
3
Important Safeguards
Important Safeguards
Microwave sample preparation imposes a unique set of safety considerations beyond the basics of good laboratory
practice. Additional Safeguards for the MARS 6 instrument are included in the MARS 6 manual (P/N 600284) or
MARS 6 iWave manual (P/N 600832). General guidelines for safe operation of the EasyPrep vessel series 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.
Operating Parameters
EasyPrep
EasyPrep Plus
EasyPrep iWave
Parameters
Minimum Volume
6 mL
5 mL
5 mL
Maximum Volume
30 mL
30 mL
30 mL
Maximum Pressure
800 psi
800 psi
800 psi
Maximum Hold Time
30 min
30 min
30 min
Maximum Temperature
Maximum Programmable Temperature
310
º
C
310
º
C
310
º
C
Nitric Acid
230
º
C
230
º
C
230
º
C
Hydrochloric Acid
230
º
C
230
º
C
230
º
C
Hydrofluoric Acid
210
º
C
210
º
C
210
º
C
Sulfuric Acid
300
º
C
300
º
C
300
º
C
Phosphoric Acid
300
º
C
300
º
C
300
º
C
Aqua Regia
230
º
C
230
º
C
230
º
C
Water
200
º
C
200
º
C
200
º
C
Maximum Sample Weight
Food, Plant, and Animal Tissue
1.0 g
1.0 g
1.0 g
Oil and Plastic
0.25 g
0.25 g
0.25 g
Pharmaceutical
1.0 g
1.0 g
1.0 g
Inorganic
1.0 g
1.0 g
1.0 g
Metallurgical
1.0 g
1.0 g
1.0 g
Clinical
1.0 g
1.0 g
1.0 g
Sample Preparation Safeguards
• Do not use water to dilute the acid(s) greater than 25% when running over 210 ºC or to add volume before
digestion. This can cause uneven heating of vessels.
• Run similar sample types with the same acid(s) and acid volume in each vessel.
• Optimal Sample Volume is 10mL and will result in more even heating.
• Minimum volume for the MARS 6 cavity is 10 mL of acid or 50 mL of water.
• Maximum sample weight varies per sample type. See "Operating Parameters" for weights.
• Never run an acid blank in the control vessel.
• Acid blanks cannot account for more than 25% of turntable when mixed with samples.
• Acid blanks cannot be run with samples when acid mixtures are > 50% hydrofluoric acid. Acid blanks must be
run separately.