CEM iPrep 12, Manual, Page: 7 / 30

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 manual, PN 600832. General
guidelines for safe operation of the iPrep are presented below and all specific safety messages are located
throughout the manual.
Proper precautions must be taken to avoid contact with reagents or reagent vapors. Protective gear should be worn
as outlined in the user’s safety program for hazardous materials and the reagent manufacturer’s safety data sheet.
Refer to these guidelines for proper handling and disposal of the reagents.
Operating Parameters
iPrep 12 iPrep 16
iPrep Parameters Minimum Volume 5 mL 5 mL
Maximum Volume 30 mL 30 mL
Maximum Pressure 1500 psi 1500 psi
Maximum Hold Time 45 min 45 min
Maximum Temperature Maximum Programmable Temperature 300 º C 300 º C
Nitric Acid 250
º
C 250
º
C
Hydrochloric Acid* 250 º C 250 º C
Hydrofluoric Acid* 250 º C 250 º C
Sulfuric Acid 300 º C 300 º C
Phosphoric Acid 300 º C 300 º C
Aqua Regia* 250
º
C 230
º
C
Water 180 º C 180 º C
Maximum Sample Weight Food, Plant, and Animal Tissue 1.5 g 1.5 g
Oil and Plastic 0.5 g 0.5 g
Pharmaceutical 1.5 g 1.5 g
Inorganic 1.5 g 1.5 g
Metallurgical 1.5 g 1.5 g
Clinical 1.5 g 1.5 g
* The maximum achievable temperature is 210 °C if running more than 6 vessels.
Sample Preparation Safeguards
• Do not use water to dilute the acid(s) greater than 25% when running over 220 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 acid volume is 5 mL
• Maximum volume is 30 mL
• Maximum sample weight varies per sample type. See "Operating Parameters" for weights
• Acid blanks cannot account for more than 25% of turntable when mixed with samples
• Acid blanks cannot be run with organic samples > 230 °C
• Acid blanks cannot be run with samples when acid mixtures are > 50% hydrofluoric acid. Acid blanks must
be run separately