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MTM (Mini Traction Machine)
/ Operation
On this page: System Start-up | Cleaning (System) | Cleaning (Specimens) | Test Operation
The system has been designed to be as simple to operate as possible, so that it can be used by relatively unskilled personnel whilst still producing repeatable results.
System Start-up
The first step in using the MTM is to switch on the PC and monitor. Once the pc has been logged on, then the MTM2 can be switched on. Switch the system on by switching the green button on the left hand side of the rig so that it becomes illuminated. The LED’s on the front of the MTM will illuminate to show that the machine is initialised. Open the MTM2 software, then the system will perform a self test and the main test window will appear.
Cleaning - System
The lubricant reservoir must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before starting the test. Suitable solvents for cleaning the reservoir are white sprit or varsol followed by iso-octane or heptane.
DO NOT use acetone to clean the reservoir as this will damage the main shaft seal. The reservoir should be dried with with a hot air drier or with an air or nitrogen line. If available a vacuum line is particularly convenient method of cleaning the reservoir as it can then be filled with solvent which can then be vacuumed out, drying the reservoir in the process. Pay particular attention to the main shaft seal which can retain solvent.
Cleaning the Main Shaft Seal
Cleaning - Specimens
The test specimens are supplied with anti-corrosion coatings which must be completely removed before use. Unwrap the disc and remove the excess coating with soft tissue. Place the disc and ball in SEPARATE beakers and fill with iso-octane. Clean in an ultrasonic cleaner for 2 minutes.
Replace the iso-octane with fresh and clean for 10 minutes. Repeat and clean for a further 10 minutes. Remove and dry the specimens using a CLEAN, DRY air line or a nitrogen line. Handle the specimens with tweezers or tongs - do not touch them with bare hands, or even gloves (some plastic gloves contain plasticisers which can transfer onto the specimens).
Mount the disc specimen on the main shaft and tighten the securing screw using the supplied torque wrench. Mount the ball on the ball securing screw and assemble the ball screw and stub shaft onto the ball drive shaft. Restrain the ball drive shaft using the small tommy bar and tighten the securing screw with the torque wrench. Do not use your hands to restrain the ball drive shaft as this can impose excessive loads on the traction transducer.
Test Operation
After cleaning and assembly of the specimens and test cell, introduce the fluid to be tested into the lubricant reservoir. The level of fluid should be just above the test surface of the lower specimen. After this operation, wait for the ball to lower into the test chamber. When movement of ball drive has stopped, replace inner and outer cover of lubricant reservoir and swing locking arm round and locate over the covers.
There is no further user interaction with the mechanical unit until after the test is completed.
See the MTM-PC software section for running a test and creating profiles.
