Microtrac S3500, Operation And Maintenance Manual, Page: 10 / 38

Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance
4 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 9/03
WARNING
Fluids which may exhibit high instability when agitated, such as concentrated peroxides or nitroglycerin, must
not be used. When using any volatile or flammable material, always use proper and adequate ventilation and
follow all other safe handling laboratory procedures.
WARNING
Read and understand the manual included with the vacuum system before analyzing dry samples. The vacuum
is a potential source of ignition and must not be used with or near explosive or flammable dry particulate matter,
or in areas where flammable gases may be present. Microtrac recommends that hazardous samples be
suspended in a liquid and analyzed through the use of the wet sample recirculator. Consult with a chemist or
other experts before undertaking such analyses. When using any volatile or flammable material, always use
proper and adequate ventilation and follow all other safe handling laboratory procedures.
Disposal and Venting of Hazardous Materials
Before the S3500 particle size analysis system is put into operation, check local sewage disposal
ordinances to determine whether external filters or traps are required for the sample effluent before it can
be discharged into the drain. Depending upon the materials and solvents, the sample effluent may also
require a settling tank or purging procedure prior to being drained into the municipal waste treatment
system or disposed of according to local safety standards.
Local sewage disposal ordinances also dictate what fluids can be discharged into public systems. Fluids
not approved for discharge must be collected and disposed of properly.
Specialized ventilation equipment may be required to control or contain any hazardous or toxic fumes.
Follow all applicable regulations to prevent dangerous conditions or prohibited environmental release.
Chemical Compatibility
S3500 particle size analysis systems comprise various combinations of different devices, each with its own
compatibility with different chemicals. Please refer to the manual for the appropriate Microtrac sample
delivery device for information on compatibility with various solvents and sample materials.
Please refer to section 1.4 for a list of materials in the S3500 that come in contact with samples and
solvents.
1.3.3 Laser Safety
Laser safety labels are affixed inside the bench, see Figure 1-2. The S3500 employs up to three diode
lasers. See section 1.4 for laser specifications. The S3500 operates in a mode where the lasers are
normally OFF and are turned ON only for data acquisition.