ELTRA ELEMENTRAC CS-d

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The ELEMENTRAC CS-d is a combustion analyzer designed for determining carbon and sulfur concentrations in various materials. It utilizes both an induction furnace for inorganic samples (metals, alloys, ceramics, cement) and a resistance furnace for organic samples (coal, coke, alternative fuels, soil). The gaseous combustion products (CO2 and SO2) are measured by infrared measurement cells.

Function Description

The analyzer operates by combusting samples at high temperatures, releasing carbon and sulfur as gaseous products. These gases are then channeled through infrared measurement cells to quantify their concentrations. The induction furnace is suitable for materials requiring extremely high temperatures, while the resistance furnace is ideal for organic matrices. The machine is controlled via the ELEMENTS software, which manages analysis parameters, displays operating statuses, and provides error messages for troubleshooting.

Important Technical Specifications

The ELEMENTRAC CS-d analyzer has dimensions of 52 cm (width) x 75 cm (depth) x 84 cm (height) and weighs approximately 150 kg. It operates on a 230 VAC ±10% power supply at 50/60 Hz, with a power consumption of 16 A. It is a Protection Class I device with Overvoltage Category II and Degree of Contamination 2, designed for indoor use at a maximum altitude of 2000 m. The ambient temperature range is +5 to +35°C, with ambient humidity below 80% at 31°C, non-condensing. The type of protection is IP20.

For carrier gas, it uses oxygen with a minimum purity of 99.5% at a pressure of 2 to 4 bar (30 to 60 psi), connected via a polyamide hose (6/4 mm) with a G¼" female thread adapter. Compressed air used must be oil-free and grease-free, with a pressure of 5 to 6 bar (75 to 90 psi), connected via a polyamide hose (4/2 mm) with a G¼" female thread adapter. The maximum noise level is 55 dB(A).

The HTFr (resistance furnace) unit has dimensions of 37 cm (width) x 79 cm (depth, 68 cm without balcony) x 52 cm (height) and weighs 53 kg. It also operates on a 230 VAC ±10% power supply at 50/60 Hz, with a power consumption of ≤ 20 A. Its mains connection requires a CEE-plug, 230 V, 32 A, L+N+PE, compliant with EN 60309-1:2018-04. Similar to the analyzer, it is Protection Class I, Overvoltage Category II, Degree of Contamination 2, for indoor use up to 2000 m altitude, with an ambient temperature range of +5 to +35°C and non-condensing humidity below 80% at 31°C. Its type of protection is IP20, and its maximum noise level is 55 dB(A).

Usage Features

The ELEMENTRAC CS-d is designed for safe and correct operation, requiring users to read and understand the operating manual before installation, commissioning, and use. It features safety circuits to prevent overheating, especially in the HTFr, by interrupting power to heating elements if faults like excess current or temperature occur. The machine includes safety symbols warning of risks such as burns from hot parts, crushing hazards from moving furnace parts, and electric shock from exposed power contacts. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like heat-resistant gloves, protective goggles, and suitable work clothing are mandatory when handling hot parts, chemicals, or glass splinters.

For analysis, samples are placed in crucibles or dishes using crucible tongs. The ELEMENTS software guides the user through the analysis process, including sample weight transfer from a balance and selection of appropriate applications. The HTFr has LEDs to indicate operating statuses, such as when a dish can be pushed into the furnace (green LED) or when a measurement is finished and the dish can be removed (yellow LED).

Maintenance Features

Maintenance is crucial for maintaining analysis precision and machine longevity. The manual provides detailed instructions for various maintenance tasks, with specified intervals based on the number of analyses or time.

Reagent Tubes: These need to be filled and replaced regularly. The SO3 filter, inlet gas purification, moisture filter, and catalyst furnace all contain specific reagents. Filling instructions include precise measurements of glass wool, magnesium perchlorate, sodium hydroxide, quartz wool, and platinized silica. The reagent tubes must not be removed during operation due to the pressurized system.
Dust Box: The dust box, which prevents fine dust from entering the infrared measuring cells, requires daily or every 100 analyses quick cleaning, and monthly or every 500 analyses thorough cleaning. This involves removing the dust box, cleaning it with a brush and vacuum cleaner, and re-greasing O-rings where necessary.
Furnace Area: Maintenance in the furnace area includes replacing the furnace cleaning brush and thermal shield (every 2000 analyses or 3 months), and the combustion tube (every 1000 analyses or monthly, or if damaged/fluctuating C/S levels). This involves disassembling parts of the furnace, cleaning components, and replacing O-rings.
O-rings: O-rings in the combustion area, on the moisture filter, and on the furnace seal need regular inspection and replacement (yearly or every 35000 analyses for combustion area O-rings, and as needed for moisture filter and furnace seal O-rings). Greasing of specific O-rings with high vacuum silicon grease is also part of the maintenance.
Connecting Hoses: The connecting hose between the furnace and metal filter should be cleaned or replaced every 5000 analyses or monthly.

All maintenance work involving electrical components or high voltage must be performed by appropriately qualified service personnel after ensuring the machine is turned off and unplugged. Special tools may be required for specific tasks, such as discharging the oscillating circuit. The manual also provides troubleshooting guides for common issues and emphasizes contacting service for complex faults.