Nicolet Apex Site and Safety Guide

Welcome

This guide provides essential information for setting up your new Nicolet Apex instrument.

For detailed setup instructions, please visit: https://knowledge1.thermofisher.com/Molecular_Spectroscopy/Instrument_Setup

Site Preparation and Intended Use

This section details safety symbols and their meanings, as well as site preparation requirements for the Nicolet Apex instrument.

• Symbols: Explains mandatory action, prohibition, general warning, shock hazard, and fire hazard symbols.
• Electrical Symbols: Details symbols for alternating current, earth terminal, direct current, protective conductor terminal, frame or chassis terminal, fuse, power on, and power off.
• Ingress Protection Rating: The product is rated IP20.
• When the Instrument Arrives: Instructions for checking the shipping box, moving the instrument, and ensuring proper installation.

Specifications and Workspace Considerations

Key specifications and environmental requirements for optimal instrument performance:

• Instrument Weight: 35 kg (77 lb)
• Dimensions: 57.15 cm (L), 54.6 cm (W), 31.75 cm (H)
• Computer Connection: Requires a standard USB A-B data cable.
• Clearance: Adequate space is needed for cable and purge connections.
• Tabletop Stability: A flat, stable, and rigid tabletop is essential for instrument alignment and stability.

Electrical Service Specifications

• Input Current: 2.5 A (max)
• Input Voltage: 100 to 240 VAC (primary), 12 VDC (secondary)
• Line Frequency: 50/60 Hz
• Line Disturbance: Must not exceed 10% of input voltage.
• Noise: Less than 2 V common mode and less than 20 V (normal mode).
• Grounding: Ensure all wall outlets are properly grounded.

Temperature and Humidity

• Designed for indoor use in normal operating environments (Pollution Degree 2).
• Operating Temperature: Reliably operates between 15 °C and 30 °C; optimal performance between 20 °C and 22 °C.
• Humidity: Maintain 20% to 80% RH, non-condensing. Purging with dry air or nitrogen is recommended in conditions above 40% RH.
• Environmental Hazards: Avoid placing the instrument near air conditioning ducts, large windows, heating ducts, hot plates, or heating mantles. Avoid rapid temperature changes.

Altitude, Storage, Vibration, and Fields

• Altitude: Rated for altitudes up to 2,000 m (6,500 ft).
• Storage: Can be stored from -20 °C to 60 °C with humidity up to 85% RH (non-condensing).
• Vibration: Perform better in a mechanically stable environment, away from vibrating machinery. Minimize acoustic noise and vibration.
• Magnetic and Electric Fields: Place at least 5.5 m (18 ft) away from magnetic fields. Minimize exposure to wireless devices.

Safety Precautions and Purge Requirements

• Purge Requirements: The instrument contains precise optical components sensitive to moisture. Purging with clean dry air or nitrogen is recommended, especially in environments with humidity above 70% RH. Failure to maintain desiccants or purge may void the warranty.
• Solvent Interaction: Be aware of laboratory environments containing solvents that can corrode spectrometer components.
• Purge Gas: Use only dried air or nitrogen. Never use flammable, combustible, or toxic gases. Ensure the purge gas is free of moisture, oil, and reactive materials. A 10-micrometer filter may be needed.
• Argon Use: Do not use argon as a purge gas as it can prevent proper system cooling.
• Purge Gas Fittings: Install the purge line and on/off valve before the instrument arrives. Ensure correct pressure and flow rates.
• Purge Gas Generators: If using a purge gas generator, position it away from the instrument to reduce noise and vibration. Ensure proper pressure for operation. Follow manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance. Purge new air dryers before connecting to the instrument.
• Liquid Nitrogen: Follow safety guidelines when working with liquid nitrogen for detector cooling.