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Thermo Scientific APEX 300 User Manual

Thermo Scientific APEX 300
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Thermo Scientific
APEX
Metal Detector
User’s Guide
REC 4248 Rev K
Part number 085381English

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Thermo Scientific APEX 300 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandThermo Scientific
ModelAPEX 300
CategoryMetal Detector
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Getting Started

Setting Global and Application-Specific Parameters

Configure global parameters for display, language, and units, and application-specific parameters for optimal performance.

Setting Product Parameters

Set critical product parameters like X and R noise thresholds and detect level value.

Managing Product-Rejection Parameters

Fine-tune the accept-or-reject process for products based on application type.

Choosing Your Application Type

Select the correct setup procedure based on your application: conveyor, gravity-feed, pipeline, or pharmaceutical.

Setting Up Conveyor Applications

Understanding Your Detector

Learn to use the display panel, navigate menus, and set global parameters.

Setting Up the Conveyor and Photo Eye

Configure conveyor parameters and set up photo-eye parameters for product detection.

Setting Product Parameters

Configure parameters such as pack length, no-pack distance, and pack gap.

Setting Product-Reject Parameters

Set parameters for the reject device, including distance and signal duration.

Calibrating Your Detector

Establish noise thresholds, calibrate speed filter, and set basic product parameters.

Understanding Your Detector

Understanding the Detector’s Control Panel

Identify the main components of the detector's control panel: display, indicator lights, and buttons.

Using the Detector’s Buttons

Learn the correct technique for activating the detector's buttons using the touch-sensitive sensor.

Understanding the Screen Shots Used in this Manual

Learn the difference between large and small screen shots and how they are used to explain functions.

Tips on Using the Detector’s Sub Menus

Get navigation tips for accessing functions and menus efficiently using control panel buttons.

How to Use the Parameter Input Screens

Learn how to input values for functions using the navigation buttons on parameter screens.

Understanding the Detector’s Main Menu

Learn to navigate the detector's main menu and set global parameters.

Choosing a Language

Set the display language for the control panel from a list of available languages.

Setting Up the Conveyor and Photo-Eye

Keying In the Product Speed

Enter the calculated conveyor belt speed into the detector for accurate operation.

Keying In the Photo-Eye-to-Detector Distance

Measure and input the distance from the photo-eye to the detector's search head.

Checking the Polarity of the Photo-Eye Input

Configure the photo-eye input polarity (positive or negative) based on its light or dark activation.

Selecting the Correct Photo Registration for Rejects

Configure photo-registration parameters to match the reject device for accurate rejection.

Setting Product Parameters

Keying In the Pack Length

Set the length of individual product units moving along the conveyor.

Keying In the No-Pack Distance

Define the distance to fine-tune rejection of single or multiple products.

Disabling the Detection No-Pack Function

Disable the no-pack function to prevent rejects for contaminants not associated with a package.

Keying In the Pack Gap

Set the pack gap percentage to control rejection of one or both sequential products.

Setting Reject Parameters

Measurements You Will Need Before Starting

Gather necessary information like distance to reject device and signal duration before configuration.

Keying In the Distance to the Reject-1 Device

Input the distance from the search head to the center of the main reject device.

Keying In the Signal Duration for the Reject Device

Set the signal duration time needed to activate the main reject device.

Setting Contaminant-Detection Parameters

Establishing Noise Thresholds with No Product Present

Calibrate X and R noise thresholds by establishing a monitoring baseline without product.

Calibrating the Speed Filter Using a Ferrous Test Stick

Calibrate the speed filter using a ferrous test stick to optimize background noise rejection.

Establishing Basic Product Parameters

Learn product identification parameters like frequency, gain, phase angle, and detect level.

Doing a Full-Product Calibration

Perform a full-product calibration to teach the detector product characteristics.

Set-Up Check List for Conveyor Applications

Parameters You Have Already Set Up

Review the list of parameters already configured for a typical conveyor application.

Additional Parameters You May Want to Set Up

Explore optional parameters like Belt-Speed-Encoder, Bin-Full Notification, and Quality Test.

Setting Up Gravity-Feed Applications

Understanding Your Detector

Learn detector usage, menu navigation, global parameters, and product naming.

Setting Reject Parameters

Configure reject-delay and reject-duration timing for gravity-feed applications.

Setting Contaminant-Detection Parameters

Establish a baseline, select speed filter, and set basic product parameters for contaminant detection.

Setting Up Pipeline Applications

Understanding Your Detector

Review detector basics: display panel, menu navigation, global parameters, and product naming.

Setting Reject Parameters

Configure reject-delay and reject-duration timing specific to pipeline applications.

Setting Contaminant-Detection Parameters

Set up baseline, speed filter, and basic product parameters for pipeline contaminant detection.

Setting Up Pharmaceutical (Rx) Applications

Understanding Your Detector

Learn about the detector's display, menus, global parameters, and product naming.

Setting Reject Parameters

Configure reject-delay and reject-duration timing for pharmaceutical applications.

Setting Contaminant-Detection Parameters

Establish baseline, select speed filter, and set basic product parameters for Rx contaminant detection.

APEX Menu Structure

Main Menu—Page 1

Overview of the main menu, the starting point for accessing all detector functions.

Reject-Totals Menu

Assess screened products and reject counts (P+A+Q) by category.

Detect Level

Set the minimum detect level to identify contaminants based on background noise.

Phase Angle—Page 1

Understand phase angles and their relation to contaminant types and product characteristics.

Frequency and Gain—Page 1

Learn optimal settings for frequency and gain to maximize contaminant detection sensitivity.

System and Tools—Page 1

Quality Test

Conduct manual tests to verify detector performance, especially during long production runs.

AuditCheck

Perform automated tests to verify detector sensitivity and detect small changes over time.

Error Messages (WAFs)

Understand warnings, alarms, and faults (WAFs) and how to define them.

Inputs and Outputs (System and Tools—Page 2)

Navigating to the Inputs and Outputs Menu

Access the menu to manage the detector's physical and logical inputs and outputs.

Inputs—Page 1

Manage physical and logical inputs, assigning polarity and devices to specific inputs.

Outputs

Manage physical and logical outputs, assigning polarity and devices to specific outputs.

Printer Set-Up—Page 1

Attaching a Printer to the Detector

Connect a printer to the detector's serial port following the wiring diagram.

Navigating to the Printer Set-Up Menu

Access the printer setup menu through the system and tools menu.

Activating the Printer

Enable the printer to allow automatic printing when products change or functions are altered.

Manual Printing

Initiate a manual print of the detector's batch report, requiring supervisor password.

Security Level

Accessing the Security Menu

Navigate to the security menu to restrict access by setting passwords.

Entering a Supervisor Password

Set a supervisor password and activate passwords for other users.

Setting Engineer and Operator Passwords

Set passwords and assign security levels for engineers and operators.

Retrieving a Forgotten Password

Supervisor procedure to retrieve forgotten passwords by contacting technical support.

Undoing the Need for Passwords

Disable password protection to grant full access to all detector functions.

Logging In

Log into the detector using a password to access its functions.

Logging Out

Log out of the detector to prevent unauthorized access after use.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintenance

Guidelines for regular cleaning and corrosion checking to ensure long-term performance.

Recommended Test Procedures

Follow best practices for testing detector sensitivity and reject device response.

Troubleshooting Guide

Identify and resolve common detector faults like search-head issues, battery low, and product memory faults.

Service, Repair, and Replacement Parts

Parts List Is Provided

Refer to the supplemental information section for a detailed list of available spare parts.

Forms Needed for Repairs or Returns

Complete necessary forms like RMA, Product Information, and Decontamination Declaration for returns.

Contacting Thermo Fisher Scientific

Contact information for service, support, and obtaining RMA numbers.

Installing Your APEX Detector

Unpacking Your APEX

Inspect packages for damage, check contents against order, and handle detector carefully.

List of Included Components

Identify the main components of the APEX metal detector system.

APEX Specifications

Review technical specifications including models, product speed, outputs, inputs, and environmental ratings.

Standard Features

List of standard features like multi-coil design, ease of operation, and quality test capabilities.

Theory of Operation

Definition of Various Product Effects

Understand metal detection principles: resistive and reactive effects on product signals.

Product Phase Angle

Learn how the APEX derives phase angle from product characteristics and metal presence.

Understanding Some Basic Detector Vocabulary

Definitions for key terms used in detector setup and operation.

Safety Precautions

General Safety Precautions

Essential safety guidelines for installation, operation, and maintenance to prevent injury.

Specific Safety Precautions

Precautions specific to the APEX detector, including environmental and operational safety.

Electrical Set-Up

Potential Causes of Interference

Identify sources of interference like vibration, induction, and electromagnetic waves affecting detector performance.

General Electrical Requirements

Understand power line requirements, wiring conditions, and grounding for proper detector connection.

Supply Voltage and Connections

Details on voltage supply requirements and connections to the APEX detector.

System Grounding

Implement proper grounding techniques for safety and performance.

Removing the Control Panel

Procedure for safely removing the control panel to access internal components.

AC Power Wiring

Guidelines for AC power wiring, recommending lighting circuits and isolation transformers.

Mechanical Set-Up Instructions for Specific Applications

Conveyor applications

Detailed mechanical setup instructions for conveyor applications.

Gravity-feed and pharmaceutical applications

Mechanical setup instructions for gravity-feed and pharmaceutical applications.

Pipeline applications

Mechanical setup instructions specific to pipeline applications.

Mechanical Set-Up for Conveyor Applications

APEX Installation Considerations

Factors influencing detector performance during conveyor installation.

Location of the Detector

Considerations for placing the APEX for easy access to the front panel.

Mounting the APEX

Ensure correct mounting for reliable operation, minimizing vibration and contact.

Metal-Free Area

Maintain a metal-free zone around the aperture for optimum performance.

Appendix A—Modbus Communications Card

Overview

Introduction to the optional APEX Modbus Communications Card for network connectivity.

What the Modbus Communications Card Does

Capabilities of the Modbus card: remote access, product change, statistics, and backup.

Expert Knowledge Is Required to Modify Settings

Warning that modifying settings requires extensive network communication knowledge.

Modifying the Modbus Settings

Instructions for upgrading or changing Modbus card configurations via DIP switches or software.

Configuring Network Parameters with the APEX Software

Configuring a TCP/IP Network

Set communication parameters for a TCP/IP network using APEX software.

Accessing the TCP/IP Communications Menu

Steps to access the TCP/IP communications menu for network configuration.

Changing the DHCP Default Setting During Installation

Understand and change the default DHCP setting to 'off' to lock IP addresses.

Configuring an RTU Network

Accessing the RTU Communications Menu

Steps to access the RTU communications menu for network configuration.

Changing the Slave Address

Set the slave address for the Modbus RTU configuration.

Changing the Baud Rate

Configure the baud rate for RTU communication, selecting from available options.

Changing the Parity

Set the parity option (none, odd, or even) for RTU communication.

Saving Your RTU Settings

Save the configured RTU communication settings to activate them.

Configuring the Modbus Hardware

Modbus TCP/IP Communications Card

Instructions for installing and configuring the TCP/IP Modbus card.

Configuring the TCP/IP Card

Install and configure the TCP/IP Modbus card, including interpreting status LEDs.

Understanding Registers

Data Handling

Overview of Modbus Communications Card register usage for control and monitoring.

Supported Operation Codes

List of operation codes supported by the Modbus protocol.

Read Data

Procedure for reading parameters using appropriate registers.

Write Data

Perform handshaking operations for modifying parameters using control bits.

Register Details for Commonly Used APEX Functions

Step-by-step instructions for using Modbus registers to change products and statistics.

Appendix B—IntelliTrack™ XR

Overview

Introduction to IntelliTrack XR function for detecting contaminants in wet products.

System Requirements

Minimum requirements for APEX, operating environment, and photo eye positioning.

Product Requirements

Requirements for products using IXR function: package form, consistent signal, and proper spacing.

Discussion of Product Requirements

Details product consistency needs for phasing, content, volume, and presentation for IXR function.

The Next Step

Steps to start using the IXR function: set parameters, enable function, and calibrate.

Setting Up Related Functions

Set up parameters like pack length, no-pack distance, photo-eye distance, and registration for IXR.

Enabling the IXR Function

Steps to enable the IntelliTrack XR function on the detector.

Calibrating the IXR Function

Calibrate IXR by learning noise thresholds and detect levels.

Using the Auto-Calibration Function

Perform auto-calibration for IXR, ensuring proper package passage and conveyor speed.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot IXR function issues like photo registration not set or distance set to zero.

Glossary

Alarm

See WAF definition.

Application

Describes how product is passed through the detector's search head (conveyor, gravity-feed, etc.).

Auto-calibration

Function to set phase angle, detect level, and AuditCheck using test contaminants.

Control Panel

Includes navigation, Go, Back buttons, indicator lights, and display panel.

Detect level

Signal level threshold for tagging contamination; set based on background noise.

Global parameter

Infrequently set parameters affecting data display like language and units.

Go button

The green button on the detector’s control panel used to select or start functions.

Main Menu

The initial menu for accessing all detector functions.

Navigation buttons

Control panel buttons used to move cursor, highlight functions, and change numbers.

Pack gap

Function to control rejection based on product spacing percentage.

Product parameter

Parameters controlling product identification and behavior in specific applications.

Search head

The main detection aperture where products are tested for metallic contaminants.

WAF

Warning, alarm, or fault notification triggered by specific conditions.

X threshold

Noise threshold for reactive signals, indicating product or metal contamination.

Contacting Thermo Fisher Scientific

Getting Technical Support

Contact details for technical support via phone, fax, or email.

Ordering Parts

Contact information for ordering replacement parts for your APEX.

Obtaining a Return Materials Authorization Number

Procedure to obtain an RMA number for equipment returns.

Supplemental Information

APEX Spare Parts List

List of available spare parts and their corresponding part numbers for APEX models.

APEX Metal Detector Quick-Start Guide

Control Panel

Overview of the detector's control panel components: display, lights, and buttons.

Naming the Product

Steps to name the product being tested using the detector's keyboard screen.

Changing Applications

Configure the APEX for different application types: conveyor, gravity-feed, pipeline, or pharmaceutical.

Conveyor Applications

Commonly used functions for setting up a typical conveyor application.

Pack Length

Set the length of product units in mm or inches for conveyor applications.

No-Pack Distance

Define the no-pack distance, ideally identical to pack length for conveyor applications.

In-Feed Photo-Eye Distance

Measure and input the distance from the photo eye to the detector's search head.

Polarity of the Photo-Eye Input

Configure how the detector interprets photo eye signals based on light or dark activation.

Photo Registration for Product Rejects

Select which part of the product triggers the reject device.

Distance to the Reject Device

Input the distance from the search head to the main reject device.

Signal Duration for the Reject Device

Set the duration of the signal needed to activate the reject device.

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