Struers Tenupol-3 Manuel utilisateur

Tenupol-3

Instruction Manual

Gebrauchsanweisung

Mode d’emploi

Spare Parts and Diagrams

Manual No.: 14087001

Date of Release 21.11.1997

Tenupol-3

Instruction Manual

Table of Contents Page

Instruction Manual ...................................................... 1

Gebrauchsanweisung .............................................. 28

Mode d’emploi .......................................................... 59

Spare Parts and Diagrams ....................................... 89

Tenupol-3

Instruction Manual

1

Instruction Manual

Always state

Serial No and Voltage/frequency if you have technical questions or when ordering spare parts.

You will find the Serial No. and Voltage on the type plate of the machine itself. We may also need the

Date

and

Article No of the manual. This information is found on the front cover.

The follo

wing restrictions should be observed, as violation of the restrictions may cause cancellation of

Struers legal obligations:

Instruction Manuals:

Struers Instruction Manual may only be used in connection with Struers equipment

covered by the Instruction Man

ual.

Service Manuals:

Struers Service Manual may only be used by a trained technician authorised by Struers.

The Service Manual may only be used in connection with Struers equipment covered by the Service Manual.

Struers assumes no responsibility for erro

rs in the manual text/illustrations. The information in this manual is

subject to change without notice. The manual may mention accessories or parts not included in the present

version of the equipment.

The contents of this manual are the property of Stru

ers. Reproduction of any part of this manual without the

written permission of Struers is not allowed.

Struers A/S

Valhøjs Allé 176

DK

-2610 Rødovre/Copenhagen

Denmark

Telephone +45 36 70 35 00

Fax +45 38 27 27 01

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Instruction Manual

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Tenupol-3

Safety Precaution Sheet

To be read carefully

before use

1. The operator must be fully instructed in the use of the instrument,

according to this manual.

2. The operator must be fully instructed in the use of the electrolytes used

with Tenupol-3.

3. Observe the current safety precautions regarding the handling, mixing,

filling and disposal of the electrolyte.

Material Safety Data Sheets on request.

4. Check the model plate and the mains voltage selector prior to the

power sully connection.

5. Check that the polishing unit is standing firmly on the support in order

not to tip over.

6. Do not leave the instrument unattended when filled with electrolyte.

7. The polishing process develops heat. Keep the electrolyte temperature

below the flashpoint of the actual electrolyte.

The equipment is designed for use with consumables supplied by Struers. If subjected to misuse, improper

installation, alteration, neglect, accident or improper repair, Struers will accept no responsibility for

damage(s) to the user or the equipment.

Dismantling of any part of the equipment, during service or repair, should always be performed by a qualified

technician (electromechanical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, etc.)

Tenupol-3

Instruction Manual

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Table of Contents Page

1. Installation ................................................... 4

1.1. Packing List .......................................................................................... 4

1.2. Placing ................................................................................................. 4

1.3. Mounting and Connection of the Individual Units ................................ 5

1.4. Safety Precautions ............................................................................... 6

2. Operation ..................................................... 8

2.1. Introduction .......................................................................................... 8

2.2. Application ........................................................................................... 8

2.3. Function ............................................................................................... 8

2.4. Design .................................................................................................. 9

2.5. Operation of Control Unit ................................................................... 11

2.6. Operating the Polishing Unit .............................................................. 14

2.7. Operation Parameters ....................................................................... 16

2.8. Pre-treatment of the Specimen .......................................................... 18

2.9. Thinning, General .............................................................................. 19

2.10. Thinning Examples ............................................................................ 21

2.11. Electrolytes ........................................................................................ 21

2.12. Polishing Defects ............................................................................... 22

3. Accessories ................................................. 24

4. Maintenance ................................................ 25

4.1. Polishing Unit ..................................................................................... 25

4.2. Control Unit ........................................................................................ 25

5. Trouble-Shooting ........................................... 26

6. Technical Data ............................................. 27

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1. Installation

1.1. Packing List

1 Control unit with cable for connection to main power supply

1 Polishing unit with polishing cell, cover for polishing cell, built-in

IR-transmitter/receiver, cooling coil and pump system as well as cable

and plug connector for control unit

1 Thermometer pocket

1 Thermometer +20/-50°C

1 Specimen holder for 03 mm specimens

1 Jet holders, inside diameter 1 mm, set with 2 pcs.

1 PVC-reservoir, insulated

1 PVC-reservoir, uninsulated

2 Ø8 mm tube for cooling coil, 2x1 m.

1 Jet holder with ascending tube

1 Return tube

1.2. Placing

Tenupol-3 is a stationary instrument for setting up in a laboratory. This

implies that the instrument must be placed on a plane and horizontal table.

The table must be resistant to chemicals. It is recommended to place the

polishing unit on a piece of impregnated paper or some other easily

replaceable protective foil.

Please note that the electrolytes to be used may result in demands for local

exhaust or installation in fume cupboard.

The control unit can either be placed next to the polishing unit or on a shelf

above the polishing unit. If placed on a table next to the polishing unit the

operating convenience can be increased by placing the control unit with the

built-in legs in an inclined position.

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1.3. Mounting and Connection of the Individual Units

1.3.1. Polishing Unit

Place the base plate with pump, polishing cell etc. on top of the insulated

PVC-reservoir. The cooling coil and the pump must be immersed in the

reservoir. The pump motor and polishing cell must turn upwards (see fig.

11).

Put the thermometer pocket in the drilled hole (Fig. 2.5) between the

polishing cell and the pump motor. Put the thermometer into the pocket.

Mount the two jet holders and the specimen holder as described in sections

OPERATION.

Connect the polishing unit to the control unit. Connect the multi plug to the

socket on the right hand side of the control unit and fasten the coupling nut

of the plug. The fastening is done by hand, without use of spanners or other

tools.

Connect the cooling coil to a separate cooling unit, to the water pipe, or to

some other cooling arrangement which meets all technical and safety

regulations as well as any possible restrictions on consumption of water

resources.

Alternatively, the uninsulated vessel can be used as electrolyte reservoir.

Thus, a cooling effect can be obtained if this reservoir is placed in an ice

bath or another cooling bath.

1.3.2. Control Unit

On the left hand side of the instrument (Fig. 1.3) a mains voltage switch is

placed. Check that it is set according to the actual supply voltage.

The power cord supplied with the instrument is mounted in the

corresponding socket on the left hand side of the instrument (Fig. 1.4) and

then connected to the mains.

On the lower side of the instrument, approx. 5 cm from the front edge,

foldable legs (Fig. 1.5) are mounted at both sides. These legs can be used if

it is required that the front plate of the control unit should be more inclined.

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1.4. Safety Precautions

1.4.1. Electrolytes

The electrolytes mentioned in section OPERATION can be used without

involving any risk for user or equipment if the safety precautions stated for

these electrolytes are followed.

Some of the electrolytes contain perchloric acid. See section OPERATION

for further information.

Tenupol-3 is designed for use with electrolytes recommended by Struers.

Other electrolytes, e.g. electrolytes containing strong bases or acids, may

harm the construction or endanger the safety of the user.

Note that many electrolytes contain alcohol or other inflammable solvents.

Make sure that all safety precautions are followed when using such

electrolytes.

It is essential that the user is fully trained in the use of Tenupol-3 as well as

the electrolytes involved.

When cleaning the instrument after use, make sure that no electrolyte is

allowed to dry and/or crystallize inside the instrument or on the polished

material.

1.4.2. Perchloric Acid

Electrolytes from Struers with the prefix A consist of approx. 11 stock

solution, to which from 15 to 90 ml perchloric acid (60%) is added. Thus, the

ready-made electrolyte will contain from 1 to 5% perchloric acid.

Electrolytes with such a low content of perchloric acid will not imply

considerable elements of risk. Before mixing, however, there will be 60%

perchloric acid present. Therefore, the following safety precautions for

perchloric acid must be observed:

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 All personnel involved in the mixing, use, storage, transportation, and

disposal of the electrolytes or its components, should be thoroughly

trained in the perchloric acid precautions.

 Great importance must be attached to precautions against inhalation of

vapors of the solution or its components, against skin contact, mixing

and overheating, and concerning storage and disposal methods.

 Add the perchloric acid to the solvent/water mixture slowly, stirring

continuously, in a water bath with temperature control.

 The mixing must take place in a ventilated chemical fume hood

designed for perchloric acid use.

 The operator(s) must use the listed protective clothing or devices: full

face shield or splash goggles, rubber gloves and lab coat or coveralls.

 Avoid the use of any combustible or carbonaceous containers, reaction

vessels, spill pans, storage shelves, or materials of this type when

dealing with the acid.

 Do not permit any acid to crystallize on bottle necks, caps, or anywhere

else.

 Store in secure, ventilated area with metal, glass, or ceramic spill catch

pan.

 Store away from other chemicals, combustible materials, and organics.

 Do not permit solutions to dry out under any circumstances.

 60% perchloric acid is classified as a Material that will not burn, but

caution should be taken against their coming in contact with organic

material which could cause an explosion.

 Fire fighting should be done from a protected location. Extinguish with

water spray.

 Do not produce anhydrous perchloric acid, either from its salts or from

aqueous solutions, e.g. by heating with high boiling acids or

dehydrating agents, such as sulfuric acid or phosphorous pentoxide. In

addition to spontaneous explosion, the anhydrous acid explodes

instantaneously in contact with oxidizable organic materials.

 The use or storage of perchloric acid should be limited to quantities less

than 500 g per hood.

 Follow local regulations when residues are to be disposed of.

 Dilution and/or neutralization are the normally recommended methods

of disposal for the electrolyte.

A. Training operators

B. Mixing the solution

C. Storage of

the perchloric acid or solution

D. Fire and explosion hazards

E. Disposal

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2. Operation

2.1. Introduction

Tenupol-3 comprises a base plate with a polishing cell, a built-in, infrared

detector system, a cooling coil and a pump system, all placed on top of a

PVC-reservoir for electrolyte. The electrical parts, pump etc. are connected

to a separate control and power supply unit through a single cable.

2.2. Application

Tenupol-3 is an automatic instrument for electrolytic thinning of specimens

for Transmission Electron Microscopy and other methods of examination

where the thickness of the specimens must correspond to or be smaller

than the grain size of the examined material.

2.3. Function

A specimen, normally max. 0.5 mm thick and with a diameter of 3 mm, is

placed between two immersed jets. A pump system sends a flow of

electrolyte through the jets against the specimen.

An electric circuit is established with a DC-power supply, with a cathode

placed in the electrolyte and with the specimen connected as anode.

When the electric circuit is closed, material will be removed electrolytically

from the specimen. This results in the forming of a small hole in the middle

of the specimen if the correct operating parameters have been used.

The edge of the hole will have a V-shaped cross section. The point of this

“V” will have the thickness required for the further structural examinations.

In Tenupol-3 the hole is detected by an infrared detector system, which

automatically cuts off the process. The liquid flow rate and the voltage can

be controlled from the control unit.

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2.4. Design

The instrument comprises the following main parts:

2.4.1. Control Unit

A cable connects the polishing unit to the control unit. The cable contains all

connections to the polishing chamber, pump and IR transmitter/receiver.

The connection is done with a multi-plug on the right hand side of the

control unit. The sturdy steel cabinet contains power supply, electronics and

regulations for polishing voltage, photo sensitivity, flow rate and timer. Two

indicating instruments indicate voltage and current respectively during the

process.

It is possible to compensate for deviations of different electrolytes by setting

the instrument in “Adjust Mode”. In this mode Flow rate can be optimized to

the electrolyte in question.

2.4.2. Polishing Unit

The polishing unit comprises a PVC base plate (Fig. 2.1) on which the pump

system (Fig. 2.2), the polishing cell (Fig. 2.3) with jets and specimen holder,

a cooling coil (Fig. 2.4) as well as a thermometer (Fig. 2.5) are mounted.

Depending on the chosen cooling method the base plate is placed on an

insulated or non-insulated PVC-reservoir.

The electrolyte pump (Fig. 3.1) is a pressure pump made of PVC, which

presses the liquid up through a Y-tube connection to the two symmetric

polishing chambers in the polishing cell. The pump motor (Fig. 3.2) on top of

the base plate is covered by a housing made of anodized aluminium (Fig.

3.3) and PVC (Fig. 3.4). The bearings of the motor are sealed from

electrolyte-vapors and splashing by a V-ring seal (Fig. 3.5), which is

mounted on the motor shaft.

Electrolyte is pumped up into two symmetrical chambers (Fig. 4.1) in the

polishing cell from the above mentioned connection of the Y-tube. The

polishing cell is made of PVC. The electrolyte passes from the two

chambers through the two jets (Fig. 4.2), hits the specimen in the specimen

holder (Fig. 4.3), and returns to the reservoir.

In the middle part of the polishing cell a spring contact (Fig. 4.4) is built-in so

that the specimen holder is connected to the polishing circuit.

The IR-transmitter and -receiver (Fig. 4.9) respectively are mounted in the

two symmetrical end covers (Fig. 4.5). The IR-detector system is operated

from the front plate of the control unit.

Pump system (Fig. 3)

The polishing cell (Fig. 4)

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The two jets and jet holders are made of PVC. The standard jets have an

inside diameter of 1 mm and are normally used together with the 3 mm or

2.3 mm specimen holders. The jet holders are also available with jets of

Ø2.5 mm for use with 10 mm specimen holders or highly viscous

electrolytes (see section ACCESSORIES).

The individual jet is wound with a helix of platinum wire which functions as a

cathode. The platinum wire is connected to the socket at the side of the jet

holder. When the jet holders are mounted in the polishing cell the two

banana plugs are plugged into the sockets (Fig. 5.1), whereby the platinum

wires are connected to the polishing circuit.

The standard specimen holder which is supplied with the apparatus it is

made of PVC with carbon reinforced teflon insertions and is designed for

thinning of specimens with diameter 3 mm and max. thickness 0.5 mm. The

specimen is placed in a platinum fixture (Fig. 7.4), which by means of a

stainless steel contact part (Fig. 7.5) is connected to the polishing circuit

when lowered into the polishing cell.

One half part of the specimen holder carries the platinum fixture and the

contact part. The other half part has a displaceable diaphragm (Fig. 7.3).

The displaceable diaphragm implies that the thickness of the specimen

(less than 0.5 mm) is not a critical problem when retaining the specimen in

the holder.

Specimen holders for Ø2.3 mm specimens and holders with 10 mm inside

diameter are available as accessories (See section ACCESSORIES).

On the lower side of the base plate the corrosion resistant cooling coil (Fig.

2.4) is fixed so that the hose connectors (Fig. 2.6) are located on the rear

edge of the base plate. Depending on the chosen cooling method, either

hoses from a cold water tap or a separate recirculating cooling unit is

connected.

In the thermometer pocket (Fig. 2.5) a thermometer -50/+20°C is placed. If

an operation requires a different range, the thermometer can easily be

replaced.

The standard equipment comprises both an insulated and an uninsulated

PVC-reservoir. The insulated reservoir is normally used when the electrolyte

is cooled by the cooling coil. The uninsulated reservoir is used when cooling

is done by an ice bath or the like.

Jets (Fig. 5 and 6)

Specimen holders (Fig. 7)

Cooling coil

and thermometer (Fig. 2)

PVC-reservoir

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2.5. Operation of Control Unit

When Tenupol-3 has been installed and connected as described in section

INSTALLATION the instrument is switched on/off by using the main switch

O/I on the top left hand side of the front plate (Fig. 10.1).

When the instrument is switched on the square indicator lamp (Fig. 10.2) is

lit.

Note that the main switch together with the Start/Stop button is used to set

the instrument in “Adjust Mode”. The procedure is described in section

OPERATION, Operation Parameters.

2.5.1. Controls

With the switch, it is possible to work in two voltage ranges. The low range,

5-45 V, is typically used for polishing aluminium, copper and brass. The

high range, 15-120 V, is typically used for stainless steels and iron, as well

as for pre-thinning and electrolytical blanking in the specimen holder with 10

mm inside diameter.

When the required voltage range has been selected the polishing voltage

can be set by using the double dial on the adjusting knob. Note that the

voltmeter only deflects during the polishing process.

The ammeter shows the current in the polishing circuit during the process.

The dial range suitable for the actual process is selected with the switch, i.e.

either 0-0.5 A or 0-5 A.

The rate of revolution of the pump motor and consequently also the flow

rate of the electrolyte through the jets in the polishing chamber is controlled

by the adjusting knob. The arbitrary dial from 1-10 is approximately

proportional to the flow, so that 1 is lowest flow and 10 is highest flow.

The adjusting screw moves the minimum range for the flow rate adjusting

knob. When turning the screw counter-clockwise the whole minimum range

is moved downwards. Correspondingly, the whole minimum range is moved

upwards when turning clockwise. The procedure is described in detail in

section OPERATION, Operation Parameters.

With this knob a potentiometric regulation of the IR-photo system sensitivity

can be made. Pos. 10 on the scale gives the highest sensitivity causing the

smallest hole.

Switch for voltage range

(Fig. 10.

3)

Adjusting knob for setting

the polishing voltage (Fig. 10.4)

Switch for ammeter range

(Fig. 10.6)

Adjusting knob for

flow rate (Fig. 10.8)

Adjusting screw for

flow rate (Fig. 10.9)

Adjusting knob for

photo sensitivity (Fig. 10.10)

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With the adjusting screw the dial range for the photo sensitivity is moved.

When the screw is turned counter clockwise the intensification of the signal

from the photo cell is reduced, and reverse, when it is turned clockwise. The

ratio between the luminous intensities in the two outer positions is approx.

1:4. The procedure is described in detail in section OPERATION, Operation

Parameters.

When pre-thinning and blanking electrolytically it may be an advantage to

perform the polishing with time control. The process is then carried out in

the preset span of time. The photo cell system will switch off the process

before the set time is out (photo sensitivity higher than 0), if a hole

unexpectedly develops in the specimen.

The start/stop-button is activated when the process parameters are set, just

as the polishing unit must be prepared for a process performance as far as

electrolyte, jets, specimen holder etc. are concerned. The process is

automatically switched off, either when the IR-detector system registers a

hole in the specimen, or if the preset time on the timer is out.

The process can be switched off manually by re-activating the Start/Stop-

button. Switching off the process is marked by a sound signal, whether it is

switched off manually or automatically.

The push-button is also used together with the main switch (Fig. 10.1) when

the instrument is set in “Adjust Mode” for adjusting the flow rate. The

procedure is described in section OPERATION, Operation Parameters

2.5.2. Reading of Instruments and Indicators

The voltmeter is a double dial instrument with max. reading for 40 V and

120 V respectively. Change-over between the two dial ranges is done

automatically when selecting voltage range with the switch (Fig. 10.3). The

voltmeter is cut in when the polishing is started on the push button

Start/Stop.

The ammeter is a dial instrument with max. deflection for 5 A. With the

selector button (Fig. 10.6) the deflection range can be changed in the scale

1:10 so that full deflection corresponds to 0.5 A. Always start with the

setting 5 A if the current is not known in advance in the actual process.

This diode indicates whether the IR-detector, depending on the preset photo

sensitivity, registers infrared light from the transmitter. The diode can light

either green or red, so that:

Red means light transmittance. I.e. there is no specimen holder in the

polishing cell or, there is no specimen in the specimen holder. When the

diode lights red the polishing cannot be started by activating the start

button.

Green means that there is no light transmittance. I.e. the light beam is

blocked by the specimen, presuming that the specimen holder is mounted

correctly in the polishing cell. The polishing can be started when the diode

lights green.

Adjusting screw for photo sensitivity

(Fig. 10.11

)

Adjusting knob

for timer (Fig. 10.12)

Push button for

Start/stop (Fig. 10.13)

Voltmeter (Fig. 10.5)

Ammeter (Fig. 10.7)

Start/Stop-diode (Fig. 10.14)

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With the color red the diode indicates that the polishing has started, and

with the color yellow that the instrument is in “Adjust Mode”:

Red indicates that there is a current in the polishing circuit, a current which

can be read on the ammeter. Note that the red reading comes a few

seconds after activating the start button. Before the polishing process starts

the pump works for a short time at full speed in order to fill the liquid system

with electrolyte. When this is done the rate of revolution decreases to the

preset rate on the “Flow rate” knob, and the polishing circuit is closed.

Note that a polishing current should be read on the ammeter. If the polishing

diode lights red, while the ammeter shows 0. there is no current. The reason

for this may e.g. be faulty mounting of the specimen in the specimen holder,

that the specimen holder is not mounted correctly in the specimen holder,

that the electrodes in the jet holders have not been correctly connected, that

there is breakage and faults in the wire connections, or other faults in the

polishing circuit.

A thermal fuse is built into the transformer. This overload fuse cuts out the

transformer at 110°C. The lamp for thermal overload indicates the cutting

out by lighting yellow. The fuse cuts in the transformer when it has been

sufficiently cooled (normally approx. 20 min).

Tenupol-3 is protected against overload by an automatic fuse in the primary

side of the transformer. When overloaded, the signal button of the fuse

springs out. After 15-20 sec, when the fuse has become sufficiently cooled

off, the signal button can be reset and the instrument is ready for use again.

First, examine whether the fuse has been released by faults, which have to

be repaired before starting to use the instrument again.

The polishing circuit is secured against overload and short circuit with a 5 A

automatic fuse. The signal button is released in case of overload or short

circuit. After 15-20 seconds it can be reset. First, examine whether the fuse

has been released by faults, which have to be repaired before starting to

use the instrument again.

When the polishing is stopped, either by the IR-detector, or by the timer this

is marked by a built-in signal, which gives off a short audible warning signal

three times.

Polishing-diode (Fig. 10.15)

Lamp for

Thermal Overload (Fig. 10.17)

Automatic fuse 2 A (Fig. 10.16)

Automatic fuse 5 A (Fig. 13.1)

Sound signal

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2.6. Operating the Polishing Unit

It is assumed in the following that the mounting instructions under point

5.2.1 have been followed.

2.6.1. Dismantling and Assembling the Specimen Holder

To dismantle the two main parts of the specimen holder turn them a little in

relation to each other. Now, they can easily be dismantled.

One half of the specimen holder (Fig. 7.1) contains a displaceable

diaphragm (Fig. 7.3) This diaphragm can now be pressed out from the rear

side.

When assembling the specimen holder (with specimen) the procedure is:

 The two halves are clicked together (the click is heard). The

displaceable diaphragm must not be inserted.

 Without the displaceable diaphragm inserted, the specimen holder is

placed on a table in such a way that the big cut-out where the

diaphragm has to be inserted, turns upward. The platinum strip (Fig.

7.4) will be visible through the cut-out.

 The specimen is now placed in the aperture of the platinum strip over

the diaphragm opening (Fig. 7.6) in the bottom half (Fig. 7.2).

 Then the displaceable diaphragm is pressed down into the cut-out, until

it fits tightly against the specimen.

 Now the specimen holder can be mounted in the polishing cell with the

contact piece facing the pump motor. Remember to press the holder

completely down into the polishing cell (See Fig. 9).

 When the polishing is finished, the holder is removed from the polishing

cell and placed in a beaker with water or water/alcohol mixture. Now

the holder can be opened so that the specimen “falls” out into the

beaker. The holder may also be taken out of the beaker and rinsed with

a washing bottle. In that case, the holder is opened and the specimen

taken out with forceps or the like.

2.6.2. Mounting of Jet Holders

The jet holders are equipped with a long sleeve which fits into a

corresponding groove in the polishing cell. The holders are inserted and

taken out in the longitudinal direction of the polishing cell. The procedure is

as follows:

 Place one jet holder in the polishing chamber and slide the sleeve into

the groove until the holder fits tightly against the back wall of the

chamber.

 Mount the other jet holder similarly at the other side of the chamber.

The cut-outs at the top of the holders provide the necessary space for

the fingers (Fig. 6.1). Do not use force. Slide the jets at a right angle to

the polishing cell aperture.

 Connect the two banana plugs in the corresponding sockets in the

holders, one plug in each holder (Fig. 5.1).

 Place the protective casing over the polishing cell (see Fig. 12).

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2.6.3. Filling and Emptying of Electrolyte

The volume corresponding to 1 liter is marked on the inside of the

electrolyte container. There must be at least 0.7 liter in the reservoir, but it is

recommended to use 1 liter.

If there is too little fluid, the pump may suck air into the liquid stream,

thereby disturbing the polishing. On the other hand, there is no point in

using more than one liter of fluid.

 Prepare 1 liter electrolyte according to the prescribed regulations for the

electrolyte.

 Place the base plate with motor, cooling coil etc. on the electrolyte

reservoir which is not being used.

 Pour the prepared electrolyte into the reservoir (insulated/uninsulated),

which is to be used during the polishing processes.

 Move the base plate back to the reservoir filled with electrolyte.

 Move the base plate from the reservoir filled with electrolyte to the

reservoir which is not being used. This might be filled with water so that

the first cleaning with water can start.

 If the electrolyte is to be re-used, it is poured back into its original

packaging or into another resistant packaging which is duly marked.

Funnel, gloves, ventilation as well as all other prescribed equipment

must be used during emptying.

 If the electrolyte is not to be used again, it should be filled into a

container suitable for disposal procedures. Please observe the local

regulations and instructions for disposal.

 Clean the polishing unit by pumping water through the polishing cell

instead of electrolyte. Make three to four successive flushings by

changing from one reservoir to another. Between the changes fresh

water is poured into the reservoirs.

 After the final flushing, specimen holder and jet holders are taken out

and left to dry. The reservoirs and the polishing unit should be dried

with a damp cloth.

2.6.4. Cooling of Electrolyte

For two main reasons it is necessary to cool the electrolyte during use, i.e.:

 In most cases the best polishing results are obtained if the electrolyte is

cooled down (See section OPERATION, Electrolytes).

 For safety reasons; because of the fire hazard, evaporation of alcohol

etc. it is necessary to cool the electrolyte to a temperature below its

flash point.

With Tenupol-3 it is possible to cool the electrolyte by using either the built-

in cooling coil or by immersing the uninsulated reservoir in an ice bath.

Procedure, filling

Procedure, emptying

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2.7. Operation Parameters

2.7.1. Adjust Mode

For basic adjustment of flow rate, the apparatus should be in “Adjust Mode”.

In this mode the normal switch-off security systems and the polishing circuit

are not in operation.

Set the apparatus in “Adjust Mode” as follows:

 Replace the rear jet holder by the jet holder with the ascending tube.

 Remove the thermometer from the polishing cell.

 Place the return tube in the thermometer pocket and make sure that the

ascending tube goes inside the return tube.

 Place a specimen holder, with a specimen inserted, in the polishing

cell.

 Adjust the flow rate to minimum (turn the flow rate knob counter--

clockwise).

 Switch off the power switch.

 With the Start/Stop-button activated, turn on the power switch.

 Release the Start/Stop-button.

 Now the motor is working with the low flow rate and the light of the

polishing diode is yellow. Dependent on other factors the light of the

Start/Stop-diode may be either red or green.

Disconnect “Adjust Mode” in the following way:

 Disconnect “Adjust Mode” either by pushing the Start/Stop-button or by

switching off the main switch.

 Remove the specimen holder from the polishing cell.

 Replace the jet holder with ascending tube by the holder with cathode.

 Remove the return tube and insert the thermometer.

NB

Clean the jet holder with the ascending tube

and the return tube with alcohol after use.

Tenupol-3

Instruction Manual

17

2.7.2. Basic Setting of Flow Rate

Different electrolytes can have different viscosity and wetting qualities.

Therefore the flow rate should be set at zero each time another electrolyte

is to be used.

 Set the apparatus in “Adjust Mode” according to section OPERATION,

Operation Parameters.

NB If the tube should contain any air bubbles, repeat the start of the

apparatus.

 Set the flow rate at zero by turning the adjusting screw (fig. 10.9) with a

screw driver. The zero point is found by adjusting the liquid column so

that it is just visible at the passage from the jet holder to the ascending

tube.

 Now the flow rate has been set at zero on a liquid column of

0 mm.

 Note the settings of the flow rate knob for liquid columns from 0-200

mm with intervals of 20 mm (measure the liquid column with a ruler).

NB If the liquid column has to be measured often, the tube can be

marked with a speedmarker for every 20 mm.

 Disconnect “Adjust Mode” according to section OPERATION, Operation

Parameters.

NB By going through the above procedure each time another

electrolyte is used, the operator will ensure that the same flow

rate will always be used during the preparation.

2.7.3. Basic Setting of Photo Sensitivity

On delivery, the gain adjusting screw for the photocell amplifier (Fig. 10.11)

is adjusted so that the apparatus when holding water is switched off when a

sample has a hole of 0130 pm. The photo sensitivity knob (Fig. 10.10) must

be set on 2.5.

Normally no re-adjusting of the photocell amplifier is required. The amplifi-

cation is reduced when turning counter clockwise, and increased when

turning clockwise. A smaller amplification gives a bigger hole and vice

versa. There is, however, a limit, how small the hole size can be. This lower

limit should be achieved by setting the photo sensitivity on 10.

If a re-adjusting of the photocell amplifier is required the procedure is as

follows:

 Choose a material and an electrolyte which notoriously give good

results.

 Set the gain adjusting screw for the photocell amplifier in the middle

position.

 Set the photo sensitivity on 1.

 Make a sample.

 Measure the hole of the sample (the hole must be near the center). The

hole must have an average diameter of about 200 pm. If not, the photo

sensitivity must be adjusted until a hole size of about 200 pm diameter

can be achieved in a new sample. See section OPERATION.

 Place a sample with a hole of 200 pm diameter in the sample holder.

 Place the sample holder in the apparatus.

 Dismount the wires to the jet holders.

 Turn the gain adjusting screw for the photocell amplifier as much as

possible counter clockwise.

 Set the photo sensitivity on 1.

 Start the apparatus with the Start/Stop knob.

Tenupol-3

Instruction Manual

18

 Turn the gain adjusting screw for the photocell amplifier clockwise until

the process is switched off.

As an extra check a polishing with the photo sensitivity set on 10 can be

made. The preparation of a new sample should then give a hole of 60-100

pm diameter If not, try to re-adjust the photocell amplifier. Turning the

adjusting screw counter clockwise gives a bigger hole, and turning

clockwise gives a smaller hole. If a smaller hole cannot be achieved, the

limit for what is obtainable has been reached.

2.8. Pre-treatment of the Specimen

The purpose of pre-treatment is to prepare discs of 3 mm (2.3 mm)

diameter thickness 0.1 to 0.5 mm. Methods such as spark-machining or

mechanical turning and cutting are well known.

The preparation can also be done on the Tenupol-3 (7.3.1 and 7.3.2), the

original sample being a cut-off disc, thickness max. 1 mm, diameter max. 21

mm. Such a disc may e.g. be cut on the Discotom cut-off machine in the fol-

lowing way: a plane metal block is clamped as a stop at a distance of 0.4-2

mm from the side of the cut-off wheel. A plane face on the metal, which later

is to be thinned, is pressed against the stop block and clamped. When

cutting-off in the normal way, the metal between the stop block and the cut-

off wheel will be parted off as a disc. The metal stop block takes care of the

cooling of the disc and ensures that the cut-off wheel is not bent. The

parted-off disc is now ground down on abrasive paper, e.g. on Knuth-Rotor.

It is recommended to fix the disc to a plane block of metal by double-

adhesive tape. It is ground first on one side, then on the other on the

rotating disc, finished with grain 1000 paper and should then be max. 1 mm

thick.

When the specimen has been made ready for preparation, it is important to

avoid oxidation or any fouling of the specimen as this may cause the

specimen not to be satisfactorily polished on

Tenupol-3.

If the specimen has been punched out of a foil, it must be fineground on

both sides to remove any impurities before preparation on Tenupol-3.

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