Computrac MAX-1000 User's Manual - Arizona Instrument

11.4 SPEED VS ACCURACY11.4.1 The shortest possible test time using automatic (prediction based) ending criteria isone minute. This is a result of the time required to compute the prediction.Normally, if the sample size is optimum, and no interfering volatiles are present,two minute tests produce optimum accuracy.11.5 HIGH START TEMPERATURE SELECTION11.5.1 Once the base start temperature has been determined, it may be possible to utilizethe HISTART feature to speed a test and still obtain accurate results. Experimentwith various high start temperatures until one is found that gives the fastest testtimes without sample degradation. Start 10 degrees above the normal testtemperature and work upward in equal increments to find the best combination. Ifsample degradation occurs, usually indicated by a change in color or transparency,use a lower temperature. It is not normally a good idea to use a high starttemperature more than 30°C above the normal temperature.11.5.2 As the HISTART temperature is increased, the test should decrease while finalmoisture or solids results are within range. Beyond a certain temperature, which isdifferent for different materials, results will go out of range as the sample burns.54