Ocean Optics LPC-500CM - Manual (Page 23)

4: Maintenance
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Instrument Storage
Caution
Do not partially dry the LWCC and leave it open to the air. Oxygen in the air may
facilitate the growth of microorganisms inside the device.
To store the instrument, clean the LWCC and then fill it with an 80/20 solution of distilled water/methyl
alcohol. Seal the INFLOW and OUTFLOW ports using either the caps provided or an alternative.
Troubleshooting
The LWCC is a highly sensitive device, and it is extremely important to keep it clean. This is especially
important when working in the ultraviolet range, where unexpected results can often be produced by
contamination of the experimental solution. The high sensitivity of the LWCC may create some problems
that can be easily overcome with care and forethought. Therefore, you may need to develop new skills in
handling both the equipment and the samples being examined.
Typical Contamination Effect Possible Cause(s) Suggested Solution(s)
Transmission in both UV
and visible ranges becomes
low or very unstable. A contamination layer (such as
biofilm) is sticking to the LWCC wall.
Or, a particle is trapped in the
LWCC. Flush the cell for 30 seconds each
with each of the 3 cleaning
solvents contained in the
Waveguide Cleaning Kit.
OR
Prepare a 5% surfectant using
Ultrasonic cleaning solution,
followed by HPLC-grade Methanol
and HPLC-grade 2N HCl solution.
Transmission in the UV
range is low. Transmission
in the visible range is OK
and stable. 1. Optic fiber and silica tubing are
coated by a layer of metal
corrosion.
2. Optic fiber and silica tubing are
coated by a layer of organics.
1. Flush with 1 N HCl.
2. Flush with an organic solvent,
such as acetonitrile.
Transmission below 250 nm
is low. Transmission in the
visible range is OK and
stable. Contamination of fiber optic cable
end-faces with a metal film
generated during repeated
connection attempts. Wipe all fiber optic endfaces and
fiber connections (on front of the
LWCC) using a fiber optic foam
swab dipped in methyl alcohol.
Use of cotton swabs (Q-Tips) is not
recommended.