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Turntable Drive System
The MARS 6 is furnished with an alternating and/or continuous turntable drive system. Rotational configuration is
automatically selected by the vessel choice. During sample heating in alternating style, the turntable rotates 355º, then
reverses direction to prevent pressure sensing or fiber optic temperature sensors from becoming entangled and damaged.
The turntable always operates when the microwave power is on. The turntable stops rotating when the microwave sample
preparation cooling cycle ends, when “Stop” is selected, or when the instrument door is opened.
Exhaust Blower
The MARS 6 is equipped with an exhaust blower to remove corrosive or harmful fumes and flammable vapors from the
cavity. The blower moves air at the rate of 3.6 m
3
/minute (125 ft
3
/minute).
Optional Sample Stirrer
The optional sample stirrer is a rotating magnetic field in the bottom of the instrument which works in conjunction with
stirring bars placed in the vessel liners to ensure a homogeneous sample.
WARNING
Because cardiac pacemakers require magnets to control operation during checkout, if the MARS 6
instrument is equipped with an optional sample stirrer, some danger exists if a pacemaker is positioned in
close proximity to the instrument cavity. If the instrument is suspected of interfering with the operation of a
pacemaker, the instrument should be turned off or the pacemaker wearer should move away from the
instrument.
Standard Pressure Control System
The standard pressure control system for the MARS 6 is the ESP-1500 Plus (Electronic Sensor – Pressure) which
monitors and controls pressure conditions inside sample vessels. The instrument is equipped with a quick-disconnect
connection for the ESP.
The ESP-1500 Plus consists of two parts: 1) the control electronics and connector which are included in the instrument,
and 2) the ESP sensor which is mounted to the control vessel. The connector is located in the upper front right-hand
corner of the cavity. The ESP sensor consists of a pressure sensing load-cell mechanism and a pressure line. During
system operation, the sensor should be mounted securely to the cavity connector. The ESP is designed for use with the
HP-500 Plus, Easy Prep, Easy Prep Plus, and GreenChem Plus vessels.
During system operation, the ESP-1500 Plus measures pressure as forces inside the vessel are transmitted via the
pressure line and press directly on the load cell. It sends a pressure signal from the load cell mechanism to the MARS 6
electronic control which determines microwave energy delivery based on method heating requirements. Pressure is
displayed graphically and digitally on the display screen.
ESP-1500 Plus Pressure Sensor
