
TOPwave
Operating
45
collection vessel with the supplied blind stoppers or with lock screws in order to ensure
the proper operation of the gas removal (see section "Handling of PM 40, PM 60 and PL
100 Pressure Vessels" p. 38).
6.4
Sample Removal
WARNING
Burn and acid burn hazard!
The digestion vessels must not be removed from the oven for at least 10 minutes after
the end of the digestion program. This will ensure that the samples have cooled suffi-
ciently to avoid rupture disc breakage caused by jarring during removal.
Always wear safety glasses/goggles and protective gloves when opening vessels!
Always work under and vent hood or other exhaust system!
Never point the gas outlet towards yourself or anyone else. Aggressive gases are relea-
sed from here when the vessels are opened or if the rupture disc activates!
WARNING
Pressure vessels!
Always wear safety glasses/goggles and protective gloves when working with the pres-
sure vessels!
Never attempt to use force to open the vessels. Never use tools to open the vessels!
The pressure vessels are equipped with a rupture disc which produces a spontaneous
pressure release upwards through the screw-on tube connections in case of excessive
vessel pressure. In some cases, such a spontaneous pressure release may occur after the
vessel has been removed from the microwave oven.
Hot gases and vapors may be released from the digestion vessel when it is opened! Al-
ways make sure the vent opening on pressure vessels faces away from both yourself and
other individuals!
Only open the digestion vessel under a vent hood or other exhaust system. Particular
care is required when working with hydrofluoric acid (HF). Observe all relevant data
sheets and safety instructions!
WARNING
Residual pressure in vessels!
Even after cooling, a residual pressure will remain in the vessels!
Always wear safety glasses/goggles and protective gloves when opening vessels!
If there is still a high residual pressure in the vessel, it will be difficult to un-screw the lid.
If in doubt, allow the vessel to cool for an additional period of time!
If the solution has a high CO
2
content, opening the vessel too quickly can cause the solu-
tion to foam up, resulting in sample loss.