3 Sample Preparation
C
LEAN AND
L
ABEL
S
AMPLE
T
UBES
The equipment images in this topic may differ slightly from your equipment; however,
the instructions are the same unless otherwise noted.
Sample tubes and filler rods must be clean and dry before samples are added and weighed. The
following table indicates which materials are needed for cleaning. The procedures following the
materials list are recommended.
Materials required for cleaning
n
Acetone or isopropyl alcohol
n
Analytical balance and weighing
support
n
Nitrogen or helium
n
Fume hood
n
Detergent (such as Alconox)
n
Drying oven
n
Forceps
n
Insulated gloves
n
Pipe cleaners
n
Rubber gloves or clean, lint-free
cloth
n
Pipe cleaners
n
Rubber gloves or clean, lint-free cloth
n
Safety glasses
n
Sample tubes
n
Sample tube brush
n
Sample tube rack
n
Sample tube stopper
n
Funnel
n
Ultrasonic cleaning unit
n
Waste container
n
Safety glasses
1. Preheat drying oven to 110 ºC.
2. Verify that the ultrasonic cleaning unit is clean.
3. Use 5 grams of Alconox (or other suitable detergent) per 500 mL of warm water and fill the
ultrasonic unit with enough water to cover the sample tubes and filler rods (if used). If too
much detergent is used, it may be difficult to rinse from the sample tubes. Ensure the deter-
gent is dissolved before placing the sample tubes and filler rods into the water.
4. Fill the sample tubes with warm water and place them in the ultrasonic cleaning unit, then
place the filler rods in the unit. Turn on the ultrasonic cleaning unit for approximately 15
minutes.
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VacPrep Operator Manual
061-42802-01 (Rev B) — Apr 2021
