Uv Anachem Instructions

IV. Operating Instructions

1. Start up procedures

1. Turn on the Spectrophotometer
2. Turn on the computer and click on the UV Probe software
3. Click the “Connect button to initiate communication  between the computer and the Spectrophotometer.
4. Select the “Spectrum mode”
5. Click on the “Spectrum mode” Set the parameters for the measurement.

1. Enter the wavelength range via the “Start” and “End” fields.
2. Select the scan speed to be the Medium via the drop down menu.
3. Select the sampling interval as 1nm from the drop down menu.
4. The “Scan Mode” should be set to single
5. Select Absorbance from the “measuring mode” drop down menu.
6. Select a value of 1nm from the “Slit Width” drop down menu
7. Ensure that the “Light Source Change Wavelength” is set to 360nm and the “S/R Exchange” is set to “Normal”

1. Set up the sample mounts in the configuration that you will use to carry out measurements without any sample or reference in place. Close the lid of the sample compartment.
2. Run a baseline calibration by clicking on the “Baseline” button at the bottom of the screen. Ensure that the baseline range matches that which you have previously entered in the “Spectrum Method” dialogue. Click “Ok” to run the baseline calibration.
3. To obtain a spectrum, click on “Start” and the machine will begin collecting data with the parameters you have specified.
4. Ensure that the baseline is good by first running a scan with no sample in place. You should obtain a flat baseline with noise distributed about zero.
5. Now insert your sample and reference into the sample mounts in the sample compartment.
6. When the scan is finished, enter a label into the dialogue box which appears. Note: This does NOT save your data.
7. To save a data, select “Save As” from the “File” menu and enter a filename. Select “Data Print Table” from the “Save As type” drop down menu.

1. Shut-down procedures

1. To shut down the instrument press the “Disconnect” button at the bottom of the screen and turn the instrument off using the Power On/Off button. Close the software and shut the computer down.
2. Ensure that the lid to the sample compartment is fully closed when you are finished as external light leaking into the can cause damage to the PMT.

1. Precautions or Hazards

1. Hazards
2. UV exposure is not immediately felt; the user may not realize the danger until after the damage is done.  Symptoms can occur 4-24 hours after exposure.
3. UV light levels emitted from some UV equipment greatly exceed natural levels.
4. Damage can occur with only a few seconds of exposure.
5. There is a cumulative risk of harm.
6. Risks to eyes - UV light can enter from all angles.  Burns to the eyes are usually more painful and serious than skin burns.

• Precautions

1. Limit time and distance when working with UV-producing equipment.
2. Wear lab coat and long pants.
3. Gloves – Nitrile gloves are recommended, but other hazards also need to be considered in choosing the correct glove.  Note that wrist areas are often left unprotected.
4. Glasses should wrap around and be ANSI-Z87 rated.  Normal eyeglasses/contacts offer very little protection!
5. Face Shield – is preferred as it protects more skin area.  People commonly forget to protect their chin and neck.

V.  Instrument maintenance

Cleaning the instrument

        It is important to wipe down the surfaces of the spectrophotometer with a cloth moistened with a mild cleaning agent. Harsh cleaning agents can damage the instrument surface. You can also clean the cuvette itself. The cuvette shaft should only be cleaned with a lint-free cotton swab that has been dampened with ethanol or isopropanol. This prevents liquid from entering the cuvette shaft. If you must dampen the shaft with water to remove contamination, use a cotton swab dampened with ethanol or isopropanol to accelerate drying.