The QuickStart is a generic procedure that will allow you to verify the basic functionality of a Y501 viscometer. It may be desirable to do this when receiving a new unit, testing a repaired unit, or restarting a mothballed unit. The goal is to verify that the Y501 is leak-free, plug-free, has adequate pumping power, and has working transducers/electronics. You do not need any peripherals (computer, balance, autosampler, syringe pump) to perform the QuickStart.
1. Turn on the Y501 and set the oven temperature appropriately.
2. The Y501 comes shipped in THF. If you use a different solvent, be sure to transition to your solvent appropriately.
3. Make sure that there is sufficient solvent in the supply bottle and that the supply line is inserted to the bottom of the bottle.
4. Check the waste bottle to make sure that it won't overflow and make sure that the waste line is in the bottle securely.
5. Check that the P1 and P2 display panels are reading 0.00 with the pump off. This verifies that the transducers/electronics are working correctly. You may make adjustments using the front panel screws to get to 0.00.
6. Turn on the gear pump by depressing the pump switch on the front of the Y501.
7. Set the pump speed to 20% of the P1 transducer dynamic range. If the appropriate pressure is achieved, we can be confident that the system is leak-free and that the pump is in good condition.
8. Run the pump for several minutes to push out any air that may be in the capillaries.
9. Turn both of the purge valves (P1 and P2) to Purge for 5 minutes, and then turn them back to Run for 5 minutes. This pushes out any air that may be in the transducer lines.
10. Monitor both the P1 and P2 meter readings. Both should remain steady and the P2/P1 ratio should be close to 0.75. (In older machines with a legacy capillary design, the P2/P1 ratio may be 1.00)
11. If the P2/P1 ratio is not correct, that would indicate that a plug or air bubble is present. Go back to Step 7 to get rid of the air bubble. If a plug is suspected, the system needs to be backflushed either by hand or by the Backflush Kit.
12. Turn off the gear pump.
1. Turn on the Y501 and set the oven temperature appropriately.
2. The Y501 comes shipped in THF. If you use a different solvent, be sure to transition to your solvent appropriately.
3. Make sure that there is sufficient solvent in the supply bottle and that the supply line is inserted to the bottom of the bottle.
4. Check the waste bottle to make sure that it won't overflow and make sure that the waste line is in the bottle securely.
5. Check that the P1 and P2 display panels are reading 0.00 with the pump off. This verifies that the transducers/electronics are working correctly. You may make adjustments using the front panel screws to get to 0.00.
6. Turn on the gear pump by depressing the pump switch on the front of the Y501.
7. Set the pump speed to 20% of the P1 transducer dynamic range. If the appropriate pressure is achieved, we can be confident that the system is leak-free and that the pump is in good condition.
8. Run the pump for several minutes to push out any air that may be in the capillaries.
9. Turn both of the purge valves (P1 and P2) to Purge for 5 minutes, and then turn them back to Run for 5 minutes. This pushes out any air that may be in the transducer lines.
10. Monitor both the P1 and P2 meter readings. Both should remain steady and the P2/P1 ratio should be close to 0.75. (In older machines with a legacy capillary design, the P2/P1 ratio may be 1.00)
11. If the P2/P1 ratio is not correct, that would indicate that a plug or air bubble is present. Go back to Step 7 to get rid of the air bubble. If a plug is suspected, the system needs to be backflushed either by hand or by the Backflush Kit.
12. Turn off the gear pump.