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"All digestion vessels and volumetric ware must be carefully acid washed. . . . This cleaning procedure should also be used whenever the prior use of the digestion vessel is unknown or cross contamination from vessel is suspected."
— U.S. EPA Method 3052, Page 5, Section 7.2
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Click to view traceCLEAN video clip describing principle of operation (Requires QuickTime software.) |
Sample-to-sample cross-contamination can be a problem when microwave vessels and other clean chemistry accessories are not cleaned and stored properly.
Traditionally, sample preparation components are cleaned by soaking them in hot acid baths, then air drying on a bench or in a hood. This method is simple and effective, but has many inherent safety risks for the analyst. In addition, the drying and storage procedure can re-contaminate the component before use.
In response to these problems, Milestone has developed the TraceClean system, an automated, closed acid reflux cleaning system for trace work accessories. This self-contained system houses an acid reservoir and interchangeable accessory racks. Once loaded, the racks are lowered into a sealed chamber via the external control panel. Nitric acid is repeatedly evaporated and condensed throughout the chamber, thoroughly cleaning the labware within.
The main advantage of this system is that any trace metal contaminates that are present in the nitric acid stay within the reservoir and do not come in contact with the cleaned trace accessories. This system also allows the sample preparation components to dry and be stored in the protective chamber until needed.
Benefits of the TraceClean System
- Thorough cleaning, drying, and cooling of trace work accessories (ICP / ICP-MS nebulizers, torches, quartz vials, Teflon vessels, etc.)
- Acid vapor cleaning prevents cross-contamination between accessories
- Teflon racks and holders to minimize handling of freshly cleaned items
- Programmable temperature and run time—allows you to customize the cleaning to your vessel sizes and application needs. Use preset programs or create your own.
- PTFE-coated stainless steel compartment ensures system durability and prevents use-to-use contamination
- Work unattended—just set it and forget it
- Sealed system keeps accessories dry and clean until needed
- No worker exposure to acid vapors
Technical Details
For detailed technical specs, as well as a video clip and a visual schematic of the TraceClean in action, continue to the TraceClean technical details page.
You can also read the article New Developments in Automated Cleaning of PTFE, Glass, and Quartz Components Used in Ultratrace Analysis, by Dr. Robert Richter, from the June 2001 issue of Spectroscopy. To request a free copy of this article, click here.
Clean Chemistry: Continue to acid purification, closed-vessel digestion, sample evaporation, or vessel inserts.
General: Go to the Milestone front page, or send us an inquiry.