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GA KpIND-E Englisch 2022-02-23
GA KpIND-E Englisch 2022-02-23
Content
Content ............................................................................................................................ 3
1 Description of operating mode ................................................................................... 4
2 General ...................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Signs and symbols ........................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Scope of application .................................................................................................... 6
3 Technical Data ........................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Ambient Conditions ..................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Scope of delivery ......................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Consumables and spare parts, optional accessories ................................................... 8
3.4 Functioning and Operating Elements .......................................................................... 9
3.5 Display elements and error messages ....................................................................... 11
4 Transport and Storage.............................................................................................. 12
4.1 Transport ................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Storage ....................................................................................................................... 13
5 Installation .............................................................................................................. 14
5.1 Setting up the device ................................................................................................. 14
5.2 Change of electrode head (optional)......................................................................... 15
5.3 Installation of the helium insert (optional) ............................................................... 16
5.4 Connection to gas supply .......................................................................................... 17
5.5 Connection to voltage supply .................................................................................... 18
5.6 Performance check of the device .............................................................................. 20
6 Commissioning and Application ............................................................................... 21
6.1 Step-by-step instructions........................................................................................... 23
6.2 How to control kINPen® IND-E ................................................................................... 26
7 Liability .................................................................................................................... 28
8 Cleaning / Inspection / Maintenance ........................................................................ 29
9 Disposal ................................................................................................................... 30
10 Manufacturer .......................................................................................................... 30
Appendix ........................................................................................................................ 31
kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23 4
The plasma source kINPen® IND consists of an operating device and a connected handheld
device to generate a plasma jet. Both devices are connected through a combined service pipe
(gas, voltage, earth conductor). The operating device is attached to the external voltage supply
via a power cord.
Inside the plasma source kINPen® IND a high electric voltage (2 − 3 kV) is generated by a high
frequency generator (1 MHz) connected to a metal electrode inside of a ceramic capillary. The
working gas argon flows through the capillary. This capillary at the distal end of the handheld
device is surrounded by a grounded ring electrode. The high frequency discharge between the
electrodes converts the flowing working gas into physical plasma continuously. Due to the gas
flow the plasma is jet-like carried out of the handheld device.
A master power switch puts the device in the state of operational readiness. The actual plasma
operation then is triggered by a start/stop button. With start of the treatment gas flow starts
and the voltage is applied. Triggering the master power switch or the start/stop button the
voltage as well as the gas flow is stopped. The active species disappear, and the treatment
time is controlled precisely and in an easy way.
5 kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23
2 General
The Manual is to be read carefully and completely prior to commissioning. The kINPen® IND
is an electric device and requires careful and responsible handling for transport, installation,
maintenance, use and disposal of equipment and the device itself.
Keep this manual for later references.
Surfaces are cleaned, activated and decontaminated at atmospheric pressure with the handy
kINPen® IND. The device is particularly used for surface treatment of temperature-sensitive
materials as, for instance, plastics. In addition, kINPen® IND provides an easy access to
geometric challenging surfaces such as narrow clefts, capillaries or subtlest bores.
The kINPen® IND base model is argon-powered. The admixture of reducing or oxidizing gases
can be done up to the percentage range. Furthermore, the device is convertible through the
simple change of its electrode head to operate with molecular gases like air or nitrogen.
The plasma is automatically controlled. Continuous use of kINPen® IND is possible.
1) Gas mixing unit (GMU): to admix neutral process gas (e. g. argon) with none corrosive
molecular gases (air, nitrogen, oxygen). The GMU II is controlled exclusively via USB
interface.
2) Gas supply unit (GSU): one gas channel supply unit with a flow indicator and flow
control for none corrosive molecular gases (air, nitrogen, oxygen) or argon. The GSU
is recommended for usage of kINPen® handheld device with its reactive/shielding gas
head. It can be attached to the kINPen® main unit and to the GMU (gas mixing unit)
and is also separately usable for other experiments and processes.
3 Technical Data
Weight: 4,0 kg
Power supply
− Supply voltage, -frequency: 100 − 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
− Mains Fuse: 2 x T 1A E 250V
− Max. power consumption: 50 W
− Protection Class: I
− Operation mode: continuous operation
Gas supply
Argon Argon Helium Com- Nitrogen Nitrogen
with max. pressed with max.
5 % H2 + air 5 % H2
2 % O2
Purity min. 1)
4.6
Gas flow rate (l/min) 5±2 5±2 3±1 5±2 5±2 5±2
Inlet pressure 2 – 3 bar
Noble gas head X X X
Molecular gas head X X X
Helium insert X
1)
Feststoffpartikel particles 1
Wasser humidity 2
Öl residual oil 1
kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23 8
Transport
− Temperature: -40 – 70 °C
− Relative air humidity: 10 – 100 %
Operation:
− Temperature: 15 – 40 °C
− Relative air humidity: 15 – 75 %
− Air pressure: 800 – 1060 hPa
Excessive heat / cold or excessive humidity can impair the functionality of the
device or destroy it. Make sure to use the device with regards to the ambient
conditions.
- kINPen® IND-supply unit with permanently connected plasma generator (base unit
and handheld unit)
- built-in flow indicator with throttle and safety shutdown at subthreshold gas flows
- Electrode head for argon gas
Please note: If you would like to operate the electrode head with other gases, please
contact the manufacturer in advance.
- Protective cap for the electrode head
- Supply line from kINPen® IND main unit to handheld device (length: 1,5 m)
- Gas supply line (length: 1,5 m, Ø 6 mm)
- Plug for gas connection of the device (rear of device)
- Power cord
- Manual
- Spare Parts List
The device is intended for use with the supplied accessories only.
9 kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23
Figure 2: Operating unit with handheld device, stand (optional) and protection cap
6. Power supply
7. Fuses
8. Type plate
9. Connecting socket for additional potential equalization (ZPA)
10. Gas connection
The operating mode of the device is displayed via various indicators on the front (see page 9
and page 10).
Start/Stop Button
The start/stop button includes an illuminated ring (LED). By pressing the button, the gas flow
to the handheld device is started and the plasma is ignited. During the operation, the LED
glows. The LED turns off after pressing the start/stop button a second time for ending the
treatment.
kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23 12
Check your gas supply for proper operation (sufficient gas pressure, position of valves) and
control the gas flow rate via the adjusting screw (4b) at the gas flow control (4) of the device.
Please note, that for operating the adjusting screw (4b) the clamp screw (4c) has to be
released.
4.1 Transport
The device may be damaged due to improper transport. The device kINPen® IND
can be supplied in a transport case. In order to prevent damages, the transport
case is recommended for transportation.
Note
Inside the devices gas supply lines condensation of air humidity can occur,
caused by changing temperature during the transport. This may influence the
plasma characteristics directly after starting the device. To avoid:
• make sure to protect the electrode head during the transport with the
provided cap,
• for the duration of the transport seal the gas inlet on the rear of the
device with the provided plug,
• run the device idle for 15 min before starting the treatment to flush out
existing humidity.
13 kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23
4.2 Storage
NOTICE Dropping
The gas outlet on the electrode head of the handheld device may be damaged
through shock or falling down, so that a proper function of the device may not
be guaranteed anymore. In order to prevent damage:
• when not in use, protect electrode head of the handheld device with the
protection cap provided by the manufacturer
Note
When the device is not being used for a longer time, store device in the transport
case provide for by the manufacturer.
kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23 14
5 Installation
A user qualified for electrical appliances and gas supply must set up the device.
The parameters for the electrical connection and the gas connection (see
chapter 3: Technical Data) must be observed.
If the customer renounces the on-site introduction, necessary repairs caused
by faulty operation of the device go fully at the expense of the customer.
Responsibility for the gas supply (pressure conditions, gas flow rate, gas purity)
of the device lies with the user.
Place the base unit close to its gas and power supply on a dry, clean, horizontal and stable
surface. Place the handheld device in the optional delivered stand.
The kINPen® IND is supplied as standard with an electrode head for noble gases (Argon).
Depending on the desired application of the kINPen® IND, you may install an electrode head
for molecular gases or a helium insert (both optional, see chapter 5.2: Change of electrode
head and chapter 5.3: Installing the helium insert).
Otherwise, follow the instructions in chapter 5.4: Connection to the gas supply and chapter
5.5: Connection to the line voltage.
15 kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23
To change the electrode head separate the device from the mains!
Standard: electrode head for noble gas (e. g. Optional: electrode head for molecular
argon) gases (e. g. compressed air, nitrogen)
Feature: red gasket Feature: blue gasket
1. To change the head lose the locking screw (11) at the front end of the handheld
device tube (13). Use a 0,9 mm-Allen-key.
3. The other electrode head has to be screwed hand-firmly to the handheld device.
4. Replace the safety screw (11) into the opening (12), tighten it lightly.
kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23 16
1. Remove the electrode head (see chapter 5.2: Change of electrode head), loosen the
locking screw at the front end of the handheld device tube.
2. The helium insert is placed between the handheld device and the noble gas head.
3. The helium insert and the inert gas head, have to be screwed hand-firmly to the
handheld device.
4. The basic unit is to be connected due to the cooling of the handheld device to a gas
supply (e. g. compressed air).
5. The process gas (helium) is introduced via the connection through the helium insert
in the kINPen® IND for plasma generation.
The recommended gas flow using the insert is at about 5 l/min air and 3 l/min helium (see
chapter 3: Technical Data). Again, for both gases, the use of a pressure regulator or
17 kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23
the connection to a pressure-reduced central gas supply is required (see chapter 5.4:
Connection to gas supply).
5.4 Connection to gas supply
From a purely technical point of view, the device may be operated with different types of
gases. The plasma source kINPen® IND is being delivered with a gas supply hose (Ø 6 mm) for
the connection of the operating device to an appropriate gas supply unit. When connecting to
a gas cylinder or a central gas supply system, an adequate pressure regulator is necessary for
a solid pressure reduction.
Remove the equipment from the packaging and create a steady connection between the
operating unit and the gas supply.
The device was designed for the application range described in this manual.
Through a use of a different gas, than the one foreseen in this manual, the
device can be damaged or it produces a plasma, which does not feature all
attributes needed for the treatment. Ensure the connection of the device to a
gas supply apparatus, which supplies the gas in a specific purity according to
chapter 3: Technical Data.
The device was developed for the gas pressure described in chapter 3: Technical
Data. Considerably higher inlet pressure may damage the device. Compare the
information in this manual with the gas pressure on the pressure regulator of
your gas supply unit and create an appropriate gas pressure, in order to prevent
damages at the device.
kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23 18
The plasma source kINPen® IND is supplied with a suitable power cord.
Use the enclosed power cord to connect the unit to your voltage supply.
The device produces gaseous plasma by electrical ionization of gas and thus
produces an ignition source. The device is only meant to be used in dry rooms
that do not present a risk of explosion. Use of the device in the vicinity of
anesthetic gases and pure oxygen is expressly prohibited.
For the protection of all persons, in the event of a malfunction of the device,
dangerous electrical buildups will be discharged through a ground connection.
The effectiveness of the ground connection is dependent on the connection of
the device to a wall socket with a ground wire. A further protection mechanism
is realized by connecting the device to an equipotential bus bar.
When turned on, high voltage is generated inside the handheld device.
− The device may only be used and operated by properly instructed personnel.
− Do not open the device. Any tampering with the device is strictly prohibited.
− Do not insert sharp objects into the gas emission nozzle on the electrode
head of the applicator.
− Protect the device from mechanical damage! In particular, secure the device
to prevent impacts and droppings.
− If visible damage to the gas emission nozzle is evident, immediately
disconnect the device from the power source and contact manufacturer
service.
Connection to an unspecific supply voltage may damage the device or may result
in plasma with properties that are not suitable for treatment.
Note
The device’s positioning must enable easy access to the power switch, the plug,
and the additional potential equalization.
In order to perform a performance check of the device after initial installation, the device is
to be commissioned as described in chapter 6: Commissioning and Application.
21 kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23
Note
Mind the following safety information in order to protect yourself during the
application.
CAUTION Ozone
The device produces gaseous plasma. The plasma properties may depend on
environmental conditions. Consider the permissible operation conditions (see
chapter 3.1). Consider also, that after the plasma is switched off, due to its
design, a portion of the gas line will be aerated. As a result, moisture from the
ambient air may collect in the gas line and may influence the plasma properties
upon subsequent usage. This may affect the intensity of the produced UV
radiation as well as the quantity or produced reactive oxygen species,
particularly OH radicals.
− Place the included protective cap on the electrode head when not in use.
− To ensure sufficient gas purity before the start of treatment, turn the
plasma on before the initial treatment of the day, until a stable plasma jet
occurred. Before further treatments on the same day, a warm-up time of
ca. 1 − 2 minutes before the start of treatment is recommended.
kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23 22
CAUTION Dropping
The device may fall if placed on an unsuitable surface and may thereby causing
injuries.
− Ensure that the main unit always rests on a level, stable surface and that the
use of the handheld unit does not result in the danger that the device may
fell down.
− The bearing surface must be dry and clean.
− Place the handheld device on the (optional) stand when not in use.
23 kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23
3. Check and look for possible mechanical damages at the gas outlet at the electrode head
on the handheld unit.
4. Check the type of gas and its purity at your gas supply unit.
5. Guarantee the gas supply from the gas supply unit to the device, by opening the
respective valve/s.
6. Check the gas inlet pressure at the pressure regulator of your gas supply unit and
control the value stated in this manual.
7. Make sure that the power switch is switched to zero (0).
8. Connect the device with the power cord to the AC/AC converter. Connect the AC/AC
convertor to the line voltage. (Optional: Connect the device to the additional potential
equalization panel of your facility).
9. Switch the kINPen® IND device on, by switching the power switch to position one (1).
The lighting of the power switch as well as the display of the gas flow regulator are
now active and the device is ready for use.
10. By shortly pushing the start/stop button, the gas flow to the handheld unit is being
started and the plasma is generated. The green ring LED of the button is now
illuminated.
11. Make sure (through visual inspection) that a visible plasma of approx. 7-11 mm is
generated and released from the handheld device. Control the gas flow on the display
of the gas flow controller and adjust if needed to the required gas flow rate by turning
the valve screw of the gas flow controller.
12. In order to achieve sufficient gas purity in the pipelines and thus ensure reproducible
results, the unit is allowed to run once for at least 15 minutes on the application day.
13. After the treatment switch off the plasma by pushing the start/stop button. The
button-light will also turn off.
14. Upon termination of the treatment, set the power switch to zero (0), disconnect the
device from the power line.
15. For protection purposes, place the protection cap on the electrode head at the front
part of the handheld unit.
25 kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23
The intended use of the kINPen® IND requires the compliance with the required
gas flow rate within the stated tolerances. The gas flow controller only sets the
supply voltage for the handheld device free to generate a plasma, if the current
gas flow rate lies within the specified range. In this case, the display of the gas
flow controller is illuminated by a green light. In case the gas flow is too high or
too low, the display will be red and the error display will be illuminated as well.
Occasionally, the plasma will not be generated immediately after pushing the
start/stop button. This may be the case if the gas supply line was not cleaned
with an adequate amount of clean gas. Should this problem remain after several
tries and thus after being adequately rinsed with gas, the problem may be a
defect of the device. In this case, please contact the manufacturer.
kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23 26
The BNC-connectors replace the manual button Start/Stopp and the LED that display a
wrong gas flow outside of the working window.
Figure 14: Front view of the operating unit with operating elements
Switch on the main power switch (1) to bring the kINPenIND-E in standby position.
Provide Nitrogen, pressured air or synthetic air (2-3 bar) on the backside of the kINPen.
Provide a positive voltage between 5V and 24V (inner contact +, shield ground) to start the
kINPen.
If the gas flow is between 3-7 liters per minute (working window can vary) the Error Out
should be lead 0V, in the case of error the BNC output is feed 24V.
kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23 28
7 Liability
The manufacturer recommends to only use the device kINPen® IND under the designated
conditions and for the designated purposes, and to take care of it as described in this manual.
The manufacturer cannot be held liable for damages resulting from improper usage of
kINPen® IND or any usage not agreed to by the manufacturer.
The device must be protected against the permeation of liquids. The device may
be damaged due to the permeation of liquids or water and can cause an electric
shock.
• For the disinfection of the device kINPen® IND, use a towel which has
been moistened with a disinfectant – never spray the disinfectant
directly on the operating unit or the handheld device.
Maintenance
The electrode head of the kINPen® IND is subject to slow wear. The wear of the head varies
according to the gases used and the duration of use of the device. A spent head ignites only if
delayed or the plasma jet is irregular.
A replacement head is available from the manufacturer, a change by the customer is possible.
A maintenance of the device by the manufacturer with adjustment of the handheld on the
new head is recommended.
Repairs to the device must be carried out exclusively by the manufacturer, any manipulation
of the device is prohibited.
kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23 30
9 Disposal
In case this device must be disposed of, send it to the address below for an
adequate disposal.
10 Manufacturer
neoplas GmbH
Walther-Rathenau-Str. 49 a
17489 Greifswald
GERMANY
www.neoplas.eu
31 kINPen® IND – operating manual – state: 2022-02-23
Appendix
Installation protocol
Serial-Number: _______________________
Set-up of device
Installation location and environmental conditions correspond to the
3 requirements of chapter 3: Technical Data
Connect gas supply unit with device with the help of the provided gas
6 connection line (plastic hose)
Serial-Number: _______________________
Performance Test
➔ The device was properly installed and tested successfully as to its function.
-----------------------------------
Place, Date