QuickStart Degas Conditions

Use to enter commonly used degas conditions for each Smart VacPrep port without the need for a sample file. Degassing can then be started using the front panel buttons on the Smart VacPrep unit.

This option provides three ways to load information into QuickStart Degas Conditions:

  • Load degas conditions from an existing degas conditions file.
  • Copy conditions from another Smart VacPrep unit and port.
  • Enter degas conditions manually.

Degas conditions can be copied into sample files after degassing for record keeping.

When using the QuickStart menu option, the degas process is started using the Select button and Start buttons for each port on the Smart VacPrep unit.

QuickStart degas conditions are remembered for the next button operation.

  1. Click Edit for the port to be configured. The six ports are represented by row numbers. Ports that are busy are grayed out and disabled.
  1. Enter degas conditions using one of the following methods:
    • To select degas conditions from a Degas Conditions file, click the drop-down arrow to the right of the Degas Conditions field. If the file is not shown, select Browse, locate the file, then click Load.
    • To copy QuickStart Degas Conditions from another Smart VacPrep, select the unit and port number to the right of the Copy QuickStart Degas Conditions from Smart VacPrep Unit field.
    • To enter degas conditions manually, complete the fields on the window. See the Degas Conditions section of the analyzer operator manual
  2. Click Save. Repeat these steps for each port to be configured. If multiple ports will have the same degas conditions parameters, click Edit on the port and use the Copy QuickStart Degas Conditions from Smart VacPrep Unit [n] Port [n] field to load the settings from the first port.
  3. Repeat these steps for each applicable unit and port.
  4. If using the Check Seal, see the instructions included with the Check Seal [part number 350-42802-00]. For 1/4 in., 3/8 in., and 9 mm sample tubes, the CheckSeal opener must be removed in order to install the correct size sample tube.
  5. Load the sample into the sample tube. If using a Check Seal or TranSeal, insert it into the sample tube.
  6. Load the sample tube on the Smart VacPrep sample port.
  7. Attach the heating mantle using the metal clip. If a straight wall tube is used, heating mantles with elastic cords are available.
  8. Install the safety shield.
  9. Press the Select button for the port to be degassed. A blue LED is lit.
  10. Press the Start button on the Smart VacPrep panel to start the degas process for all ports that have a blue LED lit.
  11. When degassing is complete and the sample has cooled, the sample can be transferred to an analysis port.

Load QuickStart Degas Conditions into a Sample File

QuickStart Degas Conditions can be copied into a sample file. See the Degas Conditions section of the analyzer operator manual.

Degas Conditions
Selections Description
Copy QuickStart degas conditions from Smart VacPrep Unit [drop‑down box] Use to copy the degas conditions settings from the selected Smart VacPrep unit and port.
Degas conditions [drop‑down box] Use to browse for a .DEG file that contains degas condition parameters to be used in the analysis.

Heating Phase [table]

This option is applicable when degassing with a Smart VacPrep.

Enter up to five stages of degas conditions.

Temperature. Temperature at which the sample is to be held while degassing.

Time. How long the sample is to be held at the specified temperature before beginning to cool down.

Temperature Ramp Rate. The rate at which the temperature will change while advancing to the hold temperature.

Smart VacPrep
Evacuation [group box]

Backfill sample tube. Indicate if the sample tube should be backfilled automatically or wait for operator response.

Evacuation rate. Rate used for evacuation.

Evacuation time. Length of time for preliminary evacuation before proceeding with the Heating Phase temperature schedule. The timer starts when the vacuum level is reached.

Hold pressure. Pressure at which heating will stop and hold the sample temperature approximately constant until the pressure falls below the Hold pressure. This prevents damage to the sample structure due to 'steaming' and /or elutriation due to excessive escaping gas velocity.

Target temperature. Targeted temperature for evacuation.

Temperature ramp rate. Rate at which the temperature is to change when advancing to the target pressure.

Unrestricted evac. from. Pressure at which the unrestricted evacuation is to begin.

Vacuum level. Evacuation time starts when the vacuum level is reached.

  Smart VacPrep fields and buttons not listed in this table; see Common Fields and Buttons.