Malvern Instruments Mastersizer X, Manual

Page: 67 / 102

Introduction
This chapter provides information on certain maintenance routines that can be
carried out by the user.
Read the “Access to the Accessory” section in chapter 1, for guidance on what the
Supervisor and the Operator are allowed to do.
Replacing the sample tubing
If organic solvents are regularly used as a dispersant you may find that the flexible
tubing that connects the Dispersion Unit to the Mastersizer and cell becomes
hard and discoloured or swells. To change the tubing simply pull it off the
connecting ports and replace with new tubing.
%
Caution
The specification of the tubing is:
Internal diameter - 3/16".
External diameter - 5/16".
The tubing originally supplied by Malvern is Tygon
®
R-3603 available from
Cole-Palmer
®
Instrument Company. Tygon
®
is chemically compatible with a
wide range of materials. Contact the manufacturers for specific information on
compatibility.
If the tubing is to be replaced always replace with tubing of the same or better
grade, in order to retain chemical compatibility. Always check the compatibility of
new tubing with the dispersants and samples you are using before connecting and
using the Dispersion Unit and system. Refer to appendix B - chemical
compatibility.
When changing the tubing do not allow any dispersant or sample to come in
contact with either the Accessory or the Mastersizer. Some dispersants and
samples can cause permanent damage to the surfaces.
C H A P T E R 9
Q S S M A L L V O L U M E S A M P L E D I S P E R S I O N U N I T
P a g e 9 . 1