DSC Q Series Getting Started Guide
37
Purge Lines
You can control the sample atmosphere during DSC experiments by connecting purge gases to the system. The
DSC instruments are equipped with a mass flow controller (MFC) to control the flow rate of the gas. Up to two
different gases may be connected to the instrument to facilitate gas switching. Follow these instructions to
connect the purge lines. Refer to the figure below to locate the purge lines.
CAUTION: Do not use any liquid in the purge lines.
1.
Locate the Gas 1 port. The Gas 1 port is used to purge the sample
area.
2.
Locate the Gas 2 port. The Gas 2 port is also used to purge the
sample area and is used when a purge gas other than Gas 1 is
desired or when gas switching during an experiment is needed.
3.
Connect the primary gas line to the Gas 1 port using 1/8-inch
O.D. tubing. Teflon® TFE tubing is recommended and is sup-
plied in the instrument shipping accessory kit. If desired, con-
nect a secondary gas to the Gas 2 port.
The flow rate is controlled through settings chosen using the instrument control software.
For older Q100 or Q10 instruments that may not have an MFC, it is important to maintain the proper flow
rates by using a flowmeter that is connected to each of the purge fittings (Gas 1 and Gas 2) on the back of
the DSC.
4.
Make sure that the pressure of your purge gas source is regulated between 100 and 140 kPa gauge (15 and
20 psig).
5.
Specify the connected gas on the Instrument Preferences/MFC Page using the instrument control software.
6.
Set the flow rate to the recommended value of 50 mL per minute for your experiments on the Notes Page
of the Experiment View. Click Apply to save the changes.
NOTE: If you are using laboratory purge, rather than bottled purge, it is highly recommended
that you install an external drier and a five-µm filter.
CAUTION: Corrosive gases cannot be used with this instrument.
WARNING: Use of an explosive gas as a purge gas is dangerous and is not recommended
for this instrument. For a list of the purge gases that can be used with the DSC instrument,
see Chapter 1.
Gas 1
Gas 2
