The Koehler K39400 and K39496 Water Separability Testers are advanced instruments designed for determining the ability of lubricating oils to separate from water and resist emulsification, a critical performance characteristic in applications involving water contamination and turbulence. These testers conform to various international standards, including ASTM D1401, ASTM D6074, ASTM D6158, ISO 6614, DIN 51599, and FTM 791-3201.
Function Description:
The Water Separability Tester operates by stirring equal volumes of water and a sample oil together at a controlled temperature to form an emulsion. The instrument then observes and measures the time required for this emulsion to separate. This method is suitable for testing both petroleum oils and synthetic fluids. The unit features a stainless steel heating bath with a clear tempered glass front viewing window, allowing for observation of up to seven 100mL graduated cylinders simultaneously. A stirrer assembly, equipped with a high-torque motor, provides precise stirring action. The instrument incorporates a digital temperature controller for accurate bath temperature regulation and a test control panel for setting and monitoring test parameters such as stirring speed and duration.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Models: K39400 (115V 60Hz 12A) and K39496 (220-240V 50/60Hz 6A).
- Drive: 1/10 hp (75W) High Torque motor.
- Run Time: Adjustable from 1 to 50 minutes.
- Temperature Range: Ambient to 84°C.
- Temperature Control Stability: ±0.05°C.
- Capacity: Seven (7) 100mL graduated cylinders.
- Construction: Stainless Steel Tank (12 x 9.8 x 10.7 inches).
- Bath Medium Capacity: 4.5 gallons (17L).
- Stirrer Speed Range: 1100-2000 RPM.
- Stirrer Accuracy: ±10 RPM.
- Over-temperature Protection (OTP): Automatically interrupts power if temperature exceeds 20°C above set point or maximum recommended range.
- Over-power Protection: Circuitry to prevent unsafe electrical conditions; main power switch functions as a circuit breaker.
Usage Features:
The K394XX series is designed for ease of use and precise control.
- Temperature Control: A digital temperature controller allows users to set the desired bath temperature with high accuracy. The controller displays both the process temperature (actual bath temperature) and the set point temperature. It includes an "Auto Tune" function to optimize heating parameters for specific set points or bath mediums. Calibration can be performed against a certified thermometer.
- Test Control Panel: The intuitive test control panel enables users to set the stirring speed (RPM) and test duration (MIN). The "START TEST" button initiates the test, and a "PAUSE" button allows for temporary interruption. An audible alarm signals the end of the stirring period.
- Sample Handling: The instrument accommodates up to seven 100mL graduated cylinders. The stirrer assembly features a black knob for extending and retracting the stirrer shaft, preventing sample contamination during placement or removal. The stirrer head assembly can be moved left or right to align with individual sample positions, and a locking mechanism ensures proper positioning before testing.
- Illumination: A lamp switch controls internal illumination, aiding in visual observation of the test samples during the water separability determination.
- Safety Features: Beyond OTP and Over-power protection, the manual emphasizes the importance of proper bath medium selection (distilled water for 15-50°C, refined white technical oil for 50-95°C) and warns against using flammable or high vapor pressure materials. It also highlights the need for adequate ventilation (fume hood or exhaust system) to prevent accumulation of flammable vapors or steam.
- Environmental Considerations: The instrument should be operated in an area with low dust, no direct sunlight, away from heating/AC ducts, free from vibrations, and within a temperature range of 5 to 40°C, with relative humidity below 80%.
Maintenance Features:
The K394XX Water Separability Tester requires minimal routine maintenance.
- Cleaning: The instrument's exterior, including painted surfaces and glass, can be cleaned with a solution of soap and water or laboratory-grade detergent. More difficult stains can be removed with a dilute solution of isopropanol in water. Acetone can be used for glass surfaces. Users are cautioned against using organic chemicals like Acetone, Toluene, or Hexane on painted surfaces to avoid tarnishing or stripping paint. Internal bath cleaning should only be performed when the equipment is de-energized, unplugged, and the heating coils have cooled.
- Bath Medium Replacement: The manual advises changing the mineral oil bath medium if coloration occurs, indicating degradation. Draining instructions are provided, emphasizing that the bath should be at ambient temperature before draining. Disposal of used bath medium must comply with local regulations for hazardous waste.
- Bearings: The linear rail bearings are maintenance-free and lubrication-free.
- Replacement Parts: A comprehensive list of replacement parts is provided, including switches, relays, RTD temperature probes, circuit breakers, temperature controllers, graduated cylinders, heaters, stirrer motors, stirrer shafts, line cords, and transformers. When ordering, customers are advised to provide the model number, serial number, and product shipment date to ensure correct part delivery.
- WEEE Directive Compliance: The manual includes a detailed WEEE Directive Compliance Statement, outlining Koehler's commitment to environmentally friendly product design, reuse, and recycling. It provides information on the WEEE marking, professional use guidelines, and recycling instructions for various components, including mercury-containing parts, batteries, printed circuit boards, refrigerants, and electrolyte capacitors. Koehler emphasizes that its equipment is designed for complete modular disassembly to facilitate standard recycling and encourages re-use and refurbishment as the best form of recycling.
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