Microtrac S3500 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

R
Reginald BranchAug 6, 2025
Why do I get spurious data from my Microtrac S3500 Measuring Instruments?
- C
  Cheryl SotoAug 6, 2025
  Spurious or inconsistent data from Microtrac Measuring Instruments can arise from several causes: * Air bubbles in the sample system: Allow more time for the bubbles to dissipate, or stop and start the Recirculator flow. * Old sample remaining in the system: Clean the system by repeated flushing. * Dirt or water spots on the Sample Cell: Remove the Sample Cell. If this corrects the problem, clean the Cell, and try again. * Dirt or water spots on the lenses: Inspect lenses and clean if required.
J
Jennifer StanleyAug 11, 2025
What to do if Microtrac S3500 show laser alignment failure?
- B
  Brandon GriffinAug 12, 2025
  If your Microtrac Measuring Instruments indicate a laser alignment failure, consider these possible causes and solutions: * Open Sample Chamber door: Ensure the door is completely closed. * No fluid in the Sample Cell: Check the Recirculator to confirm adequate fluid levels. * Dirty optics: Clean the Cell and Lenses to remove any obstructions.
B
Brian SmithAug 19, 2025
How to troubleshoot no AC power in Microtrac Measuring Instruments?
- Y
  Yolanda LittleAug 19, 2025
  If your Microtrac Measuring Instruments are not receiving AC power, try the following: * Power cord disconnected: Connect the cord to a live AC source receptacle. * Defective power cord: Replace the power cord. * Defective fuses: Replace defective fuses.
S
Shannon HopkinsAug 25, 2025
What to do if Microtrac S3500 Measuring Instruments are not responding to the computer?
- W
  Wesley MossAug 25, 2025
  If your Microtrac S3500 Measuring Instruments are not responding to the computer, check the following: * Interface cable not connected: Connect the Microtrac communications cable between the proper computer serial port and the S3500. * Improperly configured computer serial port: Configure the Microtrac Software serial port assignments.
W
warrendavidAug 30, 2025
Why does the laser fail on my Microtrac Measuring Instruments?
- R
  rsmithAug 30, 2025
  Laser failure in Microtrac Measuring Instruments can occur if the laser is on SAFETY interlock. Verify that the Sample Door is engaging the Interlock switches and that the optics module lid is in place.

Microtrac S3500 Specifications

General

Measurement Principle	Laser Diffraction
Software	Microtrac FLEX
Power Requirements	100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Light Source	Laser Diode, 780 nm
Sample Delivery	Dry or Wet
Sample Presentation	Liquid or powder

Summary

Copyright, Notices, and Trademarks

CE Conformity

Details product conformance with European Council Directives.

Safety Warnings and Cautions

Highlights warnings and cautions for product use and environment.

Symbol Definitions

Explains the meaning of various symbols used in the manual.

About This Document

Abstract

Provides a summary of the manual's content and purpose.

Revision Notes

Lists revisions made to the document over time.

References

Lists related Microtrac documents for further information.

Contacts

Provides contact information for Microtrac Technical Support.

Introduction

1.1 Description

Explains how the S3500 measures particle size using scattered light.

S3500 Configurations and Ranges

System Configurations

Details different S3500 system configurations and their capabilities.

Safety Considerations

1.3.1 Electrical Safety

Covers electrical power requirements, warnings, and precautions.

1.3.2 Hazardous Substances

Addresses handling of solvents, sample materials, and associated risks.

1.3.3 Laser Safety

Explains laser operation, safety precautions, and interlocks.

Laser Safety Labels and Interlocks

Illustrates laser safety labels and describes interlock mechanisms.

Laser Alignment Procedure

Describes the automatic laser alignment process.

Specifications

Electrical Specifications

Details AC input, power consumption, fuse ratings, and interfaces.

Laser Specifications

Provides wavelength and power details for the lasers used.

Environmental Specifications

Lists operating temperature, humidity, and storage conditions.

Connection Ports

Describes fittings for wet and dry sample delivery connections.

Particle Size Measurement Range

States the maximum particle size measurable by the system.

Materials in Contact with Samples

Lists materials that contact samples during wet and dry operation.

Physical Specifications

Details case material, dimensions, and weight of the instrument.

Installation

2.1 General Installation

Overview of connecting the analyzer to PC and sample delivery.

2.2 Selecting a Location

Guidance on choosing a suitable location for the system.

2.3 Unpacking

Instructions for checking contents against the packing list.

Sample Delivery Connections

Wet vs. Dry Sample Cell Installation

Explains how to install and switch between wet and dry sample cells.

Wet to Dry Sample Cell Conversion

Step-by-step guide to converting the system between wet and dry operation.

2.4.1 Fluid Connections for Wet Sample Delivery

Details how to connect the fluid lines for wet sample delivery.

Wet Sample Delivery Fluid Connections

Explains tubing connections for wet sample delivery, including Teflon tubing use.

2.4.2 Dry Sample Delivery - Vacuum Connections

Describes connecting the vacuum source for dry sample delivery.

Dry Sample Delivery - Clean-up Wand Use

Instructions on using the clean-up wand for dry systems.

Eductor Air Connections for Dry Delivery

Details connecting the air supply for the eductor in dry systems.

Electrical Connections

2.5.1 Power Connections

Instructions for connecting the system to AC power sources (120V and 230V).

2.5.2 Communications Connections

How to connect the analyzer to the PC and other devices.

2.5.3 Ultrasonic Option Connections

Describes connecting the ultrasonic option for recirculators.

2.5.4 Dry System Connections

Details vacuum and vibrator connections for dry sample delivery.

Linear Dry Feeder Setup

Linear Dry Feeder - Sample Delivery Tube

Instructions for connecting the suction tube for sample delivery.

Linear Dry Feeder - Electrical Connections

How to connect the Linear Dry Feeder to the PC and power.

Operation

3.1 General Operation Overview

Explains the basic principle of how the S3500 operates with its components.

3.2 Sample Delivery Methods

Describes how samples are delivered for analysis (wet/dry).

Wet Sample Delivery

Details how a recirculator delivers samples in a fluid medium.

Dry Sample Delivery Methods

Explains vibratory and aspiration methods for dry sample delivery.

Dispersion

3.3.1 Wet Sample Dispersion

Discusses methods for dispersing samples in a liquid medium.

Wetting Agents for Dispersion

Lists types of wetting agents and their use in dispersion.

Ultrasonic Energy for Dispersion

Explains the use of ultrasonic energy for sample dispersion.

3.3.2 Dry Sample Dispersion

Covers techniques for deagglomerating dry samples using air flow.

Particle Size Measurement

3.4.1 Background Offset (SETZERO)

Explains the SETZERO function to compensate for background signals.

3.4.2 Run Data Parameters

Information required for accurate particle size analysis.

Particle Properties: Spherical

Discusses how spherical particle properties affect measurement.

Particle Properties: Irregular

Explains how irregular particle properties affect measurement.

Particle Properties: Transparent;Opaque

Discusses the impact of transparency and reflectivity on measurements.

3.4.3 Running a Sample

Step-by-step guide to conducting a particle size measurement.

Collector Lens Change

Maintenance

4.1 Introduction to Maintenance

Overview of routine and corrective maintenance procedures.

4.2 Cleaning Optical Elements

Procedures for cleaning lenses, mirrors, prisms, and sample cells.

Recommended Cleaning Materials

Lists appropriate materials for cleaning optical components.

Cleaning Optical Elements: Dusting

How to remove dust from optical surfaces without damage.

Cleaning Optical Elements: Spots;Fingerprints

Steps for removing spots, streaks, and fingerprints from optical surfaces.

Cleaning the Sample Path

Cleaning the Wet Sample Cell

Detailed procedure for cleaning the wet sample cell.

Cleaning the Dry Sample Path

Instructions for cleaning the dry sample path components.

Service

5.1 Hardware, Optics, Sample Delivery Issues

Troubleshooting for hardware, optics, and sample delivery problems.

5.2 Electrical Troubleshooting

Guidance for resolving electrical issues and power problems.

General Fault Isolation

Troubleshooting Chart

A table listing symptoms, probable causes, and corrective actions for faults.

Accessories and Replacement Parts

Replacement Parts List

Lists available accessories and part numbers for replacement.

Diagnostic Sample Test Materials

Lists materials used for diagnostic testing of the system.