5 Putting into operation
55
NIRFlex N-500
Operation Manual, Version G
5 .9
Starting up the system
An automatic initialization process starts as soon as the NIRFlex N-500 and the PC are started up.
The main components of the spectrometer are identified and its basic functions are checked during
that initialization process, e.g. lamp unit, standard wheel, laser unit, measuring cell. The time needed
for initialization is about 60 seconds.
5 .9 .1
System Suitability Test
The
S
ystem
S
uitability
T
est (SST) serves as an internal functionality and performance test of the
spectrometer. It is recommended to run an SST after each restart of the NIRFlex N-500 to monitor and
verify the system performance.
The following SST values are tested:
• Internal system temperatures (e.g. Laser, interferometer, detectors)
• Linearity
• Signal-to-noise ratio
• Wavenumber stability
At the end of each SST a report protocol will be generated. The test results are compared to values ex
factory and inform the user about the system condition.
➥
The report data are stored in the internal database for service and quality control.
NOTE
The time between two SST requests can be set with the NIRWare Application Designer. The recom-
mended standard value between two tests is 24 hours, a test-run takes approximately 5 min. Test
results can be exported and stored in XML-format, e.g. for service purpose.
If the instrument is used in continuous operation (e.g. several days of ON-time), a longer checking
interval might be suitable. However, frequent tests should be performed to minimize the risk of erro-
neous measurement.
5 .9 .2
Temperature tests in detail
The system is equipped with numerous temperature sensors. Individual lower and upper temperature
limits are predefined for each sensor.
➡
To pass this test, all actual temperature values must be within the limits.
NOTE
Mind the ambient temperature data as listed in section 3, Technical data.
• If temperature is too low
➡
let system warm up sufficiently
• If temperature is too high
➡
clean filters and provide sufficient airflow
5 .9 .3
NIR linearity test
With this test the linearity of the intensity scale of the spectrometer is being tested. The absorbance of
a set of five gray filters in the standard wheel is measured sequentially and compared with reference
values.
➡
To pass this test, all absorbance factors must be within the tolerance.
