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Service Manual AMD2
Service Manual AMD2
Service Manual AMD2
AMD is the only method for successful use of reproducible gradient elution with silica gel
as the stationary phase. The AMD2 system is designed for Automated Multiple
Development or gradient development of HPTLC plates.
Note: Since version 1.24, the AMD 2 is controlled by winCATS, the Planar
Chromatography Manager. Like other computer controlled CAMAG instruments, the
AMD 2 communicates with winCATS via a software interface called “EquiLink”.
· The programmed gradient is displayed on the screen.
· To make up the gradient, dosage of solvents is performed by a piston pump.
· The solvent migration distances are monitored by a CCD sensor.
Important: For the installation of the Edwards RV3 vacuum pump, see special instruction.
The firmware, in addition to the test and alignment functions, contains the start up
program of the AMD2 and acts as an interpreter for the AMD2 / winCATS control
program. After switching ON of the instrument the firmware performs an initialization and
sets the AMD2 ready for control (For more information concerning the AMD2 control
program, consult the AMD2 operating manual or winCATS help for the winCATS control
program).
The firmware program is loaded into a flash EPROM U4 located on the µP module MM-
500, itself plugged onto the "Main board" # 135.0080. If necessary the firmware can be
updated through the CAMAG Universal Firmware Update Program located in the
c:\camag\winCATS directory by the command "Fwupdate.exe". Select the corresponding
serial COM port and baudrate in use (default = 19200) and load up the "AMD2.frm" file
located in the "Firmware" directory of winCATS. To start update, click on the chip icon or click
"Transfer à Start" in the pull down menu (see also winCATS help).
In addition to the firmware flash EPROM, a second flash memory located on the "Main
board" as well, IC U28, also called E2-PROM, holds some AMD2 specific parameters,
e.g. the vacuum measuring range, temperature measuring range, etc.
Note: In case the replacement of the "Main" PCB # 135.0080 becomes necessary, this
E2-PROM (U28) should be taken from the defective board and inserted onto the new
board in order to keep the proper pre-adjusted settings. The E2-PROM (U28) can also be
ordered at CAMAG for a specific AMD2. Hence, when ordering U28, specify the serial
number of the instrument.
Note: For the performance of the test programs the AMD2 must be connected to
vacuum and compressed nitrogen or clean air.
- Gas supply pressure: 4.5 - 6 bar (60 - 90 psi)
- Ultimate partial pressure (end vacuum): £ 2 mbar.
RESET-key quits the test routine and sets the instrument ready for control.
If an instrument fault occurs during a run, the display will show: ERROR xx for
instrument status errors. ERROR xxx for interrupt errors. (For the description of the
fault, see the error list, page 11).
To quit an error routine, press END or RESET-key.
2.2.2 Output Test: Individual test of valves and automatic start of vacuum pump.
2.2.3 Input Test: Displays the active or inactive state of the switches (0 or 1).
Ø While carrying out the next adjustment, put the lid on the
chamber and cover the optical device by a dark cloth.
· Insert the special test plate with line pattern (700.1010) into the
plate holder by means of the plate positioning device and insert it
into the chamber (line pattern toward optical device located left
hand side of the chamber). Adjust the basic illumination using
the potentiometer R2 (CCD adj) located on “Main board“ of the
electronics unit. The correct value is 100 ± 10
· Loosen lightly the 2.5 mm Allen fixing screw located on the upper
part of CCD device (See diagram fig.1). Now by means of a 2.5
mm Allen screwdriver move the optical system slowly toward left
or right side in order to get the maximum signal for Z-1, Z and
Z+1 on LCD display (value ³ 120). Don't tight the upper fixing
screw yet !
· Insert the special test plate with line pattern (700.0105) into the
plate holder by means of the plate positioning device and insert it
into the chamber - line pattern towards optical device located on
the left side of the chamber, blank side of plate towards you.
· Put on the chamber lid.
· Read "Line Positions" on LCD display.
Ø 30 / 50 / 70 mm (+ 0.5 mm)
2.2.8 Pres Measur.: Test and adjustment of the vacuum measurement range.
Ø Before starting step (3), make sure the chamber lid is on and
tighten.
1) RUN-key enters the test routine and displays the actual chamber
temperature. (Compare with a reference thermometer)
2.2.11 Cock Adj.: Test and adjustment of the 8-port valve positioning.
Note: For this test it is necessary to remove the side panels of the
instrument, in order to reach comfortably the 8-port connections.
Note: The dosing syringe drive range is factory adjusted and does
normally not need to be re-adjusted.
RUN-key starts the test and display shows “Syringe drive LS1-S à
Refpos“ (corresponds to the reference position of the dosing
syringe)
In this situation the syringe piston must be positioned about 1 mm
from the bottom - this situation can only be accurately seen from
the right side of the instrument, i.e. when the side panel is removed.
In any other case the lower sens screw would have to be re-
adjusted, i.e. lengthen or shorten, in order to move the piston to the
recommended reference position.
Note: The upper optical fork-type switch of the dosage unit does
not act as limiting switch but as security switch, i.e. is normally
never activated, except in case of a motor control problem, in order
to stop the drive before the mechanical end.
2.2.15 Vacuum test: Test of ultimate pressure and tightness of the system.
Ø Before starting the test, make sure the chamber lid is on and
tighten.
RUN-key starts the test; the display shows for an instant the actual
pressure and temperature in the chamber and the system starts the
vacuum pump. After about 20s the ultimate pressure is reached
and displayed (usually ≤ 1 mb).
Now, press first ENTER-key, then END-key; the firmware performs
a tightness test of the system and after 30s displays the result in
mbar/min (millibar/minute) which represents the leak, i.e. the
pressure increase/minute in the AMD2 chamber and related
connections.
With this test the service engineer can manually monitor a gradient,
sent to the AMD2 by the PC.
In case of a proven solvent migration problem in the chamber, the
service engineer can disconnect and remove the CCD migration-
monitoring device and start the test. The solvent migration can then
be observed through the vertical window of the chamber.
Hint: For your convenience while carrying out the preventive maintenance task, use the
maintenance checklist (see page 17).
Note: When prior to preventive maintenance the instrument will be checked by the
winCATS "AMD2 Qualification" routine for the test of the instrument's status (strongly
recommended), it is not necessary to perform Point (1), (5), (6), (7) and (8). Indeed,
these tests are included in the "Qualification" program, are running automatically, and
thus, do not need to be performed individually.
Double click the AMD2 icon to open the "manual control" window.
Next, click the icon on the toolbar, opening the qualification dialog box (Fig. 1, page
13) and follow the instructions on the screen.
When starting the preventive maintenance, the first step is to check the instrument's
basic functioning, i.e. initialization, mechanical movements of dosing unit / positioning of
8-port valve, ref-switches, backlash, etc (performed by the "Endless test")
Note: These tests can be fully automatically performed by running the "AMD 2
Qualification" routine included in winCATS
Hint: It is recommended to perform / select one by one the proposed qualification tests,
following the order of the preventive maintenance instruction and to check stepwise the
passed tests on the provided maintenance checklist (see page 17).
√ Test positioning quality of all drives (click OK when ready to start the test)
Ø Status of result: Any drive test not past, i.e. positioning reproducibility, backlash etc,
may be caused by mechanical hampering and due to, e.g. dirty or dry sliding rods. In
this case proceed to next step - cleaning and lubrication.
Ø In case of no improvement after cleaning and lubrication, each drive can individually
and detailed be tested through the 'service dialog' (section 2.2.14 for syringe and
2.2.12 for 8-port valve) (see chapter 2.0, Test list, page 2 of this manual)
Note: At the end of the actual test, winCATS saves the test results in a report file named
by the current date, e.g. "20030925.QAmd2". The qualification report files themselves
are automatically saved in a directory generated by winCATS and named by the AMD 2
serial number. All test files can later be called up and displayed for comparison purpose
Switch off the instrument and remove the housing lid. By means of a vacuum cleaner,
remove all dust and silica powder around the dosing unit and into the developing
chamber as well as the preconditioning and waste bottle compartment. However, in the
frame of a maintenance overhaul and before beginning alignments, it is of good practice
form to perform a complete instrument clean.
Next, with a cloth put over the forefinger and wetted slightly by alcohol, clean the sliding
rods of syringe drive, remove any lubricant or dust left.
Note: Using a solvent for cleaning the sliding rods is only necessary if there is a coat of
dirt or smirch over it; mostly a normal wiping off by a cloth is sufficient.
After drying of the cleaning alcohol it is recommended to lubricate the sliding rods of the
syringe drive as well as all moving parts by means of a silicone based lubricant; CAMAG
recommends the use of CARFA Magic spray (CAMAG # 952.0001)
Note: Some silicone lubricants dry out after a couple of weeks / months and may result
in unsustained lubrication.
Hint: In order to avoid dirtying the instrument while spraying lubricant, spray some
lubricant on the forefinger tip and spread it on the rods, proceed in 2 - 3 steps to distribute
the lubricant evenly over the whole length.
Important: The special grease coated over the micro spindle of syringe drive must only
be washed away and replaced if really dried out. Normally this type grease remains
smooth over years. In any case, use special spindle grease, not silicone based lubricant.
· Test of control functions of the keypad, The keys response can be tested through the
'Panel test' (see section 2.2.10, page 8)
Note: In case the CCD monitoring test is performed by the Firmware, i.e. no winCATS
available; start the "Line test" according to section 2.2.6, page 5.
√ Test measurements
Ø Start the test by clicking OK and follow the instructions on the screen.
Note: In case the reduced input-pressure test is performed manually, i.e. no winCATS
available - proceed as follows:
Note: In case the test of chamber temperature monitoring is performed by the Firmware,
i.e. no winCATS available - start the test according to section 2.2.9, page 7 (do not
exceed step (1) for the comparison test) - better, for a single comparison test, press the
up / down arrow-key and read the value on display.
4.2.8 Test of ultimate pressure and tightness of the system (Vacuum test):
Note: In case the test of ultimate pressure and tightness of the system is performed by
the Firmware, i.e. no winCATS available; start the test according to section 2.2.15, page
9. (Use the CAMAG reference vacuum meter # 705.0300 with fittings # 705.0209 and
insert it between AMD2 and pump)
Note: Make sure the AMD 2 is connected to vacuum and compressed N2 / air (4-5 bars)
Ø Start the test by clicking OK and follow the instructions on the screen.
In this routine the program performs several tests in the pneumatics circuitry, i.e.
determining the proper work / response of the input pressure monitor with switch
threshold at ~ 3.5 bar, the input pressure regulator, factory adjusted to +100 mbar (0.1
bar), as well as the pressure influence / response of the different switched valves. (see
possible errors diagnostic list fig. 2, page 16). For an explanation of the test procedure,
check the AMD2 Flow at qualification of pneumatic tests document.
Note: During qualification test "Pneumatic parts", in order to improve response of
valve test (above all for valve 7), it isrecommended to loosen slightly 1 of the 5 solvent bottles
(tight it again after completion).
Service Manual AMD2.DOC - André Gschwind / 06-2001 / 09-2003 / 03-2007 15
Service Manual AMD 2
Valve 0 (NC) or P-switch (NO) not not done not done not done not done not done
connected (error 32) (error 32) (error 32) (error 32) (error 32)
Valve 1 not connected (NC) passed passed failed passed passed
Valve 2 not connected (NO to failed passed failed passed failed
precond. bottle)
Valve 3 not connected (NC) failed passed failed failed failed
Valve 4 not connected (NC) passed passed failed failed passed
Valve 5 not connected (NC) passed passed failed failed passed
Valve 6 not connected (NC) passed passed passed failed passed
Valve 7 not connected (NC) passed passed passed passed failed
Tubes of precond. bottle not fixed passed passed failed passed passed
P-switch (>3.5bar) not ok (always passed failed passed passed passed
closed)
√ Vacuum test
Automatic test of ultimate pressure and tightness of the system performed by winCATS
Qualification.
Ø Connect your reference vacuum meter with fittings in parallel to the pump.
Note: For similar test, see also section 4.2.8 or 2.2.15, page 9).
Ø Start the test by clicking OK and follow the instructions on the screen.
Ø Check the oil level (in general refer to operating manual of the pump manufacturer)
Ø Visual check of oil color: Þ it must be bright yellow (oil Ultragrade 19, 1 liter
# 952.2100 for the Edwards pump model RV3)
For GLP requirements an OQ (Operation Qualification) SOP for the certification (or re-
certification after a maintenance or repair) of the AMD 2 is available at CAMAG. If
required, order the document set under "OQ AMD 2 / winCATS" # 993.0221.
Note: Only CAMAG trained and certified "Product Specialists" are qualified to perform
Installation and Operation Qualifications.
Customer: ...........................................................................................
Address: ...........................................................................................
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090204 Power drive of 8-port valve stepper motor has been increase in
power of 25%. (R5, R6, R7, R8 of Periphery board # 135.0081
changed from 1.6 to 1.3 ohm)
120401 Because of non stable / reproducible reduced pressure for filling and
pressure compensation purpose, a second pressure regulator has
been added and regulating now by two steps; first step: 5 / 1 bar
- second step:1 / 0.15 bar (range: 120 - 150 mb) (see back wall) +
principle diagram. (see Tech-Info 12/05)
AMD 2
801.8860 Bloc diagram AMD 2
804.8862 Principle diagram AMD2 version 1 (before S/N 060301)
804.8862 Principle diagram AMD2 version 2 (starting S/N 060301)
804.8862 Principle diagram AMD2 version 3 (starting S/N 091001)
804.8862 Principle diagram AMD2 version 4 (starting S/N 120401)
110.8860 Principle diagram of ADC / AMD2 CCD device