Cleaning The Spark Stand - SPECTRO SPECTROMAXx Original Operating Instructions

Maintenance
7.5

Cleaning the spark stand

Warning of hazardous voltage!
When the plasma generator is switched on, there is a risk of electric shock if the
electrode is touched.
Shut down the plasma generator when working on the spark stand.

Warning! Toxic substances!
The sparking process produces a black precipitate (metal condensate). The
condensate could be toxic or flammable, depending on the sample material.
Protective gloves and safety goggles must always be worn when cleaning the

spark stand and when cleaning the gas-washing bottle or the filter bottle. This
also applies when replacing the filter insert. If metals with toxic components
have been sparked off, wearing a breathing mask to prevent the inhalation of
condensate particles is mandatory.
When disposing of the condensate, compliance with legal regulations is

mandatory.
Warning! Hot surface!
Contacting the electrode increases the risk of burn injuries. During normal
operation, the electrode will heat up to several hundred degrees.
Never touch the electrode with your bare hands, even after shutting down
•
the spectrometer. Always use pliers.
Notice! Instrument damaged or malfunction!
Incorrect cleaning of the spark stand increases the risk of damage to the
instrument or malfunctions during measurements.
Please observe the following rules during cleaning:
Only use a clean, dry and soft cloth to clean the spark stand.

To clean holes in the spark stand, also use a clean, dry and soft cloth or a

bottle brush with plastic bristles.
Do not use solvents to clean the spark stand. Solvent residues can adversely

affect the function of the spectrometer.
Do not use compressed air (or similar methods) to clean the spark stand. The

use of compressed air could cause the condensate to ignite and/or spread
inside the laboratory.
Do not vacuum the spark stand. The condensate could ignite an unsuitable

vacuum cleaner. The exhaust filter of the vacuum cleaner may not be suitable
for the pore size of the condensate.
— 40 SPECTROMAXx — 21.02.2020