1FTIR instrumentDaily maintenance: the foundation for extending the lifespan of instruments
environmental control
Temperature and humidity management: The laboratory temperature should be controlled between 15-25 ℃, and the humidity should be less than 50%. Dehumidifiers should be equipped in southern and coastal areas, and desiccants should be replaced regularly (recommended once every 2-3 weeks).
Dust and vibration prevention: Keep the laboratory clean and prevent dust from entering the optical table; The instrument should be placed on an anti vibration platform, away from vibration sources such as centrifuges.
Stable power supply: Use UPS uninterruptible power supply to prevent component damage caused by voltage fluctuations or sudden power outages.
Startup and shutdown specifications
Regular power on: Even without sample testing, turn on the device for at least 2-3 hours per week and use infrared light energy to remove moisture from the optical table.
Shutdown sequence: First shut down the software, then turn off the instrument power, light source, and accessories in sequence to avoid direct power failure.
Cleaning of optical components
Mirrors and beam splitters: Only use ear wash balls to blow away dust, and it is strictly prohibited to use organic solvents or lens cleaning paper to wipe, in order to avoid scratching the mirror surface.
Sample compartment window panel: If there are blurs or white spots, they need to be replaced immediately (such as drying or replacing KBr window panels after moisture absorption). Wear gloves when replacing to avoid fingerprint contamination.
2、 Key component maintenance: Ensure stable performance
Light source system
Tungsten lamp/ceramic light source: The lifespan is about 1000 hours. If the spectral baseline noise increases or the absorbance fluctuates, the integrity of the filament needs to be checked and the same type of light source needs to be replaced.
Helium neon laser: The lifespan is about 2000 hours. If the laser does not light up or has low energy, the laser needs to be replaced and the optical path needs to be calibrated.
Interferometer module
Moving mirror guide rail: Regularly check the air pressure (0.2-0.4MPa) to ensure smooth movement of the moving mirror; If the guide rail is worn, special lubricating grease should be applied.
Beam splitter: If cracks or contamination occur, it needs to be replaced by an engineer; When replacing, handle with care to avoid vibration.
Detector maintenance
MCT detector: It is necessary to regularly replenish liquid nitrogen (storage tank ≥ 2/3) and check the vacuum sealing; If the signal-to-noise ratio is below 1000:1, the preamplifier module needs to be returned to the factory for repair.
Photosensitive element array: Avoid direct exposure to strong light. If the signal is missing, adjust the bias voltage to 1.5-2.5V.
3、 Troubleshooting: From Symptoms to Solutions
Spectral baseline anomaly
Phenomenon: Increased noise and fluctuation in absorbance.
Reason: Aging of light source, contamination of reflective mirror, and high environmental humidity.
Solution: Replace the light source, clean the reflector, and enhance dehumidification.
Interference pattern disorder
Phenomenon: Stripe disorder or no interference pattern.
Reason: Laser failure, beam splitter offset, interferometer misalignment.
Solution: Replace the laser, adjust the position of the beam splitter, and run the optical path alignment program.
Low signal-to-noise ratio
Phenomenon: Weak signal and significant low-frequency noise.
Reason: Cooling failure of the detector, fogging of the window panel, and aging of the preamplifier.
Solution: Supplement liquid nitrogen, replace window panels, and return to the factory for repair of the amplification module.
Conflict between software and hardware
Phenomenon: The scanning program is unresponsive and the light source cannot start.
Reason: Emergency stop switch triggered, communication interruption with PLC controller, power overload.
Solution: Reset the emergency stop button, restart the host power supply, and check the power supply voltage.
4、 Optical component replacement: Professional operation guide
Light source replacement steps
Turn off the instrument and disconnect the power supply. After waiting for 10 minutes to cool down, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the fixing screws and gently pull the handle to remove the old light source.
When inserting a new light source, gloves should be worn to avoid skin oil contamination. After tightening the screws, recalibrate the light path.
Window panel replacement process
Turn off the instrument and disconnect the accessories. Use a special tool to rotate counterclockwise to remove the old window panel, taking care to avoid scratches.
When installing new window panels, align the threads and rotate clockwise until the O-ring is tightened, then rotate an additional 1/8 turn to ensure sealing.
Precautions for replacing the beam splitter
The beam splitter is a precision component that needs to be operated by an engineer; Replacement should be carried out in a dry environment to avoid collision or moisture.
After replacement, it is necessary to run the optical path alignment program and verify the laser positioning point.
5FTIR instrumentPreventive maintenance recommendations
Establish instrument archives: record each maintenance, component replacement, and fault repair situation for easy tracking of the root cause of problems.
Regular training for operators: Ensure that users are familiar with standardized procedures and avoid component damage caused by misoperation.
Spare parts management: Reserve commonly used vulnerable parts (such as light sources, desiccants, window panels) to shorten the time for fault repair.