Maintenance and Spare Parts
72 Agilent Vapor Generation Accessory VGA 77 and VGA 77P User’s Guide
Absorption Cell
This section applies to AA modules only.
Always clean the absorption cell thoroughly immediately after use,
when contamination is suspected while conditioning the system, or
whenever the system has been left unused for some time. Throughout
the cleaning procedure remember that the cell is fragile and must be
handled with appropriate care.
WARNING
Hot surface
Before touching the cell remember that it may be very hot and could cause
serious burns. Always turn the flame off and allow the cell to cool before
attempting to remove it from the sample compartment.
1 Disconnect the black fluoro-elastomer tubing from the cell inlet.
2 Release the spring clips and remove the absorption cell from the
cell support.
3 Soak the absorption cell in dilute nitric acid for at least
30 minutes.
4 Rinse thoroughly with distilled water and allow it to air dry in a
dust-free location.
5 If the cell has been exposed to contamination with potassium
iodide, soak the cell in sodium hydroxide solution (0.5% w/v) for
at least 30 minutes. Wash thoroughly with dilute hydrochloric
acid and then wash thoroughly with distilled water. Allow to air
dry in a dust-free location.
CAUTION
Do not leave the cell in the sodium hydroxide for too long because this solution
may accelerate cell devitrification. Avoid handling the central part of the quartz
cell with bare hands after it has been cleaned or while it is in use.