From lab to production,
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Calibration Thermometers May Use Mercury
To calibrate the temperature on the indexer, a thermometer containing about 8 grams of mercury
may be used. Every lab with mercury thermometers or equipment containing mercury must be
prepared for breakage. Note that mercury exposed to air “evaporates” at room temperature,
producing an invisible, tasteless, odorless and dangerous vapor. Thermometers have been used for
decades in laboratory equipment and when used properly provide an accurate and effective means
of calibration. Keep the thermometer in a safe place where it will not be crushed or otherwise
broken. When using the thermometer be careful not to drop or bend the glass. Place a hot
thermometer onto cotton patches to cool. Never put a hot thermometer in contact with cold metal
or cold solvent because the thermal shock can crack or shatter the glass. Mercury is extremely toxic
and should be handled accordingly.
A material safety data sheet (MSDS) for mercury (Hg) can be found on the Internet. Observe local,
state and federal hazardous waste disposal laws when disposing of any broken thermometers. If
packaged in a sealed plastic container and labelled with the following symbol:
Broken thermometers and their spilled mercury can be sent back to the manufacturer. UPS will
accept these packages provided they are labelled and the material is in a secure container. See
Princo support vendor for address information.
Pinch Points
Do not place weights in precarious positions where they can be bumped and fall to the floor. For
large test weights (over 10 kg) the pneumatic lift system is recommended. The lift system has a
mechanical capture rod which will not allow the weights to “fall” out of the machine. When the
machine is in operation the lift system moves the weight downward somewhat quickly creating an
area where anything lying beneath could be crushed. The lift system has a safety door that, when
installed correctly and not tampered with, will prevent the lift from moving when open. There are
redundant internal firmware and mechanical hardware safeties in place in the lift system.
Fumes from Materials
Please plan for unexpected issues to arise. Many polymers (PVC, PVF etc.) are well known for giving
off hazardous fumes at elevated temperatures. An exhaust system that removes fumes from both the
die exit and near the top of the barrel is strongly recommended. Consideration should also be given
to additives that may degrade or decompose at elevated test temperatures.
P/N:974179 Rev: 0918 ECO: 49667
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