10 7820A GC Safety Manual
Introduction
Micro-Electron Capture Detector (µECD)
The μECD contains a cell plated with
63
Ni, a radioactive isotope. The beta
particles released at the energy level in the detector have little penetrating
power—the surface layer of the skin or a few sheets of paper will stop most of
them—but they may be hazardous if the isotope is ingested or inhaled. For this
reason, handle the cell with care. Cap the detector inlet and outlet fittings
when the detector is not in use. Never introduce corrosive chemicals into the
detector. Vent detector exhaust outside the laboratory environment.
Refer to the safety documentation provided with the detector for important
details about safety, maintenance, and compliance with local government
regulation.
Materials that may react with the
63
Ni source, either to form volatile products or to
cause physical degradation of the plated film, must be avoided. These materials
include oxidizing compounds, acids, wet halogens, wet nitric acid, ammonium
hydroxide, hydrogen sulfide, PCPs, and carbon monoxide. This list is not exhaustive
but indicates the kinds of compounds that may cause damage to
63
Ni detectors.
In the extremely unlikely event that the oven or the detector-heated zone should go
into thermal runaway (maximum, uncontrolled heating in excess of 400 °C) and the
detector remains exposed to this condition for more than 12 hours, take the
following steps:
1 After turning off the main power and allowing the instrument to cool to room
temperature, cap the detector inlet and exhaust vent openings. Wear disposable
plastic gloves and observe normal laboratory safety precautions.
2 Contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office or distributor for ECD disposal
instructions
3 Include a letter stating the condition of abuse.
It is unlikely, even in this very unusual situation, that radioactive material will
escape the cell. However, permanent damage to the
63
Ni plating within the cell is
possible; therefore, the cell must be returned for exchange.
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