The PYRO is operated via an industrial grade control terminal featuring a monochrome VGA (240x128), 5” touch screen display. The terminal features 1 PS2 port (optional mouse), 1 RS 485 port (for the microwave unit), and 1 RS 232 port (for external devices). Methods and process data are saved on the control terminal’s internal memory.

The terminal runs Milestone’s unique EasyCONTROL software, providing simple and intuitive, but extremely flexible and powerful control over the microwave ashing process. No need to have a PC on the bench to display and view programs. Automatic real-time monitoring and feedback-based control of multiple parameters offers unsurpassed process control. Simply recall a factory stored program or create a new one. Press ‘Start’, and the system automatically follows the drawn temperature profile, utilizing a sophisticated PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller. 

EasyCONTROL monitors and controls the ashing process in real-time, monitoring reaction temperature at 20 times per second. A key advantage of EasyCONTROL over other, less sophisticated systems is that microwave power output varies in real time, dependent upon the temperature of the ashing process. This has several important benefits that make the PYRO the easiest and safest system to use:

• EasyCONTROL’s PID controller continuously varies delivered microwave power, allowing the programmed temperature profile to be followed precisely. Other systems have only on/off control of microwave power, which gives much less control over the ashing process.
• EasyCONTROL controls the reaction throughout the run, for example reducing power instantly should an exothermic reaction occur
• The same method is used, regardless of the number of samples being processed, since EasyCONTROL adjusts power to match the sample load. With other systems, the method has to be manually modified whenever the number of samples changes
• Superior control means uniform ashing quality irrespective of the number of samples in the run

The PYRO’s control terminal can be interfaced with a PC for easy method and data file transfer via Milestone’s EasyDOC Windows-based software. All methods and runs are saved, and can be transferred to/from the hard drive of the PC, offering unlimited memory for storing all sample preparation data. With EasyDOC software, it is also possible to export the run data to a spreadsheet.