manual sca20 u

5/24/2018 Manual SCA20 U

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O p e r a t i n g m a n u a l O C A 1 5 E C V i d e o - b a s e d o p t i c a l c o n t a c t

a n g l e m e a s u r i n g i n s t r u m e n t


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Manual OCA 15EC

D:\Documents\InDesignDateien\Manuals\OCA\OCA15EC\OCA15EC_V1.0.indd 01. Oc tober 2013Page 2/84

Operating manual OCA 15ECVersion 1.0, English

Valid as of firmware version 10.27, and SCA software version 4.4.1 Build 1046

Release: October 2013

All Rights, also of translation, reserved.

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form (print, photocopy,

microfilm or any other process) or be processed, multiplied or distributed by any

electronic means without the prior written approval of DataPhysics. This doesnot affect the exceptions expressly stated in 53, 54 UrhG.

DataPhysics Instruments GmbH does not accept any kind of liability for techni-

cal or printing mistakes or defectiveness in this operating manual.

We reserve the right to make changes to the content of this operating manual

without prior announcement.

The use of names, trade names, merchandise descriptions and such in this

operating manual does not justify the assumption that such names may simply

be used by anyone; often we are concerned with legally protected registered

trademarks even if they are not marked as such.

Images: Norbert Heil, Gerhard Maier

Text and Layout: Gerhard MaierPrinted in Germany

Copyright 2013 by DataPhysics Instruments GmbH, Filderstadt

is a registered trademark of DataPhysics Instruments GmbH,

Filderstadt

DataPhysics Instruments GmbH

Raiffeisenstrae 34

70794 Filderstadt, Germany

phone +49 (0)711-770556-0

fax: +49 (0)711-770556-99

email: [email protected]
mailto:sales%40dataphysics.de?subject=Operating%20manual%20OCA%2015ECmailto:sales%40dataphysics.de?subject=Operating%20manual%20OCA%2015EC


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Page 3/84Manual OCA 15EC

1 Preface 41.1 Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.2 Safety warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.3 Security precautions in detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

2 Features of the OCA 15EC 62.1 Software SCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

3 Installation and setup 83.1 General preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3.2 Checklist of delivered items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.3 Levelling the measuring device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3.4 Mounting of SD-DM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.5 Mounting of ES-D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.6 Mounting of measuring table with markings . . . . 12

3.7 Controls and connectors at illumination. . . . . . . . 133.8 PC-Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143.9 Driver installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.9.1 Installation of Video driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153.9.2 Installation of OCA USB-driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.10 Installation of SCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.11 Connection of USB video camera . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4 Operation 184.1 Preparation and mounting of dosing syringe . . . . . 18

4.1.1 OCA 15 - Device Preferences - Syringe. . . . . . . . . . . . 204.1.2 OCA 15 - Device Preferences - Liquid . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.2 Positioning of the dosing needle . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.3 Positioning of the sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214.4 Adjustment of the Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224.5 Settings for the Framegrabber / Camera . . . . . . . 23

4.5.1 Framegrabber Preferences Image. . . . . . . . . . . . 244.5.2 Framegrabber Preferences Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254.5.3 Framegrabber Preferences Timing . . . . . . . . . . . 264.5.4 Framegrabber Preferences Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4.6 Adjustment of the optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

5 Software SCA 295.1 General operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

5.2 Software start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305.3 Live Video / Drop Image Window . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5.4 Result window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325.4.1 Result window table area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335.4.2 Result window graphic area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375.4.3 Result window parameter area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

5.5 Dynamic Tracking-Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .425.6 Movie Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

6 Sessile Drop-method 486.1 Static contact angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

6.2 Manual Evaluation Mode for Sessile Drop . . . . . . 536.3 Automatic advancing and receding contact angle 55

Content

Content

7 Pendant Drop-method 608 Calculation 65

8.1 Calculation of surface free energy. . . . . . . . . . . .659 Maintenance 67

9.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .679.2 Cleaning of the unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

9.3 Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689.3.1 Special optic accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 689.3.2 Dosing syringes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 699.3.3 Dosing needles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 699.3.4 Special dosing accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719.3.5 Optical drop shape standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 729.3.6 Sample holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 739.3 .7 Temperature control units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

9.4 Trouble shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 759.4.1 How to Report Bugs Effectively. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 769.5 Exchange of halogen bulb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

10 Appendix 7810.1 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

10.2 Environmental requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7910.3 Requirements of the mains cable . . . . . . . . . . .79

10.4 Terms of Guarantee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8110.5 Declaration of conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82


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DataPhysics Instruments GmbHPage 4/84

Manual OCA 15EC

1 Preface

This manual is valid for the video-based optical contact angle measuring

system OCA 15EC.

This manual contains important advises for use of the OCA 15EC. Therefore, itmust always stick with the unit, especially if you give it to a third party!

In these frames, you will find helpful user information.

This STOPsign and these frames point out a hazard and calls atten-tion to a procedure, practice, or the like, which, if not correctly per-

formed or adhered to, could result in damage of the unit, injury or

loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a STOPsign until indicated condi-tions are fully understood and met.

These frames show the contents of long chapters or procedures at

a glance.

1.1 Compliance

This product is tested and found to comply with the requirements defined inthe EMC standards defined by 89/336/EEC as well as Low Voltage Directive

(LVD) 73/23/EEC identified by the CE label on the back of the OCA 15EC.

For any additional information refer to the Letter of Compliance (Declaration of

Conformity) (see 10.5 on page 82).

1.2 Safety warnings

Make sure you read and understand all instructions and safety precautions

listed in this operating manual before installing or operating your unit. If you

have any question concerning the operation of your unit or the information in

this manual, contact your sales partner for assistance.

Performance of installation, operation, or maintenance procedures other than

those described in this manual may result in hazardous situation and may

void the warranty.

Never operate the unit for any purpose other than described in the operating

manual.

Do not use any accessories other than those supplied or approved by

DataPhysics.

You must not operate the unit if a fault is suspected.

Ensure that all operators are fully trained in the correct use of this unit and

have understood all safety precautions. Connect the external power supply of the OCA 15EC to a socket with protec-

tive plug reception only! Use a three-wire power cord. No other way of pro-


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Preface

tective grounding is permitted!

You must never open the casing of the power supply. The power supply can

only be exchanged complete.

The measuring results do not only depend upon the correct use and func-tioning of the unit, but may also be influenced by other factors. It is advised

therefore, that the measuring results are plausibility tested before conse-

quential actions are taken.

In addition to the warnings listed above, warnings are posted throughout the

manual.

1.3 Security precautions in detail

Risk of contusion Never bring any body parts between the movable parts ofthe unit.

Electrical connections The unit must only be used with cables supplied byDataPhysics or our sales partner. All cable connections must only be closed or

opened when the unit is switched off. Make sure that the voltage of the device

correspond to the power source.

Unpacking Retain all cartons and packing material until the unit is operatedand found in good condition. If the unit shows external or internal damage,

or does not operate properly, contact the transportation company and file a

damage claim. Under ICC regulations, this is your responsibility.

Lifting and transport Equipment that exceeds a weight limit of 18 kilogramsrequire a safe lifting practice to ensure that injuries are prevented, or kept to a

minimum.

Temperature and environmental control systemsSome accessible surfacescan become very hot.Therefore, please wait until the system has cooled downsufficiently and the temperature allows you to touch the system without

danger, or use specific hand protectors.

General The unit should not be used in areas with high electromagnetic fieldsas well as in areas with danger of explosion.

Use only original DataPhysics accessories and spare parts or parts approved

from DataPhysics.

The OCA 15EC must never be lifted by the connected cables, the optics, and thevideo camera!


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Manual OCA 15EC

2 Features of the OCA 15EC

Sample table manual movable (magnetic slide system) in horizontal and pre-

cise adjustable in vertical (z-axis) direction via hand wheel

High performance 6x parfocal zoom lens with integrated continuous fine

focus, and adjustable observation and camera tilt angle

Video measuring system with USB camera (159 images/s sample rate)

LED-lighting with software controlled intensity without hysteresis

Single direct dosing system SD-DM

One electronic syringe unit ES-D

Software module SCA 20 contact angle

Software module SCA 21 surface free energy

The OCA 15EC shares a common feature with all the other contact angle meas-

uring instruments from the OCA series the OCA accessories range.

For available accessories (see 9.3 Accessories and spare parts; page 68).

Fig. 1: OCA 15EC package with optional notebook


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Features of the OCA 15EC

2.1 Software SCA

DataPhysics is specialised in the development of high-precise and reliable meth-

ods for evaluating drop contours in combination with statistical error analysis.

The SCA sof tware assists you in the intuitive use of the video-based optical con-tact angle measuring instrument OCA 15EC by specifying measurement proce-

dures and in collecting, assessing, and evaluating the measured data.

The SCA software is designed as a modular program for all OCA instruments.

The available software modules for the OCA 15EC are:

SCA 20 contact angle (included in OCA 15EC package)

video based measurement and presentation of the static and dynamic con-

tact angle on plane, convex, and concave surfaces

automatic measurement of the contact angle hysteresis

record/store of image sequences

statistics and measurement error analysis

Liquids and solids database with currently more than 170 records for all sur-

face energy analysis methods including related citations

SCA 21 surface free energy (included in OCA 15EC package)

analysis of the surface free energy of solids as well as their components (e.g.

dispersive, polar and hydrogen bond parts, acid and base portions) according

to nine different theories

representation of wetting envelopes and work of adhesion/contact angle

diagrams

SCA 22 pendant drop (optional available)

analysis of the surface and interfacial tension, as well as their polar and dis-

persive contributions, based on the analysis of the drop shape of pendant

drops

SCA 23 lamella and liquid bridge analysis (optional available)

analysis of the surface and interfacial tension based on the evaluation of the

lamella contour

'bridge analysis' of a 3 phase system with rotational symmetry around the

direction of gravity, including a special kind of inverse ARCA (advancing reced-

ing contact angle) experiment with the following features:

Free shape substrate modelled with bezier splines

Adjustable region of interest

General profile detection for two half contour objects

Robust estimation of the 3 phase spots and the base diameter

Generic 3rd order spline fit with regularization for contact angle

measurement

Automatic sequence parsing for profile defects

Automatic sequence processing with and without result filter

Fig. 2: Sessile drop

Fig. 3: SCA 21 sur face free energy andwork of adhesion

Fig. 4: Pendant drop

Fig. 5: Lamella


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Manual OCA 15EC

3 Installation and setup

Make sure you have read and understood all instructions and safety precau-

tions listed in this operating manual before installing your unit. The installation

should be carried out in the same order as described in the following pages.

This chapters describe the installation an setup of the OCA 15EC.

General preparations

Checklist of delivered items

Levelling the measuring device

Mounting of SD-DM

Mounting of ES-D

Mounting of measuring table with markings

Controls and connectors at illumination housing

PC-Setup

Installation of OCA driver

Installation of Video driver

Connection of USB video camera

Installation of SCA

3.1 General preparations

Please open all packages on the designated openings. Avoid all damages to the

packing material. The OCA 15EC is best protected in the original packing!

Find yourself a comfortable working place where you want to set up your

OCA 15EC system with its peripheral equipment. There should be sufficient

room to set up the base unit, the substances to be measured and the peripheral

equipment (e.g. printer, computer and thermostat).

Your working environment and the place where you store your OCA 15EC mustcomply with the environment specifications (see 10.2 Environmental requirements;

page 79)

Furthermore, make sure that the OCA 15EC is not exposed to

heavy dirt or dust

direct sunshine

objects which emit great heat (e.g. radiators)

objects with a strong electromagnetic field (e.g. loud speaker, motors,...)

liquids or corrosive chemicals (except in the measurement devices designed for it)

The instrument must be tempered to room temperature before you install and

operate it (if it comes out of a cold ambient atmosphere watch out for con-

densed water).


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Installation and setup

3.2 Checklist of delivered items

Please check that all items of the delivery were unpacked and in good condition.

The OCA 15EC packageconsists of:

OCA 15EC base unit with mounted USB-Wide-VGA camera

Sample stage and measuring table with markings (see Fig. 6)

Toolkit consisting of a bubble level and 2 hexagon screwdrivers (metric size 2 mm

and 3 mm)

External power supply 24 V (see Fig. 8)

Power cord

USB 2.0 cable (Type A Type B), connects OCA to PC

USB 2.0 cable (Type A Mini-B), connects camera to PC

Single direct dosing system, SD-DM (see Fig. 9), including

- RS-485 connection cable, (DPC-02) SD-D,connects OCA to ES-D) Electronic dosing unit, ES-D(see Fig. 10)), including

- Gastight dosing syringe DS 500/GTand- Dosing needle SNS 052/026

Software SCA 20andSCA 21on CD (includes drivers and also optional soft-ware modules)

This manual

First install drivers from the delivered software CD before you

connect the USB cables (OCA and camera) to the PC !

Fig. 6: Sample stage andmeasuring table

Fig. 7: Toolkit

Fig. 8: External power supply

Fig. 9: SD-DM

Fig. 10: ES-D incl. DS 500/GT,and SNS 052/26


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Manual OCA 15EC

3.3 Levelling the measuring device

The result of a contact angle and pendant drop measurement is, amongst

others, dependent on the force of gravity and therewith from the correct level-

ling of the measuring instrument.

Put the OCA 15EC base unit to your working place.

Put the bubble level onto the stage of the measuring device.

The levelling could be carried out with the four height adjustable feet. A good

way to level is to try it with only three feet (without the one in the left front).

First turn all feet upwards until the base unit is on the lowest height. Then turn

the left back foot down about two turns (see Fig. 12). Level the base unit along the

optical axis by use of the right back foot. Now level it diagonally to the optical

axis by use of the right front foot. Finally turn down the left front foot until it

touches the surface of the working place.

3.4 Mounting of SD-DM

Loosen the four T-slides (see Fig. 13)at the SD-DM (open the screw about 2 revs)

using the hexagon screwdriver metric size3 mm

Mount the SD-DM by sliding the loosed T-slides into both T-grooves at the

top of the lighting housing

Align the hinges of the SD-DM with the mounting plate on top of the illumi-

nation housing (see Fig. 14)

Tighten all four screws of the T-slides

Fig. 15: Fixing of SD-DM

Fig. 11: Bubble level on stage

Fig. 12: Height adjustable feet

Fig. 13: T-slides at SD-DM

Fig. 14: Alignment of SD-DM


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If the optional available minute droplet kit (MDK 15EC), for the observation ofsmall drops, is mounted, there are two different alignment positions for the

SD-DM. The alignment position on the mounting plate, on top of the illumina-

tion housing, depends on the use of the attachment lens ATL 2x.For measuring small drops mount the 2x attachment lens, for measuring bigger

drops just dismount the attachment lens.

With the 2x attachment lens mounted:

Align the hinges of the SD-DM with the edge (125 mm) of the mounting plate

Without the 2x attachment lens:

Align the hinges of the SD-DM at the mark 80mm on the mounting plate

Fig. 16: Mounting of ATL 2x

Fig. 17: Alignment of SD-DM on MDK 15ECwith mounted ATL 2x

Fig. 18: Alignment of SD-DM on MDK 15ECwithout ATL 2x


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Manual OCA 15EC

3.5 Mounting of ES-D

The SD-DM features three mounting position (hole 1, 2, and 3) for the ES-D.

The choice which one of the mounting holes (1, 2, or 3) should be selecteddepends on the used dosing syringe and the length of the dosing needle.

For the syringe DS 500/GT and the dosing needle SNS 052/026 (standard acces-

sory of ES-D) use the position 1(where the knurled screw to hold the fixing bolt(see Fig. 20)at the ES-D is already mounted in delivery state).

Release the both clamp lever at he SD-DM and hinge it back to horizontal

position (see Fig. 21).

Open the two knurled holding screws at the SD-DM

Put the ES-D to the holder of the SD-DM and insert the fixing bolt into the

corresponding hole

Fix both knurled holding screws(see Fig. 22).

Fig. 22: Holding screws for ES-D at the SD-DM

3.6 Mounting of measuring table with markings

The sample table is manual movable (magnetic slide system) in horizontal direc-

tion (x- and y-axis) and precise adjustable in vertical (z-axis) direction via hand

wheel, to facilitate the pick-up of the droplet from the dosing needle.

Put the sample stage to the base platform of the OCA 15EC, where it is held

magnetically

Open the two knurled screws at the stage

Put the measuring table to the stage guiding the bolts into the two holes Fix the knurled screws (see Fig. 23)

Fig. 19: Mounting holes at SD-DM

Fig. 20: Fixing bolt at ES-D

Fig. 21: Horizontal tilted SD-DM

Fig. 23: Knurled screws at the stage


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3.7 Controls and connectors at illumination

Before you connect anycable to the OCA 15EC make sure you read and under-stand all following instructions and safety precautions!

All connections (except the USB connection) must only be closedor opened when the unit is switched off.

The OCA 15EC uses an high efficiency tabletop power supply with 80 - 250 VAC;

50 - 60 Hz input range and 24 V / 70 W output.

For the connection of this power supply to the mains, you need a grounded

mains socket with corresponding fuse protection.

The used mains cable must meet the requirements of the country (see 10.3 Require-

ments of the mains cable; page 79)in which you are using the OCA 15EC.

Connect the power supply to a socket with protective plug recep-tion only. Use a three-wire power cord.No other way of protective grounding is permitted.

All connectors and receptacles on the OCA 15EC have a different layout(seeFig. 24andFig. 25):

1 DC-IN, connector for power supply 24 V / 70 W

2 ILLUMINATION,double-stage control dial for brightness control(see 4.4 Adjust-ment of the Illumination; page 22)

3 POWER,power switch

4 ReceptacleF, 15-pin SUB-D female, to connect the ES-D, with the RS-485 con-nection cable, (DPC-02) SD-D

5 USBreceptacle typeB, to connect the PC, with the standard USB cable (A B)

Check that the mains cable is disconnected from the power supply

Connect the power supply to the corresponding socket (see Fig. 24, 1)and screwthe security ring tight

Connect the RS-485 connection cable, (DPC-02) SD-D, to the socket Funderthe illumination housing (seeFig. 25, 4), and to the corresponding socket at the

ES-D (see Fig. 26).Secure the connectors on both side of the cable by screwingtight the safety bolts.

Connect the mains cable to the power supply

Do not yet connect the USB cable to the video camera !First install driver from the delivered software CD

Fig. 24: Controls and connectorat illumination housing

Fig. 25: Connections underillumination housing

Fig. 26: Socket at ES-D


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Manual OCA 15EC

3.8 PC-Setup

Information for the setup of your computer system and Windows you can take

out of the enclosed documentation.

The PC must be compliant to the EN60950.

The following specifications are recommended for comfortable work with the

SCA software modules:

Intel Core2 Duo or Core i5 processor (Because the SCA xx software is

designed as a multithreaded program it is recommended to use a processor

with 2 or even more cores)

2 GB RAM or more

MS-WINDOWS 7 with all actual service packs and patches

Color monitor (min. 1280 x 1024 Pixel)

Irrespective of the installed Windows operating system it is recom-

mended that you have installed all actual service packs, upgrades

and patches.

3.9 Driver installation

Put the SCA CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive

If the SCA Setup does not start automatically execute the file SetupMenu.exe

from the root of the SCA CD-ROM

The installation of software and device drivers needsAdministratorprivileges.To work with the SCA software Power Userrights are sufficient.

Under Windows Vista and Windows 7 you must acknowledge the informa-

tion window from the User Account Controlprogram with a click to despite you have administrator privileges. If you click to the setup menuwill be closed.

Fig. 28: Windows User Account Control

First have a look to the file for latest information about the setup

procedure. Next install all necessary drivers

Fig. 27: SCA setup menu


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3.9.1 Installation of Video driver

The Wide-VGA camera of the OCA 15EC features a build-in USB 2.0 interface.

The camera is powered by USB and need no extra power supply.

There are two different driver/software packages for this camera. Dependingon the installed Windows operating system you must install the 32-bit version

or the 64-bit version.

The driver is available for the following Windows operating systems:

Windows XP 32-bit

Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit

Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit

Under Windows Vista and Windows 7 you can check the version in (see Fig. 29).

At the SetupMenu (see Fig. 27: SCA setup menu; page 14)click the button

or

depending on the installed Operating System version to start the driver setup.

Under Windows Vista and Windows 7 you must acknowledge the informa-

tion window from the User Account Controlprogram with a click to. Ifyou click to the setup will be cancelled.

If you are not sure that your computer has a working USB 2.0 interface, you can

click the button . This opens a window were you can see allavailable USB Host controllers. If you get the green messageUSB 2.0 compatible Host controller foundthere should be no problem working with the video camera. Close this window

to get back to the IDS uEye setupwindow. If you do not have a working USB 2.0

interface call your IT department.

A click to the button will start the installation of the driver.Please select only point

3. USBto install all drivers and components for the USB video camera. It is not recom-

mended to install the Gigabit Ethernetdrivers also.

Fig. 32: Selection o f Setup Type

Fig. 29: Check Windows version

Fig. 30: uEye Setup Menu

Fig. 31: Check USB Hostcontrollers


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Manual OCA 15EC

If you don't need to change the destination locationof the programs or the

folder for the Program icons, you can just click the button two timesand then the button to start the installation.

During the installation you will be prompted by the Windows Security systemto acknowledge that you like to install this device software, if you do not, the

setup will be cancelled.

Fig. 34: Windows securit y check

Depending on the type of processor in your PC you can get the following mes-

sage:

Fig. 35: Setup information window for mod ern Core i CPU's

Modern processors (like the Intel Core i5 or Core i7) have various

operating states, so-called C-states, that are characterized by dif-

ferent power requirements. When the operating system selects an

operating state with low power consumption (unequal C0), the USBtransmission efficiency may be affected.

Open the IDS Camera Manager with click on the desktop icon or selectfrom the Windows Start menu.

In the main menu click the button

In the menu Additional functionsselect both check boxes

Disable (battery power)and

Disable (mains power)

in the field CPU idle statesto prevent the operating system to switch to low

power states.

You must restart the PC to apply these changes!

Fig. 33: Progress bar during installation

Fig. 36: IDS Camera Manager

Fig. 37: IDS Camera Manager Addi-tional functions CPU idle states


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3.9.2 Installation of OCA USB-driver

The OCA 15EC uses a FTDI-chip for the USB communication with the PC. Under

Windows 7 and with a working internet connection the right version of the

driver for this communication chip will be installed automatically when youplug the USB connection cable from OCA to your PC.

Without a working internet connection or under Windows XP please follow the

instructions below:

At the SetupMenu (see Fig. 27: SCA setup menu; page 14)click the button

, the driver will be installed without any further noti-fication, you will just see a DOS-box opening for a very short time

Connect the OCA 15EC with the standard USB cable (A B)

3.10 Installation of SCA

Click the button and follow the advices on the screen. Pleaseread and accept the license agreement before you continue the setup

Please enter the Full NameandOrganizationinto the corresponding text

boxes, if not already filled by the operating system

If more than one person (with separate accounts) will use the SCA software we

recommend selecting Anyonewho uses this computer, and notOnly for me

If you don't need to change the destination locationof the programs or the

folder for the Program icons, you can just click the button two timesand then the button to start the installation

To finish the installation click the button and enterthe key (9 blocks of 4 characters) printed on a label at the backside of the CDcase into the fields under New Code(you can use both fields to enter). Option-

ally you can enter the name of the company or other information into the text

field Customer(see Fig. 39), if you have entered a valid key the OKbutton will beactivated. A click to the button Infoshows additional information.

3.11 Connection of USB video camera

The OCA 15EC features an USB 2.0 Wide-VGA camera with a maximum resolu-

tion of 752 x 480 pixel and a maximum sample rate of 87 images/s.

Before you connect the USB cable to the video camera youmust have already installed the driver from the delivered soft-ware CD

Use the delivered USB 2.0 cable (Type A Mini-B) to connect the video camera

to the PC.

Connect the plug Type A to a free USB 2.0 socket at your PC

Connect the plug Mini-B to the video camera (see Fig. 40)

The drivers for the camera are installed now

If all installation and setup procedures are done you can switch ON

the OCA 15EC at the power switch on the illumination housing (seeFig. 24: Controls and connector at illumination housing; page 13), and start the

SCA 20 software at the PC.

Fig. 38: USB plugType B on OCA

Fig. 39: DPI Product Activation

Fig. 40: USB to camera


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Manual OCA 15EC

4 Operation

In the following chapters, you learn how to prepare the instrument to perform

common test procedures.

4.1 Preparation and mounting of dosing syringe

Before you can use a syringe, with the directly mounted dosing needle, it must

be filled and mounted into the electronic syringe unit ES-D.

The ES-D should be already mounted on the SD-DM (see 3.5 Mounting of ES-D;

page 12).

We recommend to do a Reference Runfor the electronic syringe unit before

mounting the dosing syringe.

To carry out the Reference Run in software first open the device control bar

with a click to the button (Toggle the visibility of the DC bar). Select the tab Reference Run.

A click to the button starts the Reference Runfor the electronic syringe

unit. After acknowledgment of the safety question (see Fig. 42) the information

window reference run in progress(see Fig. 43)will show up, and will close auto-

matically when the reference run finished.

Great care and cleanliness must be taken in filling the syringes with the liquid,

especially if surface-active substances (surfactants) will be used.

If you are using more than one liquid, we recommend to use a separate

syringe needle system for each liquid.

Note, that there exist substances, which can hardly be removed from

a solid surface (e.g. silicone oil), and that smallest contamination with

surfactants will reduce the surface tension of the liquid (esp. Water).

Fill the syringe with the liquid, you want to use for measuring the contact

angle or surface tension, without any air bubble (see Fig. 44).

Any air (or gas) bubble in the dosing system (syringe and needle) will

prevent to dose a precise amount of volume due to the compressibility

of gases.

Fix the dosing needle you want to use directly to the syringe.

Tilt the SD-DM to horizontal position(see Fig. 21: Horizontal tilted SD-DM; page 12),

to facilitate the mounting of the syringe.

Fig. 41: SCA 20Reference Run for ES

Fig. 42: SCA 20 Reference Run fo r ES safety question

Fig. 43: SCA 20 reference run in progress

Fig. 44: Filling of syringe

Fig. 45: Dosing needle on syringe


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Operation

Control elements at ES-D:

A Key piston down D Knurled screw for fixing piston holder clamp

B Key piston up E Holder for syringe

C Piston holder clamp F Knurled screw for fixing the syringe

Release the knurled screws DandF.

Position the syringe 'a finger's width' over the ES-D.

Position the piston of the ES-D, by pressing the Up or Down -keys, sothat the piston of the syringe will fit into the piston holder clamp of the ES_D.

If the OCA 15EC is already switched ON and the SCA software is not yet started

you can position the piston of the ES-D by pressing the Up or Down -keysdirectly on the ES-D.

The SCA 20 software sets the ES-D to Remote Mode at startup,

so disabling the buttons Up andDown -keys at the ES-D.

If software is already started, enter the manual control mode with a click to the

button . The background colour of the software changes to reddish brown

and the button to .

Push the syringe carefully into the holder Eand fix it with the knurled screw F.

This screw has a build-in plastic part to prevent scratches on the glass

syringes and to reduce the risk of breaking the glass of the syringe.

Never turn the knurled screw Ffor fixing the syringe too tight orthe syringe will brake

Move the piston up, by pressing the Up -key, until the piston of the syringegets into contact with it and fix the syringe piston with the piston holder

clamp Cand the knurled screwD.

Now dose liquid, by pressing the Up -key, until the dosed drop is air-bubble

free and is pouring continuously out the dosing needle. Remove all dosed liquid by dabbing off the liquid from the needle tip, ideally

without touching the needle.

Fig. 46: Control elements at ES- D

Fig. 47: Positioning of DS at ES-D

Fig. 48: Dosed drop with and withoutair bubble


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Manual OCA 15EC

4.1.1 OCA 15 - Device Preferences - Syringe

To define the used syringe type and liquid selector click to the button (Device Preferences) to open thewindow OCA15 - Device Preferences.

Fig. 49: Device Pref erences OCA 15 ES 1

In the folder/tab ES 1 syringeyou can select the used syringe from the drop-

down list Syringe Type. Here you can select one of the predefined syringes from

the actual selected syringe database. In the field below the Geometric data of

the selected syringe are displayed.

To disable/enable the ARCA Measurementclick the check box

Enable ARCA Measurement.

4.1.2 OCA 15 - Device Preferences - Liquid

In the folder/tab ES 1 liquidyou can select the used liquid from the drop-down

list Liquid.

Fig. 50: Device Preferences OCA 15 ES 1 liquid

Here you can select one of the predefined liquids from the selected liquids

database. In the field Properties the values from the integrated database are

displayed. These liquid data are collected from scientific literature.


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Operation

When the SCA 20 starts the first time both editable databases

where copied to the documents folder (of the actual user), because

in the installation folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\DataPhysics\SCA20_U) only

none/reduced write permissions are available.

4.2 Positioning of the dosing needle

The position of the dosing needle (mounted on the syringe) can be adjusted

verticallyandhorizontallyto the optical axis (X-axis) by means of the twoadjustment screws. A movement of the needle in X-direction (optical axis) is not

possible, and not necessary if the SD-DM is correctly mounted on the illumina-

tion housing (see 3.4 Mounting of SD-DM; page 10).

If the image of the needle is not sharp enough correct the working dis-

tance (end of zoom lens to needle) with the focus (see 4.6 Adjustment of the optics;

page 28).

Take care to avoid contact between the solid surface and thedosing needle.

4.3 Positioning of the sample

The sample stage is freely movable in horizontal (X- and Y-axis) direction overthe whole base plate by a magnetic slide system.

In vertical direction (Z-axis) the stage is precise adjustable via hand wheel.Adjust the Z- position of the sample stage by turning the hand wheel. Opposite

of the hand wheel is a fixing screw, with which you can fix the Z- position of the

stage. This avoids self-movement caused by heavy weight of the sample.

Fig. 51: Needle positioning

Fig. 52: Instrument axis


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Manual OCA 15EC

4.4 Adjustment of the Illumination

You can adjust the brightness of the homogenous back lighting with the control

knob (1) at the back of the illumination housing, or within the SCA software.

The knob has a double-stage control:

Fast change in brightness press the knob in while turning

Slow change in brightness only turning

To adjust the brightness in software open first the device control bar (see Fig. 55)

with a click to the button .

Fig. 54: Menu and icons in SCA 20

A click to the button in the device control bar opens the Illuminationcontrol.

The adjustment of the brightness of the LED lighting can be done by a click to

one of the buttons

Set the brightness to its maximum Set the brightness to the predefined valueBright Set the brightness to the predefined valueGloomy Switch illumination OFFor by

moving (click and hold the left mouse button) the slider increase/decrease2%, or

click to the slider (to activate the control) and use the arrow keys on the keyboard

increase/decrease 0.1%.

Select< Device settings>or click to the button(Device Preferences) to open the window OCA15 - Device Preferences.

In the folder Illuminationyou can set the predefined values

for BrightandGloomyby:

moving the corresponding slider

entering a value into the edit box

increase/decrease the value about 0.1with a click to the

up or down button

take over the actual value set in the Illuminationcontrol

with a click to the button

reset to the default values (Gloomy = 10% and Bright = 50%)

with a click to the corresponding button

Fig. 53: Control for brightness atthe illumination housing

Fig. 55: Device control bar

Fig. 56: Illumination control

Fig. 57: Device Preferences Illumination


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Operation

4.5 Settings for the Framegrabber / Camera

Before you change the settings for the framegrabber / camera please identify

which illumination variant your OCA 15EC have.

The 'latest' LED illumination in the OCA 15EC (as of 2012) has a more than 30timesbrighter lightning than the 'old' halogen illumination (at the same powerconsumption and a dramatically increased life cycle).

On the LED illumination the label over the 3-pin power socket (male) is DC-INand the lid has no ventilation slots (see Fig. 58).

The halogen illumination can be easily identified by the label DC-IN 12Voverthe 5-pin power socket (female) and by the ventilation slotsat the illuminationhousing (see Fig. 59).

You can also check the Serial-No to identify the hardware revision of your

instrument. The 4th character of the serial-No is the hardware revision.

OCA 15EC revision A-Dfeature the halogen illumination. From revisionEtheLED illumination is build-in.

The default value for the exposure time in the SCA software will be read out

from the video camera.

This value is adequate for the brightness of the halogen illumination. For the

LED-illumination reduce the exposure time of the camera to a value between 0

and 2 ms (instead of default 23 ms).

For most common applications an exposure time of about 1 ms and

an illumination intensity of 10 - 15% are appropriate values.

Selector click to the button (FG-Setup) to open thewindow Framegrabber Preferences.

In the tab Timingyou can set the value for theExposure Timeby:

moving the corresponding slider or

by entering the value into the edit box.

Fig. 60: Framegrabber Preferences Timing

Fig. 58: Illumination housingof LED-variant

Fig. 59: Illumination housingof halogen-variant


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Manual OCA 15EC

The window Framegrabber Preferences contains 4 tabs, Image, Size, Timing, and

Buffer.

4.5.1 Framegrabber Preferences ImageIn the field Software Settingsyou can change the values forBrightness,

Contrast, and Gammaby moving the correspondingslider .

Brightness, correction of image brightness.

Contrast, correction of image contrast.

Contrast is easily defined as the ratio of the brightest spot to the

darkest spot; its the space in between.

Gamma, correction. This is a nonlinear correction on the camera signal which

affects mainly the gray values. Be very carefully when changing the Gamma

value, wrong values can 'destroy' the image badly (see Fig. 62).

In the field Hardware Settingsyou can change the values for Master Gain, and

Black Level. These values affects directly the camera.

Master Gain, analog amplification of the (voltage) signal from the sensor.

In digital imaging, a voltage proportional to the amount of inci-

dent light is output by the sensor. To increase image brightness and

contrast, this signal can be amplified by an analog gain and offset

(black level) before the digitizing process.

Please note:

A signal gain will also result in a noise gain. Therefore high gainsettings are not recommended.

Black Level, offset value of master gain. If the environment is very bright or if

exposure times are very long, it may be necessary to adjust the black level.

Every digital image sensor has light-insensitive cells next to the

active image area. These dark pixels are used to measure a reference

voltage (black level) which is subtracted from the image signal. This

compensates thermally generated voltages on the sensor which

would otherwise falsify the signals.

Below the both fields the serial number of the attached camera is displayed.

To apply the changed values you must click the button it is not suffi-cient to click only the button .To set all values in this tab to their default values click the button

Fig. 61: Framegrabber

Preferences Image

Fig. 62: Result of wrong Gamma setting


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Operation

4.5.2 Framegrabber Preferences Size

In this tab, only the drop-down list is active, where you can select one of the

two image sizes / frame rates:

752 x 480, default, full image, progressive mode with max. 87 frames/sec

752 x 480 Interlace, full image, interlaced mode with max. 159 frames/sec

In progressivemode, the image is captured, transmitted, and dis-played line by line, from top to bottom.

In interlacedmode, only every second line of the image is captured,transmitted, and displayed. This 'trick' (used by traditional TV's)

nearly doubles the max. frame rate at the same bandwidth.

With the optional available high-speed option UpUSB 87H, you can select from

the following image sizes / modes (Progressive or Interlace) / max. frame rates:

Table 1: Framegrabber Preferences Size for UpUSB87H

Image size [Pixel] Mode Frame rate [1/s]

Custom setting I / P

752 x 480 752 x 480 P 87

752 x 480 Interlace 752 x 480 I 159

752 x 240 752 x 240 P 159

752 x 240 Interlace 752 x 240 I 271

752 x 120 752 x 120 P 271

640 x 480 (VGA) 640 x 480 P 100640 x 480 Interlace 640 x 480 I 182

640 x 240 640 x 240 P 182

640 x 240 Interlace 640 x 240 I 311

640 x 120 640 x 120 P 311

If Custom settingis selected you can adjust the horizontalHand verticalVnumber of pixels for the SizeandPositionof the 'Area of Interest' (AoI) by

moving the corresponding slider , or

entering a value into the edit box aside.

Additional you can select betweenInterlace None(progressive mode) andInterlace 2(interlaced mode).

The frame rate to the selected AoI can be set in the tab Timing.

Fig. 63: Framegrabber Preferences Size

Fig. 64: Framegrabber Preferences Sizewith UpUSB87H

Fig. 65: Framegrabber Preferences SizeCustom setting


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Manual OCA 15EC

4.5.3 Framegrabber Preferences Timing

In the tab Timingyou can change the values forFreerun Frame Rate, Exposure

Time, and Pixel Clockby

moving the corresponding slider , or

entering a value into the edit box aside.

The camera of the OCA 15EC is working in 'freerun' mode, where the camera

sensor captures one image after another at the set frame rate. Exposure and

readout/transfer of the image data are performed in parallel.

Freerun Frame Rate, is the possible range of settings for the frame rate

depends on the image size, the Pixel Clock, the Exposure Time, and the image

capture mode (progressive or interlaced).

You can set a lower frame rate without changing the pixel clock

or exposure time. To set a higher frame rate, however, you need to

increase/decrease the other timing parameters.

Exposure Time, is the time the sensor is exposed to the light before the image

is captured.

You can select a shorter exposure time without changing the frame

rate. To set a longer exposure time, however, you need to increase/

decrease the other timing parameters.

The increments for setting the exposure time depend on the sen-

sor's current timing settings (pixel clock, frame rate). The exposure

time values are rounded down to the nearest valid value, if required.

Pixel Clock, determines the speed at which the sensor cells can be read out.

We recommend not setting the pixel clock any higher than neces-

sary to achieve the desired frame rate.

An excessive pixel clock can cause delays or transmission errors. If

the data is read from the sensor at a higher speed (high pixel clock),

you will also need a faster transmission over the data connection.

Thus, by controlling the pixel clock, you can also influence the band-

width required for a camera.

The pixel clock influences the connected load and consequently the

temperature inside the camera.

To set all values in this tab to achieve the maximum frame rate (at the actual

set image size) click the button .To set all values in this tab to their default values click the button .

Fig. 66: FramegrabberPreferences Timing


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Operation

4.5.4 Framegrabber Preferences Buffer

In the tab Bufferyou can select the size of the ring buffer used when storing

video sequences.

The camera provides a video stream at a certain rate which is writ-ten to a circular buffer. The disk storing process is writing the data

to the hard disk and frees the buffer for new image data. Depend-

ing on the systems set up, the storage progress might be to slow

to compete with the incoming data. In this case the camera will be

stopped when the input stream reaches the latency security zone.

The BufferSizeandBuffer Overrun Latencyis set by a click to one of the buttons

Default setting; uses 10 % of max. available physical memory uses 20 % of max. available physical memory

uses 50 % of max. available physical memory uses 80 % of max. available physical memory

Please note: With Maximum buffer reserved, it could happen,that the software/PC hangs when other applications try toreserve a greater amount of memory.

To apply the changed values you must click the button it is not suffi-cient to click only the button .

The size of the buffer and the buffer overrun latency can be displayed inFramesorSeconds.

Actual PC's wit dual/quad core processors and fast SATA-hard disk

systems are fast enough to directly store the video data without

really needing (filling) the ring buffer. Therefore there is no need to

use any other than the Small buffer size.

Fig. 67: Principle of ring buff er

Fig. 68: FramegrabberPreferences Buffer


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Manual OCA 15EC

4.6 Adjustment of the optics

At the precision optics there are four control elements:

A Zoom

The magnification of the image is adjustable directly at the zoom lens. The

magnification should be adjusted, that the drop fills 1/2 to 2/3 of the field of

view.

Fig. 70: Image of a very small and of an optimal size of a sessile drop

B Fine focusTurn the fine focus until the image is sharp.

C Tilting wheelTo determine the contact angle on a solid surface it is helpful to see the

reflection of the drop on the surface. A visible reflection is helpful to detect

the base line automatically and then to calculate the contact angle. To

improve a reflection, you may tilt the zoom lens with the tilting wheel so you

see the drop on the surface under an angle.

The observation angle should be as small as possible, but as big as

necessary. The visible contact angle will be distorted, if you use a

too big observation angle.

D RotationTo rotate the lens tube with the mounted video camera release the knurled

screw.

The rotation of the video camera about 90 is mostly used in pen-

dant drop measurement, because the vertical size of a pendant drop

is normally bigger than the horizontal size, and so the image of thedrop will fit better into the 90 rotated image.

On the back side of the lens there are two locking screws, to prevent unin-

tended displacement of zoom Aorfocus B.

Fig. 69: Zoom lens adjust

Fig. 71: Good image of a pendant dropwith rotated video system

Fig. 72: Locking screws at lens


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Software SCA

5 Software SCA

The result of a test is always a function of the history of thesample, the condition of the measuring unit and the way youmeasure. In surface chemistry, it is also a function of cleanlinessand liquid handling.

5.1 General operations

Before you start a contact angle measurement, consider the following points:

What is the goal of the measuring series?This point seams to be obvious, but a precise definition of the problem or the

terms, relieves the single-mindedly actions by the practical realization of an

experiment.

Is the image of the drop affected by scattered light or interfering contours?Avoid too bright work places (esp. sunshine) and make sure the region where

you want to measure your sample is directly visible from the camera and from

the illumination.

How the samples will be prepared?The preparation of the sample (solid surface or liquid) is decisively important for

the measuring results.

If the results of the test should be comparable, it is necessary to pre-

pare the sample (solid / liquid) always the same way.

Which test liquids will be used?The selection of the test liquids arise from the measuring task (e.g. detection

of the components of the surface free energy according to OWRK). It must be

ensured that the used solvents do not react with the solid.

Toxic and inflammable liquids must only be used in a fumehood!Be sure to watch always the maximum working place concen-tration (MAK) of the used chemical as well as the attachedsecurity data sheets!On questions about the handling of chemicals turn to the man-

ufacturer or supplier.

Fig. 73: Three water drops on the same,but different prepared, solid surface


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Manual OCA 15EC

How is the set up of the measuring device?The setup of the measuring device is also important for good and

reproducible results, so have a look to the following points:

Measuring unit levelled Right sample stage adapter (optional manual tilting stage or

temperature controlled chamber)

Adjustment of the lighting source

Selection of the syringe

Inner diameter of the dosing needle adapted to the viscosity of

the liquid

Outer diameter of the dosing needle adapted to the liquid when

used in pendant drop measurements

Positioning of the sample and of the dosing needle according to

the field of view of the video system

Adjusting of zoom and inner fine focus according to magnifica-

tion and working distance

Do scattered light avoid the accurate contour detection

Do interfering contours affect the image of the drop

Take great care to avoid air bubbles in the complete dosing

system (syringe needle)

5.2 Software start

In this chapter you will find a short description of the software SCA 20.

To work with the SCA software the user needs at least

Power Userrights.

To start the SCA software double-click to the desktop icon , or select

.

In case of any software failure please start the software with

to generate an additional communication and error log-file (see 9.4 Trouble shooting;

page 75).

During the start sequence the SCA software searches for the connected deviceon the USB bus, and if the OCA 15EC is found the connecting dialogue displays

for example:

OCA 15EC 10.27

where the number behind the device name is the firmware version of the inte-

grated master control board of the OCA 15EC. In the next step all software con-

trollable devices, attached to the OCA 15EC, where initialized.

When both devices, the ES dosing unit and theLighting device, are initialized

the software is initializing the framegrabber (camera interface) and then the

SCA software is opening the main window and the Live Videowindow.

The appearance of the menu bar, depends on the currently active window.

The standard menu bar is shown when Live Video window is activated.

Fig. 74: SCA 20 start sequence, deviceinitialization

Fig. 75: SCA 20 start sequence,framegrabber initialization


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Software SCA

5.3 Live Video / Drop Image Window

The window Live Video will open automatically when the SCA software is

started and shows the live image from the camera.

The following icons are available in the tool bar of the window Live Video /DropImage:

Fig. 76: Icons in tool bar of window Live Vide o / Drop Image

Selection of drop type, select the drop type from list box.

Start Grabbing,starts again the grabbing of live images from camera

(only available when live image is in snapshot mode).

Snap,creates a snapshot of the live image from camera. New Movie Document,opens a new movie window.

Start Recording,directly start the recording with predefined movie

parameters.

Base Line Detection, detect the base line automatically.

Profile Extraction, determine the drop contour.

CA-computation, calculates the contact angle.

Calculation, the steps , , and were carried out automatically one

after the other.

manual evaluation method, click this button to activates the Manual

Mode; (see 6.2 Manual Evaluation Mode for Sessile Drop; page 53).

Magnification, calculates the magnification factor of the image.

Fit to Laplace-Young Eq., calculates the contact angle according to the

Laplace-Young equation.

Tracking (STOP = F12), starts the dynamic tracking function.

Baseline Detection, click this button to activate the automatic base line

detection.

Clear All, deletes all overlays in the image window.

IP Preferences,opens General Preferences Drop Window-Appearance.


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Manual OCA 15EC

5.4 Result window

The result window is used to set some important parameters for the measure-

ment and for the tabular and graphical collection/presentation of the measur-

ing result.

Before you start a measurement, we recommend to open always a

result window, because some important parameters for the meas-

urement must be set there.

Open a new result window with

a click to the button (New Result Window), or

a right-click in the image windows to open the contextual pop-up menu

and select New Result Collection Window, or select< Result Collection WindowCtrl+Alt+R>.

Fig. 77: SCA 20 Result window

If more than one result window is open, you must define the actual selected

one as the active result window -where the calculated data where transferred

to- by selectingor by a right-click inthe table area to open the context menu and select Define as Active ResultWindow (see Fig. 79).

The result window is divided in three areas, the table area, the graphics area,

and the parameter area.

The settings for the table and the graphical area can be made in the corre-sponding context menu (click with the right mouse key anywhere in the area).


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Software SCA

5.4.1 Result window table area

All the settings and also most functions of the table are accessible

by the appendant context menu only. The print functions are only

available by the main menu File when the result window is active.

To define the appearance of the printout, selectin mainmenu of press Ctrl+Shift+Pto open the controlPage & Print Setup (see Fig. 78).

Context menu of table area

Copy, copies the marked lines of the table into the clipboard. From there youcan insert them into any other Windows-application with paste. The columnsare separated by tabs and the numbers has a dot as decimal separator (see

example of content below).

Transfer Result to Active SE-Window, transfers the marked line into the activeSE-window (for the calculation of the surface free energy). If more than one

line is marked, the mean value will be transferred.

Transfer Result to Active SFT-Window, transfers the marked line into theselected field of the active SFT-window (for the calculation of the polar and

dispersive components of the surface tension of a liquid) (SCA 22). If more

than one line is marked, the mean value will be transferred.

Export Result Data..., opens the standard windows dialogue Save Aswhereyou can

select the directory,

enter the File name,

and select the file format by selecting the corresponding file name exten-

sion. To store the data as ASCII-Files select ASCII-Files (*.txt)or to store asfile associated with Microsoft Excel select Excel Files (*.xls).

Only the items in the Visible Columnsin the tabOptions / Export Columnsbox

will be exported from the result window to a file (see Export Columns on page 35).

See below for an example of SCA results opened in Excel:

Fig. 78: Menu File Sub menu Page &

Print Setup

Fig. 79: Result Window Context menu

of table area; part 1

Measurement: CA-measurementDevice : DataPhysics OCA - Series

Customer : DataPhysics

Sample : Not Defned

Operator : g.maier

Remarks : DataPhysics

Run-No CA(M)[] IFT[mN/m] Err[m] Vol[L]

1 40.26 0.00 0.00 0.50

3 72.07 0.00 0.00 4.24

4 64.88 115.81 0.66 26.05

Fig. 80: Result Window Export ResultData... dialogue Save As


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Manual OCA 15EC

Fig. 81: Excel table with results from SC A

Options..., opens the window Local Settings,containing three tabs,GeneralOptions, Display Columns, and Export Columns.

Local settings; if selected all settings (in all 3 tabs) in this window are

only valid for the actual result window. If deselected all settings are valid for

the actual result window and were stored in the pre-settings for the result

window, so they are also valid for all new result windows. This can be set

also in General Preferences. Select< General Prefer-ences...>or click to the button (General Preferences) in the main windowtool bar to open the window Preferences.

In the tab General Optionsyou can set:-Store autosnapshot in .ref file; if selected the actual image snapshot is

stored together with the appendant result

-Auto backup every # minutes; stores the results in a file in the docu-

ments folder of the actual user, automatically named as ~autosave#.ref.-Include dosing info (volume & rate), if deselected, the dosing info is

not stored together with the appendant result

- List box Automation Logging Coordinates, to select the coordinate system

used to store the data in the result file. --default--is the coordinate

system used in the used automation macro. Not relevant for OCA 15EC,

only in relation to automation with software controlled axis and devices.

-

A click to the button resets the content of the tabGeneralOptionsto the default values.

Fig. 82: Result window General options

Fig. 83: General Preferences ResultWindow


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Software SCA

In the tab Display Columnsyou can select the items which will be displayedin the table area of the result window.Only the items in the box VisibleColumnswill be shown in the result window.

- Click to the button to transfer the marked item from the box Col-

umnsto the boxVisible Columns. The added item will be removed from

the box Columnsand added to the end of the items list in the boxVisibleColumns.

- Click to the button to delete the marked item from the box Visible

Columns. The removed item will be inserted at the original position in the

list at the box Columns.

- Click to the button to deletes all items from the box Visible Col-

umns. All the items will be inserted at the original position of the list in

the box Columns.

- In the box Display formatyou can change theColumn label, the Columnwidth, and the Decimal placesof the marked item in the boxVisible Col-umns.

- A click to the button resets the content of the tabDisplay Col-umns to the default values.

In the tab Export Columnsyou can select the items which will be exportedfrom the table area to file (see Export Result Data on page 33). This tab has the

same design and functionality as the tab Display Columns, so the selection

of the export items can be done in the same way. It features 3 additional

check boxes:

-Export displayed columns; if selected the export items wil be the same

as the displayed items.

-Export on File save; if selected the export items will be saved automat-

ically to a file in ASCII format in the same directory and the same name

like the result file, but with the extension .txt

-Export bad items; if selected also non valid data will be exported

Fig. 84: Result window Display Columns

Fig. 85: Result Window Results in TableArea

Fig. 86: Result Window ExportColumns additional settings


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Manual OCA 15EC

The table below shows all available items for display and export.

Table 2: Items for Display and Export

Define as Active Result Window, select to define the actual selected one asthe active result window -where the calculated data where transferred to.

Graphic Display, switches the graphic area on/off.

Always Update, switches the automatic update of table and graphic on/off.

Update Now, updates the content of the result window if the automaticupdate is switched off.

Maximise Size, enlarges the table area to the size of the result window.

Restore Size, restores the previous area size.

Recalculation all, recalculates the content of the result window.

Item Description Unit

Base line intersection left Left intersection of the base line with the drop contour mmBase line intersection right Right intersection of the base line with the drop contour mm

Calculation Error m

Calculation Method Used method to calculate the result

Comment

Contact Angle (left) Not with Young-Laplace

Contact Angle (mean) Arithmetic mean of left and right contact angle

Contact Angle (right) Not with Young-Laplace

Coord Type 0=XY-Coordinates; 1=Polar coordinates

Coord1 Y-Position of YZ-stage or Wafer position rho

Coord2 Wafer position phi

Coord3 Not yet implemented

Density Difference Density difference between drop and surrounding phase g/cm3

Drop Age Selectable (ms, s, min, and system time format) s

Drop Base Diameter Drop diameter at the base line mm

Drop Curv. Radius at Apex Radius of the drop contour at the apex

Drop Height Total drop height over the base line mm

Drop Phase

Drop Shape Parameter Numerical parameter describing the shape of the drop

Drop Surface Area mm2

Drop Type

Drop Volume l

Magnification Factor Calculated magnification factor of the image pixel/mm

rel. Humidity %

Run Number

Solid Phase

Surface Tension mN/m

Surrounding Phase

Temperature C

Tilt Base Angle In combination with software controlled tilting basedevices

Fig. 87: Result Window Context menuof table area; part 2


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5.4.2 Result window graphic area

Most settings and also all functions of the graphic area are acces-

sible by the appendant context menu. Some settings are directlyaccessible by a double-click to the item you want to change.

Context menu of graphic area

X as , here you can select the variable for the X-axis from the list of fre-quently used variables (Run Number, Drop Age, Temperature, Volume, TiltBaseAngle, or Height).

Y as , here you can select the variable for the Y-axis from the list of fre-quently used variables (Contact Angle, Surface Tension, Drop Volume, BaseDiameter, or TiltBaseAngle).

Auto Range, automatic scaling for X- and/or Y-axis

Set Axis-Variables, here you can select the variable for the Y-axis freely.The axis parameter are accessible by a double-click to the axis (Y or X).

Fig. 89: Result window Selectable elements (by do uble-click) in Graphics area

In the figure above the selectable elements in the graphics area are marked

with coloured arrows. With a double-click to one this elements the appendant

settings menu opens.

pure text elements, where you can enter the text and set the text param-

eters.

axis labels, where you can set parameters like position and format as well as

the text parameters.

axis, where you can set parameters like scaling, Ticks, Grids, and line attrib-

utes.

data plot, where you can set the plot parameters.

Fig. 88: Result Window Context menuof graphic area

Fig. 90: Result Window Axis Labels

Fig. 91: Result Window Axis Parameters

Fig. 92: Result Window Plot Parameters


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File , opens a sub menu where you can select: Save As Metafile, stores the graphic to disk as Enhanced Metafile (*.EMF)or

Windows Metafile (*.WMF).

Print prints the graphic, according to the predefined options, to the actualstandard printer. Printing Options setting of the printing options Printer Setup printer setup

Edit as , opens a sub menu where you can select: Copy Graph, copy the graphic to the clipboard Graph Parameters, parameter of the graphic like Position and Size of the

graphic and plot area as well as the background color.

Plot Parameters, plot parameter like graphic type, line attributes

Maximise Size, enlarges the graphic area to the size of the result window.

Restore Size, restores the previous area size.

3D View, not yet completely integrated.

5.4.3 Result window parameter area

The parameter area of the result window is a tabbed dialogue with the tabs Gen-

eral, System, M-Info, C-Info, Results, User defined values, and Arca ranges average.

5.4.3.1 Result window Tab: General

In the tabbed dialogue Generalyou can enter information for the whole results

like Measurement, Device, Customer, Sample, OperatorandRemarks.

5.4.3.2 Result window Tab System

In the tabbed dialogue Systemyou can select theDrop Phaseand theAmbientPhasefrom the liquid database. The edit boxesDrop PhaseandSurroundingPhase in the framePhase Densities [g/cm3]were filled with the values from theliquid database; nevertheless you can overwrite the values manually. The name

of the Solid Phasemust be entered manually. To calculate the density depend-

ent on the actual temperature during measurement you can enter the neces-

sary parameters after a click to the button Setup Parametersin the dialoguePhase Densities for both phases.

Drop Phase; if selected the calculation of the drop density during themeasuring is activated.

Ambient Phase; if selected the calculation of the ambient density duringthe measuring is activated.

Phase Densities, in this dialogue you can enter the density coefficients up tothe third order (A to D). The coefficient Ais the density at0C. The coefficientsBtoD(first to third order) define the linear and polynomial density differenceper Kelvin.

Density(T) = A +B(T-T0) + C(T-T0)2+ D(T-T0)3

With a click to the button Calculatethe correspondent density, for the tem-perature entered in the edit field Temperature, will be calculated.

Fig. 93: Result Window Context submenu of graphic area File

Fig. 94: Result Window Context submenu of graphic area Edit

Fig. 95: Result window Tab System

Fig. 96: Result window Tab System,

dialogue Phase densities


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5.4.3.3 Result window Tab: M-Info

The tabbed dialogue M-Info is used to display values from any already availableresult (single line in table area), or to enter parameters for the next (new) result.

By default the button is activated and the field Temp. [C]will be filled outon creating the result, with the value from the predefined T-sensor (see below)

or the value stored with the actual bitmap (taken from live video, from stored

bitmap or bitmap from movie file). If the button is deactivated (or no T-sen-

sor is connected) the entered value will be stored with the result. This button

is only available when the row new result in the table area is selected.

To predefine the T-sensor, select< Device settings>orclick to the button (Device Preferences) to open the window OCA xx - Device

Preferences. In the folder Actual T Sensoryou can select the T-sensor to be used

(see Fig. 98). To store the temperature value together with the actual bitmap select

the check boxEnable temperature logging. In the folder T Sensor you canselect the Sensor temperature unit, the Logger settings, and the Sensor(display) temperature unitfor every available sensor(see Fig. 99).

By default the button is activated and the field rel. Humidity [%]will be

filled out on creating the result, with the value from the humidity sensor. If

the button is deactivated (or no humidity sensor is connected) the entered

value will be stored with the result. This button is only available when the

row new result in the table area is selected.

Measuring, not used anymore.

Dosing Vol., this field shows the dosing volume [l] of a result; or it will befilled out on creating the result with the -last dispensed- value from the Dis-

pense Unitscontrol(see Fig. 121: Dispense Units control; page 49).

Dosing Rate, shows the dosing rate [l/s] of a result; or it will be filled out oncreating the result with the -last dispensed- value from the Dispense Units

control.

Temp. [C], shows the temperature [C] of a result; or it will be filled out oncreating the result with the value entered here, or with the value from the

predefined T-sensor (see above).

Drop Age, this field shows the drop age [ms] of a result; or it will be filled outon creating the result with the value stored with the actual bitmap (taken

from live video, from stored bitmap or bitmap from movie file).

rel. Humidity [%], shows the relative humidity [%] of a result; or it will befilled out on creating the result with the value entered here, or with the value

from the humidity sensor (see above).

Ref. - Size [mm], enter the reference size in [mm]. To calibrate the absoluteimage size the software needs a reference value. As reference the outer diam-

eter of the dosing needle is used commonly.

Mag [pixel/mm], calculated magnification factor of the image in [pixel/mm].To calculate this value click to the button (Magnification) in drop window.

Measuring, shows the date and time of the result.

Image File, not used anymore.

Fig. 97: Result window Tab M- Info,values for next result

Fig. 98: Device Preferences ActualT Sensor

Fig. 99: Device Preferences T Sensor

settings

Fig. 100: Result window Tab M- Info,values of result


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5.4.3.4 Result window Tab: C-Info

The tabbed dialogue C-Infois used to display values from any already availableresult (single line in table area), or to enter parameters for the next (new)result.

Method:, this field shows the analysis method of the result, or you can selectthe method for the next (new) result from the drop down list. The selectable

methods are:

- Default Method -, is the predefined method (see preset calculation method on

page 51)

Circlefitting

Ellipsefitting

Laplace-Youngfitting

Polynomfitting

Tangent leaning

Aspect:, this field shows the aspect ratio

1)

of the result, or you can enter theaspect ratio or the next (new)result. You can find the actual aspect ratio of

your optical system on a label on the video camera underside, or call for ser-

vice (see 9.4 on page 75).

Acceleration of Gravity g, this field shows the acceleration of gravity of theresult, or you can enter the acceleration of gravity for the next (new) result.

A click to the button Look upopens the dialogue Table of Acceleration of Earth Gravity, where you can enter the Latitude []

and the Location above Sea-Level [m]to automatically determine theacceleration of gravity g[m/s2]for your location.

The knowledge of the absolute image size, the densityand theforce

of gravityare not necessary for the determination of the contact

angle, only for the correct determination of the drop base diameter,

drop height, the drop volume, and the surface tension, mainly for

pendant drop measurements.

5.4.3.5 Result window Tab: Results

The tabbed dialogue Results displays the values Table 2: Items for Display and Export;page 36:

- IFT, surface/interfacial tension

- Fitting Error

- Contact Angle, the mean and also the left Land the rightR

- Drop Volume

- Drop Area

- Shape Parameter

- Curvature

- Aspect Ratio

- Tilt Angle

- Drop Apex

from any already available result (single line in table area).

1)Abbreviation in SCA for the pixel aspect ratio, which is the mathematical ratio that describes howthe width of a pixel in a digital image compares to the height of that pixel

Fig. 101: Result window Tab C-Info,values of result

Fig. 102: Result window Tab C-Info,values for next result

Fig. 103: Result window Tab C-Info,Table of Acceleration of Earth Gravity

Fig. 104: Result window Tab Results


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Software SCA

5.4.3.6 Result window Tab: User defined values

The tabbed dialogue User defined valuesisnot used at the moment.

5.4.3.7 Result window Tab: Arca ranges averageThe tabbed dialogue Arca ranges average is for the calculation of the averagevalues of two selectable ranges.

Left average range, select this radio button to enter the min:and also themax:value for the left average range (X-axis, i.e. theRun Number). The defini-tion of the range can be done also by moving the blue(min:) and thegreen(max:) cursors in the graphic area with the mouse (click and hold the mouse

left button).

Right average range, select this radio button to enter the min:and also themax:value for the right average range (X-axis, i.e. the Run Number). The defi-

nition of the range can be done also by moving the blue(min:) and thegreen(max:) cursors in the graphic area with the mouse (click and hold the mouse

left button).nd the Right average range.

Calculate, when both ranges are set click to this button to calculate the aver-age values (Mean) and the standard deviation (Std.).

Context menu:

- Print, prints the averaged values.- Print Preview, opens the preview.- Copy, copies the averaged values to the clipboard in a format that allows

the direct insert into an Excel sheet.

Selected single values can be copied to the clipboard.

Fig. 105: Result window Tab Arcaranges average parameter area

Fig. 106: Result window Tab Arcaranges average Context sub menu

Fig. 107: Arca average values inserted inExcel

Fig. 108: Result window Tab Arca ranges average, graphic area


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5.5 Dynamic Tracking-Function

With the dynamic tracking function, it is possible to determine the contact

angle automatically in predefined periods (measurements/time) or as fast as

possible.

To start the dynamic tracking click to the button (in drop window).

We recommend to open a result window were all data can be stored, before

you start the dynamic tracking.

With activated option Store autosnapshots in .ref file, a bitmap of every meas-

uring point is stored in the result file Fig. 82 Result window General options; page 34 .

All data of a dynamic tracking measurement will be lost withoutan active result window.

To stop the dynamic tracking click again to the button (in drop window)or press the function key F12.

Making automatic backups of the result file by checking "Auto

backup every # minutes Fig. 82 Result window General options; page

34during tracking may cause delays, so that the tracking timing

may fail while backing up. This may be more severe if Store auto-

snapshot in .ref file is checked, because in this case the file size can

increase rapidly, so a single backup may take 20 s or more. To pre-

vent a loss of data the following is implemented:

- When tracking is active and Store autosnapshot is not checked,

then Auto backup is internally disabled, if the tracking time isshorter than 150 ms.

- When tracking is active and Store autosnapshot is checked ,

then Auto backup is internally disabled, if the tracking time isshorter than 5 s.

To change the preset parameter of the dynamic tracking function select< General Preferences...>or click to the button(General Preferences) in the tool bar of the main window to open the window

Preferences.

Fig. 109: General Preferences Dynamic Tracking Set ting


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Software SCA

In the tab Dynamic Tracking Setting (see Fig. 109)you can preset the following

parameter:

Save Image to file, not longer used.

Perform Calculation, switch the calculation on/off (type of calculationis predefined in the category Calculation) Fig. 128 General Preferences Calculationmethod; page 51.

Collecting Result, select to collects all results in the active Result-window.

Reset drop age by start, select to reset the drop age timer (to t = 0) at startof the dynamic tracking function (in the Option-menu you can manually reset

this timer).

Drop Needle Alignement, onlyfor OCA with a software controlled motor-ized Y-axis. If selected the y-axis is moving to keep the needle in the middle of

the drop (useful for ARCA measurements). Works only when a result window

is open/active and the image magnification is already calculated. as fast as possible, The results per second is dependent on the used frame

grabber, the calculation method and the speed of the PC.

Using constant timing, You can specify the number of frames per second(sec.), minute (min.) or hour (hr.) in the list box.

Using advanced timing, You can specify an exponential number of framesper second or minute (see the tabbed dialogueAdvanced Timingbelow), by setting the

frame rate and the process speed.

Till user break, Stop of the dynamic tracking function by user. Please notethat the button to start and stop the dynamic tracking function is only avail-

able in the drop window.

Till to:, Stops the dynamic tracking function automatically after thedefined time (in seconds, minutes or hours).

Set by Extra - Tab (only for IFT-measurement), The duration is defined inthe tabbed dialogue Extra. This function can only be used with the interfacialor surface tension measurement.

In the tab Advanced Timingyou can preset the parameter for a variable frame

rate. The frame rate is calculated as an exponential sloping function.

times per list box to select the unit of the time (x-axis): (sec.), minute (min.)

or hour (hr.). The frame rate (y-axis) is always displayed in seconds, so theentered time unit will be converted into seconds.

With the vertical slideryou set the maximum frame rate of the dynamictracking measurement. To change the value you can:

- move the slider (click and hold the left mouse button), or

- click to the slider(to activate the control) and use the arrow keys on the key-

board to increase or decrease the value, or

- enter a value directly into the corresponding edit box.

With the horizontal slider(Process Speed) you set the gradient of the func-tion. In all, the multiplication of the frame rate with the process speed results

in the number of frames over the period of observation. The arrow keys below the diagram are changing the time interval

(x-axis) of the diagram.

Fig. 110: General Preferences DynamicTracking Se tting Advanced Timing


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Manual OCA 15EC

In the tab Extrayou can set the stop criteria for the dynamic tracking function. This

function can only be used with the interfacial or surface tension measurement.

Least measuring duration:, sets the minimum duration of the dynamic track-

ing measurement. It is independent from the changes in the IFT. The shortestpossible duration is dependent from the performance of the PC-System. Within

the least measuring duration no check for stop criteria is performed.

Measuring value alteration falling under:, the measurement stops if thedifference between the actual measured IFT and the one before is smaller than

the maximum permissible alteration of the IFT in [mN/m per Minute (dg/dt)].

for at least, defines how many Xpercent of the lastY(measuring) valuesmust fall below the threshold for the IFT, to fulfil the stop criterion.

Stop the measuring procedure immediately, when selected the measure-ment stops immediately after fulfilling the stop criterion.

Continue measuring, showing one of the following infos:, when selectedthe measurement does not stop after fulfilling the stop criterion, but produces: