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11.2 – MAINTENANCE
The FM-6, like any other laboratory instrument, must be maintained on a regular basis in order to ensure
consistent and accurate operation. Daily cleaning of certain areas of the instrument is necessary to ensure
repeatability of results and that no important information is advertently lost due to poor operating habits.
The following sections detail daily and weekly maintenance actions and also provide instructions on how
to conduct minor repairs.
11.2.1 – Daily Maintenance or as Needed
Clean Ferrogram bed area using a paper wipe and a small amount of solvent (Fixer or ACTISol). Clean
entire exterior to maintain clean and neat appearance. It is best to use a computer screen wipe that is
alcohol or ammonia free to clean the touch screen. Some types of solvent will damage the touch screen,
causing yellowing or clouding.
11.2.2 –Weekly Maintenance
Clean the magnet assembly cleaning by using a #1 Philips head screwdriver. Gently unscrew the top four
screws on the magnet assembly cover. Lift the magnet assembly from the well. Use a paper towel to
carefully wipe the excess oil off the magnets and from the bottom of the well. If necessary, place a small
amount of fixer solvent on the paper towel and continue to clean. Replace the magnet assembly and the
cover assembly, making sure that the cover is snug against the magnet assembly and centered properly.
Ensure the two Viton seals remain in the grooves, one around the outside well seal groove and a small o-
ring placed at the front of the well around the suction hole. Failure to position the seals correctly will
result in poor suction of fluid off of the substrate during testing.
Vial clips located on the lower vial holders may bend outward over time due to normal use of the unit. To
adjust, apply force to the vial when in place; gently squeeze the two prongs of the vial clip inward.
However, too much pressure or repetitive squeezing over time will cause the prongs to break, these can be
replaced by unscrewing the two #1 Philips head screws and mounting a new vial clip provided as a spare
with the unit. Additional vial clips can be reordered from Trico (PN 10209).
11.3 – SAMPLE TUBE SEAL
Unscrew the plastic thumb screw on top of the sample holder. Using a cotton swab and solvent, gently
wipe the interior cavity. This removes any oil that may enter when the sample tube is removed. Any
particles that may be generated due to excessive tightening of the thumb screw will also be removed.
Examine the small o-ring for damage and replace if worn. A sample tube can help reposition the o-ring by
placing the tube through the thumb screw and inserting it through the o-ring. Place the thumb screw back
onto the vial holder and tighten down. Remove the sample tube from the thumb screw.
Содержание FM-6
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