TEC Module
This AccuPyc system has been modified to provide temperature control from 15 to 36 °C. The system uses a thermoelectric control (TEC) system to heat or cool the AccuPyc. The temperature is controlled using a digital temperature controller and a separate power system from the AccuPyc.
It is suggested that the TEC system be installed first, to allow time for temperature to stabilize at the desired temperature, while the AccuPyc is being installed.
Set the TEC Temperature
- Power on the TEC module. The power switch is located near the power inlet.
The digital display of the temperature controller will show a test message while it starts up. When the test message stops flashing, the current temperature displays. If the current temperature and a message such as ErAt displays, press the P (Program) key on the front panel of the controller. The ErAt message should stop and only the current temperature will display.
- Press P. SP 1 displays followed by the current setpoint (SP 1). Use the Up or Down key to set the temperature.
- Press P to accept the temperature. The controller will now start heating or cooling to achieve the setpoint
The TEC module uses a fan to remove heat. The fan is located on the underside of the instrument. The fan pulls air into the instrument and the air is exhausted through ventilation slots on the rear panel. The exhaust slots must remain unobstructed. Do not allow papers or other debris to be pulled across the fan as this will stop the necessary air flow. The TEC system will be unable to control temperature, and may become damaged. |
Operate the TEC Module
When the TEC controller shows the correct temperature, there may be a small difference between the temperature on the TEC unit and the AccuPyc display because two different sensors are being used. The AccuPyc sensor and electronics are calibrated together to compensate for any component differences between the sensor and the circuit board components. Micromeritics considers the AccuPyc temperature display to be a more accurate reflection of the sample temperature than the reading from the controller. The controller and the sensor used with the controller cannot be calibrated.
The TEC controller may be adjusted to compensate for the small difference. If the AccuPyc temperature is a little high, then reduce the setpoint of the TEC controller by the difference. Wait for stabilization. Re-adjustment may need to be repeated until the correct AccuPyc temperature is achieved.
The AccuPyc volume must be calibrated at the analysis temperature. Perform the volume calibration in the normal way until it is time to insert the reference volume (sphere or spheres). After installing the reference volume, wait at least 20 minutes to allow the reference volume to achieve the same temperature as the AccuPyc. Then continue as normal.
When it is necessary to perform AccuPyc tests at a different temperature, re-calibrate the system volume at the new temperature.
Volume Change with Temperature for the 10 cm3 AccuPyc
The reference spheres supplied with the 10 cm3 AccuPyc are made from tungsten carbide. They were measured at 20 °C. The spheres will change volume with temperature. The change is very small and is shown in the following table. Every sphere is a slightly different size, and so the table provides the factor to be used if the value used during calibration needs to be adjusted. Multiply the volume provided with the reference spheres by the value in the right column.
Temperature (°C) | Typical Volume (cm3), two balls | Factor |
---|---|---|
15 | 6.37125 | 0.99991 |
20 | 6.37182 | 1.00000 |
25 | 6.37238 | 1.00009 |
30 | 6.37295 | 1.00018 |
35 | 6.37351 | 1.00027 |
For example, if the ball is 6.37182 cm3 at 20 °C but run at 50 °C, multiply the Volume × the factor in the table.
6.37182 cm3 x 1.00053 = 6.37520 cm3
Volume Change with Temperature for the 100 cm3 AccuPyc
The stainless steel calibration standard (ball) supplied with the 100 cm3 AccuPyc is made from 440 grade stainless steel. It was measured at 20 °C. Its volume will be higher when heated above 20 °C. The following table uses the coefficient of thermal expansion of 440 grade stainless steel (0.0000101 m/m/degree C change) to provide the volume of the sphere at various temperatures.
Every ball is a slightly different size therefore the table provides the factor to be used if the value used during calibration needs to be adjusted. Multiply the volume provided with the reference sphere by the value in the right column.
Temperature (°C) | Typical Volume (cm3) | Factor |
---|---|---|
15 | 51.089712 | 0.99995 |
20 | 51.092292 | 1.000000 |
25 | 51.094872 | 1.000051 |
30 | 51.097452 | 1.000101 |
35 | 51.100032 | 1.000152 |
For example, if the ball is 51.092292 cm3 at 20 °C but run at 50 °C, multiply the Volume × the Factor in the table.
51.092292 × 1.000303 = 51.107773
Asphalt Density Measurement
Samples can be analyzed in disposable cups. Any difference in the mass of the cups used for calibration and analysis will be corrected for in the reported quantities. Performing an asphalt density measurement requires disposable sample cups.
Steps 1-9 do not need to be repeated for subsequent analyses.
- Set the instrument temperature and allow 12 hours for equilibration.
- Go to Options > Option Presentation. Select Show Cup Properties. Verify that a checkmark displays to the left.
- Label each disposable cup with a permanent marker and record its mass.
- Place a disposable cup in the 3.3 cm3 insert and position the insert in the sample chamber.
- Go to Unit [n] > Calibration > Calibrate Volume.
- Enter the mass of the cup in the Cup mass field.
- Enter the volume of the reference sphere in the Volume of calibration standard field.
- Select the correct chamber insert.
- Select Measured.
- Click Start.
- Insert the reference sphere when prompted and resume the calibration.
- When the calibration is complete, remove the cup and reference sphere.
- Prepare a sample in a different disposable cup and place it in the sample chamber.
- Create a sample file for the analysis.
- Go to Unit [n] > Sample Analysis and select the sample file created in the previous step.
- Enter the mass of the cup in the Cup mass field.
- Select the chamber insert that was used for calibration.
- Click Start.
Copyright © 2019. Micromeritics Instrument Corporation. All rights reserved.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |