1、 Preparation before operation
Equipment inspection
Confirm that all components of the instrument (such as rotor, adapter, centrifuge chamber) are intact and undamaged, without cracks or aging.
Check that the power cord connection is normal and well grounded to avoid the risk of electrical leakage.
Ensure a dry and ventilated working environment, away from direct sunlight and humid conditions, and maintain a stable temperature within the required range of the instrument.
Sample preparation
The sample should be uniform, free of impurities, and the particle size range should meet the requirements of instrument measurement.
Select appropriate dispersion media (such as water, organic solvents) based on the properties of the sample, and add dispersants if necessary.
Preprocess the sample (such as centrifugation, filtration, drying) to remove bubbles or large particles and avoid affecting the measurement results.
Selection of rotor and adapter
Select the appropriate rotor and adapter based on the sample size and centrifuge tube specifications, ensuring that the centrifuge tube is symmetrically placed to balance the rotor.
When installing the rotor, hold the center hole of the rotor with both hands, place it vertically at the bottom of the cone, and use an Allen wrench to tighten the locking screw clockwise.
2、 Operation steps
Power on and self-test
Turn on the instrument power and wait for the system self-test to complete (usually takes 15-20 minutes to preheat).
Confirm that the instrument is properly connected to the computer and the software can run normally.
Parameter Settings
Select the measurement mode in the software (such as laser diffraction method, centrifugal settling method).
Set measurement parameters: particle size range, speed, time, temperature, etc. The speed should be adjusted according to the rotor model and sample properties to avoid exceeding the maximum bearing capacity of the centrifuge tube or rotor.
Enter information such as sample name and testing conditions for subsequent data management.
Sample loading
Pour the sample evenly into the sample pool or centrifuge tube, ensuring that the liquid level does not exceed the upper edge of the inlet.
Close the lid of the sample cell or centrifuge tube to avoid leakage.
Place the centrifuge tube symmetrically into the rotor to ensure balance (with a mass difference not exceeding 0.1g).
Start measurement
Start the circulation pump and mixer to fully disperse the sample.
According to the difficulty of sample dispersion, start the ultrasonic disperser (power and time need to be optimized to avoid sample overheating or agglomeration).
Click the 'Start Test' button, and the instrument will automatically perform particle size analysis.
Observe the changes in data on the screen and record key parameters such as shading rate and particle size distribution curve.
Data saving and exporting
After the test is completed, save the data to the computer and export the report (including particle size distribution chart, statistical parameters, etc.).
To repeat the test, clean the sample tank or centrifuge tube, reload the sample, and repeat the above steps.
3、 Safety precautions
personal protection
Wear safety goggles and laboratory gloves during operation to avoid contact between the sample and the skin or eyes.
Smoking, eating, or applying cosmetics around the equipment is prohibited to prevent contamination of samples or instruments.
Equipment safety
Avoid collision or vibration of the instrument, prevent rotor imbalance or component damage.
Do not open the lid or touch rotating parts while the instrument is running to prevent accidental injury.
If any abnormal vibration, noise or odor is found, immediately stop testing and contact technical personnel.
Sample safety
When using toxic or corrosive samples, it is necessary to operate in a fume hood and comply with relevant safety regulations.
Waste samples should be disposed of according to environmental protection requirements to avoid polluting the environment.
4、 Maintenance and upkeep
Daily cleaning
After each test, clean the sample tank or centrifuge tube with purified water to avoid residue affecting the next measurement.
Regularly clean the surface dust of the instrument and keep the optical components clean.
periodic calibration
Conduct a comprehensive calibration at least once a year to ensure measurement accuracy.
Before calibration, check whether all components of the instrument are normal, and repair them promptly if there are any problems.
Component replacement
Regularly inspect vulnerable parts such as rotors, adapters, seals, etc., and replace them promptly if they are worn or aged.
When replacing components, ensure that the model matches and install them correctly according to the instructions.
Long term storage
If long-term shutdown is required, place the instrument in a dry and ventilated storage room and regularly power it on for a period of time to maintain component activity.