3Important Safeguards
Important Safeguards
Microwave sample preparation imposes a unique set of safety considerations beyond the basics of good laboratory
practice. Depending on the MARS conguration, additional safeguards are included in the MARS 6 iWave Manual
(P/N 600832) or MARS 6 IR manual (P/N 600284). General guidelines for safe operation of the vessels are
presented below and all specic safety messages are located throughout the manual.
Proper precautions must be taken to avoid contact with acids or acid vapors. Protective gear should be worn as
outlined in the user’s safety program for hazardous materials and the acid manufacturer’s safety data sheet. Refer
to these guidelines for proper handling and disposal of the acids.
Operating Parameters
MARSXpress Plus Vessels 110 mL (PFA or TFM*)
Acid Volume Minimum 5 mL
Maximum 55 mL
Maximum Temperature All Acids and Acid mixtures (excluding
HF)
210 ºC
HF 180 ºC
Maximum Hold Time** 30 min
Maximum Sample Weight Food, Plant, and Animal Tissue 1.0 g
Oil and Plastic 0.15 g
Environmental and Regulatory 1.0 g
Pharmaceutical 1.0 g
Inorganic 1.0 g
Metallurgical 1.0 g
Clinical 1.0 g
* The 16 place turntable is only available with TFM liners.
** Contact CEM Corporation if longer times are required.
Microwave Safeguards
• Minimum volume for the MARS 6 cavity is 10 mL of acid or 50 mL of water.
• If a run is stopped or paused for more than 30 seconds during the digestion, do not restart the method with hot
vessels.
• Allow vessels to cool until completion of the cool down time.
• Vent vessels and reseal.
• Restart method from the beginning.
• Allow vessels to cool until completion of the cool down time before opening the microwave door.
Sample Preparation Safeguards
• Run similar sample types with the same acid(s) and acid volume in each vessel
• If mixing similar samples or blanks, mix them evenly throughout the turntable
• Maximum sample weight varies per sample type. See “Operating Parameters” for weights
• Acid blanks cannot account for more than 25% of turntable when mixed with samples
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