Plasmion SICRIT Heating Controller - Short Manual

Significance of the Topic

The SICRIT® GC transferline heating controller plays a critical role in gas chromatography–soft ionization chemical reaction interface tandem mass spectrometry (GC-SICRIT-MS). Precise temperature regulation of the transfer line ensures efficient analyte desorption, prevents condensation or degradation of thermolabile compounds, and maintains analytical reproducibility. Reliable temperature control underpins the robustness of laboratory and R&D workflows in environmental analysis, metabolite profiling, and quality control in industrial settings.

Objectives and Overview

This document provides concise instructions for installation, safe operation, parameter configuration, and troubleshooting of the heating controller supplied by Plasmion GmbH in conjunction with SICRIT® GC transferlines. It outlines preconfigured PID control settings, technical specifications, and user-level adjustments required to heat the transfer line up to 350 °C. Emphasis is placed on laboratory use within specified safety and environmental conditions.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The controller is based on the A-senco TR-85 unit manufactured by Pohltechnic GbR and modified by Plasmion for fixed assembly with SICRIT® transferlines. Core functional elements include:

• PID-based temperature control loop with autotuning disabled ex works
• Front-panel touch keys for setpoint adjustment and a dual-color digital display showing actual (PV) and set (SV) temperatures
• Audible and visual alarms for deviations beyond +50 °C or −25 °C from the setpoint
• Electrical specifications: 100–250 VAC input, fused 400 mA, up to 10 A resistive load output
• Operating range: 0 – 350 °C, ambient 5 – 40 °C, non-condensing humidity below 80 % RH

Main Results and Discussion

Users only need to switch on the device, verify integrity, set the target temperature via up/down keys, and confirm with the SET button. During ramp-up, a ‘‘EIAL’’ message indicates that the actual temperature is more than 25 °C below the setpoint. If thermocouple faults occur, ‘‘LLLL’’ or ‘‘HHHH’’ signals appear, disabling output and prompting service contact. An advanced menu, unlocked by entering code 808, lists all configurable PID parameters—these are preset for each Plasmion transferline and should not be altered by routine users.

Benefits and Practical Applications

By providing stable and reproducible heating of SICRIT® transferlines, the controller ensures:

• Enhanced sensitivity and reproducibility in GC-SICRIT-MS analyses
• Protection of analytes against thermal breakdown or adsorption losses
• Rapid attainment of operating temperature, reducing downtime
• Clear alarm signaling for temperature deviations to safeguard system integrity

Future Trends and Possibilities

Future developments may include networked and remotely programmable controllers, integration with laboratory information management systems for automated temperature logging, adaptive PID algorithms for faster settling times, and explosive-proof designs for field or industrial applications. Miniaturization of hardware and addition of touchscreen interfaces may further improve usability.

Conclusion

The Plasmion-supplied heating controller for SICRIT® GC transferlines delivers robust and user-friendly temperature control essential for high-fidelity GC-SICRIT-MS analyses. Its pre-tuned PID settings and clear alarm functions ensure safe and reproducible operation in laboratory environments. Adhering to installation and safety guidelines guarantees optimal performance and longevity of both the controller and transferline.

Instrumental Setup

The system integrates the A-senco TR-85 heating controller (Pohltechnic GbR) and SICRIT® GC transferline, configured for 0–350 °C operation with PID control and autotuning locked at ex-factory values.