KERN DAB 200-2 (01) PDF Document

The technical specifications for the KERN DAB 200-2 are as follows:

The main components of the KERN DAB 200-2 are identified as follows:

1. Viewing panel

2. Heating hood

3. Halogen lamp

4. Heat shield

5. Sample dish

6. Windshield

7. Removal aid

8. Display

9. Keyboard

10. Adjustable foot

11. RS232C-interface connection

12. Bubble level

13. Fan

14. Mains connection socket

The working window during a drying process on your KERN DAB 200-2 can be interpreted as follows:

1. Status display: Indicates that the drying process is enabled.

2. Enabled heating profile (flashes):

• STANDARD: Standard drying

• FAST: Fast drying

• SOFT: Soft drying

3. Enabled switch-off criterion (flashes):

• AUTOMATIC: Automatic switch-off

• TIMING: Time controlled switch-off

• MANUAL: Manual switch off

4. Previous drying time: Shows the duration of the last measurement.

5. Current temperature: Shows the current temperature inside the drying chamber.

6. Display in % moisture: The main result display, showing moisture content percentage.

7. Subtotal: Intermediate value during measurement.

The KERN DAB 200-2 is designed for the fast and reliable determination of material moisture in liquid, porous, and solid materials by applying the method of thermogravimetrics. Any other use must be released by KERN in writing.

To avoid damage and ensure safety, the following are considered improper use of the KERN DAB 200-2:

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

• Operating the device in an explosive environment. The serial version is not explosion protected.

• Changes or modifications to the unit’s design are not permitted.

• Operating the unit outside of the described default settings without written permission.

When operating the KERN DAB 200-2, observe the following safety precautions:

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

• It should be used mainly for drying aqueous substances.

• Do not use the analyser in a hazardous area or an explosive environment.

• Operation and maintenance must be restricted to trained, competent specialist staff.

• Carefully read the operation manual before setup and commissioning.

• Never make any modifications to the equipment. Always use original spare parts.

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

• Be careful when removing the sample, sample dish, and heating unit as they may be very hot. Use the sample retainer to prevent burns.

• Individual parts of the case, like ventilation grids, may heat up considerably during operation.

For samples with a risk of fire or explosion, follow these precautions with your KERN DAB 200-2:

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

• If in doubt, conduct a risk analysis before proceeding.

• Select a drying temperature for such samples that is low enough to prevent ignition or explosion.

• Always wear safety goggles.

When handling potentially hazardous substances with your KERN DAB 200-2, take the following precautions:

For substances containing toxic or corrosive ingredients:

• Sample materials emitting toxic substances must be dried with a special extraction system in place. Create an environment that prevents the inhalation of vapours hazardous to health.

For substances that liberate corrosive gases (such as acids) when heated:

• Work with smaller sample amounts, as the liberated gases may condense on cooler casing parts and later cause corrosion.

To ensure reliable weighing results, set up your KERN DAB 200-2 in a location with the following conditions:

• Place the instrument on a firm, level surface.

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

• Maintain sufficient distance from heat-sensitive materials.

• Protect the instrument from direct drafts from open windows or doors.

• Avoid extreme heat and temperature fluctuations (e.g., do not install next to radiators).

• Avoid direct sunlight.

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

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

• Avoid locations with electromagnetic fields, static electricity, or unstable power supplies.

• Avoid static charging of the material to be weighed.

• Avoid jarring during weighing.

• If moving the instrument to a warmer environment, allow it to acclimatize for about 2 hours while disconnected to prevent condensation.

The scope of delivery for the KERN DAB 200-2 includes the following items:

• Moisture analyser

• 50 sample dishes

• Power cable

• Operating manual

Follow these steps to assemble the separate component parts of your KERN DAB 200-2:

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 heat shield.

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 200-2, adjust the foot screws until the air bubble of the bubble level is in the prescribed circle. You should check the levelling regularly.

To safely connect your KERN DAB 200-2 to power:

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

2. Use the supplied mains cable. The mains plug must be accessible at all times.

3. Prior to commissioning, check the mains cable for damage.

4. Place the cable in a way that it cannot be damaged or create a tripping hazard.

5. If matching, connect the moisture analyser to the power grid.

For precise results, the integrated balance must be connected to the power supply for its warm-up period (30 minutes) to reach its operating temperature.

To turn the KERN DAB 200-2 on, press the ON/OFF key. The display will light up, and the equipment will conduct a self-test. Wait until the basic configuration appears on the display.

To switch the analyser off, press the ON/OFF button again. The display will disappear.

While not strictly necessary for relative moisture determination, weight adjustment is recommended for quality system compliance. To adjust your KERN DAB 200-2, follow these steps:

1. Ensure stable environmental conditions and that the warm-up time has been observed.

2. Place an empty sample dish on the holder. Ensure no other objects are in the dish.

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

4. Wait until the display flashes with the required adjustment weight value (e.g., “200.000 g”).

5. Carefully place the required adjustment weight (200 g for DAB 200-2) into the center of the sample dish. The adjustment will be carried out automatically.

6. After successful adjustment, the balance automatically returns to weighing mode, and the weight value will be displayed. Take away the adjustment weight.

7. Wait until “0.000 g” appears on the display. The adjustment is complete.

To perform a temperature calibration on your KERN DAB 200-2, using the optional temperature calibration set KERN DAB-A01, follow these steps:

Preparation:

1. Allow the device to cool down for at least 30 minutes after the last heating phase.

2. Switch off the moisture analyser.

3. Install the temperature calibration set as per its instructions.

4. Turn on the moisture analyser.

Set Test Parameters:

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

2. Use the arrow keys to select an ident number (e.g., <1>) and confirm with ENTER. The heating profile will flash.

3. Use the arrow keys to select the heating profile and confirm with ENTER. The switch-off criterion will flash.

4. Use the arrow keys to select the switch-off criterion and confirm with ENTER. The drying temperature will flash.

5. Use the arrow keys to enter the desired test temperature and confirm with ENTER.

Begin Temperature Calibration:

1. Switch on the external temperature calibration set.

2. Close the heating hood of the analyser and press the START/STOP button.

3. The instrument will heat to the set temperature. The current temperature and elapsed time are shown on the display.

4. After approximately 15 minutes, finish the process by pressing START/STOP.

5. Compare the temperature value of the moisture analyser with that of the temperature calibration set. If the difference is ±5°C or more, an adjustment is recommended.

If the temperature deviation exceeds the admissible range during calibration, you can adjust the temperature of your KERN DAB 200-2 as follows:

1. Switch off the instrument.

2. Press and quickly release the ON/OFF key, then immediately press and hold the ON/OFF and Down Arrow (↓) keys at the same time.

3. “8.2X” will be displayed. If not, disconnect the device from the power supply and repeat this step.

4. Adjust the temperature using the Up (↑) and Down (↓) arrow keys. Each press will increase or reduce the temperature by 1°C.

5. Confirm your input by pressing the ENTER key.

To carry out a first simple measurement with the factory settings (standard drying 120°C, automatic switch off) on your KERN DAB 200-2, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the instrument has reached its operating temperature by being connected to the power supply for its warm-up time.

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

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

4. Close the heating hood and press TARE. The display should show “0.000 g”.

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

6. Wait until the stability monitor “o” goes out.

7. Close the heating hood.

8. Start the drying process by pressing the START/STOP button.

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

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

11. Use the g/% button to switch the display between % moisture, % dry content, and residual weight in grams.

12. Open the heating hood and carefully remove the hot sample with the removal aid.

13. Press the ESC key to delete the result from the display and return to weighing mode.

The KERN DAB 200-2 allows you to save up to 16 complete drying methods (ident numbers 0-F). Follow these steps to define a new drying method:

1. Enter Ident Number:

• Press MENU. The first ident number <0> (factory setting, cannot be changed) is displayed.

• Use the arrow keys to select the desired ident number (e.g., <1>) and confirm with ENTER. The currently set heating profile flashes.

2. Set Heating Profile:

• Use the arrow keys to select the required heating profile (STANDARD, FAST, or SOFT) and confirm with ENTER.

3. Select Switch-off Criterion:

• Use the arrow keys to select the required switch-off criterion (AUTO, TIMING, or MANUAL) and confirm with ENTER.

4. Set Drying Temperature:

• The currently set drying temperature will flash. Use the arrow keys to select the desired value for the digits and confirm with ENTER.

5. Set Drying Period (only for TIMING switch-off):

• If you selected TIMING, the drying period will flash. Use the arrow keys to set the desired time (3 to 99 minutes) and confirm with ENTER.

All parameter settings will be applied to the subsequent drying process and are now stored under the selected ident number until a new method is allocated to it.

The KERN DAB 200-2 offers three heating profiles:

• Standard drying : Suitable for most samples. The sample is heated up to the set drying temperature and kept constantly at this temperature. Selectable from 40°C – 199°C.

• Fast drying : Suitable for samples with high moisture content (like liquids). The temperature will initially rise very fast and exceed the set temperature by 30% for a short time to accelerate the process, then it is controlled down to the set value.

• Soft drying : Suitable for substances prone to skin formation (e.g., sugary substances). The temperature increases continuously and will not reach the set drying temperature before the ramp duration has elapsed, preventing a skin from forming and trapping moisture.

To set the baud rate for the RS-232 interface on your KERN DAB 200-2, follow these steps:

1. Press the ON/OFF key, then quickly release it and press the TARE key fast. The current baud rate is indicated (e.g., b – 1200 mg).

2. Use the Up (↑) and Down (↓) arrow keys to select the desired baud rate (1200 / 2400 / 4800 / 9600).

3. Confirm your selection with the ESC key. The device will return to the weighing mode.

To print a stored measurement protocol on your KERN DAB 200-2:

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

2. Acknowledge with ENTER. The protocol of the last measurement is displayed under ident number “1”. The instrument stores the last five protocols (ident number 1-5).

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

4. Confirm with ENTER. The protocol for the selected measurement will be edited (sent to the printer).

To configure and activate continuous data transmission from your KERN DAB 200-2, follow these steps:

Settings:

1. Switch on the device while pressing the MENU key. During the auto test, will be displayed.

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

3. Choose the data transmission type (UU for residual mass, P for % humidity, dP for % solid content) using the navigation buttons (Up/Down) to cycle through options and ENTER to switch it on/off. Press ENTER to move to the next type.

4. After setting the desired data types, press ENTER to confirm. The display for setting the transmission cycle will appear.

5. Press ENTER to confirm. Use the Up (↑) and Down (↓) navigation buttons to select the transmission cycle in seconds (options: 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 300, 600 s).

6. Confirm your choice by pressing ENTER. Wait until zero is displayed.

Activation:

1. From the normal weighing screen, press and hold the MENU button until is displayed. If you get , keep the button pressed longer.

2. Wait until zero is displayed. Continuous data transmission is now active and will start/finish when a measurement is started/completed.

Deactivation:

To deactivate, press and hold the MENU button until “PRINT” appears, which automatically changes to “L-E”. This action also deactivates the continuous transmission mode.

Proper sample preparation is crucial for reproducible results on your KERN DAB 200-2.

General Principle:

• Prepare one sample at a time to prevent moisture exchange with the surroundings. Spread the sample thinly and evenly on a sample dish to avoid 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, Pastes, or Melting Samples:

• It is recommended to use a glass fiber filter for these sample types. The filter provides even distribution through capillary attraction, prevents droplet formation, and promotes fast evaporation due to a greater surface area.

• Spread the sample evenly on the glass fibre filter. For sensitive materials, you can cover it with a second glass fibre filter. This also helps prevent splashing.

Before any cleaning, disconnect the KERN DAB 200-2 from the operating voltage. Only carry out cleaning tasks when the equipment has cooled down.

1. Open the heating hood and remove all parts (sample dish, holder, windshield, heat shield) in the reverse order of assembly.

2. Clean the parts. 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 error messages on the KERN DAB 200-2 are as follows:

• 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, briefly turn off the balance and disconnect from the power supply. The weighing process must then be restarted from the beginning.

If the display is not lit up, check the following possible causes:

• The appliance is not switched on.

• The mains supply connection has been interrupted (mains cable not plugged in/faulty).

• Power supply has been interrupted.

• The fuse has blown.

If the display does not change when loading a sample, it is likely that the sample dish or dish holder is fitted incorrectly. Check that all components are seated properly.

If the weight display changes constantly and the stability display does not appear, check for these issues:

• The sample dish has contact with the windshield or heating hood.

• Draught/air movement is affecting the balance.

• There are table/floor vibrations.

• Electromagnetic fields or static charging are present (choose a different location or switch off interfering devices if possible).

An incorrect measuring result can be caused by:

• The need to check the weight adjustment.

• Not resetting the balance to zero (taring) before loading the sample.

If a measurement is taking too long, the shut-down criteria may be set incorrectly for the sample being tested. Review and adjust the switch-off criterion in the drying method parameters.

A lack of reproducibility in measurements can be caused by several factors:

• The sample is not homogenous.

• The drying time is too short.

• The drying temperature is too high (e.g., causing oxidation of the sample material or exceeding the sample’s boiling point).

• The temperature sensor is soiled or defective.

If the drying process does not start after pressing the START button, check for the following:

• The heating hood is not fully closed.

• The mains supply connection has been interrupted (the mains cable is not plugged in or is faulty).