10
Perform a Digestion
Perform a Digestion
WARNING
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.
Vessel Assembly
The assembly procedures are the same for all vessel configurations, except for the operating parameters.
1.
Liners and plugs must be conditioned before use. See “New Liner and Plug Conditioning” for details.
2.
All vessel components must be dry prior to use.
CAUTION
Never add sample or liquid to vessel or liner with sleeve in place. Use the rack.
3.
Place liners in vessel liner rack.
CAUTION
Do NOT batch old liners with new liners unless new liners have been conditioned.
4.
Add the sample to the liner(s).
4.1.
Inspect liners for abnormalities.
4.2.
Weigh and transfer the sample into the liner. The maximum sample weight varies per sample type. See
“Operating Parameters” for specific weights.
4.3.
Add the acid. See the "Operating Parameters" for working volumes. Use the acid to rinse the inside of
the liner to ensure that the sample is in the base of the vessel.
All vessels must have similar sam-
ples, and the same acid(s) and acid volume in each vessel.
See “Sample Preparation Safeguards” for
information regarding acid blanks along with additional safeguards.
4.4.
Ensure that acid covers the sample and the base of the vessel.
CAUTION
Do not use water to dilute the acid(s) greater than 25% or to add volume before digestion. This can cause
uneven heating of vessels.
5.
Wait 15 minutes to allow pre-digestion.
6.
Place the plug on the liner.
