Troubleshooting

The most important principle in troubleshooting the SMART System 5 is to check each component of the system separately and trace any malfunction to its source.

Verify each of these factors:

• Balance Calibration

• Microwave Power Measurement

• Standard Solution Test

• Analytical Method (verify analysis method) – If necessary, contact the CEM

Applications Department or the nearest subsidiary or distributor.

A qualified service technician, using standard troubleshooting techniques, should be able to identify and resolve operational problems. If a problem persists, call the

CEM Service Department or the nearest subsidiary or distributor.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom

Instrument Inoperative

Possible Cause/Remedy

Ensure that instrument is properly connected to power outlet and that the power switch is in the

“on” position. Check fuses and replace if necessary.

Balance overloaded. Use less sample.

Ensure that balance stem is installed and centered.

Balance Will Not Tare

Balance Not Operating

No Microwave Drying

Sample Burning

Instrument cover not closed and latched properly.

Check dual voltage supply and fuses (10A fuses for 60 Hz and 5A for 50 Hz) and correct dual voltage supply and/or replace fuses, if required.

Sample too large and/or unevenly applied to pad.

Sample not homogeneous. Sample not positioned under temperature sensor. Power level too high.

Results Not

Reproducible

Low Power

Improper Heating

Discoloration or Oil

Buildup on Air Shield

Sample applied unevenly to pad. Sample not homogeneous and absorbs microwaves unevenly.

Keep sample container closed when not extracting sample. Work quickly when applying sample to pads and placing pads on balance pan.

Incorrect Results Verify proper sample handling, spread techniques and method parameters.

“Data Results Invalid” Final weight greater than initial weight. Repeat

Displayed at End of Test test. Check balance calibration.

“Cover Open” Message Ensure that the instrument cover is properly closed.

Check for faulty relay and replace if required.

Ensure that the air shield is installed and not clogged.

Replace the air shield.

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Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom

Balance Over Load

Error

Balance Under Load

Error

Thermal Overload

Error

Fuses Blow

Balance Error

Instrument Will Not

Calibrate

Unstable Balance

Readings

Balance Displays

Incorrect Weight

IR Reads Negative

Number(s)

Instrument Top Cover

Difficult to Close or

Noisy when Opened

Garbled Display

Intermittent “clicking” when Microwaves On

Possible Cause/Remedy

Weight on balance is too large to be recognized by balance.

Weight on balance is too small to be recognized by balance.

Ensure that instrument cover is closed properly.

Ensure that switches on all three interlocks are adjusted properly.

Check dual voltage supply and fuses (10A fuses for 60 Hz and 5A for 50 Hz) and correct dual voltage supply and/or replace fuses, if required.

Balance stem not installed. Turn instrument off, install balance stem and turn instrument on.

Ensure that instrument is located on a stable work surface.

Balance cable not installed. Properly install cable.

Balance not calibrated. Perform calibration using

10g or 50g weight.

Instrument turned on before balance stem and pan were installed. Turn instrument off, install stem and pan, and turn instrument on.

Faulty balance. Contact CEM Service.

Faulty balance. Contact CEM Service.

Faulty IR sensor. Contact CEM Service.

Gas spring installed improperly or faulty gas spring. Contact CEM Service.

Cold start instrument. Contact CEM Service.

Arcing at microwave waveguide slot. Contact

CEM Service.

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