28
IMPORTANT
: Forgetting to install the molds will cause the crucibles to pour the
hot molten glass onto the instrument. In such case, no damage will occur, but
sample will be lost.
NOTE:
If you find that your molds do not fit properly in the fingers, then maybe
the fingers are not configured for your mold size. Please refer to page 58,
holder configuration, assembly and alignment
for details, for details on how to
re-configure your mold finders to accept your mold size.
A general
fusion
Here are the steps required to perform a fusion on the X-300 fluxer.
1.
Turn the instrument on by flipping the rocker switch at the back of the
instrument. The main screen appears and the platinumware holders are
automatically pulled out of the furnace. Furnace heating is automatically
turned on, to reach the stand-by temperature.
2.
Check crucible and mold holders for possible flux spills from a previous fusion.
(See page 50,
for details.) If holders look vitreous and
dirty, clean the holders immediately; do not start a fusion process with dirty
holders, as this could damage the instrument.
3.
Select the desired fusion program, by clicking on the left and right arrows that
flank the current program name.
4.
In the platinum crucibles, weigh the required amount of flux.
5.
Add the sample by weighing it directly into the crucibles on top of the flux. Mix
if no solid oxidizer is to be used and the sample is low in carbonates.
6.
Prepare solid oxidation, if required.
6.1
Add a suitable solid oxidizer (generally, a nitrate or carbonate) in the
crucibles.
6.2
Mix thoroughly with the sample. (Try to leave the bottom layer of flux
untouched.)
7.
Add the non-wetting agent if it is not already integrated within the flux. Solid
non-wetting agent should be thoroughly mixed with the flux. Making an
aqueous solution with the solid salts can also prove very convenient, and can
be pipetted on top of the dry ingredients.
8.
Place crucibles in the holders.
Important:
make sure that they are properly
installed. See page 26,
, for details.
9.
Place molds on their holder.
Important:
do not forget to install a mold under
each crucible. See page 27,
, for details.
10.
Close the safety shield, which will lock automatically. See page 16,
if you need to re-open the safety shield at this time.
11.
Touch Start to launch the fusion. If the preset temperature is not yet reached
in the furnace, a few minutes’ delay will allow sufficient heating, then the
holders will automatically enter the furnace. The furnace door opens and
closes automatically.
Summary of Contents for X-FLUXER
Page 1: ...Automatic fluxer...
Page 2: ......
