SPEX SamplePrep 6875D Operating Manual page 26

6875D Freezer/Mill
6.5 Opening, Emptying, and Cleaning Freezer/Mill Vials (Cont'd)
If it is necessary to recover 100% of the sample, let the vial warm up and add some water or
other liquid that will not affect the polycarbonate (Section 6.5.3). Shake the vial, empty it onto
filter paper, and rinse again if necessary to recover the entire sample.
6.5.3 Cleaning the Vials
Freezer/Mill vials may be cleaned quickly and easily by placing them under warm running
water. If the vial is cold a coating of ice will form on the steel parts, but will melt quickly as the
vial is kept under warm running water.
The plastic center cylinders for all vials, and the Poly-Vial end plugs and encapsulated impactor,
are all made of polycarbonate. While this polymer is very tough at low temperatures, it is
sensitive to alcohol, acetone, and other organic solvents, and should be cleaned only with
soap and water. A mild bleach solution will control organic contamination. Polycarbonate can
be autoclaved, but this will weaken it.
Before re-using polycarbonate parts, always inspect them for cracks or other damage. They
may last through dozens of samples uses, but as soon as they begin to crack they should be
discarded. Liquid nitrogen can enter through cracks and vaporize when vial is removed from
Freezer/Mill. As the vial warms vaporized LN will build pressure and an end plug can pop out
with force so the sample may be lost.
If sample adheres to the steel end plugs and impactor, they can be cleaned with water and soap
or detergent, or with organic solvents. If they must be disinfected or cleaned of any organic
residue, they can be washed with mild bleach solution or chemical cleaners or autoclaved, but
should always be dried immediately after use. The steel parts in the 6751, 6801, and 6881 vials
are made from 440C Stainless Steel, a magnetic stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant but
may to some extent rust if left in contact with water for too long. All stainless steel parts
should be dried after washing.
The steel parts of the chromium-free 6771, 6871, and 6883 vials can also be cleaned with water
and soap, or autoclaved. Do not wash with bleach or chemical cleaners. Chromium-free steel
is not rust-resistant and must always be dried immediately after washing. Store Cr-Free Vial
parts in a sealed bag with a desiccant.
Rust on steel Freezer/Mill parts can be removed by scrubbing them with steel wool or an
abrasive cleanser. If rusting persists, store the parts in a sealed bag with a desiccant.
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