80 VULCAN+ Series User Guide en
80 VULCAN+ Series User Guide en
Vulcan+ Series
2 Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science
CAUTION
Do not place this instrument near the devices generating intense electrical or magnetic
field (magnetic crane, electric welder, high‐frequency electric furnace, pole
transformer).
Before using the instrument, read the safety instructions and precautions carefully.
Be sure to observe the safety instructions in this guide and the
WARNING / CAUTION labels on the instrument.
Keep this guide nearby in a safe place so it can be referred to whenever needed.
NOTICE:
1. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice for improvement.
2. This document is copyrighted by Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science with all rights reserved.
No part of this guide may be reproduced, transmitted or disclosed to a third party in any form or by
any means without the express written permission of Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science.
3. Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science assumes no liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential
damages arising from use not described in this guide. Utmost care must be exercised when using
the instrument.
4. This document does not provide any warranty or permission for industrial properties or any rights
to grant license lawfully and without infringement.
Contents
Contents ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Welcome ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
1 Vulcan+ Series Components ................................................................................................................ 7
2 Vulcan+ Series Product Overview ....................................................................................................... 8
3 Vulcan+ Series External Connectors .................................................................................................. 9
4 Safety First ........................................................................................................................................... 10
5 About Laser Safety Goggles .............................................................................................................. 11
6 Safe Operation of the Vulcan+ Series ............................................................................................... 12
6.1 Vulcan+ Safety Features.............................................................................................................. 15
7 Battery .................................................................................................................................................. 16
8 Get Started ........................................................................................................................................... 18
8.1 User Interface Overview ............................................................................................................. 18
Gestures ............................................................................................................................ 19
Pull-down Menu ............................................................................................................... 20
8.2 Basic Use ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Switching on the Instrument ............................................................................................ 21
How to Perform a Measurement? .................................................................................... 22
9 Measuring Programs ........................................................................................................................... 23
9.1 What is a Measuring Program .................................................................................................... 23
9.2 Program Types ............................................................................................................................ 25
9.3 See More with the Chemistry Setting ......................................................................................... 26
9.4 Viewing Camera Image ............................................................................................................... 27
9.5 Pinning Important Elements ....................................................................................................... 28
10 Sample Naming.................................................................................................................................... 29
11 Grades .................................................................................................................................................. 30
12 Measurement Results ......................................................................................................................... 35
12.1 Viewing Results History............................................................................................................... 36
12.2 Results and Reporting ................................................................................................................. 37
Search and Filter Functions .............................................................................................. 38
Exporting Results to USB .................................................................................................. 39
Changing Reporting Settings............................................................................................. 40
13 Settings ................................................................................................................................................ 43
Welcome
This guide is for the operators and supervisors who are trained to analyze samples with Vulcan+ series
LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) analyzers. The local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical
Science representative can train personnel in the safe and accurate use of the Vulcan+ series, or give
advice about how to train personnel.
The trademark of this LIBS device is Vulcan. Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science wishes to ensure
that every customer is able to get the maximum benefit from their use of the Vulcan+ series.
Whilst you may be eager to use your Vulcan+ series, you should remember that it is a complex and
potentially hazardous piece of equipment. You must not proceed without having a basic knowledge of
how to operate the unit safely and securely.
Vulcan+ series includes a rugged transit case a standard. The color of the instrument might differ
depending on the version you have purchased. The case contains the following items:
1. VULCAN+
2. Desktop Battery Charger
3. Battery (2 pcs)
4. External Power Supply
5. Lanyard
6. Wrist Strap
7. Laser Safety Goggles
In addition to the accessories listed above, every instrument comes with a quick guide, check sample
calibration folder and USB flash drive for data download. The USB drive also contains this user guide
and the quick guide in several different languages.
The included accessories depend upon the version of the Vulcan+ series. The Power Supply includes
international plug adapters.
The Vulcan+ series might not include features such as camera, or Wi-Fi capability. Also there might be
differences in software features and calibrations available. And also the available user interface
languages might depend on the purchased version of the Vulcan+ analyzer.
Some features can be activated by purchasing a license and some features might also be available for
temporary use or trial period for evaluation use. A license can be either permanent or restricted. Possible
restrictions are time and use-count.
Please contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative for more information.
1. Measurement window
2. Power button: The instrument is turned on by pushing and holding the power button
until the screen lights up. When the measurements are completed, the instrument can be
switched off by pushing and holding the power button until the progress bar on the
instrument screen is complete. The Vulcan+ device can be locked by pressing the power
button slightly.
3. Home button: By pushing the home button, the user can always return directly to the
main measurement screen.
4. Connector port: The connections are protected by a plastic cover. Open the cover to
access the connectors.
5. Safety sensor is located in the analyzer nose and must be covered with a sample;
otherwise the instrument won’t start the measurement. When measuring small samples,
the sensor can be temporarily switched off from the user interface.
6. Warning light starts to flash when the proximity sensor detects a sample indicating that
the instrument is now ready to take a measurement. At the same time the top bar of the
graphical user interface turns to red.
7. LCD touch screen
8. Trigger
9. Lanyard / wrist strap connector
The Vulcan+ series has four external connections that are located underneath the display under a plastic
cover:
1. USB A connector
2. DC supply connector
3. Extension connector
4. USB Micro-B connector
1 2 3 4
Connectors
USB A connector for a USB memory device such as USB flash drive (supplied with the instrument) is
used to download results, update the software or to manage the grade libraries.
Use the USB Micro-B connector to connect the Vulcan+ series to a PC with the USB cable. This is used
for service use only.
Use the DC connector to connect the Power Supply to charge or power the Vulcan+ series.
Only use the provided Power Supply to charge of power the Vulcan+ series device and batteries. The use
of an incompatible power supply and/or charger might result in damage of personal injury.
The extension connector is designed only for Vulcan accessories. It is not compatible with any generic
consumer devices regardless of similar appearance. Connecting incompatible devices to the extension
port might damage the Vulcan+ series and/or the device(s) connected to it.
4 Safety First
You must read the following section about the safety before using Vulcan+ series as it will enable you to
operate the instrument safely. The instrument is designed to be used only by trained personnel.
Caution: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
If the Vulcan+ series is used in a manner not specified by Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science, the
safety features can be impaired.
It might be necessary to register or license the Vulcan+ series in your territory or country. Please contact
your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative for more information.
Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science strongly recommends using laser safety goggles whenever
operating the Vulcan+ series. Wearing laser safety goggles when operating a class 3B laser might
also be mandatory in your region or country. Always check the local legislation before operating
the Vulcan+ series. Please contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative
for assistance and advice.
The laser safety goggles must meet the following specifications: OD6+ (1064 nm), or EN207 compliant
marking 1064 R LB6 D LB6. Please notice that regular safety goggles, sunglasses, weld masks etc. are
not providing protection against laser radiation.
The provided laser safety goggles (image above) with the instrument are meeting the specifications
mentioned above. Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science strongly recommends wearing them whenever
operating the Vulcan+ Series.
Never leave the Vulcan+ series analyzer unattended. Store the instrument in the carrying case when not
in use.
Never look into the analyzer nose and never point the Vulcan+ series at another person. Always point the
analyzer nose downwards and away from people when not taking a measurement.
Always turn off the Vulcan+ series power, pull out the battery and disconnect the instrument from mains
outlet before cleaning the laser aperture.
Keep the analyzer nose in direct contact with the sample when taking a measurement. There should not
be any gap between the sample and the instrument; otherwise the analytical performance will be
compromised. When the proximity sensor light flashes, the instrument is ready to take a measurement.
The nominal ocular hazard distance (NOHD) of Vulcan+ Series is 1.5 meters. People closer than that to
the instrument are strongly recommended to wear laser safety goggles. Also direct reflections from shiny
surfaces must be considered hazardous.
The Vulcan+ series includes several safety features to protect the operator.
Power button and indicator: Press and hold the power button until the screen lights up to turn the
Vulcan+ series on and off.
Password protection: The operator must have correct password to use the Vulcan+ series.
Supervisor can change the passwords.
Proximity sensor: Before taking a measurement, the sample must cover the proximity sensor to avoid
laser beam emission. When the sample covers the measurement window, the warning light starts to
flash and the status bar on the top of the LCD screen changes to red color. The Vulcan+ series will not
take a measurement if the proximity window is not covered.
Trigger: The operator must pull the trigger of Vulcan+ Series to start the measurement.
7 Battery
The Vulcan+ series is battery operated. Two Li-ion batteries are included in the delivery. Before taking the
first measurement, fully charge the batteries. This will take approximately 5 hours per battery.
Typical battery life is up to 8-10 hours of use in room temperature. The battery life may be shorter in cold
and hot environments.
There is a battery charge indicator in both the battery itself and on the top right corner of the LCD screen.
When only one bar remains in the battery indicator or the battery symbol on the screen turns red, replace
the battery with a fresh one and charge the empty battery right away.
To change the battery, open the battery compartment door and pull the battery out from the compartment.
When putting the battery back in place, do not use excess force and check that the battery is put in a right
way.
To charge the battery, first connect the charger (1) to the power supply (2). Then connect the power supply
into the mains outlet. Adaptor plugs are supplied for the most common wall sockets. The power supply is
compatible with 100-240 V voltages.
Connect the battery to the charger and a green charge light will be lit. Battery is fully charged when the
light turns off.
Always store the batteries in a cool and dry place. It is recommended to keep the batteries
charged when being stored for a longer periods of time.
The instrument can also be operated on mains power. The DC connector is located underneath the
plastic connector cover. To operate the Vulcan+ series on mains power, connect the power supply into
mains outlet and the cable into the DC connector in the instrument.
8 Get Started
Status bar shows the time, name of the measuring program you are using, battery
level, user level (Supervisor and Service), matrix correction indicator (if set active)
and also a Wi-Fi symbol when you are connected to a wireless network and a
camera icon if the camera is turned on.
Content area is where the actual measurements, results and other primary
information are displayed.
Button area is reserved for action buttons. These depend on the context.
Gestures
Pull-down Menu
The pull-down is accessed by dragging the status bar down with finger. From there you can quickly
toggle Wi-Fi and other measurement settings on or off, access camera or programs, sample naming,
result history and settings.
Pull-down menu
Wi-Fi button is used to toggle Wi-Fi on/off. When turned on, it opens Wi-Fi settings, where
a network can be selected.
Camera toggle is used to select whether a camera image is shown to help aiming when
doing a measurement.
Pre-burn toggle is used to select if the sample will be heated with the laser before the
actual measurement, in order to burn away possible impurities on the surface of the
sample.
● Push and hold the “Power” button on the top of the instrument until the screen turns on.
● First you will see a laser warning splash screen. Tap to continue.
● You need to login in order to use the instrument. Enter your PIN code. The default PIN
codes are 1111 for normal user and 0000 for supervisor.
Login screen
Startup screen
1. Make sure you have the right Program settings configured. Please refer to the Measuring
programs section for more details.
2. OPTIONAL: Switch on the camera from the pull-down menu.
3. OPTIONAL: Name the sample by selecting Sample name from the pull-down menu.
4. OPTIONAL: Tap the Sticky tag icon to access the tags, if you want to set a descriptive tag that
will be attached to all the measurements. The tags can be either created or deleted only from
the Ready screen.
5. OPTIONAL: If you suspect that the sample surface isn’t clean, set Pre-burn on from the pull-
down menu. You can adjust the number of pre-burns from the “Settings” menu.
6. Place the instrument against the sample surface.
7. Check that the laser warning light is flashing red and the status bar turns to red color. This
indicates that the instrument is safely aimed against a surface.
8. Use the camera picture to help you with targeting if you need to be exact with the position.
9. Pull the trigger.
10. Keep the instrument steady and wait for the progress bar to complete.
11. Wait for the result to appear.
1. OPTIONAL: The tags can either be selected or deselected for a sample in the results screen by
tapping the Tag and then selecting the appropriate tag for the sample.
2. Check that the result is OK.
3. If you’re not happy with the result (the instrument wasn’t properly positioned etc.), you can tap
the Delete to remove it.
4. If Averaging is on, instead of the Delete icon there is a Redo . Use this to redo the previous
measurement without affecting the measured Averages.
5. Pull the trigger to measure the next sample.
9 Measuring Programs
Specific settings may be needed for measuring different samples. These are stored as programs. The
default program is Analyze. After first time use, the instrument will remember the last used program.
● Selecting a program
○ Open pull-down menu.
○ Tap Measuring Program.
○ Tap the program name you want to use.
Accessing programs
● Adding programs
○ Open pull-down menu.
○ Tap Measuring Program.
○ Tap Add New Program.
○ Select type: Analyze or Sort. See next chapter for more info about the types.
○ Give your new program a descriptive name or tap the Done to accept the default name.
○ OPTIONAL: Switch Average measuring on, if you need to measure the average qualities
of the samples. Then select either Continuous or Preset number to set a limit to how many
measurements will be included. See next chapter for more info about Averaging.
● Deleting programs
○ Open pull-down menu.
○ Tap Measuring Program.
○ Tap the program’s menu and select Delete program.
● Analyze is the default measurement mode. It is used to identify unknown samples. After
measuring in Analyze mode, the closest matching grades are shown. TIP: You can customize
how many Good/Possible matches are shown in Grades settings.
● Analyze with averaging is an expanded version of normal Analyze. Averaging calculates the
average result from a preset amount of analyzes, which can be set when adding a Program.
If continuous averaging is selected instead of a preset amount, it can be stopped by tapping
the Done .
● Sort is used when you are looking for one or more known grades and need to find out if the
sample belongs to these. It’s quick and shows immediately if the sample passes or fails the
sorting.
● Sort with averaging is similar to normal Sort, but with the averaging function as described
above.
Additional details about both Analyze and Sort results can be seen by switching on Chemistry by
tapping it’s icon in the pull-down menu. It will display the concentrations of each element in the
result and it’s allowed minimum and maximum.
You can switch between a numerical and graphical view of the Chemistry data by tapping the numerical
icon or the graphical icon .
In the graphical view you can see the concentrations of the elements on a vertical scale. The more
centered the indicator is, the better the match is. If the indicator is green, the match is good, orange is
possible and red means no match.
You can sort the results columns according to concentration, minimum or maximum by tapping the
column header.
If the camera was used when measuring a sample, a thumbnail of the photo will be attached to the
result view. Tap the thumbnail to open a full screen view of the photo. Close the photo view by
tapping the X icon.
If you need to keep an eye on certain elements in the results, you can pin them by long pressing the
element list item. This will make them always appear on the top of the list, marked with attention color.
If the element is not detected in the sample, it is not shown. To unpin an element, long press it again.
Pinning an element is a persistent global setting: It will stay on even if the program is changed or the
instrument is turned off.
Sticky elements override the sorting buttons in the title bar. Sticky elements will be presented first and
their internal order follows the selected sorting.
Pinning an element
10 Sample Naming
To find your measuring results easily later, you should name your samples. A default name is always
given, but you can change it to something more meaningful. You can also add running numbering to the
names so that the samples from the same working session will be named conveniently.
11 Grades
Grade is a commercial name for an alloy, e.g. “stainless steel 316” is a grade. Besides the name, it consists
of a list of elements and their minimum and maximum concentrations.
Grade library is a collection of grades. These libraries (e.g. AISI, DIN, JIS) include more than a thousand
grades and even more can be added by the user. The instrument can have multiple libraries and you can
select which one to use.
Grade library
If you need to add, edit or remove grades, it is recommended to first duplicate the library and then edit
the copy.
● Viewing a grade
1. In Grades view, tap the grade´s menu and select Edit grade.
If a grade is missing from a library, it can be added there without the need to replace the whole library.
Grades themselves can also be edited. The elements and their properties can be set.
● Adding elements into existing grades (supervisor only)
1. In Grades view, tap the menu and select Edit grade library.
2. In the library view, tap the menu and select Edit grade.
3. Tap Add New Elements.
4. You’ll see a list of elements. Tap the ones you want to add and tap Done icon to
continue. TIP: Use the search field to quickly locate an element.
5. Next fill in the minimum and maximum allowed concentrations for each element.
6. When you’re done, tap Done icon .
● Editing description
1. In Grades view, tap the menu and select Edit grade library.
2. In the library view, tap the menu and select Edit description and enter the description.
12 Measurement Results
After the measurement, a results screen will be displayed. The name of the sample is shown [1], and the
grade name [2] if a matching grade was found. Under the grade are icons indicating good and possible
matches [3, 4].
If more than one grade match was found, you can see the others by moving between the result pages by
tapping on the match icons [3, 4]. The best match is always shown first, on the left.
Indicates no match
The threshold values for good, possible, no match and closest match can be set in the Grade settings.
You can view your previous results by swiping from left to right with your finger. The latest results are
on the right, the oldest on the left. The rightmost is always the Ready screen.
Old results are stored in the instrument and can be viewed by opening the pull-down menu and tapping
Results.
The results are organized in a list of “batches”, i.e. sets of measurements that have been stored under
the same name. The number after the name of the batch indicates how many results it includes. You
can open and close a batch by tapping its title.
Result history
To find a certain result, you can search for its batch name by tapping the search field and typing in a
part of its name. Alternatively you can switch to date view by tapping the calendar icon and then
type in the date in the format “dd/mm/yyyy”, e.g. 15/09/2016. You can switch back to name view by
tapping the text icon .
You can customize the reporting settings to your liking by tapping the settings icon in results.
After that you can select what information is included in the reports.
Report settings
CSV separator
Select CSV separator to separate measurement result columns in the CSV report.
Elements
You can choose which elements are listed in the exported results. The order can be changed
by tapping the headers of the elements
Measurement program
If this is on, the measurement program of the result will be exported with the result.
Standard deviation
Standard deviation indicates the repeatability (precision) of the analysis results and
can be exported with the result if enabled.
GPS
If this is on, location information will be exported with the result. GPS information can be turned
off if the instrument is used in only one location.
Unique identifier
If this is enabled, unique identifier of the device is exported with the result.
Screening path
If this is enabled, screening path of the measurement is exported with the result
Grade ID
If this is enabled, grade information of the measurement is exported with the result.
Tags
Select whether the user-defined custom info tags are exported.
Average only
If this enabled, only average measurements are exported.
Camera Image
Set this on to export the sample’s camera image with the result.
Spectrum
If this is on, the spectrum of the sample will be exported with the result.
13 Settings
In this menu you can adjust the instrument’s general parameters and user preferences such as screen
settings, dark or light theme, sounds, power saving etc.
Settings menu
Screen brightness
Here the user can increase or decrease the device brightness
Screen Timeout
Dimming time: Set how many minutes the instrument can be idle until the screen
dims. Device lock timeout: Set how many minutes the instrument can be idle until the
device is automatically locked and then the user needs to login again
Sounds
Turn warning and measurement ready sounds on or off.
Wi-Fi setup
1. Tap to open the Wi-Fi settings screen.
2. In Wi-Fi settings tap the Wi-Fi toggle to turn the Wi-Fi on/off. When Wi-Fi is on, you’ll see
the symbol in the status bar.
TIP: You can also turn Wi-Fi on/off quickly from the pull-down menu.
3. Select a network. All available networks are listed. Choose one to connect to. Tapping it
opens a dialog where you can select to connect. After connecting once, you’ll connect
automatically to the same network if it’s available. If a password is required (a lock icon
appears over the network icon), you will be asked to type it in.
4. Select Refresh to scan for available networks again manually.
Wi-Fi setup
Proximity sensor
Proximity sensor is a safety feature that warns you if the instrument is not directly aimed at the
sample. When the instrument detects a sample in front of the analyser nose, the status bar turns
red indicating that the instrument is ready to measure.
The proximity sensor can be temporarily disabled, but this is not a recommended practice.
When disabling the sensor, it is mandatory to wear the safety goggles and ensure that
everyone closer to 1.5m (5 ft) are also wearing protective eyewear.
Supervisor level can calibrate the proximity sensor by selecting ‘Calibrate Proximity Sensor’
option, if needed
Pre-burn
Pre-burn toggle is suitable for cleaning light contamination such as light rust or anodization.
Painted, rusty etc. surfaces require mechanical cleaning before taking a measurement.
Optional: If you suspect that the sample surface isn’t clean, set Pre-burn on from the pull-down
menu. You can adjust the number of pre-burns from the ‘Settings’ menu.
Language
Here you can change the device language.
Theme
Here you can change the device theme either to light or dark.
Matrix correction is a tool that can be used to correct for systematic errors that are often
caused by a change in sample matrix that is not covered by the Vulcan+ calibrations.
Correction factor (slope) can be applied to one or more elements in a chosen matrix. The
correction can be either positive or negative. Several matrix corrections can be set active
simultaneously (SW1.2 onwards).
Matrix correction should only be used for errors that are systematic, i.e. the results shown by
Vulcan+ are repeatedly too high or low.
Please notice that applying a correction will always mean that the original Vulcan+
performance documents issued by Hitachi High-Tech are no longer valid.
The correction will always be applied to a specific matrix (sub-calibration). There are several
calibrations in Vulcan+ including CrSteel, CrNiSteel, Nickel, Copper, Aluminium and so on.
The correction made to CrNiSteel will not affect any other matrices.
Slope will determine the magnitude of correction. If slope is set to 1, the correction will have
no effect on the results. Value smaller than 1 will reduce the value shown on the screen and
value greater than 1 will increase the value.
Range will determine the upper and lower limits for applying the correction. The original result
on the screen should fall between these limits, otherwise the correction (slope value) will not
be applied to the result. If the range is set to 0-100% or no range is set at all, the correction
will be applied to all the values for e.g Ni in CrNiSteel. Range selection is available from SW1.2
onwards.
If the measurement result of an element is too low then the correction factor can be added to
the matrix correction element.
For example: Measure SS316 sample, if the result for Cr is too low (e.g. 15% instead of
16.4%), calculate the correction factor needed to do the correction as 1.09
Follow the below steps to add a matrix correction for the sample SS316 in the device.
Remote UI
User can operate the Vulcan+ series graphical user interface from PC. Connection requires
USB Micro-B cable (not supplied with the instrument).
About
If you need to read about regulatory information or terms of use, it collected here. You can
check the instrument’s current software version here and initiate an update. To update the
software, you need a USB stick with the software.
Vulcan+ series is designed to be used for metallic samples only. The instrument is not capable of
analyzing plastics, ceramics, wood, rubber, soil or similar samples. If such samples should be
measured the results are not reliable.
The laser in the Vulcan+ series is focused very close to the nose plane of the instrument. Therefore it
is important to keep the instrument steady and in direct contact with the sample during the whole
measurement.
Laser aperture
Laser warning label
Instrument properly placed The analyzer nose showing the groove on the sides
against the sample of the and indicating the center of the laser spot.
Most of the real life samples are not clean and flat surfaces. Therefore it is important to understand
the effect of the shape of the sample and possible surface contamination to the analysis results.
The LIBS is a surface analysis technique and the laser can penetrate only couple of micrometers (µm)
through the sample surface. Like any other analyzer, Vulcan+ series gives the best results when the
sample is properly prepared. The best results can be obtained from a clean, smooth and flat surface.
Any contamination such as water, dust, rust, paint, coating, oxide layer, anodization etc. will have an
effect on the measurement results. The magnitude of the effect depends on the thickness and the
material of the layer.
Before taking a measurement, it is recommended to clean the sample surface. There are several ways
to that:
If there is only a thin layer of water or dust on the sample surface, it can be cleaned by just wiping the
surface clean with a piece of cloth, paper or similar. After cleaning the sample, point the analyzer nose
at the object to be measured and ensure that the instrument is in direct contact with the sample. Hold
the instrument steadily, pull the trigger and read the results on the screen.
Vulcan+ series laser can burn through thin oxide layers and anodization. The built-in pre-burn
feature cleans the sample surface with thousands of laser bursts before taking the measurement.
The intensity of the pre-burn can be adjusted in the Settings menu. Notice that the pre-burn feature
will increase the total measurement time.
When you have activated the pre-burn feature from the user interface and selected the number of
pre- burns, point the instrument at the sample and hold it steadily. Pull the trigger and wait until the
measurement is complete and the results appear on the screen. Then release the trigger. If the
results are not good and the laser beam hasn’t penetrated the surface layer, you can increase the
pre-burn intensity from the Settings menu.
If the results are still not satisfactory and the laser is not able to burn through the layer of
contamination, then the sample surface needs to be cleaned mechanically.
Some surface contaminations such as thick rust, paint and some coatings are too thick to be
cleaned with the Vulcan+ series’ pre burn feature. In these cases the surface must be cleaned
mechanically prior to taking a measurement.
To clean the surface, use piece of sand paper or angle grinder to clean an area from where the
analysis can be taken. It is not needed to clean more than 1x1 cm (½ x ½ inch) area for the
measurement. When using sand paper or angle grinder, wipe the object clean before taking the
measurement to ensure no contamination is left on the surface from sample or grinding tools. It is
recommended to use Aluminium oxide grinding materials to minimize the effect of possible
contamination. Tungsten carbide and zirconium oxide grinding materials should not be used.
16 Maintenance
Proper maintenance is important to ensure that Vulcan+ series analyzer gives you accurate and
reliable results. Please notice that there are no user serviceable parts inside the Vulcan+ series
housing and opening the housing will void the warranty.
Before starting the cleaning procedure, the device needs to be shut down.
If the plastic housing gets dirty, it can be cleaned with a piece of cloth and light detergent solution.
Do not immerse the Vulcan+ series instrument into water. Strong solvents and detergents must not
be used as they might damage the housing material.
Notice, do not expose the connectors to water and dust when the connector cover is open during
the cleaning process.
Before starting the cleaning procedure, the device needs to be shut down. Remove the battery and
make sure that the power cord is not connected to the instrument.
The measurement window is recessed and located inside the instrument nose. To access the
measurement window, open the small hatch underneath the nose with the Nose Hatch Opening
Tool. Do not use any other tool to prevent damaging the instrument! The nose will open and
expose the measurement window and optional camera optics. The window should be cleaned by
using soft cotton buds. Pack of cotton buds are supplied with the instrument.
Please follow the instructions below to clean the measurement window properly and safely.
1. Open the hatch with the tool supplied with the instrument.
You can find the tool from a plastic bag located in the
calibration folder.
It is recommended to clean the measurement window every day before starting to take
measurements. This procedure guarantees the best possible results without the risk of window
contamination compromising the quality of the analysis results. When cleaning a very dirty
measurement window use optical grade isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol). Other solvents might leave
a film on the window surface that might compromise the measurement results.
The Vulcan+ series instruments are supplied with a check sample and certificate. It is a good
operating practice to measure the check sample every morning before the first actual
measurement. It only takes couple of seconds but measuring the check sample gives the
confidence that the instrument is working according to the specifications.
It is important to measure the check sample with right technique, so the results are representative:
○ Always store the check sample in the supplied plastic bag to keep it clean.
○ Clean the measurement window before measuring the check sample.
○ Place the check sample on a flat surface.
○ Point the analyzer at the sample. Take the measurement from a fresh surface, not
from top of an old burn mark.
○ Hold the instrument steadily and keep the analyzer nose in direct contact with the check
sample.
○ Pull the trigger, wait for the results to appear and read the results from the screen. Then
release the trigger.
○ Compare the results to the certificate. The grade identification should show correctly.
○ Compare the results to previous measurement done with the instrument and
the same check sample.
It is a good practice to keep a log book of the check sample measurements. That way it is easy to
check the data later, if there should be a question of the instrument performance on a specific day.
If the problem persists, contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science
representative for further instructions.
17 Troubleshooting
When taking a measurement, I can only see the grade ID but no chemistry.
○ Check that the “chemistry” tab is activated in the user interface.
When taking a measurement, I can see the chemistry but there’s no grade ID.
○ This can happen when analyzing an alloy that is not included in the factory grade library. You can
easily add new grades to the library. See user guide page 40.
The results are poor. I get wrong results and the chemistry changes every time I take a new
measurement.
○ Check that the sample surface is clean. If the sample surface is dirty, clean it properly according to
the instructions on page 60 and repeat the measurement.
○ Check that the measurement window is clean and clean it if necessary according to the instructions
on page 63.
○ If the surface of the sample is uneven, try to find a spot where the sample would be flat and covers
the whole measurement window leaving no gap between the instrument and the sample.
○ If the problem persists, contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative.
I used the instrument connected to mains outlet but the battery didn’t charge.
○The battery does not charge when the instrument is turned on and connected to mains outlet. To
charge the battery, either switch off the unit or charge the battery outside the instrument in battery
charger.
The measurement time is long and I hear the instrument motor run repeatedly
○ The “pre-burn” feature is activated. Switch it off from the main pull down menu.
I don’t see results and ‘Measurement interrupted’ message appears on the screen. The instrument
can’t take a good measurement.
○ This can happen when trying to take a measurement from a very small component, thin wire or
uneven surface. Move the analyzer and take the measurement from another location.
○ Check that both the proximity sensor and measurement windows are covered with the sample. If you
can’t cover the proximity sensor, you can temporarily disable it from the “Settings” menu (supervisor
mode).
Radio module
LMDS2850 (Vulcan+) is handheld material analyser using ‘WIFI, IEEE 802.11b/g module’ made by
Texas Instruments (FCC ID: Z64WL18SBMOD) for WLAN.
The device has USB port for transferring data from the device. The EUT uses battery which can be
charged when it is connected to the device or via separate charger.
The module’s Bluetooth 802.11n, HT40 and MIMO capabilities have been disabled
Cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), low alloy steels, nickel (Ni), stainless steels, tin
(Sn), titanium (Ti), tool steels, zinc (Zn) (*)
(*) Note: some calibrations might not be included as standard and an optional calibration upgrade
package is required
Aluminium (Al), Cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), low alloy steels, magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni),
stainless steels, tin (Sn), titanium (Ti), tool steels, zinc (Zn) (*)
RF Exposure Notice
This product emits radio frequency energy, but the radiated output power of this device is below FCC and
IC radio frequency exposure limits. This equipment complies with FCC RF and IC radiation exposure
limits for the uncontrolled environment. Nevertheless, the device should be used in such a manner that
the potential human contact with the antenna during normal operation is minimized.
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generate, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user in encouraged to try correcting the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient / relocate the receiving aerial.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from the outlet the receiver is currently
connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV technician for help.
This device contains FCC ID: Z64-WL18SBMOD and complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user´s authority to operate the equipment.
Canadian Notice
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment
Regulations.
This device contains transmitter IC: 451I-WL18SBMOD and complies with Industry Canada license-
exempt RSS standard(s).
Mexico Notice
China
No. 129, Lane 150, Pinbei Rd Tel: 400 820 1572
Minghang District, Fax: +86 21 5446 2078
Shanghai, 201102, China Email: [email protected]
Europe
Wellesweg 31 Tel: +49 (0) 2825 -9383 403
D-47589 Uedem Email: [email protected]
Germany
UK
Windrush Court, Tel: +44 (0) 1235 977900
Blacklands way, Email: [email protected]
Abingdon,
Oxfordshire,
OX14 1SY, UK
Americas
300 Baker Avenue, Suite 150, Tel: +1 978 369 9933
Concord, Fax: Toll Free +1 800 447 4717
MA 01742, USA Email: [email protected]
India
11, Marwah´s Complex Tel: +91 9619784666
Krishanlal Marwah Marg Email: [email protected]
Andheri East
Mumbai 400072, India