3
Important Safeguards
Important Safeguards
Microwave sample preparation imposes a unique set of safety considerations beyond the basics of good laboratory
practice. Depending on the MARS configuration, additional safeguards are included in the MARS 6 iWave Manual
(P/N 600832) or MARS 6 IR manual (P/N 600284). General guidelines for safe operation of the vessels 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
MARSXpress Vessels
10 mL (PFA)*
20 mL (PFA)*
55 mL (TFM**
& PFA)
75 mL (TFM**
& PFA)
Acid Volume
Minimum
1
2
5
5
Maximum
4
10
25
55
Maximum Temperature
All Acids and Acid mixtures (excluding
HF)
210
º
C
210
º
C
210
º
C
210
º
C
HF
180
º
C
180
º
C
180
º
C
180
º
C
Maximum Hold Time
200 -210
°
C
45 min
45 min
45 min
45 min
180 -200
°
C
60 min
60 min
60 min
60 min
<180
°
C
90 min
90 min
90 min
90 min
Maximum Sample Weight Food, Plant, and Animal Tissue
0.1 g
0.2 g
0.5 g
0.75 g
Oil and Plastic
0.01 g
0.02 g
0.05 g
0.1 g
Environmental and Regulatory
0.1 g
0.2 g
0.5 g
0.75 g
Pharmaceutical
0.1 g
0.2 g
0.5 g
0.75 g
Inorganic
0.1 g
0.2 g
0.5 g
0.75 g
Metallurgical
0.1 g
0.2 g
0.5 g
0.75 g
Clinical
0.1 g
0.2 g
0.5 g
0.75 g
* 10mL and 20 mL vessel options are only available with PFA liners.
** The 24 place turntable is only available with TFM liners.
Microwave Safeguards
• Minimum volume for the MARS 6 cavity is 10 mL of acid or 50 mL of water.
• If a run is stopped or paused for more than 30 seconds during the digestion, do not restart the method with hot
vessels.
• Allow vessels to cool until completion of the cool down time.
• Vent vessels and reseal.
• Restart method from the beginning.
• Allow vessels to cool until completion of the cool down time before opening the microwave door.