Funke Gerber FermentoFlash 3572

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Device for analysing

various ingredients

of beer

Article - No : 3572

FermentoFlash

User manual and reference guide

Date : August 2010

-2-

Contents

Initial Operation

1. Initial Operation / Unpacking and checking package contents --------- 3

2 Initial Operation / Installation ----------------------------------------------------- 3

3. Initial Operation / Connect machine to the power --------------------------- 3

4. Initial Operation / Connect mains cable --------------------------------------- 3

5. Initial Operation / Connect hose ----------------------------------------------- 4

6. Initial Operation / Connect printer ---------------------------------------------- 4

7. Initial Operation / Switch on machine ----------------------------------------- 4

8. Initial Operation / Switch on printer, insert roll of paper ------------------ 4

9. Initial Operation / Machine operation------------------------------------------- 4

10. Initial Operation / Turning the device on / off -------------------------------- 5

11. Initial Operation / Zero calibration --------------------------------------------- 5

Operation---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

1. Operation / Measuring------------------------------------------------------------- 6

2. Operation / Rinsing --------------------------------------------------------------- 7

3. Operation / Product Selection / Example ----------------------------------- 7

4. Operation / Cleaning ---------------------------------------------------------- 7

5. Operation Setup ------------------------------------------------------------------ 8

5.1. Return ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

5.2. System Status -------------------------------------------------------------- 8

5.3. Intensive Cleaning ---------------------------------------------------------- 8

5.4. Configure Parameters ------------------------------------------------------- 8

5.5. Language Selection --------------------------------------------------------- 9

5.6. Adjust pump ------------------------------------------------------------------ 9

5.7. Measurements per sample ------------------------------------------------ 9

5.8. Date ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

5.9. Time ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

Maintenance 9

Calibration 9

6. Operation / Calibration ----------------------------------------------------------- 9

6.1. Performing Calibration ----------------------------------------------------- 11

6.2. Return ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

6.3. Name ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

6.4. Matrix -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

6.5. Product Selection ----------------------------------------------------------- 12

6.6. Fast / Precise ----------------------------------------------------------------- 12

6.7. Selection of the Substance to be Calibrated -------------------------- 12

6.8. Entering the Reference Values ------------------------------------------ 12

6.9. Starting B Calibration ------------------------------------------------------ 12

How the FermentoFlash works --------------------------------------------------------- 13

1. Structure of the Device ---------------------------------------------------------- 13

2. Description -l------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14

3. Sample suction tube -------------------------------------------------------------- 14

4. Pump --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

5. Replacement of the pump head ----------------------------------------------- 14

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Funke Gerber FermentoFlash 3572 and is the answer not in the manual?

The FermentoFlash, with article number 3572, is a device designed for analyzing various ingredients in beer. It serves as a beer analyzer, providing insights into the physical properties of beer samples rather than performing chemical analyses. The device is manufactured by Funke-Dr.N.Gerber Labortechnik GmbH and comes with a user manual and reference guide dated August 2010.

Function Description:

The FermentoFlash operates on a thermo-analytical principle, utilizing two hermetically sealed measurement cells that operate at different temperatures. This design allows for the analysis of beer samples by pumping them through these internal chambers. The device is capable of measuring various parameters of beer, including alcohol content, extract, apparent extract, original wort, density, and osmotic pressure. It can store up to 18 different product profiles, allowing for calibration and analysis of various beer types such as export beer, Pils, strong beer, and malt beer.

The analysis process involves several steps:

Product Selection: Users select the appropriate product profile from the 18 available options.
Sample Suction: Approximately 10 ml of the degassed beer sample is sucked into the machine via a suction tube, which should be inserted at least 30 mm deep into the sample.
Warming Up and Tempering: The sample is warmed up and finely tempered within the measurement cells.
Measurement: The device then performs the measurement, which typically takes about 1 minute.
Result Display and Printout: The analysis results are displayed on the device and printed out on an optional report printer.

The FermentoFlash offers two measurement speeds: "fast measurement" (35 seconds per 100 samples per hour) and "precise measurement" (60 seconds per 60 samples per hour).

Important Technical Specifications:

Connection Values: 230V / 115V AC (50-60 Hz), 180 W.
Resolutions: 0.01%.
Maximum Values (not larger than):
- Alcohol: 25%
- Extract: 10%
- App. Extract: 10%
- Original Wort: 25%
- Osmotic pressure: Unlimited (as only calculated).
Sample Flow Rate: Up to 100 samples per hour (typical 60 samples per hour).
Sample Volumes: 10 ml.
Interfaces: 1 x parallel, 1 x serial (RS 232/ 9600 Baud), 6 Volt power supply for thermal printer (Item No. 7151).
Dimensions: 30 x 24 x 33 cm (W x H x D).
Weight: Approx. 5 kg (net).

Usage Features:

Initial Setup: The device requires installation on a horizontal surface. Users must connect the machine to power, connect the mains cable, attach the waste hose to a vessel or drain, and connect an optional printer.
Warm-up Phase: After turning on, the device needs a 15-minute warm-up phase before it can be used.
Zero Calibration: A crucial step performed after warm-up, involving distilled water, to calibrate the hardware. This process takes approximately 6 minutes and ensures accurate measurements.
Operation Controls: The machine features four arrow keys and an "Enter" key for navigation and selection.
Product Profiles: The ability to calibrate and store 18 different product profiles allows for versatile analysis of various beer types without recalibration.
Parameter Selection: Users can select which parameters (e.g., alcohol, extract, original wort) are displayed and printed.
Language Selection: The device supports "Deutsch" or "English" language settings.
Pump Adjustment: The sample pump can be adjusted to ensure the displayed sample quantity matches the actual sample volume.
Measurements per Sample: Users can set the number of repeat measurements from 1 to 9.
Date and Time Setting: The date and time can be set on the device.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is essential for the FermentoFlash to ensure accurate and reliable operation.

Rinsing with Distilled Water:
- Several times daily, especially before long breaks between analyses.
- After analyses of liquids with strong sugar content.
- This process takes approximately 5 seconds and involves pumping distilled water through the analysis cells.
Zero Calibration:
- Daily, before starting analyses.
- Before a calibration.
Cleaning:
- Daily, after finishing the analyses.
- After analysis of liquids with strong sugar content.
- This process takes approximately 7 minutes and requires a cleaning agent solution (e.g., P3-topax 66 in a 2% dilution). The cleaning procedure should be repeated about 3 times, followed by 3-4 rinses.
Intensive Cleaning:
- Monthly, approximately 1 hour.
- This involves placing the sample suction hose and waste water hose in a sample vessel filled with an intensive cleaning agent (e.g., P3-topax 66 in a 1:10 dilution) to create a closed circuit. The process continues until manually stopped, followed by five rinses.
Pump Head Replacement:
- Annually, or more often depending on usage. The pump head is a consumable part (Item No. 3530-023 A).
- The replacement process involves removing the old pump head by pressing plastic lugs, detaching hoses, installing the new pump head onto the motor axle, and connecting the hoses.
Calibration:
- The device is factory pre-calibrated (fundamental calibration). However, if significant deviations in analysis values are observed, calibration is necessary.
- Two-point calibration is required for non-typical beers (very low or very high alcohol content). This involves an A-calibration with a low substance content beer (A-Beer) and a B-calibration with a high substance content reference beer (B-beer). The A-beer is prepared by diluting the B-beer with distilled water.
- Single ingredient calibration is possible for specific parameters like alcohol.
- Non-alcoholic beers require a specific calibration procedure, starting with an A-calibration using undiluted reference beer, activating only the alcoholic content parameter.
- B-calibration for non-alcoholic beers involves using undiluted reference beer and activating all parameters except alcohol.
- It is recommended to perform a zero calibration shortly before any ingredient calibration.
- Calibrations should not be performed immediately after cleaning with cleaning liquid, as this can falsify results.
- The device should never be operated without rinsing or cleaning after measurements to prevent precipitation in the measurement chambers, which could destroy them.

Requirements for Beer Samples:

Free of Interfering Gas Bubbles: CO2 content must be removed using methods like shaking, swirling, folded filter, mixer, or ultrasonic bath (approx. 3 minutes, keeping temperature cool with ice cubes).
Liquid State: The sample must be liquid and free of solids.
Sample Temperature: Optimal range is 5°C to 35°C, preferably at a standard temperature.
Basic Chemical Properties: The sample must genuinely be beer; other liquids like wine or spirits may yield unreliable results due to differing properties.

Entrainment:

Like all measurement equipment involving pumped samples, the FermentoFlash is subject to entrainment, where small residues of previous samples or rinsing water can mix with the current sample, potentially falsifying results. For beers of the same class, this effect is usually insignificant. However, when switching between very different products (e.g., non-alcoholic to strong beer), the first measurement in the new area should be discarded.

Error Messages / Troubleshooting:

The device displays and/or prints error messages to guide troubleshooting:

Error on the first measuring cell: Indicates insufficient sample quantity (air sucked in) or a leak in the hose.
Error on the second measuring cell: Indicates insufficient sample quantity (due to pump head wear) or a need to replace the pump head.
Error on both measuring cells: Indicates a fault in one or both measuring cells, requiring contact with Funke-Gerber for replacement.
Error measurement is not usable: Indicates a software failure, requiring a repeat measurement.
Error sample not measureable: Indicates the sample is too "thick" (high extract content), requiring dilution or rendering it unanalyzable.

The FermentoFlash is an EC declaration of conformity according to EU-Directive Machines 06/42/EC, ensuring it complies with basic health and safety requirements. The guarantee period is 12 months from the date of invoice, covering replacement parts at no cost, provided measuring cells are returned intact and unopened. The pump head attachment is a consumable part and not covered by the guarantee for replacement due to wear.