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Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I send raw data to Particular Sciences?
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This is probably
the most common question asked by customers who
contact us with result or specification issues.
We usually
ask you to share your results and data with us, so we can review
the exact conditions and settings and the raw data and assess
issues that you may not be used to inspecting. Implicit in this,
we do not want the result print-out, we need the underlying
data/signals collected during the measurement.
For more information click here.
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Do we need an electrical mains conditioner for our instrument?
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You don't need one if your supply is a reliably 220~230V and
is not subject to dips or
brown outs, if it almost never fails or is turned off
unexpectedly and most important if there are no spikes, noise or
transients .
If you need a mains conditioner
click here for more information.
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Well the simple answer is you need research grade or >99.99%
purity. Any less may give you problems with results as the
contaminants may be reactive or condensing gases.
It is important to have the gases supplied in suitable purity
and not to purchase cheaper grades and use purifiers to clean
the gas. We recommend you use cylinder regulators with metal
diaphragms and with suitable pressure range, e.g. 1 or 2 bar
range allows you to set 16~18 psi supply to the instruments.
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Do I need the foam cover on a Dewar for
Gemini or Tristar or ASAP?
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The simple answer is YES and always yes. There are several
issues, apart from the obvious answer that it may prolong your
liquid nitrogen in the Dewar. The foam cover creates a trapped
environment over the liquid nitrogen and this directly affects
your saturation pressure/Po measurement...also it can reduce ice
formation.
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Generally it is best to stay current with the latest
releases, from a support viewpoint, but the full answer depends
on the nature of the upgrade itself and on your software control
procedures.
For more information click here.
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While you should carry out routine "user
service" yourself, only trained and "qualified" service engineers should be
allowed to repair or carry out service or verification work.
User Service includes cleaning, replacing cell windows or sample
related consumables and PC maintenance.
Qualified means that the engineer has traceability through
Particular Sciences to the manufacturer and has access to the
latest procedures, the manufacturer's traceable test equipment
and the correct spare parts.
Unqualified engineers may do more harm than good and could leave
the system in need of more expensive repair or Qualification.
You should not attempt to open instruments or test components or
fit parts yourselves. |
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The answer depends on the importance of your company knowing
the instrument is currently inside specification. If you are
responsible for dispatching product that has certified
performance then you should consider running PQ materials before
analysing any samples.
At the very least we recommend monthly challenges for systems in
use - with PQ materials or standards. |
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Malvern Instrument's Quality Audit Standards (QAS) are
verification and PQ materials developed to challenge your
Mastersizer system and the all important sample feeder.
Details on the latest batches and products for your equipment
and the latest certificates and procedures are available on the
Malvern web site
http://www.malvern.com link. . |
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Malvern Instrument's have long offered transfer standards
for challenging your zeta-potential measurement systems. These
suspensions are pre-formulated in convenient dispensing syringes
to ensure ionic balance and correct pH during the measurements
and to minimise sample preparation errors.
Malvern have now launched DTS1230 which has an expected value of
-68mV (+/- 6.8mV) and this will replace DTS0050 materials when
stocks deplete.
More details on request from info@particular.ie. |
FAQ ...more information.
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You will need to use Windows Explorer to locate and copy the data
file and have access to email to send us the file.
- open explorer on the PC.
- find the data sub-directory where the records are stored your PC
or Server. In Vista or XP this may be a shared folder location.
- Check that this file is not open in your application, if it is,
close it.
- copy the record and paste it to a new location e.g. desktop
(some 21 CFR software requires the file to be exported from a secure
location, not copied).
- If the instrument PC does not have internet access you will need
to copy the file to a memory stick or send it over the network to
another user/PC who has access.
- Then attach the file to the email you send to PSL with a clear
outline of which records are of interest.
- Note if the file is very large you can usually create a new
small file by copying and cutting out the unwanted records before
you send it.
For specific situations and advise, please email
support@particular.ie .
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If you have some or all of these problems with your electrical
supply; apart from inconvenience this causes, you may be damaging the
circuits and components of your sensitive instrument.
The
usual outcome is failure of the internal powers
supplies as these directly take the hits but you may have
collateral damage to circuits and components further down the
instrument.
A suitable mains conditioner will protect the instrument from
damaging noise and spikes and annoying brown outs. This will improve
your instrument's reliability long-term and reduce failures
dramatically. It will also minimise loss of settings stored on
circuits/chips inside the instrument. This is a proven fact in Ireland.
We have seen problems in numerous labs and facilities and they are not
specific to any location or instrument model.
Electrical noise problems are evident when there are large
motors or compressors on the same supply. But there are also
less obvious causes like fume cupboards where noise is caused by
the heavy extraction motors or when builders are working nearby.
Further details from Dr John Fleming on
john@particular.ie
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- If the software upgrade is a bug fix for a serious
problem that could affect you, then you must upgrade as soon
as possible.
- If the upgrade offers a performance improvement then
yes, you should upgrade but you will need to assess the
effects on your results.
- If the upgrade offers new facilities or the fixes do not
affect you; the choice is yours. You may choose wait for a
later release.
You can get details of new software releases or upgrades from
us, or from the manufacturer's web sites. Always check that
upgrades you obtain are applicable to your model and version,
you may need firmware or hardware upgrades as well and these
must be installed by qualified PSL engineers.
Also check if the new software is compatible with your PC and
its O/S. Some new releases, for example, will not install on old
versions of windows. Others may require more memory or other
hardware changes.
Always back up valuable data and method files before
attempting any installation and close all programs. This is your
responsibility.
You may need to requalify your instrument after software
upgrade, some customers will require a pre-approval process.
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