1
Introduction
The CEM SMART System
5™
Moisture/Solids Analyzer is designed to provide a
rapid moisture/solids analysis on a broad range of products. The patented weighing
technology provides continuous weighing of the sample during the drying process.
The system determines the precise time the sample is dry, and the moisture or
solids content of the sample is then automatically calculated based on weight loss.
Microwave energy is used to dry the samples. Polar compounds such as water,
polar organic solvents such as alcohols or ketones, and ions in the solution will
absorb microwave energy and volatilize. Once water and/or other solvents have
volatilized, the remaining solid material does not usually absorb microwave energy
and will remain relatively cool. Thus, the weight loss is due only to the volatile
solvents present in the sample. “Moisture” is used throughout this manual to refer
to any volatile substance for which the system can measure weight loss after
drying the sample.
The SMART System
5
delivers 150 - 300 watts of microwave energy when
programmed for 100 percent power. Voltage of the incoming electrical service is
measured and the microwave power is adjusted by the power control system in
order to normalize the power and provide repeatable power conditions. Magnetron
power automatically adjusted to deliver appropriate wattage to the instrument cavity.
The magnetron fan remains on for 15 minutes after the end of the specified drying
time to cool the instrument.
System components consist of a microwave drying chamber, an electronic balance,
a 1/4” VGA black and white screen, an infrared temperature controller, a
microprocessor and an internal impact printer. The Octawave™ cavity is designed
to effectively deliver the microwave energy directly to the sample to achieve rapid
test times. The 50 gram four-place analytical balance has a
±
0.1 mg sensitivity.
Infrared temperature measurement permits automatic adjustment of microwave
power based on user defined temperature setpoint. The microprocessor controls
and monitors system operations, automatically calculates sample results and
enables interface with external printers, external balances and/or computers.
The system is equipped with three safety interlock switches to monitor the mating
of the cavity cover and floor and one safety interlock switch to monitor the cavity
cover latch. A flame detector with an infrared feedback automatically turns off the
microwave power if excessive burning is detected.
The SMART System
5
software is user friendly and easy to operate. It is capable of
storing up to 100 methods and 300 test results, and is multilingual (English,
German, Spanish, and French).