CEM BLADE - Recovery from Vessel Failure -HF Applications

53Appendix A: Hydrouoric acid (HF) Applications
Vessel Removal - HF Applications
WARNING
To prevent the possibility of severe burns, ensure that gloves and PPE as outlined in your
safety program are worn.
1. Once all methods in the queue have been run, the fume cabinet door can be opened and the racks can be
removed.
2. Remove the vessel from the rack.
3. Remove the cap and septa from the vessel by pressing up on one side of the cap.
4. Discard the cap and septa.
WARNING
Caps and septa are designed for only one use. DO NOT use caps and septa more than one
time.
5. Proceed with work-up.
NOTE
The magnetic stand is used to prevent the removal of the coated stir bar when pouring the
digested sample from the vessel.
The vessel weighing stand is used for weighing sample.
6. Clean the vessels and liners as outlined in the “Vessel Cleaning” section of this manual. The same procedure
used to clean the vessels is used to clean the TFM liners.
Recovery From Vessel Failure -HF Applications
In the event that a vessel breaks within the microwave cavity, proceed with the steps outlined below. In the event
that vessel failure occurred and the vessel lost pressure, the plenum is inoperable and requires replacement.
Hydrouoric Acid (HF) is a highly corrosive inorganic acid; therefore, it must be handled with extreme caution.
Boric Acid is to be used in a wash bottle to rinse and neutralize HF.
WARNING
Proper precautions must be taken to avoid contact with acid or acid vapors. Personal
protective equipment (PPE) should be worn as outlined in the user’s safety program for
hazardous materials and the manufacturer’s safety data sheet. Refer to these guidelines for
proper handling and disposal. A face shield and respirator must be worn when cleaning spills
outside of the vent hood.