How to Care Cuvettes and Cells
Cuvettes and cells are high-precision optical instruments that need a significant deal of expertise and attention during production. We go to considerable lengths to assure consistency and adherence to strict tolerances and craftsmanship requirements. Every employee at Qvarz is aware of these standards and is committed to upholding them. From raw material certification through matching and packing of finished cells, the optical windows and other cell components go through a slew of inspection procedures.
The light scattering will eventually damage the precision surfaces of the windows, resulting in considerable decreases in transmittance. This will be hastened by misuse. An issue to consider is the type of solvents utilized. The harder quartz cells will ultimately be degraded by the more alkaline or acidic solvent (bonded cells cannot be used or cleaned with alkaline or acidic solvents). Cell matching complaints have been linked to poor cell washing and handling.
Our cells are made of fused quartz, which is relatively innocuous and resistant to a wide range of chemicals. However, when the temperature rises, the solvent utilized, as well as the cell’s quartz surfaces, become more chemically reactive, typically in proportion to the rise in temperature. As the optical surfaces grow more chemically active, they may react and pit or devitrify, forming nitrates, oxides, sulfates, hydroxides, or amines. This might manifest as a tiny hole or discolored area that is difficult to remove.
Cell windows should be well cleaned and free of impurities that might cause performance degradation. Every effort is taken at Qvarz to provide extraordinarily clean cells. The user must take specific measures in order to maintain them that way. Allowing cells to stand with the solution in them is never a good idea. Rinse the cells with pure, clean solvent as soon as feasible after testing. To eliminate any traces of solvent, quickly spray with a warm water jet. After that, rinse with a dilute detergent. Scrub the inside of the cell with a soft cotton swab using very mild pressure. Rinse with the purest water you can find.
Do not use compressed air to dry the cells. We blow dry with filtered nitrogen or dry in a desiccator at our facility. Blow drying may not be essential if you operate in a highly clean workplace.
Use an ultrasonic cleaner sparingly; even fully thermally fused cells are vulnerable in an ultrasonic cleaner. Allowing cells to air dry with tap water on them is never a good idea. Finish with a deionized water rinse. Finally, when all of your tests are finished, put your cells in the boxes given.
If you require any more assistance with the upkeep of our spectrophotometer cells, please contact us.