INFICON RQCM - Quartz Crystal Microbalance Research System - Manual (Page 50)

RQCM – RESEARCH QUARTZ CRYSTAL MICROBALANCE
CRYSTALS, HOLDERS AND FLOW CELL
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4.3.2 HOLDER CARE AND HANDLING
With a robust design, INFICON crystal holders require little care. However, the crystal holder is in
direct contact with the sensor crystal and your experiment environment. Thus, care must be taken
to ensure its cleanliness eliminating any contaminants that may react with the crystal or the
experiment media. The following guidelines are recommended for general handling of the
holders.
♦ Always keep the holder clean and dry when not in use.
♦ Always use clean room grade gloves while handling the holder and its components.
♦ Never handle the holder with bare hands as human skin oils may deposit on it and react with
your experiment.
♦ Always ensure that your holder is compatible with your experiment environment.
♦ Never submerge the holder unassembled or without a crystal.
♦ Never submerge the holder pass its terminal connector at the end of the rod.
♦ Always rinse the holder generously with deionized water and thoroughly blow dry using
filtered air after each experiment. This is especially important if the holder has been exposed
to oxidizing acids.
♦ Always act fast in the event that liquids or chemicals have entered the crystal cavity in the
holder. Immediately clean the holder using the following procedure.