MADMax Moisture and Density Interface: Quick Start Guide

Table of Contents

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Click the icon for MADMax on the computer desktop and Login to LIMS (Figure 1).

Figure 1. MADMax Icon.

Measuring Mass (wet and dry)

1. When the User Interface appears (Figure 2), click the dropdown arrow in Currently Viewing Results For field and choose the method for determining MAD values.
   Generally, METHOD C (Wet Mass, Dry Mass, and Dry Volume) is used onboard; for a description of methods please review the Methods section in the Moisture and Density User Guide.

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    2. Measuring Mass Wet: in the tabular data sheet find the sample to be analyzed and double click the Mass Wet (Figure 3) cell for the particular sample.

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    3. A prompt window opens to verify the sample being measured as well as the container number; ensure that both are correct. Further down there is the prompt for the number of mass measurements to be averaged (the general number of measurements is 300; note: if sea state increases increase number of measurements for better accuracy) (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Number of Measurements.

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    6. Once the balances have been tared, place the reference weight on the 'Reference' balance and the sample on the 'Unknown' balance. Enter the known mass of the reference weight in the Reference Mass field (Figure 6). Use a reference weight similar to the weight of the sample + container (20–30 g). Click Weigh. The difference between the 'Reference' and the 'Unknown' mass should be less than 5 grams, if it is more click Cancel and change the reference weights. Important: Don't touch the reference weights with your hands. Use the tweezers.

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    7. Once the measurement has been completed and the user is satisfied, click Accept (Figure 7). Note that the Mass Wet field is now populated in the tabular data sheet.

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    9. After drying the sample, measure the Mass Dry. Double click the Mass Dry column in the correct sample row (Figure 8). Once the sample ID and container number are verified, click Measure. From here repeat steps 5–7 listed above. Make sure to write the data also into a corresponding log sheet (same with data for the drying and pycnometer working steps).

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Figure 8. Measure Mass Dry.

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Measuring Volume

• After measuring MASS WET and MASS DRY, the dry volume can be measured. (Be sure to let your samples cool in the desiccator before analyzing in the pycnometer or making the dry mass measurement.)
• Double-click on the desired sample cell under Volume Dry. The prompt to verify sample ID and container number will appear; check to ensure they are correct.
• Choose the pycnometer cell number to be used for the sample measurement (Figure 9). Place the sample in the selected pycnometer cell, and tighten the lid. Enter the number of measurement cycles (generally 3 measurements is acceptable). Once all parameters are set as desired and the sample has been entered into the chamber, click Measure.

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Use this only in the case of entering samples not already listed, as MADMax downloads samples directly from sample master
Click on Assign New Samples (Figure 14) to load new (or old) samples into the tabular data sheet, which then allows a User to enter/scan sample label, verify the sample, then add it to a list of selected samples (Figure 15). By pressing OK the sample is added into the tabular data sheet.

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Another note: if wet/dry mass is reversed, user can right click in either (wet/dry mass) cell to swap the result, remember to recalculate under Method Competed.
When the User Interface is opened there is also a Status Bar that appears (Figure 16). This bar is mainly for troubleshooting purposes or use by a Technician. For the best operation experience with software, please click Display ON upon opening the program to turn off the Status Bar display.

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