An I/O Data Port connector (27) on the underside of the console allows the voltage signals from each of the measurements to be connected to the parallel port of a suitable PC using an Armfield IFD3 interface device. The interface device obtains its power from a mains output socket (25) marked OUTPUT at the rear of the console. This interface device together with the appropriate Windows based software is available as an optional accessory to accompany the UOP4 MkII. The operation of the interface is described in the instruction leaflet supplied with the IFD3. The operation of the Windows based software is described in the help text included as part of the software.
Commissioning
All numerical references relate to the equipment diagrams.
The following procedure is intended for initially checking that the equipment is operating correctly after assembly. This procedure should be started with the mains electrical supply disconnected.
1. Using the spirit level attached to the base of the extraction cell (7) alongside the rotor, adjust the feet at the bottom of the frame (1) to level the equipment in both axes.
2. Check that the mains switch on the front of the console (15) is in the OFF position.
3. Check that all of the rotary controls on the console (16, 17, 19a, 19b, & 19c) are set to ZERO (fully anti-clockwise).
4. Check that all three of the heater switches on the front of the console are switched OFF (20a, 20b & 20c). Note that the heaters should only be switched on when there is a consistent flow of liquid through the heaters. If the heaters are switched on with no liquid flowing they will rapidly overheat and cause the over temperature protection operate. This will reset
automatically when the heaters cool to a satisfactory temperature but will take time.
5. Connect the mains electrical supply and check that it is switched on.
Check the operation of the RCD (23) by pressing the TEST button. The RCD must trip when the button is pressed. If the RCD does not trip or it trips before
Installation
pressing the test button then it must be checked by a competent electrician before the equipment is used.
6. Ensure that the RCD (23) and three miniature circuit breakers (24a, 24b & 24c) on the rear panel of the console are switched on.
7. Set the mains on/off switch (15) on the front of the console to the ON position. 8. With the heaters still switched off check that the displays on the three PID
controllers (22a, 22b & 22c) are illuminated and displaying the temperatures at their respective sensing points (T1, T2 & T3) - initially at ambient
temperature until the equipment is operational.
The Temperature/Conductivity display (18) should also be illuminated. Set the selector switch adjacent to the display to position T4 and confirm that the reading is also of ambient temperature.
Note: At this stage the conductivity probes should contain no liquid and so will
not give a meaningful reading if the selector switch is set to positions C1, C2, C3 or C4.
9. To test the operation of the spiral feeder (10), set the feeder speed on/off switch (16) to the ON position then gradually turn the feeder speed control clockwise. The spiral should rotate progressively faster as the control is turned further clockwise. Once the feeder has been tested the control can be turned back to zero and the switch set to the off position.
10. To test the operation of the rotor on the extraction cell (7), set the rotor speed on/off switch (17) to the ON position then gradually turn the rotor speed control clockwise. The rotor should turn progressively faster as the control is turned further clockwise. Once the rotor has been tested the control can be turned back to zero and the switch se to the off position.
Note: As the maximum rotational speed of the rotor is only 4 revolutions per
hour it will take some time for the rotation to be apparent. 11. To test the operation of the three peristaltic pumps:
Fill the Fresh Solvent Tank (11) with clean water.
Set the rotary speed control (19a) for the first stage pump (3a) to 80%. Water should be ejected from the first stage sprinkler bar (6a) when the pipework has primed.
When water has drained into the first stage solvent collection trough (8a) and a level has been established, set the rotary speed control (19b) for the second stage pump (3b) to 80%. When water has drained into the second stage solvent collection trough (8b) and a level has been established, set the rotary speed control (19c) for the third stage pump (3c) to 80%. Water should exit to the final miscella tank (13) when the pipework has primed.
Note: For correct operation a water level of approximately 15 mm must be
maintained inside the solvent collection troughs for the first and second stages (8a and 8b). The actual depth is not important but the relative speed of the pumps must be adjusted to ensure that these troughs do not run dry. Similarly
these troughs must not overfill above the level of the elbow on the vent tube that is mounted through the sidewall of the trough.
12. To test the operation of the PID controllers and heaters:
Ensure that water is flowing through the three stages of the system as described above. It may be necessary to adjust the relative speed of the pumps slightly to maintain a steady level in each of the solvent collection troughs. (If any tank runs dry then the next stage will be starved.)
To avoid excessive overshoot when heating, initially adjust the setpoint of each controller to match the temperature on the display. If necessary, refer to the procedure for checking or adjusting the set point which is included in the description of the PID controllers.
Switch on heater 1 (20a) then adjust the set point of the first stage controller (22a) to 40oC and allow the temperature reading to stabilise at 40oC. Switch on heater 2 (20b) then adjust the set point of the second stage controller (22b) to 45oC and allow the temperature to stabilise at 45oC. Switch on heater 3 (20c) then adjust the set point of the third stage controller to 50oC and allow the temperature to stabilise at 50oC.
13. To test the operation of the spray nozzle:
Ensure that a water supply is connected to the pressure regulator and that the outlet in the base of the extracted solids tank is connected to a suitable drain. Adjust the height of the spray nozzle so that the tip of the nozzle is above the baffles inside the rotor but below the top edge of the rotor.
Adjust the pressure regulator to give a spray pattern that washes the walls of the cells without excessive splashing or overspray (adjust the height of the spray nozzle if necessary).
Check that water drains into the extracted solids tank and flows to drain via the outlet.
Turn of the spray nozzle by turning the knob on the pressure regulator fully anticlockwise.
Commissioning of the UOP4 MkII is complete.
Switch off each of the heaters and set each of the pump speed controls to zero then switch off the main switch.