PerkinElmer Frontier Optica FT-IR, User Manual

Page: 62 / 94

62 . Frontier Optica FT-IR User's Guide
The Desiccant Indicator in Detail
The optical system of the spectrometer is purged at the factory. This protects the KBr
beamsplitter and the sample compartment windows from being damaged by humidity.
Replaceable packs of desiccant maintain the purge.
The top panel of the instrument includes a desiccant indicator whose sectors change
sequentially from blue to pink as the desiccant becomes exhausted. Change the desiccant
packs in the instrument when the sector marked 10 becomes pink, but while the sectors
marked 15 and 20 are still blue. These numbers correspond to the approximate % Relative
Humidity in the instrument.
Figure 22 The desiccant indicator: when desiccant packs should be changed
CAUTION
If all three sectors of the desiccant indicator are pink, then you must change
the desiccant.
The instrument optics may be fogged. Do not switch the instrument either ON
or OFF until all sectors are blue.
Sector Action Required
All sectors blue None.
The humidity levels in the instrument are below approximately 10%
Relative Humidity.
Sector 10 pink
Desiccant change is recommended.
If the instrument has been switched OFF for an extended period, do
not switch ON until you have changed the desiccant and all sectors
are blue.
Sector 10 & 15 pink Replace desiccant the immediately to avoid instrument damage.
Do not switch the instrument ON or OFF until you have changed the
desiccant and all sectors are blue.
Pink
Blue
Blue