Melting Point Apparatus
SMP10, SMP20
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this piece of Stuart
equipment. To get the best performance from the
equipment and for your own safety, please read these
instructions carefully before use. Before discarding the
packaging check that all parts are present and correct.
This equipment is designed to operate under the
following conditions:
v
For indoor use only
v
Use in a well ventilated area
v
Ambient temperature range +5°C to +40°C
v
Altitude to 2000m
v
Relative humidity not exceeding 80%
v
Mains supply fluctuation not exceeding 10%
v
Overvoltage category II IEC60364-4-443
v
Pollution degree 2 IEC664
If the equipment is not used in the manner described
in this manual and with accessories other than those
recommended by Stuart, the protection provided may
be impaired.
Electrical Installation
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE EARTHED
Before connection please ensure that the line
supply corresponds to that stated on the rating
label. Power consumption is 70W.
There is an IEC socket at the rear of the right hand
side of the instrument for connection to the mains
supply, (see figure 1). The unit is supplied with two
mains leads fitted with IEC plugs for connection to the
instrument. One has a U.K. 3 pin plug and the other
has a 2 pin “Shuko” plug for connection to the mains
supply. Choose the lead appropriate for your electrical
installation and discard the other. Should neither lead
be suitable you should obtain a moulded lead locally.
If this is not possible, take the lead with the U.K. plug
and replace the plug with a suitable alternative. See
the enclosed instruction sheet for advice on how to
carry out this procedure. Should the mains lead require
replacement a cable of 1mm
2
of harmonised code
H05W-F connected to an IEC 320 plug should be used.
N.B. The U.K. mains lead is protected by a 10A fuse
mounted in the plug top. The mains lead should be
connected to the instrument BEFORE connection to the
main supply.
THIS OPERATION SHOULD ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN
BY A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN
General Description
The Stuart SMP10 and SMP20 have been designed
for maximum safety and ease of use. The
temperature is selected, measured and displayed
digitally ensuring accuracy and avoiding the need
for a glass thermometer. Two samples can be tested
simultaneously. They are viewed via a magnifying lens
with clear observation aided by built in illumination.
Extendible feet allow the unit to be operated at the
optimum viewing angle. Full access to the block allows
easy cleaning and maintenance.
Before using the unit for the first time
Once the unit is unpacked, select the appropriate
choice of self adhesive instruction label from the multi-
language set provided. Peel off the backing and stick
the label onto the left side of the fascia. Apply the label
carefully using a flat object to smooth away air bubbles.
Principle of Operation
The SMP10 and SMP20 melting point apparatus has
been designed to give both quick and accurate results
as well as maximum convenience in use. Melting point
samples are placed in a glass capillary tube which is
placed in the aluminium block inside the sample
chamber. This block is heated and the sample observed
through the magnifying lens until the melt occurs.
The melting point temperature may then be easily
read from the large LED display. In order to avoid the
necessity to continually watch the sample the SMP10
is equipped with a “plateau” function. This allows
a temperature to be set a few degrees below the
expected melting point. The SMP10 will then heat to
this temperature very rapidly (20°C per minute) and
hold it until the operator is ready to begin measuring. It
can safely be left to do this unattended.
SMP10 only
Once measuring is started the SMP10 will heat slowly
(2°C per minute) from the plateau temperature until
the melt occurs. This slow rate of heating allows very
accurate melting points to be obtained.
SMP20 only
It is possible to adjust the ramp rate of the SMP20,
between 1ºC per minute and 10ºC per minute. This
allows either a fast result to be obtained or a more
accurate slow one
Before Use
Place the unit on a firm, level surface and extend the
feet at the rear of the instrument so that the unit is
at a convenient viewing angle. Connect to the mains
electricity supply and switch on by means of the mains
on/off switch. The actual block temperature will now
be shown on the LED display and the illumination in
the sample chamber will come on.
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