computerized system for the determination · an interface makes the analogical/digital conversion...

Cinac U/ rév.4 - 2005

Computerized system for the determinationof lactic starters acidifying activity

© Copyright Inra-Lgmpa – Alliance Instruments Dairy Division

Inra-UMR GMPACBAI

F- 78 850 Thiverval-GrignonTel : 01 30 81 54 93Fax : 01 30 81 55 97

www.inra.fre-mail : [email protected]

Alliance Instruments10 avenue Charles de Gaulle

F- 95 740 FREPILLONTel : 01 34 18 71 10Fax : 01 39 60 72 39

www.alliance-instruments.come-mail :

[email protected]


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Congratulations

Thank you for having purchased the Alliance Instruments Optigraph. The Cinac hasbeen designed by Alliance Instruments and the INRA – LGMPA Institute in Franceto monitor lactic starters acidifying activity.

Thanks to the know-how of all our technicians, we developed a rigorous analyticalsystem, the Cinac, following the requirements of ISO 9002, CE and internationalnorms.

We are sure that the Cinac will fulfill all your needs, helping you in improving yourmanufacturing process (quality, productivity and cost reduction).

Alliance Instruments is always willing to offer you an ever better quality service.Thank you again for choosing Alliance Instruments products.

Manuel GONZALEZ-MOUREAlliance Instruments General Manager


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Summary

CONGRATULATIONS 3

SUMMARY 4

INTRODUCTION 6

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 71. DESCRIPTION 72. COMPONENTS OF THE THREE PARTS 83. RUNNING 111. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MATERIAL 112. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FIRST RUNNING 12

STARTING OF THE SYSTEM 13

SOFTWARE USE – EXPLOITATION SYSTEM 141. FILES 151. LOAD EXISTING FILES 152. START MONITORING 163. STOP MONITORING 174. FEATURE POINTS 175. REFERENCES 186. START A RECIPE 187. START A SEQUENCE 186. EXPORT 197. IMPORT 228. PRINT 239. PRINTER SETUP 2310. QUIT 232. DISPLAY 231. MEASUREMENT TABLE 232. OUTPUTS 253. GRAPH 254. PROBE COEFFICIENTS 275. FEATURE POINTS 283. TESTS 281. WEIBULL MODEL 282. LIBRARY 293. MAPS 294. FEATURE POINTS 305. CONFIGURATION 301. MODEL 312. REFERENCES 313. GRAPH PARAMETERS 314. FEATURE POINTS 315. SYSTEM 406. TUNING PID PARAMETERS 447. DIMENSIONING ACTUATORS 478. CALIBRATION 489. OPTIONS 50


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6. TOOLS 50SET POINTS 50RECIPE MANAGEMENT 51SEQUENCES MANAGEMENT 52CINAC DATA EXPLORER 53STATISTICS 547. WINDOWS 551. TILE 552. CASCADE 553. OTHERS WINDOWS 557. HELP 551. CONTENT 552. INDEX 553. HELP ON HELP 554. ABOUT CINAC 3 558. MISCELLANEOUS 56

MAINTENANCE 571. PH PROBES 572. TEMPERATURE PROBES 57

POSSIBLE FAILURES AND PROBLEMS 58

BIBLIOGRAPHY 60


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Introduction

The CINAC software (CINAC as in French "CINétique d'ACidification") allows tocharacterize leavens by feature points, calculated from the study in real time ofacidification kinetics. A maximum of thirty two (32) measurement channels and six-teen (16) actuators is provided for one CINAC system. The actuators could directsimple (fixed set point) or complex (set point profiles, thermal cycles, ..., in functionof time or other measurements, 16 are possible simultaneous with a maximum of255 ramps and segments by cycle) controls.

Its working needs a micro-computer with this minimum configuration : PENTIUM200MHz, with 16Mo of RAM and a hard disk of 200Mo. A color screen of 17 inches isrecommended, the resolution should be fixed at 1027 x 768 pixels. Microsoft Win-dows 95/98/NT/2000 32 bits operating system must be installed.

To this day, there are three material generations of CINAC system correspondingto improvements and conformity reached. These three generations are taken intoaccount by CINAC 3 described in this present guide.

From a software point of view, CINAC 4 corresponds to an important step. Its re-casting has been important, new tools and features have been added. The com-patibility with DOS CINAC for MS/DOS, CINAC 2 for Windows 3.xx, and CINAC 3 isensured.


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System description

1. Description

The apparatus is divided into 3 functional parts represented by figure 1. Since 1990,three hardware generations have been implemented but whatever the genera-tion, the diagram is the same :

......

1

1 n

n

A B C

Inte

rfac

e

. . .

. . .

.

Figure 1 - Typical diagram of Cinac installation

Part A :

Part A is a thermostated bath (or several) with n pH, temperature, or other probes(conductivity for example) noted from 1 to n on the diagram. The minimum systemcould be reduced to one pH probe to make one trial. The temperature and theother probes are optional sensors, but they can be processed by the software ifthey are present (the maximum number of sensors is 32).One or several actuators controlled by CINAC could be included in part A to do,for example, a regulation of temperature in a non-thermostated bath.

Part B :


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An interface makes the analogical/digital conversion of electric signals fromprobes and if necessary their standardization if they are not (0/5 Volts, 4/20 mA).The standardization is realized from 1 to n converters or transmitters. It can managealso of 1 to n actuators and communicate with a host computer of PC type.

Part B is commonly called CINAC interface and is conformed since 1997 to normsNxxxxx and Nxxxxx defining the constraints regarding the EMC (Electro-MagneticCompatibility). From this date (generation 2), the interface is divided into 2 parts :one contains all electronic organs related to measurement and the other to out-puts. Since 1998 (generation 3 made by ALLIANCE INSTRUMENTS), each of both in-terface elements is also divided in two. Each measurement case can contain 1 to16 channels, and each output case can contain 1 to 8 outputs. All cases are con-nected by a RS422 cable.

Part C :

Part C is a micro-computer connected to the interface (part B) by a serial lineRS422. This calculator acquires data by a serial link and realizes treatments (calcu-lation of acidification speed, research of feature points, display, graphic, datastorage, linear or non-linear regression, test of reference library, of auto-organizercards of Kohonen, calculations and applications of consigns, and user interface).These functions represent the possibilities of the CINAC software and they are de-scribed in the following paragraphs.

2. Components of the three parts

In function of the hardware generations, some components could vary. Onlygeneration 3 can be purchased but the previous generations are always used.

Part A :

The line of pH measurement is an essential component, its quality is determining toreach high performance with the CINAC system. The analogical pH-meters mustbe reliable and without any noise, with a good connectic, especially between theprobe and the transmitter. The DEMCA pH-meters ref. 3B101pH or INRA-PO2 (cardof 8 pH-meters) are judicious choice for the interface of the first generation. Thenumeric pH-meters should be avoided according to the resolution on theiranalogical output after conversion from internal numeric values, even for con-verters 12 bits (models prior to August 1997), or 16 bits (models posterior to August1997). The incidence of 1 bit tapping on the derivation is huge and can uneasilybe processed by the software. The pH probes must be regularly kept up, see Ap-


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pendices. The choice of other components in this part is less important, all tem-perature probes and thermostated or non-thermostated bath are suitable. (Thebath can be thermostated or not if it is equipped with heating resistance, fresh wa-ter coil, ... and a temperature sensor. In this case, its control is done by the CINACsoftware).

In these current versions, (generations 2 and 3), the pH-meters are replaced bycards INRA-PO2 with an INRA conception and then ALLIANCE INSTRUMENTS. Eachcard (integrated into part B), allows the simultaneous acquisition of 8 or 16 meas-urements. Moreover, their cost is much lower than the pH-meters ones with equalperformances.The choice of pH probes is let to users in function of their own constraints with theirtrials.

Part B :

v Generation 1 (before August 1997) :

The interface is integrated into a box which can contain the transmitters of INRA orALLIANCE INSTRUMENTS pH. In its minimal configuration (without actuator), the in-terface is composed of a card of conversion RS232/RS422 ref. OPTO22 AC7, a ten-sion of +5V, ±15V ref. BMV60F, one or two support cards of 16 analogical in-puts/outputs ref. OPTO22 PB16AH with their input modules, (as much as sensors)able to govern some signals (thermocouples, platinum probes 100 ohms ... ref.OPTO22 AD10T), and one or two clever cards ref. OPTO22 B2 managing theanalogical/digital conversion on 12 or 16 bits according to material versions andthe communication with host computer.

A card of 16 logical inputs/outputs, ref. OPTO22 PB16H equipped with relays (asmuch as actuators) ref. OPTO22 AOC6, as well as a clever card ref. OPTO22 B1managing the inputs/outputs and communicating also with the micro-computer,could be included in the box.

All cards, modules and relays are made by OPTO22 company represented inFrance by ATEMATION. The boxes and tensions come from RADIOSPARES orSEMRAC company, distributors.

v Generation 2 (between August 1997 and June 1998) :


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A reference module OPTO22 SNAP-B3000-BRAIN, allows the information communi-cation to host system. It manages the analogical/digital conversions of all signalsfrom sensors and all outputs detected on the installation.

The reference cards OPTO SNAP16-MODULE-RACK allow to connect the B3000module and the group of analogical inputs/outputs modules, (sensors) and somelogical modules (actuators to realize regulations). The analogical modules take apair of signals into account (for example 2 pH inputs) and the logical modules take4 outputs into account.

The analogical modules used are of three kinds :

• SNAP-AIV for 2 pH inputs (scale -10/+10 volts)• SNAP-RTD for 2 temperature inputs (pT100 from -50 to 150°C)• SNAP-AOV for 2 analogical outputs 0/10 volts (seldom used)

The logical modules are of the type :

• SNAP-OAC5 for 4 outputs 220 volts, maximum 2 amperes.

The pH cables are supplied by the ERE company ("17, rue Guynemer - 92 Issy-les-Moulineaux - France")

The group cable + temperature probe is supplied by Thermetic (Tel. : +33 1 64 4181 29, fax : +33 1 64 41 18 99) with the reference FL132SI1-6-cable 3m for a cablelength of 3 meters.

The box containing the whole components described hereunder is supplied toALGAN by the SEMRAC company (ZI, rue du 8 Mai 1945, 27 500 PONT AUDEMER,tel. : +33 2 32 56 79 80).

v Generation 3 (after June 1998) :

The materials delivered from June 1998 are entirely manufactured by ALLIANCEINSTRUMENTS (10 avenue du Général de Gaulle, F-95740 FREPILLON, Tél : +33 1 3460 74 31).

The CINAC generation 3 has been completely industrialized, and is now comprisedof compact modules of 16 inputs and 8 outputs each. The CINAC software man-ages up to 32 input channels and 16 output channels.


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The cables, pH and temperature probes are supplied by ALLIANCE INSTRUMENTS.The user is not authorized to open the instruments. For any kind of maintenance,call the after-sales service of ALLIANCE INSTRUMENTS.

Part C :

It is a compatible micro-computer type IBM-PC (registered trademark), the restric-tions to take in account have been explained in the introduction.

3. Running

1. Recommendations for material

The probes and cables of installation sensors must be far from all electric perturba-tion source (tension, motors, relays ...). Take it into account for material dispositionin installation (way of probe cables).

v To control the temperature :

Use of a cryostat : leave this one in continuous running and realize the tempera-ture control with the help of a single heating instrument, except if the latter admitsan analogical command of its temperature, or external set point (0/10 volts, 4/20mA for example) which can be taken into account by CINAC versions 2.1 or supe-rior.

Utilization of fresh water system : command an electro-valve from CINAC.

N.B. : the electric consumption of connected apparatus behind the CINAC boxcannot exceed 2A with 220V per output, otherwise use power relays. In this case,static relays must be always used, for example

- Crouzet GRD 84130110 – ref. Radiospares 324-8946 (monophase 230V 35A)

- Crouzet GRD 84130311 – ref. Radiospares 231-3358 (triphase 3x25A)

- Télémécanique réf. GR1-F16CCM (less Amperes)


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in a Legrand box ref. 05470. Especially never use electronic-mechanic relays.

2. Recommendations for first running

The running of the installation must begin out of tension.Follow these steps :

v Connect the configuration memory on the parallel port of the host computer. Ifthis one has several parallel links, the eventual printer should be connected tothe first one called LPT1 : except the re-dispatch. The memory should be thenconnected to the other port. Screw the memory to the frame of micro-computer.

v Connect the flex (link computer/interface) by connecting the adapterRS232/RS422 to the PC side. The flex is supplied at the delivery, the connectorsare 25 pins (PC side) - 9 pins (first measurement interface side). It is possible thatthe connector of the serial link behind the host computer is of the type DB9 (9points), in this case, an adapter SUBD25/DB9 is supplied. If the micro-computerhas several serial links, the flex must be, if possible, connected to the first one(recognized as COM 1: by Windows), but it is not an obligation.

v Connect the flex linking the measurement interface and the output interface ifthe material is posterior to August 1997 and prior to June 1998 (generation 2).

v If the system has two measurement interfaces, (generation 3), connect the flexof the measurement interface from the first to the second interface with theflex DB9/DB9 male/female following the indications of the posterior faces of therear cases, it is not possible to make a bad connection.

v If the system is a generation 3 and has one or two output cases, these onesmust be connected to the measurement cases with the help of a supplied flexDB/15.

v Connect the sector flexes of all apparatus (interface(s), computer, thermo-stated bathes, pH-meters ...), with their interrupters in OFF position.

v Run the interface, and then the eventual electronic probe transmitters, andthen the micro-computer. When the exploitation system Windows 95/98/NT isloaded, everything is normally ready to run. Turn on everything before runningthe CINAC software. The following chapter describes the software installation.


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Starting of the system

At the delivery, use the supplied installation disks. Insert disk 1 into the driver. In themenu Start, click on Run, and then Browse, select the floppy disk driver andSetup.exe. Click OK. The installation begins. Follow the instructions and insert therequested disks. At the end of the installation, the icon CINAC 3 is placed on thedesktop.

Several options of CINAC running exist, according to the parameters entered byclicking on the right button of the mouse in the CINAC icon. In the Propertiesmenu, change the target which is initially :

c :\wcinac\wcinac32.exe Y3000 (default value).

List of possible arguments :

v comn: : communication port : n = 2, 3 or 4 (the latter is normally automaticallyinformed at the installation).


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v B3000 : obligatory for the interfaces of the second generation (posterior toAugust 1997 and prior to June 1998).

v Y3000 : obligatory for the interfaces of the last generation (posterior to June1998).

N.B. : for the interface of the first generation, neither B3000, nor Y3000, must ap-pear in the command line.

v DEMO : allows to use CINAC in demonstration mode, the data acquisition is thusimpossible.

v DEBUG : allows to display the message received from the interfaces, for all Ci-nac generations. This function can be useful for communication troubles. Donot suit with the DEMO mode.

Example : to work with an interface of the second generation in debug mode(display of framework) and on the communication port number 2, the commandline must require three parameters, as following :

c:\wcinac\wcinac32.exe COM2: B3000 DEBUG

the parameters can be indicated in any order.

For an automatic starting, open the starting group, with the mouse : click on theCINAC 4 icon with the right button, maintain it pressed, and move the icon to thestarting group.See also System/Configuration/Communication paragraph.

Software use – exploitation system

CINAC 3 is an MDI interface (Multiple Documents Interface), shortcuts exist for themain used functions. From the running, one or two measurement pages (accord-ing to the material configuration) are displayed. As for the prior versions (MS/DOSor CINAC 2.xx), the selection of measurement channels often precede most of theoperations that are going to be done (Calibration, trials starting, ...). The manage-ment of the system channels is asynchrony, all of the functions are usable simulta-neously, for example, the calibration of the measurement channels is able whileothers channels are being stored.

The present chapter describes the whole functions of the CINAC 3 software.

Some parts of this chapter are necessary to be read before making trials (materialconfiguration : captors and actuators, software configuration, see the paragraphCONFIGURATION). The other configuration options can be set during the running.


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The different accessible functions are gathered together according to the follow-ing themes :

v Filesv Displayv Testsv Configurationv Toolsv Windowsv Help

1. Files

Gather together all the functions appealing to files.

N.B. : The CINAC 3 files have a different format then CINAC 2.xx (Windows 3.xx) filesor CINAC files for MS/DOS.

These functions are the following :

1. Load existing files

To visualize trials already made. This option allows to load old trials on selected andnon active channels. This is interesting to visualize curves, to recalculate or exportassociated feature points ... If the files to review are in a format prior to CINAC 3,


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the conversion are suggested and a file with the same name and the extension.CIN is created. To review the old CINAC files, choose in the dialog box Files theoption "All files", because the CINAC 2 files and prior versions did not include anyextension. When a trial is loaded in the "Load existing files" mode, an asterisk ap-pears in front of the filename in the measurement table.

2. Start monitoring

Use this function to start the data storage. The dialog box called by this functionallows to choose the repertory where the trials are going to be stored. If severalchannels are selected for this operation, the name of the file in the edition controlcan be either a model of name or the name of the first trial selected, for which thestorage is not yet informed. In case of a name model, all files will have the samename plus the channel number (2 numbers). The file names cannot exceed morethan 255 characters. In this dialog box, the storage durations can be set : eitherthe storage is stopped by the user or it is stopped after a determined duration (inhours), or when the pH of the measurement channel has reached a certain value.

The user has to define the storage period and an eventual storage offset at thismoment.

For all starting parameters, some default values exist : they correspond to the lastused values.

When all the information related to trials starting are introduced, click on OK. If allthe trials are taken into account, the box disappears, otherwise the effectivelystarted trials appear in the list box on the edition control of trial names. Modify thestarting parameters and click on OK until all trials have been started.

Click on Cancel to quit this operation.

If some selected files are already being stored, clicking on Files/Start allows tomodify some starting parameters : stop mode (free, after a certain time, or after acertain pH). It is impossible to modify the file names and really unadvisable tomodify the offset or the storage period.

In the measurement table, ‘Stopping trials’ indicates the way how to stop the trials: undetermined for a manual stop, "a pH X.XX" for a stop after a defined pH, XXXXminutes for a stop programmed in the time.


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3. Stop monitoring

This function allows to stop the data storage of the selected channels. This opera-tion must always be confirmed. If the trial storage was programmed for a deter-mined duration or for a defined pH, this function has priority, the trial can thus bestopped, and the correspondent channel becomes vacant.

The trials for which the storage stops automatically remain loaded on the meas-urement channels but in "Load existing files" mode : an asterisk appears in front ofthe file name, and "inactive" appears under the Stop column of the measurementpage. To be able to start other storage on these channels, use File/Stop to setthem vacant.

If the user desires to export automatically the feature points and the data at theend of the trials (see OPTIONS CONFIGURATION), the exportation is done auto-matically for the programmed stops (pH or duration), and suggested in case ofnon programmed stop.

4. Feature points

v Load a set of feature points :

In CINAC 3, the feature points are completely configurable, the pre-programmedfeature points do not exist anymore. Some models of feature points are available.Moreover, the feature points suit to every channel, compared to CINAC 2 where afeature point could have different values according to the channel. Nevertheless,the current version 3 is not a regression, it is on the contrary really more flexible andpowerful.

By clicking on File/Feature points/Load a set of feature points, it is possible to selecta file containing a group of feature points, either supplied by the installation orcreated by the user. Thus the selected set replaces the current set, and it even


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becomes the default set of feature points. If some files are loaded on the meas-urement channels, CINAC 3 suggests to update data.

The calculations are optimized and very quick, the application of several featurepoint sets on the same data (trial files) is immediate and easy. This option allowsalso to adapt quickly the feature points in function of the trials that are carried outon the CINAC system.

v Save actual set of feature points

This operation, inverse of the previous one, allows to save a whole of feature pointsinto a file. It is to be done as soon as a whole of feature points has been createdor modified. The file name is free, but its extension must be : .DES.

5. References

Some information can be added to the files. These information can have differentnatures and are configurable. See the CONFIGURATION paragraph, references.These information are a chain of characters, even though it is numeric data, theirnumber depends on the references configuration. According to the general con-figuration, they are requested since the trials declaration, or are let to the user ini-tiative who can introduce them if he wants.

6. Start a recipe

To start a recipe file. Choose a recipe file in the dialog box (.CRC extension), andclick OK. This starts recipe immediately. This operation can be done at any time.Several recipes can be started at the same time.For more information about this topic, see the Recipe rubric in the Tools paragraph.

7. Start a sequence

Allow to start a sequence. Choose an existing sequence file (.CSQ extension), andclick OK. The sequence starts as soon as the OK button is clicked. Only one se-quence can be started at a time. When a sequence is running, information aredisplayed in the status bar at the bottom of the main window : the step which is inprogress and the time or condition Cinac is waiting for.


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The caption of the menu is Stop sequence when a sequence is running. It is usedto stop the current running sequence.For more information about sequence building, see Tools paragraph, rubric se-quence.

6. Export

v Exportation of CINAC data of selected channels :

The exportation of CINAC data consists in creating one (or several if several chan-nels are selected) ASCII file containing the acidification data in the time. Thesefiles can be then imported by main softwares (spreadsheet, graphers, statisticsoftware of data basis...). Before creating the files, one can set the exportationparameters in the corresponding dialog box.

• number separators : Tabulation, Space or Other (to define in the edition con-trol)

• line end : Carriage return and/or Line feed. It is ASCII 13 and 10 characters. Inprinciple, most of the softwares admit both characters.

• decimal separators : point or comma.• data to save : time (minutes), pH (upH), acidification speed (upH/min), acidifica-

tion acceleration (upH/min2)• export a data on n, with, if n is different than 1, the possibility to calculate the

mean. This option can be useful when the storage period of data is too shortand the line number of exported files is too big.

• export all files in one : by default, when exporting several Cinac files, the samenumber of ASCII files are created. To have all Cinac files in one ASCII file, checkthis option.

• only one time column : this option is linked to the previous one. If checked, onlyone time column will be exported, the first encountered while exporting the Ci-nac files.

All the files of the selected channels are exported, in the list "exported files". Theexported files appear with their number of observation lines.

All of these parameters are saved and suggested by default at each exportation.Moreover, they are used to export all data generated by CINAC such as the fea-ture points, the probe coefficients or the functioning of the cumulated times of ac-tuators.

To only export some channels, select from the list box "Files to export". To changethe destination repertory of exported files, use button "Browse".

When the exportation is done, click on button "End".

v Exportation of CINAC data of the directory :


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This function does the same operation than the one for the files of selected chan-nels, but here, all the repertory is exported. The dialog box of exportation parame-ters is not introduced, the exported files will have the actual options, their namewill just have the extension .TXT, and they will be copied in the repertory of CINACfiles.

v Exportation of actuators cumuli :

This function applies to measurement channels that have been regulated. Thedata relative to cumulated times of actuators functioning can be exported. Thedialog box of exportation parameters are not presented, the parameters used arethe actual ones.

The data are presented in 3 columns and contain as many lines as the file ofmeasurement storage : time (minutes), cumulated time of hot actuator (minutes),cumulated time of cold actuator (minutes).

v Exportation of feature points of active channels :

The feature points of the current system for the selected channels will be exportedwith the actual exportation parameters. According to the running mode (standardor complete exportation), the data will not be the same. In complete mode, thefollowing data will be stored :

Label of the 5 first columns :

• File name of feature points used.• Date of creation of the CINAC file.• Software version that calculated the feature points.• Serial number of the apparatus with which the trials have been carried out. (It

has to be indicated in the file : C:\WCINAC\NMSR$#.MEM, edit in text mode).• Number (from 1 to 32) of the measurement channel of the apparatus. This one

is combined with the possible measurement channel which would have beenused to make an automatic compensation of temperature (1 to 32 or 255 if nocompensation).

The following columns contain the type of used parameter for the feature points,followed by its name. It will create as many columns as necessary.


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Lines :

The lines contain the label values except the first column which contains the filename of the trial. The form of this one depends on actual options in CINAC, abso-lute or relative path.

In standard mode, only the type of parameters of the feature points are not indi-cated, nor their values.

Typically, the exportation files of the feature points are text-style files. If the file al-ready exists, some lines are added (as many as the number of trials). Otherwise, anew file is created. When an exportation file of feature points is enriched, you mustcheck that the set of feature points is always the same, otherwise there would notbe a correspondence between the exported values and the column labels.The feature points are always recalculated before their exportation so that thecorrespondence between the parameters values and the feature points valuesare secure.

v Exportation of feature points of files of the directory :

This option allows to export a high number of feature points from the files of a di-rectory. Once the files are selected, do the same as above paragraph.

v Exportation of probes coefficients (export, consult, purge) :

To export or see or purge the data relative to coefficients of probes calibration,use this option. It is not necessary to select measurement channels. Choose a textfile as asked, or click CANCEL to only see data. If OK is clicked, the ASCII file willcontain exported data.Then a dialog box appears containing the list of all probe references found in thedatabase. Number of references found, of records (calibrations) found, and num-ber of records per reference are displayed. The total duration covered by the da-tabase is also indicated at the upper right corner of the window. It is possible todecrease this time interval to see less data.Select in this list one or several references and click on Export to export, or Displayto just display records in the table. This operation can be repeated, the data willbe added in the previous ASCII file if validated before. A READ button allow load-ing of a SVCOEF$#.MEM file previously saved on an other directory.

The data are organized in the following way (10 columns) :

Probe reference, Calibration date, Channel where the probe has been used,Slope (%), Ordinate (mVolts), calibration temperature, compensation with tem-perature, stabilization time in the first buffer, stabilization time in the second buffer.When calibration coefficients are not correct the grid in the table is red.


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During the CINAC use, the database of probe coefficients increases, but its sizenever becomes critical, particularly if the probe coefficients taken are purged byclicking on the button "Purge". This will remove the reference from the list and takeout all data relative to probes. It is strongly recommended to export before allpurging.

7. Import

v Importation of ASCII files :

Use this function to convert files from different origins to the CINAC format.

The files must contain a minimum of one column of time values and one column ofpH values, and also be ASCII type. The decimal separator can be either a point ora comma, the separator of tabulation number, either a space or a semi-colon. Ifsome channels are selected and vacant, the imported and correct CINAC formatfiles are automatically loaded on these channels.

v Importation of actuators cumuli (hot or cold channels) :

Allows to import data of cumulated times of functioning from a hot or cold actua-tor. The data are imported from an .ACT file generated by CINAC3. The importa-tion of only one file at a time is allowed. The usual representations are then possi-ble as well as the feature points calculations.

The created CINAC file name is the same than the one of the actuator plus ACT,its extension is the same than a CINAC file : .CIN.

v Importation of library :

Allows to import a CINAC library (created by WCINBIB utility) of references creationfrom the CINAC files). The file is set in CINAC format. Take care of the type of fileexported with WCINBIB (min/max, standard deviation, ...). This function allows tocompare libraries between each other. The function TESTS/library describedhereunder would be preferred.

v Importation of probe coefficients Cinac 2.xx :

The data base of probes coefficients has been simplified and optimized com-pared with CINAC 2. So, the files formats are no more the same. To cure it, CINAC3 can import the CINAC 2 files. It's files c:\wcinac\fice*.mem. When these one are


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integrated in the base, a reference is created as the following way with 10 char-acters : XX-A

XX represents the number found in the filename fice*.mem. It's normally the probenumber which is used in the version 2. Avoid to modify the numbers appearing inthe filenames fice*.mem before realizing importation. On the other hand, the ex-tensions MEM can have been modified.

8. Print

Allows to print the current page, which could be a graph, a page of featurepoints, ... The printing is never immediate, it is always possible to change or config-ure the printer before starting to print.

9. Printer setup

To configure the printer only.

10. Quit

To exit the software. All trials and calibrations must be stopped.

If the user exits the CINAC during the trial storage (power cut, combinationAlt+Ctrl+Sup, ...), the trials will automatically be carried out again and active assoon as the CINAC is turned on again.

2. Display

1. Measurement table

The measurement tables are displayed automatically at the CINAC running. Theymight be closed sometimes. This does not prevent the storing operations fromfunctioning. These windows are useful to visualize the state of measurement chan-nels (storage duration, alarms, set points, ...), and thus to select the channels onwhich operations are going to be made (Calibration, storage stop, ...).


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This function also allows to call back the measurement tables that have beenclosed. The information is the following :

v Current Measurement.v Storage file if the channel is active (storage or ‘Load existing files’ mode). In

‘Load existing files’ mode, en asterisk comes before the file name.v Period (min.) : storage period of the file associated with the channel.v Duration (min.) : trial duration. It increases if storage is running.v Stop : indicates the chosen stop mode (pH X.XX, XXXX minutes, undetermined or

inactive for the ‘Load existing files’ mode).v Set point : if a set point is associated with a channel, the actual set point value

is displayed as well as the file containing the profile. If only the file name ap-pears, that means that currently no set point is applied (frequent case whenthe control variable is not the time).

If a question mark ? appears in front of the measurement, this indicates that themeasurement is always far from the set point from more D units during a consecu-tive half hour and the control will be interrupted. The D parameter configurable inthe Configuration Options. By default, its value is 1.5 units (°C or upH).

If an red number appears after the measurement, the storage is not in good con-dition. The file ought to be checked, and if necessary, if this number increases, theuser should stop the trial and start it again under another file name.If a green A appears, before the measurement value, this means the channel isunder alarm but that there is no problem presently.If a red A appears before the measurement value, this means the channel is un-der alarm.If a M appears at the left side of the screen, this means a mail will be sent at theend of the trial.If a red + is displayed, this means the channel is controlled, and the cumulatedtime of actuator is stored in place of the signal derivative

If DEBUG mode is running (DEBUG in the command line of the CINAC of the desk-top), some characters appear under the last measurement line. The interpretationof this cannot be realized without a specialist from INRA or ALLIANCE INSTRUMENTScompany.

A summary of communication mode is displayed in at the bottom of the CINACscreen. In the first panel, the information concern the 16 first measurement chan-nels, in the second one, the channels from 17 to 32. Both first panels indicate thecommunication port used, the current generation of interface managed, thenumber of communication faults and errors, separated by a /.


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The third panel cumulates the sum of files errors.

The error number from communication or files should not be important and espe-cially should not increase quickly. It is possible to reset all the errors (SeeCONFIGURATION/OPTIONS).

Some properties of these windows are accessible from a contextual menu byclicking on the right button of the mouse. It is the background color of the windowand the selection of the buttons of measurement channels. To see details for a file(trial running or reloaded), click the right button of the mouse on the name of thefile, then select Details filename : a window will appear (4 columns : time, pH,acidification rate and acceleration of acidification) with the data contained in theCinac file.

2. Outputs

The output table appears by clicking on Display/Outputs. The following informationare then displayed :

v Output name : as defined in the hardware configuration. Some TOR (All orNothing, in French "Tout Ou Rien") and Analogical (0/10 volts or 4/20 mA) out-puts do exist. The name contains the output number and the output type, forexample "Channel TOR 1" or "An. channel 5".

v Association : indicates if the output is affected to a measurement channel. Forexample, if the output TOR 1 deals with increasing the temperature 17 forregulation, "+temp17" will be indicated.

v State % : indicates for each output, the rate of instantaneous functioning. Theseindications are useful to regulate the PID parameters of the regulator.

3. Graph

Allows to display a graph for the selected channels. The parameters used to makea graph are the actual parameters. To adapt the graph, use the contextual menuby clicking with the right button of the mouse. This one allows enables the accessto the functions described hereafter :

v Graphic parameters :

To set the minimum and the maximum, as well the display mode (minutes or hours)of abscises, the minimum and the maximum for pH, acidification rate, and accel-


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eration. It allows also to define the display mode DOS style (pH and acidificationspeed on 2 separated graphs), the display of symbol, of a grid and the line thick-ness. It is possible to edit a graph title. This one is located in the middle, on top ofthe graph.

v Background color :

To set the color of the graph background.

v Axis and text color :

To define a color for the axis and for the legend text.

v Copy of the graph : (shortcut CTRL+C)

The copy is bitmap format, it can typically be pasted in another software.

v Color of the 6 curves :

To define one color for each curve.

v File display mode :

Several display modes of the file names are possible on the graph :• Complete name with the path.• Only file name.• Channel name (for example : ipH6).• Legend : the filenames are replaced by the legends editable by double-

clicking with the left button of the mouse.

v Fonts :

To choose a different font than the one suggested in the text

v Legends :

In usual utilization, it is possible to place the texts in 6 different places of the graph.Click in the place where the legend has to be created (or the double-click on theleft button of the mouse). Edit then the legend in the presented dialog box. If thedisplay mode file is set on Legend, the legends do not appear any longer in theselected places of the graph but in the place of the file names.

v Set point (Display/Remove) :


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Allows to superpose on the graph the possible set points of the selected channels.The set points superpose with dashes (size 1) of the same color than the corre-sponding temperature or pH curve. Set point/Remove permits to hide the set pointprofile.

v Libraries (display min max/display standard deviation/remove) :

Allows to superpose on the graph the actual library. This one must have been firstof all loaded/ (Use Tests/Libraries/Libraries). It superposes a black line with the samesize than the curves. Only the envelop (min/max or standard deviation) is dis-played. Library/Remove permits to display hide the library.

v Feature points (display/remove) :

Allows to draw on the graph the feature points Vm, Tm and pHm of the selectedchannels.

v Actuators cumuli (display/remove/configure) :

If some of the selected measurement channels are monitored, the cumulatedtimes of actuators functioning can be displayed. To set the minimum and maxi-mum functioning times, the display of hot and/or cold channel, use Actua-tors/Configure. This configuration windows allows also to have for actuators thesame color as the trials’ curves and to choose the right axis of the graph to havecumulated time legend in place of acidification rate.

4. Probe coefficients

To display the evolution of the calibration coefficients of one or several probes. Ifseveral channels are selected, the graphic represents the data for each channel.If only one channel is selected, it is possible to visualize the data by probe refer-ences. All references can be visualized at this moment but only one by one.

Click the right button of the mouse in the graph and select Graph parameters. Inthe dialog box, check References to see probes coefficients reference by refer-ence and select a reference. A hint indicate for the selected reference, the num-ber of observations in the database (number of calibrations) and the correspond-ing time interval (in days).Unchecked Reference and select one or several measurement channel(s) to seedata by channels.

NB : the reference management displays the complete life of a probe even if ithas been used on different channels of the Cinac interface. At the opposite, dis-playing channel shows data concerning the channel. If several probes have beenused on the same channel the graph will not be consistent. So displaying data byreference is more reliable, but it needs the user manages probes by references.


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A contextual menu allow to :

v Display only slopes.v Display only ordinates.v minimum and maximum of slopes and ordinates.v Start and end of visualization in days.v Copy of the grap (to be pasted from clipboard in other software)

5. Feature points

To obtain the feature point page. Only the feature points of active channels aredisplayed. A contextual menu allows to do different operations of trial (SeeTests/Feature points), of configuration (See CONFIGURATION/FEATURE POINTS) andexportation (See Files/Exportation/Feature points/of selected channels) of featurepoints. The font of feature points can also bet set as well as the display mode ofthe files in the column on the left of the window. During the printing of the featurepoints, the font and the display mode of the files are used.NB : to directly « Copy/Paste » with Excel for instance, select the zone to copy, in-cluding mean and standard deviation if needed, and type CTRL+C or selectCopy in the contextual menu.To copy and Paste with feature points’ name and filenames, select the zone tocopy, including mean and standard deviation if needed, and type ALT+CTRL+Cor select Copy titles in the contextual menu.

3. Tests

1. Weibull model

This function allows to adjust the stored data to the Weibull model. One or severalmeasurement channel must be selected and requires a complete storage file. Themodel gives an estimation of pH in function of time, according to the equation :

pH = pHinitial - a (1 - exp(-btc))

a, b, c : parameters to determine.t : time in minutes.pH : pH value at t time.pHinitial : pH value at time 0 min.


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This model is available for other measurements than pH.

The numerical derivative in function of time of the model gives some featurespoints.

The modeled file are saved in a directory WBL is the recreating option is checked.This model can represent correctly acidifications for pure strains for which the urea-sic activity is not visible. In these cases, parameters a, b, and c are feature points,and they allow to find again the complete acidification.

2. Library

This function allows to choose a library file (extension .CNC) made by WCINBIB tocompare it to trials of selected channels. Once this file is loaded, a window dis-plays statistic criteria that determine if the trials in tests are included in the enve-lope of the chosen reference library. These criteria are the following :

v Common observations : observations number coinciding with times betweenthe trial and the reference library.

v %pH : percentage of the trial pH values included in the envelope.v %speed : percentage of values of acidification speed included in the enve-

lope.

(These tests are calculated either according to the envelope at 5%, average ± 2standard deviations, or according to minimum and maximum of the reference li-brary).

v pH distance (upH) : average distance between the trial pH values and the av-erage pH of the reference library. This value should be the lowest as possible.

v Speed distance (upH/minutes) : average distance between the trial acidifica-tion rate values and the values of average acidification speed of the referencelibrary. This value should be more lowest as possible.

As long as a new library has not been tested, the actual library is the last that hasbeen loaded. It is the one that will be displayed concerning the graphs.

3. Maps


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This function is not available in CINAC 3 revision 2.

4. Feature points

To test feature points of active channels with the actual set of feature points. If thepage of feature points is not present, this one is loaded. The feature points of allfiles loaded on the selected measurement channels are displayed.

During the tests, the following functions can be activated :

v Calculation window : allows to limit the search of feature points in a window(limited by an initial time and a final time). By default, the feature points aresearched in the total length of files of the active and selected channels.

v Adjust at pH : allows to calculate the feature points after having set the begin-ning of all acidification curves with the indicated value in the edition control.The file data are never modified, the feature points also calculated are identi-fied by the sign @. It is actually a second set of feature points, so called ‘read-justed’. (The feature points based on the acidification speed are not modifiedby the readjustment).

v Refining : allows to re-center on Tm when Vm was detected on a particularpoint of acidification speed curve, due most of the time to a measurementnoise. This option is seldom necessary but a typical value would be 5%. The af-fected feature points are Tm, Vm, pHm, dT50, dpH50.

5. Configuration


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1. Model

Not available yet.

2. References

A CINAC trial is composed of 2 files : one represents the acidification curve (exten-sion .CIN), and the other, the feature points (extension .IND). Some information areadded and are an intrinsic part of data file .CIN, as well as the date of creationthe file, the serial number of the apparatus used for the trial, the probe used, andsome information about the eventual temperature compensation. The data file.CIN is the most precious, the file .IND can be deleted because the recalculation isalways possible. On the other hand, some information as batch numbers, mediacomposition, culture conditions, ... cannot be automatically integrated. It is thuspossible to create a certain number of references to enter at the beginning ofeach trial. A reference contains a label to define for the configuration and a valueto inform at the beginning of each trial.

For example, by creating two references NUMLOT and MEDIUM, according to theused option (see CONFIGURATION/OPTIONS), the values of NUMLOT and MEDIUMwould be asked systematically at the beginning of each storage.

3. Graph parameters

Call the dialog box for graph configuration described in the paragraphDISPLAY/GRAPH. This function allows to define parameters by default when thegraph is not displayed. To modify directly graphs, use the contextual menu, seeDISPLAY/GRAPH.

4. Feature points

The feature points, or particular points of acidification, speed and accelerationcurves are now completely configurable. It is one of the important modificationsfrom CINAC 2 for Windows 3.xx, where it is not possible to personalize featurepoints: the 40 defined feature points were always displayed, calculated.

A lot of examples of feature points (files) are supplied in the installation.

A feature point consists of 5 fields represented in the figure 2. These fields are to beconsidered during the configuration so as to make the desired calculation. Only


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the 6 fields containing ? are to be filled. All the fields are not useful all the time, itall depends on the desired feature points.

v Field 1 : first parameter. It contains (*) and a value to put if it is used.

v Field 2 : same as field 1.

v Field 3 : name. The name is a chain of maximum 20 characters chosen by theuser.

v Field 4 : interpolated. This field is Boolean, it allows to determine if the calcula-tion of the feature points will be interpolated or not. Some feature points can-not be interpolated.

v Field 5 : Result, not accessible.

(*) The possible values for all parameters types (1st or 2nd) are the following :v pH.v timev max.v none.v delta_pH.v acceleration.v delta_time.v slope.v area.v min.

PARAMETER 1 PARAMETER 2TYPE ? TYPE ? NAME ? INTERPOLATED ? RESULTVALUE ? VALUE ?

Figure 2 : anatomy of feature point in CINAC 3

The configuration window introduced hereafter allows the definition of a large va-riety of feature points.


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Figure 3 : configuration box of feature points (French version)

The parameters of the offset time, of inhibition time for calculation, and a regulat-ing factor to detect peaks are modifiable. The applied values are always savedand called again at each use. The values by default are 0.08 upH, 15 minutes and10. About the pic detection parameter, it corresponds to the number of points totake into account to decide a new maximum happened : after an extremum hasbeen detected, acidification rate must evolve in the same direction (increase ordecrease) 10 consecutive times. This parameter is only used if the nth peak is ex-pected, (n = 1, 2 or 3). If the absolute Vm is checked (the greater (absolute)), thisparameter is not used.

To create new feature point, tape its name in the list "Feature Points" and regulatethe types and values of parameters 1 and 2. Check if necessary "Interpolated". Tomodify feature point, select its name in the list "Feature Points" and make themodifications.

The modifications are never taken into account. Clicking on "Add/Update".

To remove a feature point, select it, click then on Remove. This operation has tobe confirmed.

It is possible to test immediately the feature points : some channels must be active(‘Load existing files’ or trials in running). The page of feature points is then dis-played.

This box could be displayed directly with the contextual menu of the page of fea-ture points. The modifications are saved only when the user leaves the configura-tion box.


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Correspondence with the feature points usually used with the priors CINAC versions

For example, the following paragraph gives the correspondence between theprincipal feature points of CINAC 2.

v ta : length of the offset phase. Time at which the pH is 0.08 upH units under itsinitial value (minutes)

* Type of parameter 1 : delta pH - Value of parameter 1 : 0.08 (or thevalue defined for ta),* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : not considered‚* Name : ta* Interpolated : possible

v VM : maximum acidification speed observed (upH/min).* Type of parameter 1 : max - Value of parameter 1 : define the peaksought after‚ (0 for absolute Vm),* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : not considered‚* Name : VM,* Interpolated : no

v TM : time corresponding to VM (min).* Type of parameter 1 : max - Value of parameter 1 : like VM* Type of parameter 2 : time - Value of parameter 2 : not considered,* Name : TM,* Interpolated : no

v pHM : pH corresponding to VM (upH).* Type of parameter 1 : max - Value of parameter 1 : like VM* Type of parameter 2 : pH - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : pHM* Interpolated : no

Remark : verify the coherence of values of parameter 1 for VM, TM and pHM is re-alized. It It's only a warning because it's possible to calculate VM for one acidifica-tion peak and TM for an other one.

v dT50 : elapsed time for which the speed (derivation of pH) was higher thanVM/2 (min).

* Type of parameter 1 : delta time - Value of parameter 1 : not consid-ered‚


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* Type of parameter 2 : max - Value of parameter 2 : 50* Name : dT50* Interpolated : no

v dpH50 : pH difference observed within those dT50 minutes (upH).* Type of parameter 1 : delta pH - Value of parameter 1 : not consid-ered‚* Type of parameter 2 : max - Value of parameter 2 : 50* Name : dpH50* Interpolated : no

v s50t : area of speed curve as a function of time when the speed is higher thanVM/2 (upH).

* Type of parameter 1 : surface - Value of parameter 1 : not consid-ered‚* Type of parameter 2 : max - Value of parameter 2 : 50* Name : s50t* Interpolated : according to you

v s50p : area of speed curve as a function of pH when the speed is higher thanVM/2 (upH/min).

No run for the moment.* Type of parameter 1 : surface - Value of parameter 1 : not considered‚* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : not considered‚* Name : s50p* Interpolated : no

v pH4H : pH after 4 hours of acidification (upH).* Type of parameter 1 : time - Value of parameter 1 : 240* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : not considered‚* Name : pH4H* Interpolated : possible

v dpH4H : pH differential after 4 hours of acidification (upH).* Type of parameter 1 : time - Value of parameter 1 : 0* Type of parameter 2 : time - Value of parameter 2 : 240* Name : dpH4H* Interpolated : possible

v pH6H : pH after 6 hours of acidification (upH).* Type of parameter 1 : time - Value of parameter 1 : 360* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : pH6H* Interpolated : possible


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v dpH6H : pH differential after 6 hours of acidification (upH).* Type of parameter 1 : time - Value of parameter 1 : 0* Type of parameter 2 : time - Value of parameter 2 : 360* Name : dpH6H* Interpolated : possible

v tpH5 : time necessary to reach a pH of 5 upH (min).* Type of parameter 1 : pH - Value of parameter 1 : 5* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : not considered‚* Name : tpH5* Interpolated : possible

v ptph6 : slope between pH 6 and pH 5 (upH/min).* Type of parameter 1 : slope - Value of parameter 1 : 5 (or pH1)* Type of parameter 2 : slope - Value of parameter 2 : 6 (or pH2)* Name : ptpH56* Interpolated : possible

Better results are obtained when interpolating because a linear regression is donewith all points observed between the values of parameters 1 and 2 (5 and 6 in thisexample).To obtain the intercept of this slope, see “Others customizable feature points”For this kind of feature points, always give as first parameters value, the first ob-served value in time. Thus, for acidification data based on pH measurement, pH1 >pH2, but for other measurement it could happen that pH1<pH2. (***)

v crit56 : square root of the sum of deviation squares between the slope ptpH6and the curve (upH).

* Type of parameter 1 : slope - Value of parameter 1 : 5‚* Type of parameter 2 : error - Value of parameter 2 : 6‚* Name : crit56* Interpolated : no

v acmax : maximum acidification acceleration (upH/min2).* Type of parameter 1 : acceleration - Value of parameter 1 : 1* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : acmax* Interpolated : no

v demax : maximum acidification deceleration (upH/min2).* Type of parameter 1 : acceleration - Value of parameter 1 : -1* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : demax* Interpolated : no


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v tacmax : time to reach maximum acceleration (min).* Type of parameter 1 : acceleration - Value of parameter 1 : 1* Type of parameter 2 : time - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : tacmax* Interpolated : no

v tdemax : time corresponding to maximum deceleration (min).* Type of parameter 1 : acceleration - Value of parameter 1 : -1* Type of parameter 2 : time - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : tdemax* Interpolated : no

v phacmax : pH corresponding to maximum acceleration (upH).* Type of parameter 1 : acceleration - Value of parameter 1 : 1* Type of parameter 2 : pH - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : pHacmax* Interpolated : no

v phdemax : pH corresponding to maximum deceleration (upH).* Type of parameter 1 : acceleration - Value of parameter 1 : -1* Type of parameter 2 : pH - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : pHdemax* Interpolated : no

v vacmax : acidification rate during maximum acceleration (upH/min).* Type of parameter 1 : acceleration - Value of parameter 1 : 1* Type of parameter 2 : max - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : vacmax* Interpolated : no

v vdemax : acidification rate during maximum deceleration (upH/min).* Type of parameter 1 : acceleration - Value of parameter 1 : -1* Type of parameter 2 : max - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : vdemax* Interpolated : no

v rapac : ratio of maximum acceleration versus maximum deceleration {withoutdimension).

No run for the moment* Type of parameter 1 : none - Value of parameter 1 : no considered‚* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : rapac* Interpolated : no


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v tVAL1 … tVAL8 : time to reach a pH of value 1 (VAL1) (min).* Type of parameter 1 : pH - Value of parameter 1 : val1 … val8* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : tVal1* Interpolated : possible

v dpH1 … dpH5 : pH difference between two instants that may be customized(upH).

* Type of parameter 1 : time - Value of parameter 1 : instant 1 (minutes)* Type of parameter 2 : time - Value of parameter 2 : instant 2 (minutes)* Name : dpH1* Interpolated : possible

Others customizable feature points :

v time to go from pH1 to pH2 (minutes) :* Type of parameter 1 : pH - Value of parameter 1 : pH 1* Type of parameter 2 : pH - Value of parameter 2 : pH 2* Name : tpH1pH2* Interpolated : possible

For this kind of feature points, always give as first parameter value, the first ob-served value in time. Thus, for acidification data based on pH measurement, pH1 >pH2, but for other measurement it could happen that pH1<pH2. (***)

v intercept of slope between pH1 and pH2 (minutes) :* Type of parameter 1 : slope - Value of parameter 1 : pH 1* Type of parameter 2 : time - Value of parameter 2 : pH 2* Name : tpH1pH2* Interpolated : possible, see PTPH6

v VMin : minimal acidification speed observed (upH or other /min).* Type of parameter 1 : max - Value of parameter 1 : define the peaksought after‚ (0 for absolute Vm),* Type of parameter 2 : none - Value of parameter 2 : no considered‚* Name : VM,* Interpolated : no

Normally, an acidification rate corresponds to a feature point Vm < 0. To detectVm > 0, use the min parameter. For all associated feature points, : DT50, DPH50,


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PTPH6, Tm, pHm the min parameter can be used and the resulting feature pointsmay be renamed DT50min, DPH50min, PTPH6, Tmin, Measuremin . (***)

v Other surface feature points (integrates)

Integrate derivative when V > par1*Vmax (par1<1)* Type of parameter 1 : surface. - Parameter 1 value : par1* Type of parameter 2 : none - Parameter 2 value : no* Name :* Interpolated : no

Integrate derivative from minute1 to minute2* Type of parameter 1 : surface. - Parameter 1 value : minute1* Type of parameter 2 : max - Parameter 2 value : minute2* Name :* Interpolated : no

Integrate derivative from pH1 to pH2* Type of parameter 1 : surface. - Parameter 1 value : pH1* Type of parameter 2 : deltapH - Parameter 2 value : pH2* Nom :* Interpolated : non

pH Integrate from pH1 to pH2* Type of parameter 1 : surface. – Parameter 1 value pH1* Type of parameter 2 : pH - Parameter 2 value : pH2* Nom :* Interpolated : no

pH Integrate from minute1 to minute2* Type of parameter 1 : surface. - Parameter 1 value : minute1* Type of parameter 2 : time - Parameter 1 value : minute2* Nom :* Interpolated : no

(***) : with CINAC2, feature points configuration was not possible. With CINAC3,this feature avoids the unflexible method consisting in configuring channels (forexample type Cond to access “Vm >0” based feature points and ipH for “Vm < 0“based feature points).

A lot of other combinations are (or will be) possible.


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5. System

Hardware :

This function is normally to be used at the installation. It allows to define the num-ber and the type of measurement channels of CINAC system as well as the num-ber and the type of outputs.

The possibilities of measurement are :

• HS : the channel is out of order, not used.• pH : pH measurement with generation 1 CINAC models.• ipH : pH measurement with generations 2 and 3 CINAC models.• (The terms pH and ipH differentiate the pH-meters according to the apparatus

generation and allow to realize validity tests of calibration).• temp : temperature measurement.• cond : measurement of medium electric conductivity.• redox : measurement of medium redox potential.

The possibilities of outputs are :

• HS : the output is not used.• TOR Output : output of type Tout Ou Rien (to manage pump, electro-valve,

heating resistor, ...)• An. Output : analogical output according to one of standards (0..10 volts, 4..20

mA) to manage actuators with proportional way, for example to open an elec-tro-valve from 0 to 100% by very fine steps.

For the outputs only, the addresses and hardware orders are suggested. It is notnecessary to modify them except for portable CINAC instruments.In standard configuration,

the addresses are :

• 254 for CINAC hardware generation 1• 04 for CINAC hardware generation 2• 1 for CINAC hardware generation 3

and the orders are : 1 to 16 whatever the generation.

Software :

The software configuration allows to associate outputs to inputs and hardware tosoftware.


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For each measurement, it is possible to associate a hot and/or cold channel, aswell as a low/high alarm in order to be able to monitor this measurement channel.In case of error or regulation strategy change, it is possible to dissociate the meas-urement actuators.

N.B. : the outputs corresponding to the alarms must not be the same as the outputscorresponding to a regulation. Moreover, the outputs eventually associated to analarm must not be automatically turned off if the alarm disappears.

At this moment, the output tests are possible in order to check if the connectionsare correct by clicking on buttons ON then OFF. For analogical outputs, enter avalue between 0 and 4095 for generation 1 and between 0 and 65536 for othergenerations.

According to the output type, some parameters are enabled :• TOR output : Kp, ti and td hot channel, Kp, ti and td cold channel.• An. output : Kp, ti and td, gain, zero, dead band.

In TOR mode, if the regulation uses 2 channels, the hot channel regulation mightbe different from the cold channel : thus the PID parameters must be set for eachchannel. The values by default are the same for both hot and cold channels : Kp= 1, ti = 200 seconds and td = 0 seconds.

In analogical mode, the values by default are Kp=5, ti = 15 , td=1, gain = 0, zero = 0and dead band = 2.

At first, keep the parameters values by default. If the regulation does not seemcorrect, consult references 1, 2 and 3 of the bibliography. To control in TOR mode,enter 900 as Kp and ti values. At this moment, the actuators eventually requestedwill run endlessly as long as the set point is not reached. This mode allows to avoida too frequent solicitation of actuators.

In the default configuration of analogical actuator, the control algorithm will ad-just the analogical output (0/10 volts, 4/20 mA...) to a level so as to ensure a closevalue between the measurement and the desired set point.

NB : if a channel is controled, computing derivative may have no sens. In this case,cumulated times (cold and/or hot) can be stored in place of derivative and ofacidification acceleration of the controlled signal. There are only 2 possibilities, forexample for a two channels control, cold cumulated time can be strored in placeof the signal derivative, and hot cumulated time in place of acidification accel-eration. An other example : for a control with only hot channel, use derivative tostore hot channel cumulated time and acidification acceleration to store the hotchannel cumulated time derivative. When this is possible, this is a little more practi-cal than actuators display in Cinac graph.


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If the couple (Gain, Zero) is different from (1,0), the output applied on the actuatorwill be not be calculated by the regulation algorithm but will have the followingvalue :

Output = Scale/R‚solution*gain+zeroWhere :• The scale is the possible amplitude of the output (10 volts for a output 0/10

volts, 20 mA for a output 0/20 mA ...). This procedure supposes that the actionthat will be consecutive to a given output level is known.

• The resolution is equal to 65536 (16 bits) for the CINAC delivered from 1997 andto 4096 (12 bits) for the others.

• The gain and the zero are such defined and different from 1 and 0.

The check box Debug PID at the left bottom of this window can help to set up PIDparameters : it allows saving information in a text file named 000pid.txt.Information is the following :

N° channelmeasurementset pointcomputed_outputapplied_outputhot_cold_actionKp channel (hot or cold)ti channel (hot or cold)td channel (hot or cold)

The advantage of this file : it allows control monitoring when the user manuallychange PID parameters.

Min Pulse : used to limit short actions on actuators in modulated (TOR based) PIDcontrol. The default value is 0, that means no minimum pulse value is consideredduring control. The maximum possible value is 2 seconds. When this option is acti-vated (by a value >0), for example P seconds, the control system applied P sec-onds when the computed output value is > P/2 and < P, and 0 second when it is>0 and < P/2.

Example of control strategy:

The instrument of temperature regulation HAAKE can easily be managed in tem-perature by a input 0/10 volts corresponding to 0/100°C. In this case, CINAC doesnot need to calculate the output necessary to apply a set point. It is sufficient,through gain and zero, to make a link between the previous formula and theHAAKE specifications (0/10 volts = 0/100°C). In this particular case Gain = 655.36and zero = 0 for CINAC-CEM posterior to 1996. Then, the set point values, ex-pressed in temperature, will be directly applied in function of the requested pa-rameters (time or measurement).


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For dead band parameter, enter a value considered as initial value by Cinac. Thisvalue will then be managed as following : it will decrease proportionally with thedifference between the measure and the set point. This adaptive method permitsthe control system to be more stable when the set point is reached.

Other example (with alarm) :

The system has two outputs and one temperature (channel 17) which are con-trollable by a heating resistor connected on the output 1 and one cold electro-valve connected on the output 2. If the temperature exceeds 50°C, the userwants the system to activate a relay that will close output 1 (this relay is con-nected to output 3 of the CINAC), and, in the same time, play a .WAV file every 10seconds to attract the user’s attention.

To configure this situation, operate like that :

1. Select output 1 in the list box "hot output".2. In the box "measurement channel", select temp17.3. Click on ASSOCIATE in the group "hot output" (the association for the warm

channel is over).4. Select output 2 in the list box "cold output"5. In the box "measurement channel", verify that temp17 is still selected.6. Click on ASSOCIATE in the group "cold output" (the association for the cold

channel is finished).7. Select output 3 in the list box "High alarm".8. Click on ASSOCIATE.9. Enter value 50 in the edition control (High alarm).10. Click on Files and select a .WAV file. The latter is tested right after. An error mes-

sage appears if there is a problem.

Remark :

The use of a set point is conditioned by a security system (SeeCONFIGURATION/OPTIONS).Regarding alarms, the corresponding outputs must differ from the outputs assignedfor control. Furthermore, when an alarm occurs with an associated output, the lat-


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ter will remain ON as long as the user maintains the OFF command manually, evenif the alarm disappears.

6. Tuning PID parameters

PID parameters have default values (kp=1, ti = 200 seconds and td = 1 second)that could be unsuitable in some situations. This paragraph proposes a simplemethod to calculate PID parameters according to process characteristics.

Assume t (time).Y (controlled variable).u (output variable).Preliminary test (step response).

This is to be made without any regulation so as to determine the sensitivity and theinertia of the controlled variable Y compared to the output variable u. The aim isto tune correctly the intensity and the duration of the action.

There are 5 steps to follow :

1. Put the process in a typical running mode, for example water bath at 42°C.2. Keep all parameters constant during the test (except u). Start monitoring on the

controlled variable Y with a sampling period of 1 minute, for example a tem-perature channel.

3. Wait for a stabilized running mode for Y. For example the temperature does notvary significantly any longer.

4. Make a sudden modification for u (step), for example click on ON for the asso-ciated actuator during 15 minutes. (Use Configuration/System/Software)

5. Wait for a new stable running mode, Y is constant, and print the graph.

The graph must look like one of the 6 following situations (controlled variable).


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Work on the preliminary test :

Measurements of :• u0 : initial value of the output variable.• u_inf : final value for the output variable.• Y0 : initial value vor the controlled variable.• Y_inf : final value for the controlled variable.• T0 : time when action is changed.• Y1 : value at 2/3 of (Y_inf et Y0), so Y1 = Y0 +2/3(Y_inf-Y0).

• T1 : time corresponding to Y1 (the first time Y1 is reached).• Process gain G is :

G = (Y_inf-Y0)/(u_inf-u0).G is the controlled variable sensitivity in relation with the output variable Gunits are Y (units)/ u (units).G may be < 0 if Y and u change in opposite ways.

• T = t1 – t0Characteristic process time.It is the controlled variable inertia in relation with the output (in time units).

Initial tuning of the PID parameters according to the graph measurements :


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Calculate :• Kp = 1/G (proportionality constant u (units)/ Y (units)), for example in sec-

onds/°C.• Ti = T (integrate time).• Td = 0 (derivative time).

Refining parameters :

Run a regulation in the functioning zone (for example, constant set point 42°C)and check the controlled and output variable u (Click on “Display/Outputs” andadjust the window visualize Y and u at the same time).

Case 1 :

If it takes a long time for Y (> 3T) to reach the set point and u is not over limits (minor max) (otherwise see Actuators dimensioning) , try to :Reduce tiAnd/orIncrease kp (absolute value) with a factor 1.2 to 2

Case 2 :

If Y oscillates (with no external perturbations) around the set point and takes along time to reach it (or never reaches it) or if u is often over limits (min or max), tryto :Increase tiReduce kp (absolute value) with a factor 1.2 to 2

Derivative time td :

When PID parameters are correctly tuned, (kp and ti), introduce for td a value of0.1ti.Test values for td comprised between 0.01ti and 0.3ti. If there is no significant im-provement, let td = 0.

Case of a 2-channel control :


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In this case, operate the same way for each channel. Parameters for the channelscan be very different.

Communication

To configure communication parameters of the Cinac system (port number, hard-ware generation), use this window. Its access is only allowed in administratormode. If the current mode is basic, the password for administrator level isprompted. When the level is correct this window has the following features :

Port number for communicationCinac Interface : generation (1, 2 or 3) or DEMO modeMode DEBUG : allows displaying of data exchanged with the interfaceThe APPLY button apply the parameters for the sessionThe SAVE button applies modifications and save it. These saved parameters willoverride parameters from the command line at the next launch of Cinac.The BASIC MODE button retrieves the basic running level. (click it when modifica-tions are ended)The CANCEL button cancels all modifications and close the communcation win-dow.

7. Dimensioning actuators

Formula to compute the minimum actuator power needed considering TIME,TEMPERATURE VARIATION, VOLUME and TYPE OF LIQUID constraints :

P =V.rho.Cp.(t2-t1).1,2/860.T

• P : power needed (kW)• V : volume in liters• rho : specific masse (kg/L) (1 for water)• Cp : specific heat (kcal/kg.°C) (1 for water)• t1,t2 : initial and final temperatures (°C)• 1,2 : security coefficient• T : heating time (hours)

For example, to be able to start at 10°C and end at 40 °C in 30 minutes in a 100 li-ters water bath, the power P of the heating resistor is :

P = 200.1.1.(40-20).1.2/860.1 = 5.58 KW


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8. Calibration

Calibration :

This operation is normally used for pH probes before each trial. It concerns the se-lected channels and is comprised of 5 stages maximum. The selected channelscannot be in storage and must be of the same kind.

During the calibration, while waiting for the measurement stabilization, it is still pos-sible to operate other channels (Start, Stop ...).

The displayed data are the name of the channels being calibrated, the corre-sponding measurement, the running stabilization time and the temperature com-pensation.

1. Enter the value of temperature compensation. If it is not requested, that meansthat the measurement channels to be calibrated are temperature ones or theyare automatically compensated by a temperature probe.

2. When probes are in the first buffer, click on the corresponding button : thatstarts stabilization time measurement.

3. Enter the value of the first buffer and wait for the measurement stabilization, thesearch of calibration stage is enabled. When all probes are stabilized duringmore than 60 seconds, the button suggests to go to the following stage but letsthe choice to the user.

4. When probes are in the second buffer, click on the corresponding button : thatstarts the measurement of stabilization time in the second buffer. The value ofthe first buffer is displayed again. Enter the value of the second buffer. Andwait. A button Simulation appears, it allows to simulate the end of the calibra-tion to check the calibration result.

5. Click when the stabilization of the second calibration point is reached. At thismoment, the results in term of slope (%) and ordinates (mVolts) appear. Verifythat the probe references in the list are correct. If not, new references could betyped in association with the calibrated channel number. By default, the refer-ences are 1-A … 32-A.


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To finish, click on Finished, if the probe coefficients are not correct, it is still possibleto keep them. The values are indicated in % of normal theoretical slope and inmVolts for the ordinate at the origin. The slopes must be included between 93 and100 % and the ordinates between +30 and -30 mVolts.

All of the data are recorded in the database of calibration coefficients, in par-ticular the probe references are associated to selected channel numbers. Thatprevents from using the same probe on the same measurement channel althoughit should be advised.

RAZ calibration :

Allows to return for the selected channels (if these ones are being stored) to valuesof theoretical calibration coefficients.

Temperature compensation :

Allows to define groups of pH probes that will be compensated in temperature bya single temperature probe selected in the meantime. When a measurementchannel is compensated in temperature, the button of channel selection con-tains the sign (c). The temperature compensation is based on the Nernst law, it justcorrects the e.m.f. due to the temperature effect causing a pH error) on the elec-trode. The further from 7 the pH measure is, the more important this effect is. Theeventual pH variations due to the temperature effect cannot be currently takeninto account.

Tolerances for temperature calibration

Temperature’s calibration is different from pH one. Tolerances are different andmay depends on situation. So, to modify ldefault values (+/-0.00015 for slope and+/-1°C for the offset), click Configuration/Calibration then Temperature tolerance.Modify values.

Probes’ reference management

Allow to manage probe’s references without being calibrating. Select involvedchannel(s) and click Configuration/Calibration then Probes’ reference manage-ment. Enter new references for the probes. At this time, click the button « See ref-erences of all probes» to have a global view of the probe’s coefficients in use inthe database.


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9. Options

In this menu are gathered various general options for the CINAC software running,e.g. :

v Directory to export data.v Directory to export feature points.v Stops set points at the end of trials.v Advance export for feature points.v Allows access to system parameters (Configuration of hardware and software).v Delta temperature with set points to create alarm.v Keep old files loaded.v Reset all errors.v Process feature points in real time.v Access code : to work with administrator level (entering the correct password),

or to recover basic mode. The initial password for administrator level is Secretv Mail configuration (for automatic mail) – PC must be connected to a network,

the SMTP protocol is used.Click the « Mail configuration » button, the windows that appears allow to de-fine :- the server- a username (example Cinac 4)- a password (of the sending login on the server)- a recipient name- a title- a topic- messages will be sent at the end of the trials. The Cinac file will be attached

channel by channel.

It is preferable to achieve a test with (or without) an attached file before vali-dating the mail configuration.The configuration, with all parameters is saved on the disk and will be used tosend messages and files if needed.

6. Tools

Set Points


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If no channel is selected, this function is applied to channel number 1. By clickingon Set point, a window appears with the set point parameters for the channel anda graph. If a file is not yet associated to the channel, it is possible either to type anew profile and then to save it, or to load an existing profile. The set point files arecompatible with those of the CINAC2 version). To modify the variable from whichthe control will be applied (time by default), choose in the list "Control versus" thecorrect variable. To apply the profile, click on the corresponding button : the pro-file is immediately applied. To monitor the evolution in function of time, a trial muststart on the corresponding channel. If the profile is defined according to a meas-urement channel and not according to time, it is not necessary (although ad-vised), to start a storage. The profile is updated every minute (set point calculationfrom the file information).

The settings necessary to obtain a good regulation is described in theCONFIGURATION/SYSTEM/SOFTWARE paragraph.

Recipe management

When a set point is applied on a measurement channel, it uses one or 2 actuatorswith 1 or 2 set of PID parameters, and also alarm’s configuration. All these parame-ters are defined globally, in the Cinac system configuration. If these parameterschange with applications it is preferable to use recipes. For example, temperaturechannel 17 is sometimes used with high temperature cycles with 2 actuators andalarms, and sometimes for constant low temperature control with other values forPID parameters, only 1 actuator and no alarm, recipe features must be used. Arecipe corresponds to a file with CRC extension where all recipe parameters arestored. When a recipe is started, parameters are loaded and applied to Cinac sys-tem : be careful when several recipes are started.The recipe management window displays all measurement channels and actua-tors detected on then system.Features are the following :

- Select the channel for which the recipe will work- Define hot and cold channels- Define alarms- Define an associated set point profile file (created with the set point feature)- Define PID parameters for hot and cold channels

- test the recipe consistence (necessary to enable saving)

- saving the recipe

- read a recipe

- display the Cinac system outputs. The same window as Display/Outputsmenu. Useful to check recipe configuration when defining cold and hotchannels and alarms.


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- start/stop the current recipe

A recipe can be used to reset actuators and alarms for a channel. A recipe isbased on .BIB set point file, and is typically used inside a SEQUENCE.In administrator level (seer Configuration/Options), two buttons appear :

SEE ASSOCIATIONS : to have a global view of current associations (measurementchannel / outputs) in text mode. Normally, it is the same information as the outputwindow. But it is easier to detect an inconsistency in this text mode.

RESET ASSOCIATIONS : reset all existing associations.

Sequences management

A sequence allow the whole Cinac system management (start/stop trials, condi-tions, recipes …). It is possible to create as many sequences as necessary but onlyone sequence can run at a time. A sequence involves steps, each step has a typewith parameters. The possible step types are :

ConditionIn the list in the upper right corner of the window, select CONDITION, then enterparameters. EXAMPLE 1 : wait for 20 minutes channel1 : time value : 20 EXAMPLE 2 : wait until ipH1 is > to ipH24 channel1 : ipH1select > channel2 : ipH24

Start/Stop trialIn the list in the upper right corner of the window, select START/STOP TRIAL, then en-ter parameters. The send mail feature is enabled if a correct configuration hasbeen set up. (See Configuration/Options)

EXAMPLE 1 : start channel 3 with 4 minutes as storage period channel1 : ipH3value : 4 check START EXAMPLE 2 : stop channel 6 channel1 : ipH6 check STOP

ON/OFF


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In the list in the upper right corner of the window, select ON/OFF, then enter pa-rameters. EXAMPLE 1 : ON voie TOR 5 channel1 : select output 5 check ON EXAMPLE 2 : OFF channel TOR 5 channel1 : select output 5 check OFF

RecipeIn the list in the upper right corner of the window, select RECIPE, then enter pa-rameters.

GOTONot used.

EXITIn the list in the upper right corner of the window, select EXIT, then enter parame-ters.Ends immediately the sequence.

The sequence management window also allows :- read a sequence- save a sequence- start or stop a sequence- modify or create a sequence. (by default create mode append steps to the

sequence, click insert to insert steps). To delete a step, click the right buttonof the mouse in the steps list, and select « Delete step » or type the DEL key.To modify parameters of a step, double click on the step description on thelist box.

Cinac data explorer

This tool allow visualization of Cinac trials without loading them on free channel.Trails can be in progress during the use of this tool. There is no limit about the num-ber of trials displayed.The explorer window has 4 parts :

- a list of loaded Cinac files at the left- a list of library files at the right- a curve’s display zone at the center- buttons at the bottom

The first step consists in loading Cinac files in the left list in one or several times. UseCTRL, MAJ or CTRL+A keys to select multiple files. When a set of Cinac files isloaded, no trial is displayed, filenames have to be clicked in the left list to be dis-played.


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A contextual menu (right click on the mouse) allows visualization options (pHand/or derivative, standard deviation for library files), modification of curves color,modification of graph parameters (min, max, grid, pen width…), show/hide lists,print, add legend, copy the current graph (to paste from clipboard in other appli-cations).

To obtain legend, it is necessary to use the color list at the left bottom of the win-dow. Select a color, then some trials in the left list. Repeat this as many times asnecessary. The legend will indicate for each color, the first corresponding file-name.

Some buttons adjust min max for abscissas and ordinate. A button auto adjust allparameters automatically. At the bottom of the window, the button « BUILD ALIBRARY WITH THE SELECTED FILES » allow a library building with all the trials selectedin the left list.NB : before CINAC 4, this feature needed the Wcinbib utility software.

Statistics

WeibullTo modellise trials according the Weibull model. (see also the Test/Model para-graph).Click Tools, then Statistics then Weibull.A window appears with, at the left a list box to fill with Cinac files. This can be donein one or several times with the SELECT FILES button at the bottom of the window.It is not necessary to use all observations to operate the non linear regression, de-fault is 1 out 10. This value is often suitable.Check the recreating files options, select the files to be adjusted on the Weibullmodel, and click the MODELIZE button. Iterations information is displayed duringthe regressions.During adjustments, a file, wgen.prn is updated with the name of the adjusted filesand the 4 parameters found. This file can be useful if Weibull parameters are con-sidered as feature points.If the option Recreate Cinac files is ON, the files are created in a WBL subdirectory,and can be displayed with the Cinac data explorer.

Feature points

This function open the feature points window if possible (trials in progress orloaded). It allows mean and standard deviation (% mean) displaying for all featurepoints of all trials included in the feature points window, one or two lines areadded. Use the right click in this window to change N-1/N standard deviation cal-culation.


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7. Windows

1. Tile

To display all the windows (one next to the other). The system organizes the tile infunction of the number of opened windows.

2. Cascade

To display all the windows (one under the other).

3. Others windows

During CINAC use, some windows are created : measurement or output tables,feature points, graphs ... The list of these windows is maintained into an accessiblelist by clicking on Windows. The user will be able to choose the title of the windowavailable.

7. Help

1. Content

Display the help in line of CINAC 3 with the summary.

2. Index

Display the help in line of CINAC 3 for a particular subject with the index.

3. Help on help

Display the way how to use the help function.

4. About Cinac 3

The number of software revision is inscribed.


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8. Miscellaneous

Some shortcuts exist for the main functions. They are the followings (starting fromthe left) :

v Start trials on selected channels.v ‘Load existing files’ trials on the selected channels.v Stop trials on the selected channels.v Create a graph with the selected channels.v General graphic parameters (is not applied to a particular graph).v Export Cinac data from active channelsv Export Cinac feature points from active channelsv Print the active page.v Calibration of selected channels.v Measurement page (if one of all have been closed).v Output page.v Feature point page.v Tile.v Cascade.v Select all (select all channels of the installation).v Unselect all (unselect all channels of the installation).v Help in line.


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Maintenance

1. pH probes

Clean the pH probes with pepsin after each trial. (After this treatment, leave them12 hours in a KCl solution before using them again). This must be done regularlyafter each trial.

Test regularly (once a month) all pH probes in the same bath and monitor theiracidification kinetics which should be similar for probes in good condition. It is ad-vised to do it in a mixed milky bath).

2. Temperature probes

Make the first probe calibration before using the interface. Check the calibrationonce a month with a reference thermometer.

Temperature regulation : make the temperature regulation of the water bath witha temperature probe placed in the water bath. If there is a compensation in tem-perature, use another temperature probe placed in the same conditions as the pHelectrode (same flask type, milk, bacteria,...).


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Possible failures and problems

Only failures and problems coming from the interface or from the utilization of theCINAC software are detailed. Those coming from the host computer are theoreti-cally treated in its own manual.

1. The software seems to be slowing down mainly for graphical display The work directory contains probably a lot of files. Move the unused files (savethem on a disk for instance), or run the trials in a new directory.

2. The luminous on/off switch of the interface does not light up

Switch off the interface and unplug the power cable. Test the main outlet with avoltmeter or with another device operating on another outlet with its cable andthen with the interface cable.If the presence of a main supply (220 Volts, alternative current) is detected andthe interface cable is suitable, check the fuse located on the back of the inter-face under the main cable. Always let the current off. If the fuse is not out of order,contact INRA/LGMPA or ALLIANCE INSTRUMENTS otherwise replace the fuse andrepeat the above steps.

3. The software does not present the measurement pages and the monitoring isimpossible

The configuration memory is not in the parallel port of the microcomputer. In thatcase, insert the memory otherwise contact INRA or ALLIANCE INSTRUMENTS.

4. The pH probes calibrate with difficulty or the measurement is inaccurate

Clean the probes with pepsin. (After this treatment, leave them for 12 hours in aKCl solution before using them again). It must be done regularly or every 10 hoursof trials. If the problem remains, test all the pH probes in the same water bath andmonitor the acidification kinetics which should be similar for probes in good condi-tion.


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To verify that the pH-meter is good, test it with a simulator of pH probe (leave it inacquisition after calibration).

5. The pH value is far from the buffer value

Switch off the pH-meter for a few seconds, the measurement must be correctagain (If DEMCA pH-meter only, some CINAC system of generation 1).

6. A relay is not activated.

Check the presence of a set point and check that the difference setpoint/measurement is working. Check also the P.I.D. parameters values. If the relayremains silent, check the connections.

Click on Configuration/System/Software, select the output that should be acti-vated. Activate and deactivate many times the output by clicking on ON andOFF.If the actuator is not activated, check that the LED corresponding to this output onthe card located under the interface covering cap, is lightened up (generation 2).In that case, it could be a bad connection or a bad fuse. If the LED does not lightup, the logical inputs/outputs card is probably involved. (This last operation mustbe carried out power on with the covering cap of the interface open, in order tosee the LED).

In most of the cases, the observation of panels in the bottom of CINAC applicationwindow will allow to check if errors of line or of file are involved. If a problemseems to be linked to these errors, it is advised to reset them(CONFIGURATION/OPTIONS) and to measure (count) their increase per time unit.An other solution is, if it is possible, to stop the CINAC software and to modify thecommand line (by clicking on the right on the CINAC icon of the menu and byselecting the target box) by adding in it DEBUG. (preceded by a space).


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Bibliography

[1] Régulation automatique industrielle. D.P. ECKMANDUNOD PARIS 1963

[2] Réglages échantillonnés-volume 1 H. BUHLERPresses polytechniques romandes LAUSANNE 1982

[3] Réglages échantillonnés-volume 2 H. BUHLERPresses polytechniques romandes LAUSANNE 1983

[4] SPINNLER H.E., CORRIEU G. - Automatic method to quantify starter activitybased on pH measurement.Journal of Dairy Research, 1989, 56, 755-764.

[5] PICQUE D., PERRET B., LATRILLE E. et CORRIEU G. - Caractérisation et classifica-tion de bactéries lactiques à partir de la mesure de leur cinétique d'acidification.Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft und Technologie, 1992, 25, 2, 181-186.

[6] CORRIEU G., PICQUE D., PERRET B. et QUEMENER P. - CINAC -Système automa-tique de suivi des cultures.Process Magazine, 1992, 1068, 24-27.

[7] CORRIEU G., SPINNLER H.E., JOMIER Y., PICQUE D. - Procédé de mise en évi-dence et de contrôle de l'activité acidifiante d'agents de fermentation dans desbains de fermentation et dispositif pour sa mise en oeuvre.Brevet INRA, d‚pos‚ le 5 avril 1988, N° de délivrance : 88 04 456, n° de publication :2 629 612.

[8] KOHONEN T. - Self-Organization and Associative Memory. 3rd Edition. Ed.Springer. Verlag. Paris.

[9] CINAC Logiciel version pour MS/DOS déposé le 23/03/94, numéro de dépôt :94-12-014-00


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[10] WCINAC Logiciel version pour Windows 3.xx déposé le 06/09/1996, numéro dedépôt : 96-36-0011-00