number for drying method:

• Press MENU. The first ident number <0> will be displayed. This is the factory setting and cannot be changed.

• Use the arrow keys to select a desired ident number (e.g., <1>) and press ENTER. The heating profile will begin to flash.

2. Set heating profile:

• Use the arrow keys to select the required heating profile and press ENTER.

• Standard drying : Heats to the set temperature and holds it. Suitable for most samples. (Selectable 40°C – 199°C).

• Fast drying : Quickly overheats the sample by 30% and then controls down to the set value. Suitable for samples with high moisture content.

• Soft drying : Temperature increases continuously. Suitable for substances prone to skin formation.

3. Selecting switch-off criterion:

• After confirming the heating profile, use the arrow keys to select the switch-off criterion and press ENTER.

• : Automatic switch off when weight loss is less than 2mg in 45 seconds.

• : Time-controlled switch off. The measurement continues until the set drying time has lapsed (selectable 3 min – 99 min).

• : Manual switch-off by pressing the START/STOP key.

4. Set drying temperature:

• After selecting the criterion, the temperature setting will flash.

• Use the arrow keys to select the desired value for the first one or two digits and confirm with ENTER.

• Use the arrow keys to select the value for the last digit and confirm with ENTER.

• If you selected or , the parameter setting is finished here. All settings are stored under the selected ident number.

5. Setting the drying period for time-controlled switching-off:

• If you selected , the drying period display will flash after setting the temperature.

• Use the arrow keys to select the desired value for the first digit and confirm with ENTER.

• Repeat this procedure for all digits of the time setting.

• Confirm the final input by pressing ENTER. All parameter settings are now stored under the selected ident number.

Once you have defined and saved a drying method, you can easily recall and run it. Ensure the instrument has completed its warm-up time.

1. Press the MENU button. The first ident number <0> will be displayed.

2. Use the arrow keys to select the desired ident number of a previously saved drying method and confirm by pressing ENTER.

3. The saved parameters for that method will flash on the screen. You can confirm each parameter by pressing ENTER, or change them as necessary using the arrow keys.

4. Open the heating hood. Place the removal aid with an empty sample dish on the sample dish retainer.

5. Close the heating hood and press TARE.

6. Open the heating hood and distribute your sample evenly on the sample tray. A typical sample amount is approx. 3-5 g.

7. Close the heating hood.

8. Press START/STOP to begin the drying process.

9. When drying is finished, an acoustic signal will sound and the result will be displayed.

10. Open the heating hood and remove the sample. Caution: Components will be hot.

11. Press ESC to delete the result and return to weighing mode, ready for the next measurement.

To ensure successful communication with a printer or PC, the communication parameters must match. Disconnect the moisture analyser from the power supply before connecting or disconnecting interface cables.

Technical Data:

• Connection: 9 pin d-subminiature bushing

• Pinout: Pin3 – TxD, Pin5 – GND

• Baud-Rate: 1200 / 2400 / 4800 / 9600 selectable

• Parity: 7 bits / 2 stop bits

Setting the Baud Rate:

1. Press the ON/OFF key, then quickly release it and press the TARE key fast. The current baud rate will be displayed (e.g., “b – 1200”).

2. Use the arrow keys to select the desired baud rate (e.g., “b – 9600”).

3. Press ESC to confirm.

The KERN DAB 100-3 stores the last five measurement protocols (ident numbers 1-5). With every new measurement, the protocol for ident number 1 is overwritten.

1. Press and hold the MENU key until “PRINT” appears. The display will then automatically change to “L-E”.

2. Press ENTER to acknowledge. The protocol of the last measurement carried out is displayed under the ident number “1”.

3. Use the arrow keys to select the desired protocol ident number (1-5).

4. Press ENTER to confirm. The protocol will be edited/sent to the connected printer/PC.

To set up continuous data transmission via the RS 232 interface:

1. Switch on the device. During the auto test, press the MENU key. “” will be displayed.

2. Press ENTER to confirm. The first menu item for data transmission type will be shown (e.g., “UU–oFF”).

3. Use the arrow keys to choose the data transmission type:

• UU: residual mass in grams

• P: % humidity

• dP: % solid content

4. Press ENTER to switch the selected type on or off. Repeat for other data types if needed.

5. After setting the types, press ENTER to move to the data transmission cycle setting, indicated by ““.

6. Press ENTER to confirm, then use the arrow keys to set the required data transmission cycle (you can select from 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 300, 600 seconds).

7. Press ENTER to confirm your choice. Wait until zero is displayed.

Activation/Deactivation:

• To activate, press and hold the MENU button until “” is displayed. Wait until zero is displayed. Transmission will start/stop when a measurement is started/completed.

• To deactivate, press and hold the MENU button until “PRINT” appears. The display will change to “L-E”, deactivating the continuous transmission mode.

Proper sample preparation is crucial for reproducible results. To prevent moisture exchange with the environment, prepare one sample at a time. Spread the sample thinly and evenly on the sample dish to avoid inhomogeneous heat distribution, which can lead to incomplete drying or combustion.

Preparing a sample from solids:

• Spread powdery or grainy samples evenly on the sample dish.

• Grind coarse samples using a mortar or a shredder. Avoid any heat supply during grinding as this may cause moisture loss.

Preparing a sample from liquids:

• For liquids, pastes, or melting samples, using a glass fiber filter is recommended. This provides:

• even distribution thanks to capillary attraction

• no formation of droplets

• fast evaporation due to a greater surface area

For sensitive or hard-to-spread materials, spread the sample evenly on a glass fibre filter and cover it with a second glass fibre filter. This also protects against splashing.

The temperature must be selected so that the sample is not decomposed or its chemical structure changed. If the temperature is too low, the drying time may be unnecessarily long. Bear in mind the following factors:

• Surface of the sample: Liquid and spreadable samples have a smaller surface for heat transmission compared to powdery or grainy samples. Using a glass fibre filter improves the heat application.

• Colour of sample: Light-coloured samples reflect more heat radiation than dark ones and therefore require a higher drying temperature.

• Availability of volatile substances: The easier it is for water or other volatile substances to be removed, the lower the required drying temperature. For materials where water is difficult to access (e.g., synthetics), higher temperatures are needed to increase the water vapour pressure.

Before any cleaning, disconnect the appliance from the operating voltage. Only carry out cleaning tasks when the equipment has cooled down.

1. Open the heating hood and remove all parts in the correct order for cleaning (sample dish, removal aid, dish holder, windshield, heat shield).

2. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents (solvents or similar). Use a cloth dampened with mild soap suds.

3. Ensure that no liquid penetrates into the device.

4. Polish with a dry, soft cloth.

5. Loose residue sample/powder can be removed carefully with a brush or a manual vacuum cleaner.

The following error messages may appear on the display of your KERN DAB 100-3:

• Err-1: Insufficient sample size; select sample size > 1 g.

• Err-2: Drying temperature set too low; select temperature > 40°C.

• Err-3: Drying time set too short; set the time > 30 s.

• Err-4: Problem with halogen lamp voltage.

• Err-5: Mild drying time set shorter than 3 min.

• Err-6: Damaged temperature sensor.

In case of an error in the program process, briefly turn off the balance and disconnect from the power supply. The weighing process must then restart from the beginning.