Making measurements Chapter 4
Mastersizer 3000 Page 4-39
Section/option Description
Clean Sequence Each Clean type specifies a set number of cycles (nothing
further is changed in the cleaning method). Select a Clean
type of either Quick, Normal, Extensive or Custom. If Cus-
tom is selected the user must also manually specify the
number of Clean cycles.
If measuring the same sample type in succession a Quick
clean may be sufficient.
Clean Sequence
(continued)
If making the last measurement of the session, it is prudent
to perform an Extensive clean to ensure that the system is as
free as possible from contamination in readiness for the next
measurement session.
Tank fill
behaviour
(Hydro LV/MV
only)
The tank can be filled with dispersant manually or automati-
cally. When set to Automatic the dispersant is plumbed into
the dispersant inlet port at the rear of the accessory and a
solenoid valve controls the flow of dispersant into the tank.
However, if a solvent is to be used as a dispersant, it is
unlikely that the solvent will be plumbed into the accessory.
In these situations the filling of the tank can be set to Man-
ual. Under manual filling the solenoid valve is switched off
(this will mean that the dispersant inlet does not have to be
disconnected during a manual fill) and the tank can be filled
by hand.
The software will tell the operator when to fill the tank during
an SOP measurement:
Filling the tank manually:
Fill the tank slowly until the tank light flashes - this will indi-
cate the correct fluid level for adding sample and running
measurements. If the tank is filled higher than this, sample
and particles may be lost via the over-flow system (drain),
leading to an incorrect particle size distribution being
reported.
Degassing
If dispersant is stored under pressure or at low temperature,
consider de-gassing before use. The pressure release or
temperature rise reduces the solubility of gases, resulting in
possible bubble formation in the pipes and tank.
Select the Degas after fill check box to remove bubbles and
dissolved gases from the dispersant before use. This pulses
the ultrasonics for a period of time after the tank is filled.
Note: It is preferable that all dispersants are degassed
before being added to the system. Degas by storing the dis-
persant at room temperature and pressure before use.