11 Maintaining the ECD
Important Safety Information About the ECD
172 Maintaining Your GC
Important Safety Information About the ECD
The ECD 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,
PCBs, 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 both the oven and the detector-heated zone should go
into thermal runaway (maximum, uncontrolled heating in excess of 400 °C) at the same time
and the detector remains exposed to this condition for more than 12 hours, take the following
steps:
• After turning off the main power and allowing the instrument to cool, cap the detector
inlet and exhaust vent openings. Wear disposable plastic gloves and observe normal
laboratory safety precautions.
• Return the cell for disposal, following directions included with the License Verification
Form (part number 19233-90750).
• 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.
Do not use solvents to clean the ECD.
You may not open the ECD cell unless authorized to do so by your local nuclear regulatory
agency. Do not disturb the four socket-head bolts. These hold the cell halves together. United
States customers removing or disturbing them is a violation of the terms of the exemption
and could create a safety hazard.
When handling ECDs:
• Never eat, drink, or smoke.
• Always wear safety glasses when working with or near open ECDs.
• Wear protective clothing such as laboratory jackets, safety glasses, and gloves, and follow
good laboratory practices. Wash hands thoroughly with a mild nonabrasive cleaner after
handling ECDs.
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