Maintenance - Qsonica Q700 Operation Manual

9. Maintenance

It is recommended t o periodically inspect t he unit, both visually and physically, to insure
optimum and safe performance. This inspection should be scheduled as a routine
maintenance procedure, done w ith the unit pow er OFF and w ith the unit unplugged from
the AC pow er source.
Long exposure t o acids or caustics results in corrosion of metal parts or components. Check
the generat or, converter, and cables periodically for any signs of rust or discoloration. If
discoloration is found, move the ultrasonic processor aw ay from the source of the
contaminant.
Examine the condition of the high voltage cable that attaches the converter to the
generator. Inspect the w ire insulation for damage, such as w ear, burning from hot plate
contact or breakage from extended use or rough handling. In general use, the cable
assembly should not be used to carry the converter or pull it tow ard the user. Make certain
the cable alw ays has slack and is never tensioned. If necessary, move the generator or
converter assembly closer to one another to accomplish this. If this is not possible, contact
your Customer Service Representative to obtain a longer cable. WARNING: Do not use a
cable with broken end connections, exposed wires or frayed insulation. High voltage is
present in the cable and will pose a shock hazard. Do not touch the converter assembly
until the power switch is off and the unit is unplugged.
Microtip/ Probe Maintenance
Ultrasonic processors create high intensity vibration w hich puts stress on the converter and
horn assembly. The sides and end of the probe must never be allow ed to come in contact
w ith anything but the solution. When using a Microtip, the stress resulting at t he point of
contact w ith the vessel could cause the Microt ip to fracture.
Proper care of the probe is essential for dependable operation. The intense cavitation w ill,
after usage for period of time, cause the tip to erode, and the pow er output to decrease.
The smoother and shinier the tip, the more pow er w ill be t ransmitted into the sample. The
vibrations may also cause the probe tip to loosen over time or the t hreaded connection to
accumulate debris. Note: A loose probe w ill usually generate a loud piercing or squealing
sound.
For that reason, it is recommended that a preventative maintenance schedule be adopted
to examine the unit at regular intervals. The schedule should depend on frequency of use.
Weekly maintenance schedules are recommended for units used frequently or monthly for
those used infrequently. The tip must be examined for excessive w ear and to ensure that
the threaded connection is clean and attached properly t o the convert or. Use a cotton
sw ab and alcohol (i.e. ethanol, isopropyl, etc.) to clean the threaded mating surfaces.
When excessive wear (corrosion/pitting of the probe tip) is detected the probe should be
replaced with a new one.
WARNING: Never hand tighten probes or horns onto the convertor; properly tighten them
with the appropriate Wrench Set. Steps for att aching and detaching microtip probes:
Rev. 6-12
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