Operating Instructions for PCE-UX 3081 / PCE-UX 3081WQ Moisture Analyzers

Model Numbers: PCE-UX 3081, PCE-UX 3081WQ, PCE-UX 3011, PCE-UX 3011Q, PCE-UX 3011HQ, PCE-UX 3031

Manufacturer: PCE Instruments

Introduction and Intended Use

PCE-UX moisture analyzers are designed for the rapid measurement of moisture and dry matter content in solid, viscous, and fluid substances using thermogravimetric analysis. The process involves weighing a sample while it is dried by infra-red heat.

Common Features for all PCE-UX Devices:

Short measurement time
Gentle and even drying of samples
High reproducibility
Automatic or time-controlled measurement shut-off

Device Variants

PCE-UX 3081 / PCE-UX 3081WQ: Special devices for extra-large samples, suitable for industries like chipboard manufacturing. Features include:

2 temperature-controlled ceramic heaters
Temperature range: 40 – 220 °C / 300 °C
Stainless steel drying tray: 240 x 110 mm

PCE-UX 3011 / PCE-UX 3011Q / PCE-UX 3011HQ:

Temperature-controlled infra-red heater: 250 W / 375 W
Temperature range: 40 – 200 °C / 360 °C / 600 °C
Stainless steel drying tray: 111 mm diameter

PCE-UX 3031: Special device for the gypsum industry. Features:

2 temperature-controlled heaters for separate measurement of free and chemically bound moisture in gypsum products
Temperature range: 40 – 360 °C
Stainless steel drying tray: 111 mm diameter

Safety Instructions

Always transport the device in an upright position and protect it from impact.
Always operate the device on a level surface, using a vibration-free base.
Avoid draughts.
Never touch the (luminous) heater when it is hot, as there is a risk of injury! ❗
Always disconnect the plug from the mains supply before performing any work on the device (e.g., changing the heater). Repairs should only be carried out by a qualified technician.
❗ Please take extra care when using flammable samples! You may need to contact the manufacturer for advice.
❗ Please be careful not to drop any sample particles next to the tray support plate. Carefully remove any particles with a vacuum cleaner.
Only use accessories specifically designed for use with PCE-UX devices.
Do not move the device during measurement, as this will result in measuring errors.
Do not leave any substances in the measuring tray if they are not being measured.
Devices should only be shipped in the original packaging using the original packaging material.
PCE-UX moisture analyzers are stand-alone units and are not designed to be used in continuous production runs. Any such use is at your own risk.

Warranty, Transport, and Installation

Warranty

PCE Instruments undertakes to repair faulty devices within the warranty period, free-of-charge, if the defect is a manufacturing fault. This warranty covers the repair of spare parts and working hours required. It does not cover normal wear-and-tear, soiling, or staining of the device. PCE Instruments will not accept any freight costs.

This warranty does not apply to:

Improper use of the device.
Use of the device for purposes other than those stated by PCE Instruments.
Mechanical damage or damage caused by fluids or sample matter.
Incorrect setup or wrong electrical wiring.
Mechanical damage of the load cell, e.g., as a result of being overloaded.

Transport, Packaging, Installation Site

Please check the packaging and device for any damage upon delivery.
Please retain the original packaging in case you need to return the goods to PCE Instruments.
Please only use the original packaging when returning the goods.
Place the device on a stable, vibration-free surface, as level as possible and protected from draughts. The most suitable locations are the corners of a room, rooms with only one entrance, and heavy tables on concrete floors.

Start-up Procedure

Place the device on a stable, vibration-free surface, as level as possible and protected from draughts. Remove the protective film from the front foil.
Swing the heater back until resistance is felt.
Place the tray holder on the device: First place the tray holder carefully on the two pins, ensuring the distance between the housing and the tray holder is approx. 1.5 – 2 mm. Do not exert excessive force on the balance. Then put on the shielding plate unit. To remove the tray holder, first carefully lift up the shielding plates and then carefully pull out the tray holder in the middle with very slight tilting movements.
Next, place one of the two drying trays supplied on the tray holder using one or two sets of tongs. The notch in the reflector tray acts as an access gap for easy positioning of the tray.
Check that the voltage indicated on the type plate matches the local mains voltage.
Insert the power cable into the device's power jack and connect to a suitable earthed mains supply. After the power supply has been connected, the device can be switched on or off using the on/off button on the back of the device. Once the device is switched on, the current software version is shown, followed by the weight display.
To prevent weighing system measuring errors, the device should be switched on 20 minutes before use to allow for heat compensation. If weight values vary in the display's milligram range during this period, this is considered normal. If the device is switched off using the reset (on/off) button, it does not require a warm-up period if switched on again with the same button.
PCE-UX moisture measuring devices are supplied ready for immediate use in most cases. If you are not satisfied with the result, the measurement parameters can be adjusted.

Printer Setup

Open Cover: Hold the green glowing button and lift the plastic cover.
Change Paper: Follow the procedure for loading new paper.
Line feed: Press the line feed button for paper advance.

The PCE-UX Thermo paper is stable for 10 years.

Operation

Display and Buttons

The display shows:

temp. °C: Current or set temperature.
time: Remaining or elapsed time.
mode: Current operating mode (e.g., measurement, menu).
value (weight): Measured weight or value.
unit: Unit of measurement (e.g., g, %, mg).

Buttons:

T (Tare): Button for setting the weight readout back to zero.
Reset (rooesfnfet): Button for resetting the processor program.
esc: Button for exiting menu levels.
up / down: Buttons for accessing and scrolling through the menu.
set: Button for confirming entries.
P1: Percentage purity (only for PCE-UX 3031).
P2: Program memory (optional).
P3: Residue on ignition (only for PCE-UX 3011G).

Ports

Power supply connection
Print connection for separate printer
Interface RS 232
USB-Interface
Power supply switch

Menu Settings

The device's Preferences menu can be accessed using the 'up' or 'down' buttons. The menu is operated using a standard structure:

UP or DOWN: Navigate menu items.
SET: Confirm menu level selection and, if required, return to the previous menu level.
ESC: Return to the previous menu level and exit the menu.

If you confirm a wrong entry with 'set', press 'esc' and then 'set' again to reselect and change the menu item.

Temperature Control

The temperature set on the device relates to the thermal radiation that heats the sample. This energy causes moisture to evaporate. The set temperature dictates the energy level for evaporation. Note: The set temperature is not the material or ambient temperature, which is a consequence of the drying process.

Automatic Shut-off or Timer

Automatic Mode: The device dries the sample until a constant weight is reached and then switches off the heater.

Configurable settings:

Weight loss (mg): Define a threshold for completion (e.g., 10 mg for a 10 g sample, corresponding to approx. 0.1%). Measurement completes when weight loss is less than or equal to this value within the defined interval, provided the start-of-query time has expired.
Query interval (secs): Select an interval for checking weight (None / 10-99 secs). A period of 20 to 30 seconds is typically adequate.
Start of query (mins): Specify the minimum drying period before the automatic shut-off check begins (factory setting: 3 minutes). This value may need to be increased for very low temperatures or specific materials (e.g., free moisture in gypsum at 45°C). Range: 1-99 mins.

Timer Setting: Allows selection of a specific drying time (1 – 180 mins).

Measurement Display Options

During measurement, the device can optionally display:

% moisture
% dry matter (TS)
% moisture Atro (moisture related to dry matter)
Dry matter (TS) in g/1000g
Weight loss g (V)
Residual weight g (R) (current weight)

Atro Calculation Example:

50 % moisture = 100 % Atro
25 % moisture = 33.3 % Atro
75 % moisture = 300 % Atro

Printer Options

For devices without a printer, set the number of prints to '1'.

Number of prints: Selectable from 1 to 9.
Interval printout: Selectable for no printout or every 10 – 99 seconds.
Data output for external printer: Option to send an additional Line Feed (LF) via the interface.

Device ID Number

Enter a number up to 9999 to identify the device. Each digit can be selected separately.

Date and Time, Buzzer

Date and Time

Set the date (Day, Month, Year) and time (Hours, Minutes) using the 'up'/'down' and 'set' buttons. The date and time are shown on the printout.

Buzzer

Use 'up'/'down' and 'set' to activate or deactivate the buzzer, then press 'set' followed by 'esc'.

Calibrating the Scales

Follow the menu instructions and use a calibration weight (e.g., F1 weight) to calibrate the scales. Ensure the tray carrier and tray are on the balance and the tray is empty. If the display shows 'ERR', switch the power off and on, and try again. Refer to the "Potential Errors" section for reasons.

Saving Drying Parameters in Program Memory

If your device has program memory, 'QP' will appear in the display, followed by a number (1-9). The standard parameters are factory-set for program memory place 1. Different drying parameters (temperature, automatic/timer settings) can be saved or changed using the P2 button. Note that changes to unit of measurement, printer settings, data output, device ID, date/time, buzzer, and language affect all program memories simultaneously.

Moisture Analysis Process

Connect the device to the mains supply and switch it on with a drying tray in place. A weight value will be displayed.
Set the scales to zero using the 'tare' button, displaying '0.000 g'.
Evenly distribute approximately 50 - 200 g of sample material in the tray and wait for the readout to stabilize.
Swing the heater over the sample, switch on the heater switch, and the drying phase begins. Header data is printed for devices with a built-in printer. The sample is dried until it reaches a constant weight; the heater then switches off automatically. The time and measurement value are printed for devices with a printer. If you do not wish to make any measurements, always ensure the heater is swung back to its rearmost position.

LED Indicators:

Red glow: Heater is on.
Green flashes: Measurement is ending.
LEDs are off: Device is switched off.

Measurement values are displayed for the entire time the heater is positioned above the sample. Do not move the device during measurement to avoid errors.

The external printer outputs header data (Model, device ID, date, time, heater temperature, timer/shut-off parameters, initial weight) at the start of the measurement, and measurement value, measurement time, substance, and initials after the measurement is complete and the heater is swung back.

Please ensure drying trays have cooled down before using them for measurement.

For substances difficult to remove from the tray after drying, PCE Instruments recommends using foil trays, which can be made using the PCE-UX foil press.

If the measurement ends prematurely, the display will show an error related to the sample weight.

Data Interface

Weighing, temperature, and drying data can be accessed via a standard USB flash drive and serial interface (V24 RS 232). Depending on the model, a separate PCE-UX 3092 printer or a computer can be connected.

Interface Description

Model: V24 RS 232 serial data transmission and USB flash drive.
Transmission rate: 9600 baud.
Data bits: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit.
Parity check: None.
Handshake: None.

Data transmission using a USB flash drive: If the receiving computer has an internet connection, a driver is automatically installed, creating a COM interface. Otherwise, the driver must be manually installed.

PC Data Transfer: Special software, ULTRA X DataBridge, is required for transmitting data to a PC. Data can be exported in .xls or .PDF formats. Installation is straightforward.

Accessories, Consumables, and Spare Parts

Accessories

AV drying tray, large: Order no. 10000288 (Sample carriers, 2 trays supplied).
Tray tongs: Order no. 10000230 (for lifting the tray, 2 supplied).
Mains cable: Order no. H1000019 (Mains connection, supplied).
Calibration weight F1 200 g: Order no. 10000403 (for calibrating the scales).
Aluminium foil 130 mm x 260 mm: Order no. H1000013 (for placing on the drying tray).
Foil press: Order no. 10000062 (for shaping aluminium foil).
Software DataBridge: For transmitting data to a PC.

Consumables

Printing paper 58 mm: Order no. 10000234 (for printer, thermal, stable for 10 years).

Spare Parts

Ceramic heater 250 W: Order no. 10000405 (for PCE-UX 3081).
Ceramic heater 400 W: Order no. 10000318 (for PCE-UX 2081WQ).

Potential Errors

Error Display	Reason	Solution
Display blank	Initial load too small or large, Tray support and/or tray missing, Location with too much disturbance, Draught, Area around tray support is dirty, Scale is faulty, Scale without power, Scale is not connected to control card	Place empty drying tray on centre of tray support, Place on a vibration-free surface, Protect from draughts, Carefully clean area around tray support, Contact PCE Instruments.
Scale continuing to run	Location with too much disturbance, Draught, Area around tray holder is dirty, Scale is faulty	Place on a vibration-free surface, Protect from draughts, Carefully clean area around tray holder, Contact PCE Instruments.
Drying parameters cannot be entered	Menu is locked	Unlock menu lock, contact the person responsible or PCE Instruments.
Menu lock cannot be unlocked	5-digit PIN for unlocking menu lock is incorrect	Contact PCE Instruments.
Scale cannot be tared	Weight within minus range	Switch off device, place empty tray on balance and switch on again.
Scale cannot be calibrated	Weight difference less than 16 mg or more than 16 mg, Initial load too small or large, tray holder and/or tray missing, Location with too much disturbance, Draught, Area around tray holder is dirty, Scale setting is incorrect, Scale is faulty	Less than 16 mg: Tare, press and hold button briefly. More than 16 mg: Tare. Place empty drying tray on centre of tray holder, Place on a vibration-free surface, Protect from draughts, Carefully clean area around tray holder, Contact PCE Instruments.
System error	Calibration process has stopped	Disconnect device from mains and switch on again.
Heater will not switch on	Heater is faulty	Change heater.
Infrared heater will not switch off	Temperature sensor is faulty, S202S01 relay is faulty, Automatic shut-off is set incorrectly, Timer is set incorrectly	Contact PCE Instruments. Check shut-off settings. Check timer settings.
Measurement not completing	Shut-off settings incorrect, Timer settings incorrect	Check shut-off settings. Check timer settings.
Printer: No printout	Printer is faulty or no data transmission, No connection to printer	Contact PCE Instruments.
Printer: No linefeed	Linefeed button or printer is faulty	Contact PCE Instruments.
Printer: Printout invisible	No thermal paper, Printing unit or printer board is faulty	Use the thermal paper from PCE. Contact PCE Instruments.
Printer: Printout too light	Printing unit is dirty	Contact PCE Instruments.

Care and Maintenance

Please ensure that no pollutants enter the device. Always keep the area around the tray holder clean. Do not use compressed air to clean the device. Do not overload the scales; maximum load is 400 g. Protect the device from moisture and impact.

For ideal care and maintenance, PCE Instruments recommends taking out a service contract.

Technical Data

Parameter	Specification
Scale:
Weight range	400g
Resolution	0.1 g
Sample volume	max. 360 cm³
Weighing tray	240 x 110 mm
For moisture analysis:
Initial weight	Any weight from approx. 5 g, recommended from 10 g
Heater capacity	Ceramic heater: 2x 250 watts (3081); 2x 400 watts (3081 WQ)
Automatic shut-off	Automatic drying to a constant weight, using 3 factors for IR heaters and Q heaters, which can be set separately: Query start, query interval, weight loss/query interval.
Temperature	Ceramic heater: adjustable from 40°C to 180°C (3081); 105°C to 360°C (3081QW)
Measuring units	% moisture, % dry matter, % ATRO moisture, g solid matter/kg
Reading accuracy	0.1% readable
Communication:
Data terminal	V24 RS 232/ USB
Data output	All weight and measuring data meet GLP requirements with a start time, optional variable interval printout, date, time, total measuring time etc. Using ULTRA X DataBridge software, data can be transmitted to a PC as a .xls file (Microsoft Excel) or .PDF file.
For operating the device:
Mains connection	230 V ± 10% / + 15 %
Mains frequency	48-63 Hz
Power input	250 watts – 850 watts, depending on the model
Dimensions	approx. W 385 x D 275 x H 420 mm
Weight	approx. 9 kg / 15 kg (3081 model)

Technical data subject to change without notice.

PCE-UX moisture analyzers are stand-alone units and not suitable for use in continuous production runs. PCE Instruments shall not accept any liability for incorrect readings!

Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, Directive 2006/66/EC applies. Due to contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste; they must be given to designated collection points.

In accordance with EU Directive 2012/19/EU, PCE Instruments takes back devices for re-use or recycling by authorized companies.

For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with local waste regulations.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

PCE Instruments Contact Information

Germany

PCE Deutschland GmbH
Im Langel 26
D-59872 Meschede
Deutschland
Tel.: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 0
Fax: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 29
info@pce-instruments.com
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch

United Kingdom

PCE Instruments UK Ltd
Trafford House, Chester Rd, Old Trafford
Manchester M32 0RS
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 161 464902 0
Fax: +44 (0) 161 464902 9
info@pce-instruments.co.uk
www.pce-instruments.com/english

The Netherlands

PCE Brookhuis B.V.
Institutenweg 15
7521 PH Enschede
Nederland
Telefoon: +31 (0)53 737 01 92
info@pcebenelux.nl
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch

France

PCE Instruments France EURL
23, rue de Strasbourg
67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets
France
Téléphone: +33 (0) 972 3537 17
Numéro de fax: +33 (0) 972 3537 18
info@pce-france.fr
www.pce-instruments.com/french

Italy

PCE Italia s.r.l.
Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6
55010 Loc. Gragnano Capannori (Lucca)
Italia
Telefono: +39 0583 975 114
Fax: +39 0583 974 824
info@pce-italia.it
www.pce-instruments.com/italiano

United States of America

PCE Americas Inc.
1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8
Jupiter / Palm Beach 33458 FL
USA
Tel: +1 (561) 320-9162
Fax: +1 (561) 320-9176
info@pce-americas.com
www.pce-instruments.com/us

Spain

PCE Ibérica S.L.
Calle Mula, 8
02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
España
Tel. : +34 967 543 548
Fax: +34 967 543 542
info@pce-iberica.es
www.pce-instruments.com/espanol

Turkey

PCE Teknik Cihazlari Ltd.ti.
Halkali Merkez Mah. Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
34303 Küçükçekmece - Istanbul
Türkiye
Tel: 0212 471 11 47
Faks: 0212 705 53 93
info@pce-cihazlari.com.tr
www.pce-instruments.com/turkish

Denmark

PCE Instruments Denmark ApS
Birk Centerpark 40
7400 Herning
Denmark
Tel.: +45 70 30 53 08
kontakt@pce-instruments.com
www.pce-instruments.com/dansk

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