Operation
13
The heater will not operate if the lid is removed or if the water level is below the level
electrode. Top up the level of this vessel as necessary to maintain the level above
the tip of the level electrode located in the lid.
Operation of the heater is controlled by a PID controller in the CEM software. The
PID controller maintains the required Hot Water Temperature T2 to obtain a steady
Reactor Temperature T1. Any offset in the required Reactor temperature T1 can be
corrected by adjusting the set point of the Hot Water Temperature T2 in the PID
controller. The Set Point temperature, Proportional Band, Integral, Derivative and
Cycle times are all set to default values when the software is loaded but all of these
may be adjusted by the user if required. Default settings for the PID controller are
listed below.
Operation of Data Logger and Software
The Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor is controlled using the CEM software supplied,
which allows real-time monitoring and data logging of all sensor outputs and control
of the heater, stirrer and pumps. Recorded results can be displayed in tabular and
graph format. The software runs on a Windows
TM
PC which connects to the CEXC
using a USB interface.
Installation of the software is described in the Installation Guide, and the software
must be installed before connecting the PC to the CEXC. The software may then be
run from the Start menu (Start > Programs > Armfield Chemical Reactor Software >
CEM).
Operation of the software is described in a walkthrough presentation within the
software, and also in the online Help Text accessible via the software Help menu.
Operation and setting of specific controls is also provided within the experiments
described in this manual.
Mimic Diagram and software
The equipment is controlled from the Mimic Diagram screen in the software. This
shows all the sensor outputs, and includes controls for the pumps, stirrer and hot
water Circulator.
Before operating the equipment click ‘Power On’ to enable the pumps, stirrer and hot
water circulator.
The software includes a readout for an optional temperature sensor T3 (not
supplied).
Feed pump speeds are controlled using up/down arrows or typing the flow rate in a
value between 0 and the maximum of 150ml/min.
