DHR/AR Series Environmental Test Chamber Getting Started Guide
Page 29
Chapter 3:
Operating the ETC
This chapter describes operating tips for the ETC. For ETC Viewer operation instructions, refer to TRIOS
software Online Help.
If the system has been set up according to the instructions in this manual, the rheometer should now be
ready to use. However, we recommend that you follow a few extra precautions, described below:
•
If you are planning to start your experiment at a high temperature, preheat the system by lowering the
head to the measurement gap and allowing upper and lower geometries to rise to the set temperature.
•
When you use the cone and plate or parallel plate geometries, it is important to use the correct sample
volume. TRIOS software calculates the exact volume required based upon the gap size and geometry
diameter. If you know the density of the sample, you can weigh out the correct amount of sample. If
you underfill or overfill the gap, you can cause experimental errors in your data.
•
When you use the parallel plates, make sure that the oven thermocouple is not touching the plates.
•
When you use the parallel plates, if you find that the lower plate is difficult to remove, make sure that
you apply a twist to the lower mounting plate—do not apply any force to the ceramic part of the geom-
etry.
•
Clean the plates immediately after your experiment with the appropriate solvent. If you are measuring
highly viscous materials, or materials that are likely to cure, unscrew the draw rod from the geometry
before you raise the head. Stubborn materials can sometimes be removed by heating the plates to a
high temperature. The sample will bake and then crumble apart. You can also remove the plates and
soak them in an appropriate solvent. It is good practice to always unscrew the draw rod before raising
the head. The two plates, together with the sample, can then be removed as a sandwich unit.
•
T
orsion rectangular tools only:
You can gently move the thermocouple (inside the oven) closer to the
sample to increase performance; however, you should avoid making any sharp bends in the thermo-
couple sheath. Repeatedly adjusting the positioning may damage the thermocouple and should be
avoided.
