Ocean Optics S1024DW Install - Manual (Page 37)

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Sampling Chambers: LPC Long Pass Flow Cells
The LPC L ONG P ASS F LOW C ELLS from Ocean Optics couple to our spectrometers and compact light
sources via SMA terminations for simple, efficient measurement of low-volume or low-concentration
(ppb-ppt) aqueous samples. LPC Flow Cells are available in 1-meter, 5-meter and 10-meter path lengths
for absorbance measurements. The Flow Cells will function with most liquids (one exception:
perfluorinated solvents) having a refractive index >1.30.
Caution!
! DO NOT USE PERFLUORINATED SOLVENTS WITH THE LPC BECAUSE THE AMORPHOUS
FLUOROPOLYMER TUBING IS SOLUBLE IN THESE CHEMICALS.
! DO NOT exceed a fluid pressure of 45psi.
!
LPC Flow Cells will function with most liquids (one exception: perfluorinated solvents) having a
refractive index >1.30.
" " " "
Ensure the plumbing fittings through the front panel are tight and free of leaks.
" " " " Minimize the injection of bubbles into the LPC since they will cause erratic results. Continuous
pumping will typically flush the bubbles through the system.
" " " " At the end of each experimental session, flush the system with solvent and then pump dry. Avoid
leaving fluid in the LPC for extended periods of time.
Operation
Using the Plumbing Connections
On the front panel, there are two plumbing feed-through ports. It does not matter which one is used for the
plumbing input or the plumbing output. However, for experimental consistency, once you have assigned
which fitting will be the plumbing input and which one will be the plumbing output, try not to switch the
plumbing configuration. The tubing goes over the plumbing fittings, which are standard ¼-28 threads. The
tubing should fit snugly over the fittings and be free of leaks.
•
Attach one end of the tubing to your pump. The pump used must not pump the solution so fast that
the fluid pressure exceeds 45psi. Remember to always turn off the pump in-between taking a
reference and taking sample measurements. Make sure you have a proper waste receptacle for the
other end of the tubing.
•
The plumbing connections inside the LPC are standard industry fittings. No maintenance should be
required. However, if leaks develop, the plumbing connections will need to be tightened. To tighten
the connections, first remove the back panel. Carefully slide off the top cover, being
careful not to
damage or pinch the tubing or fiber. Hand-tighten the fittings and reassemble the cover and back panel.
Installing Fibers
On the front panel, there are two fiber feed-through ports. It does not matter which one is used for the fiber
input or the fiber output. However, for experimental consistency, once you have assigned which fiber port
will be the input and which one will be the output, try not to switch the fiber configuration. The fiber inside
the LPC has a core diameter of 200
µ
m. External coupling fibers should be 200
µ
m or larger for maximum
coupling efficiency.
•
Attach one end of an illumination fiber to a port on the LPC and the other end to your light source.
•
Attach one end of a read fiber to the second port on the LPC and the other end to your spectrometer.