Tmteck CENTRIFUGE TUBES

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

TMTECK Centrifuge Tubes are used to monitor the concentration of magnetic particles and the level of contamination in fluorescent and visible baths.

DAILY INSTRUCTIONS (INCLUDING NEW BATH)

1. Let pump motor run for several minutes to agitate the suspension

2. Flow the bath mixture through hose and nozzle for a few moments to clear hose.

3. Fill the centrifuge tube to the 100 ml line.

4. Place the tube in the stand at a location free from vibration and let stand for 30 minutes for a water bath and 60 minutes for an oil bath to allow particles to settle out.

The gravity settling method applies to either oil or water suspension. In hot weather the water bath should be checked more often as is it more volatile than oil. Therefore, as water is lost by evaporation, it must be replaced.

The settled particles (measured in ml) in the bottom of the tube indicate the amount of magnetic particles in suspension. A UV light, such as the MPXL Portable Black Light, must be used for fluorescent particles.

Do not include dirt particles in your centrifuge tube readings. They usually settle on the top of the magnetic particles.

Dirt will not fluoresce under a black light. In visible particles, the appearance of dirt is very different than that of the particles. Dirt will be coarser and irregular in shape. See illustrations on page 3 for recommended settling volume.

BATH MAINTENANCE TIPS

To maintain proper bath suspension during inspection requires that it be agitated prior to and while the bath is in use. The agitator pipe should be removed and thoroughly cleaned monthly or more often, if needed. Also, check area where sump screen connects to tank, clean and remove any foreign material that may restrict flow. Constant use of the bath requires a daily check for evaporation of oil or water, loss of particles due to carry off and contamination. Eventually the bath will become so contaminated by dirt, lint, oil or other foreign material that efficient formation of indications will become impossible. Contamination can be checked by noting the amount of foreign material that settles out with the particles in the centrifuge tube. Covering equipment, when not in use, will reduce contamination and evaporation.

SPECIFICATIONS COMPLIANCE

-        ASTM E709-08 (Sections 20.6.1 & X5)

-        ASTM E1444/E1444M-12 (Section 7.2.1)

-        BPVC (Section V, Article 7: T-765)