Important Safeguards; Microwave Safeguards; Instrument Safeguards; Digestion - CEM MARS 6 iWave Manual

Important Safeguards

General guidelines for safe operation of the MARS 6 iWave system are presented below and all specific 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. Dispose of all waste in accordance with all
applicable local, state, and federal health and safety recommendations.

Microwave Safeguards

• Only use consumables, accessories, vessels and vessel components purchased directly from CEM or through its
authorized dealer network.
• Cover all solids in the reaction vessel with liquid.
• The minimum volume for the MARS 6 cavity is 10 mL of acid or 50 mL of water.
• Never exceed the maximum working volume of the vessel.
• Always distribute multiple vessels evenly around the turntable.
• 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 to completion of the cool down time.
• Vent vessels and reseal.
• Restart method from the beginning.
• Allow vessels to cool to completion of the cool down time before opening the microwave door.

Instrument Safeguards

• Service can only be performed by an authorized CEM service technician. This instrument utilizes high voltages
and microwave radiation.
• DO NOT tamper with the instrument.
• DO NOT install the MARS 6 instrument inside of a fume hood. The exhaust hose must be connected and draw at
least 125 CFM at the point of connection at all times as it is essential for removing harmful gases away from the
instrument. Vapors should be vented into a fume hood by means of the exhaust hose only.
• If any damage to the instrument is noted, do not attempt instrument operation.
• Use only CEM specified vessels, consumables and accessories.
• Clean the temperature sensors as outlined in this manual.
Compounds Unsuitable for Closed Vessel Microwave Digestion
WARNING
CEM will not be responsible for damage to equipment and facilities or personal injuries resulting from
microwave digestion of samples that are deemed unsuitable for closed vessel microwave digestion.
Acid decomposition of certain chemical compounds or types of samples constitutes unreasonable, hazardous
misuse of CEM microwave digestion systems. The classes of compounds listed below are unsuitable for closed
Important Safeguards
3