FAQ
What gasses do I need to run my glovebox?
In standard applications an inert gas supply of 6bar (80-90 psi) is required for operation of the system. Acceptable gasses for system use are Argon, Nitrogen and Helium.
The systems will also need a forming gas supply for regeneration of the purifier column. The gas should be 3%-10% hydrogen with the balance being the working gas used in the system. The forming gas should be supplied with a low range regulator (approx: 0-20 psi) so that flow can easily be adjusted when starting the regeneration process.
Last update on 22.05.2019 by Administrator.
Does my system need to be connected to a facility exhaust? If so what should be connected?
Connection of the facility exhaust is optional and not strictly needed for system operation. For the installation and startup of a system, facility exhaust is not normally required.
While connecting the system to an exhaust is not required for proper operation, it is strongly recommended on systems where potentially hazardous substances are used.
If you choose to connect your system to an exhaust the main things that normally need to be connected are the purge valve, vacuum pump, and regeneration exhaust outlet.
Last update on 22.05.2019 by Administrator.
What maintenance does my glovebox need and where can I get the required parts?
Typically the recommendations in our maintenance guide are suitable for most systems. If you have questions regarding the maintenance of your specific system please contact us.
Last update on 22.05.2019 by Administrator.
Do my Oxygen and Moisture probes need to be calibrated?
Frequency of calibration is dependent on the requirements of the user. The sensors have a specified drift of <10%/year at 10ppm. For some research applications it is acceptable to go for several years between calibrations of the analyzers. In production applications the sensors should almost always be calibrated annually.
Last update on 22.05.2019 by Administrator.
What will happen to the system if there is a power outage? Should we do anything to prepare for a scheduled outage?
A power outage will not damage the system, when power returns the systems will continue in the same state it was in before the power outage. If an outage is scheduled it is best to stop work, turn off the systems functions and power down the system. In the event of a power surge or power fluctuation the frequency inverter for the circulation blower may experience an error. In this case simply turn circulation off, reset the error at the frequency inverter and turn circulation back on.
Last update on 27.10.2022 by Administrator.
My system displays the alarm 'Clean the H2O-sensor-refer to instruction manual'. What should I do?
This alarm automatically comes on every 2000 hours of sensor use to act as a reminder to service the H2O probe. The H2O sensor needs to be periodically cleaned and coated with phosphoric acid. This should typically be done about every 3-6 months. Refer to the instruction manual for directions on how to clean the probe. The alarm can be reset by navigating to the 'Common Parameters' screen, selecting 'Service H2O Probe', resetting the counter to zero and acknowledging the alarm. It is important to note that cleaning the probe is different than calibrating the sensor.
Last update on 22.05.2019 by Administrator.
My glovebox displays the message 'Purifier: Filter 1 input main valves not open'. What does this mean and how can I correct it.
This message indicates that the main valves for the purification system are not fully open. These valves are electro-pneumatic and require approximately 80psi (5.5bar) to remain open. This error is almost always caused by the supply pressure being too low.
To correct the problem, check and adjust the supply pressure.
Last update on 22.05.2019 by Administrator.
Does my glovebox system need cooling water to run efficiently?
Not necessarily, A heat exchanger is integrated into the gas purification system to achieve optimum working temperatures inside the glovebox. In hot climate zones it is recommended to connect the cooling water to the gas purifier to maintain comfortable working environments inside the glovebox. In laboratories equipped with air conditioner units which already maintain constant temperatures it is not needed to hook up cooling water to the gas purification system.
Last update on 22.05.2019 by Administrator.
My system displays the alarm 'Motor protective switch vacuum pump VPG 1 activated'. What does this mean and how can I remedy it?
This means that the circuit breaker for the vacuum pump has tripped, this is normally due to the vacuum pump drawing too much current, but could also be because of a power surge or other anomaly.
The oil should be checked in the vacuum pump to be sure that it is clean and completely filled. Once this is verified the circuit breaker in the main electrical cabinet can be reset and the pump can be turned back on.
If the breaker continues to trip the current draw of the vacuum pump should be measured. On some systems the vacuum pump circuit breaker will have a variable amperage dial. In this case the allowable amperage can be increased to account for a small increase in current draw as the pump ages.
Last update on 27.10.2022 by Administrator.
My system displays the alarm 'Blower GB1 motor protective switch activated or error frequency controller'. What does this mean and how can I remedy it?
This means that there is an error indicated on the frequency controller for the blower or that the breaker for the blower has tripped, this can be caused by excessive load or wear on the blower or by a power surge or fluctuation.
To rectify the issue, open the electrical cabinet and locate the frequency controller, it is typically labeled ‘U1’. Note the error displayed on the controller. Then turn circulation off. Verify the box filters are clean and change if needed. With circulation off reset the controller by pushing the appropriate key on the controller. Once the code is cleared turn circulation back on.
If the issue persists contact M. Braun Service with the project number of your glovebox and the error code from the controller.
If the LCD on the controller is off, contact M. Braun Service.
Last update on 22.05.2019 by Administrator.
Do I have to flush my system for commissioning?
You should flush the system to a ppm value of <100ppm O2 with working gas (N2 or Ar or He) before starting the circulation. You will need approximately 11 times the box volume of purge gas to achieve 100ppm O2 (depending on the installation and purge method, the required gas volume may vary). This corresponds to approx. 1 bottle (50 litres) per m3 box volume.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Ho much regeneration gas do I need?
You need approx. 1/3 bottle (50 litres) of regeneration gas with a concentration of 2%-5% H2 in Ar or N2 to carry out the regeneration. The regeneration consumes approx. 3500l from the 50 litre bottle (approx. 70-80 bar). If you have selected the regeneration gas concentration <5%, the required regeneration gas quantity will increase to approx. 7000l.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
When should I regenerate my glovebox?
Regeneration should be performed when the value of O2 or H2O exceeds the required value (ppm value where the product/process will not be damaged) in the box. It should be done about every 3-6 months.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Which oxygen levels are necessary before I carry out a regeneration?
Please make sure that the box has an O2 value of <100ppm before starting regeneration. If this is not the case, rinse the system to an O2 value of <100ppm. The box gas is used to fill the reactor copper molecular sieve (RKM) after evacuation for cooling and should have a low oxygen value.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Can the regeneration been stopped?
When the regeneration is started, a pop-up window appears with the question "Are you sure you want to regenerate? The regeneration can be aborted with "NO". If you have selected "YES", you will subsequently be prompted to check the regenerating gas flow.
From this point on, you can no longer completely interrupt the regeneration and circulate it again via the Reactor Copper Molecularsieve (RKM).
Depending on the software version, the complete regeneration runs through or the next step to abort the regeneration is started.
You can read the remaining regeneration time on the "Status" page in the regeneration gas menu.
Even if the replenishment gas cylinder does not contain the required quantity of replenishment gas or is empty, you must allow the replenishment process to run through.
The system will not be damaged if a regeneration without gas has been started accidentally. The regeneration cycle must be completed, otherwise the corresponding Reactor Copper Molecularsieve (RKM) will be locked.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Why do I see high levels of oxygen and humidity when the blower is switched off?
The analyzers needs a constant gas flow to measure correctly. Without the circulation of the box atmosphere, there is no gas flow across the sensors, which is why they measure incorrect values.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
How often should I change my filter/material for solvent removal?
1 kg activated carbon can hold approx. 100 ml solvent.
The internal solvent filter has a capacity of 1 kg activated carbon. Depending on the solvent used, it should be replaced every month.
The smaller external solvent filter has a capacity of 5 kg activated carbon. Depending on the solvent used, it should be replaced after 3-6 months.
The bigger external solvent filter has a capacity of 8 kg activated carbon. Depending on the solvent used, it should be replaced after 3-6 months.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Why do I see water in the flow meter?
This is a good sign. It shows that the regeneration is working properly. During regeneration, the Reactor Copper Molecularsieve (RKM) is heated and the stored H2O is rinsed out. This condenses and partially precipitates in the flow meter.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Error: 'Gas cleaning: Reactor 1/2 Main Valve Inlet/Outlet Not Open' on the screen?
This error means that the electro-pneumatic valves on the top of the filter column (RKM input/output) are not fully open or closed. Usually this is caused by an empty gas cylinder or too low pressure of the working gas supply. Please set the pressure to 6 bar. If this does not help, it will be necessary to change the gas cylinder.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Which gases do I need to operate the gas cleaning system?
As working gas, you can use nitrogen, argon or helium. The pressure should be at 6bar, an appropriate pressure reducer with an appropriate setting range for reducing the gas cylinder pressure is required.
A concentration of 2%-5% H2 in 95-98% Ar/N2 (depending on the type of working gas) can be used as regeneration gas (mixed gas). The pressure of the regenerating gas should be at 0.3 to 0.4 bar, a corresponding pressure reducer with a corresponding setting range for reducing the gas cylinder pressure is required.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
What happens to the glovebox in the event of an unexpected power failure?
A power failure will not damage the system. In the event of a power failure, all system valves close.
Once the power failure has been rectified, the system reboots to the level of the system at which the power failure has occurred. Depending on the software version, the system can continue in the step it was in during a power failure when regeneration is started. Otherwise it starts the regeneration gas process from the beginning.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Do oxygen and moisture analyzers require maintenance?
The oxygen analyzer is maintenance-free but should be calibrated for systems for the first time after 15 months and then every 12 months.
The moisture sensor should be cleaned according to the system message (every 2000 hours) and re-passivated with 85% phosphoric acid. Then reset the hour counter to 'zero' (see description in the user manual). The water analyzer should also be calibrated regularly in production systems.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Does the glovebox requires cooling water?
It is not necessary to connect cooling water. If possible (heat exchanger installed in the gas cleaning system) it reduces the temperature in the glovebox and results in a more pleasant working temperature.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Does the glovebox have to be connected to an exhaust air?
The system must be connected to an exhaust air system depending on room air and ventilation. In the event of a glovebox operation with a 50l gas cylinder, up to 10,000l of gas can flow into the premises. With a tank supply, however, much more.
If dangerous substances are used, a connection is recommended. The connections should be at the vacuum pump, the purge outlet valve, the regeneration gas outlet, the overpressure protection valves and, if purge valves are used, at their outlet valves. The specification of the exhaust air system is given in the user manual.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Error: 'Circulation fan GB1 Motor protection tripped or frequency inverter fault'?
Check the frequency converter in the electrical cabinet of the gas cleaning unit. The error code is listed in the user manual. A 'reset' on the frequency inverter resets the error message. Another possible cause may be that the fuse or the motor protection switch has tripped it. In this case, please switch on again. If the fault occurs repeatedly, it may be due to dirty box dust filters or a damaged circulation fan.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Does MBRAUN offer a WIFI connection for the myMBRAUN app?
MBRAUN does not offer a Wifi connection for the myMBraun app. The reason for this is that MBRAUN needs to know your (secret) Wifi password, which is normally not known. We recommend to buy an ordinary Wifi router, connect it to the Wifi network and connect it to the Ethernet port of the glovebox. If you have only one IP address and wants to connect several gloveboxes, we recommend using a network switch that can handle NAT (Network Address Translation). In any case, the administration should be done by your IT department.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
How to switch off the glovebox correctly?
If possible, the glovebox should be left powered on and circulating (please see our previous post). However, if you need to turn the system off, proceed as follows:
Place sensitive materials in large and/or small antechamber. If it does not harm the materials, we recommend evacuating the antechamber.
Turn off circulation, and if existing, box cooling.
Set the box pressure working limits to 10mbar and 14mbar on the control panel and bring the box to working pressure accordingly. The box should remain in this pressure area for approx. 15 minutes.
Switch off all functions that are still active via the control panel or the controls.
Now switch off the system, i.e. main switch in position "Off".
Close gas supply to glovebox
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Checklist of common application errors for Oxygen (OX) analyzers
If your Oxygen Analyzer does show too high ppm values or does not change the displayed value at all. What might be wrong?
Please check if you do have higher concentrations of volatile, Oxygen-containing, or corrosive substances in the glovebox?
Please make sure you do not have any leakage in the box. Did you check your gloves for holes?
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Checklist of common application errors for Moisture (MO) analyzers
If your Moisture Analyzer does not change the displayed value at all - frozen value. What might be wrong?
Please check if your analyzer head is dirty or completely dry (no phosphoric acid left).
You do not know how? Please check out our How-To video to clean and get phosphoric acid back on the sensor head.
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
Checklist of common application errors for Solvent (HC) analyzers
If your Solvent Analyzer does not change the displayed value at all and shows permanent 0 ppm. What might be wrong?
Please check if your analyser is still full functional and place an alcohol pad in front of the analyser head. An immediate change of the ppm value should be visible.
You do not have a pad please ask at service@mbraun.de for a free sample or order (item-no. 2612298).
Last update on 31.05.2023 by Administrator.
