Microtrac S3500, Operation And Maintenance Manual, Page: 31 / 38

Service
9/03 Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer Operation and Maintenance 25
Recommended Cleaning Materials
Use cleaning materials provided by Microtrac. Other types of cleaning materials which are acceptable
substitutes are listed below:
Lens Tissues (may substitute Thomas, Fisher, Eastman Kodak, Carter-Rice, Stoors & Bement)
Lens cleaning solution
Pipe cleaner
Canned compressed air
Cotton tipped swabs
Clean soft camel hair brush
Dusting
To avoid damaging optical coatings, remove dust particles before you touch an element with lens tissue.
Carefully remove particles with a clean soft camel hair brush or blow dry air on the surface at an angle to
prevent driving grit into the optical coating.
Removing Spots, Streaks, Finger Prints
1. Wet a lens tissue with the cleaning fluid provided. Draw the tissue across the optical element, then
discard the tissue.
2. Moisten another tissue, and slowly draw it across the element. The solution should evaporate shortly
after the tissue passes. Vigorous rubbing is not necessary.
4.3 Cleaning the Sample Path
Cleaning the Wet Sample Cell
The sample recirculating system must be drained and rinsed thoroughly (one to four times) with clean fluid
after each use. Leave the system filled with fluid when it is not in use to reduce sample cell spotting. The
number of rinses required will depend on the sample materials and surfactants or dispersants used.
Under normal conditions, simply rinsing the interior of the sample cell with clean fluid and wiping it dry
(or leaving it filled) is sufficient. These surfaces may be cleaned, if necessary, with non-abrasive detergent
cleaners or solvents, and wiped dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
A dirty sample cell can increase the value of the SETZERO background. You will need some experience
to determine how often to clean the sample cell for any particular application. Most often only the inside
surfaces of the sample cell require cleaning.
Figure 4-1 is an exploded view of the sample module and will help you in locating components. Refer to
the illustration when you perform the following cleaning procedure:
CAUTION
Turn off all power switches before opening the Sample Module door.
1. Drain the Sample System completely
2. Open the Sample Module door.
3. Turn the Cell Retaining Knob above the sample cell chamber counterclockwise to remove pressure on
the Sample Cell.