CEM iPrep Guide

Part Number 600958
June 20, 2019
Rev. 0
Copyright CEM Corporation 2019
iPrep®
CARE AND USE GUIDE

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1
INTRODUCTION
This guide is designed to highlight the importance of vessel care and inspection.
Read and fully understand all documentation before operating the instrument: MARS 6 iWave
Manual (P/N 600832) and iPrep Manual (P/N 600856.)
Additional Product Information
• MARS 6 iWave Manual (P/N 600832): detailed information about setup and operation of the MARS
system.
• MARS 6 iPrep Manual (P/N 600856): detailed information about the iPrep Vessels.
• CEM website (www.cem.com): list of spare parts, pictures, latest information about CEM’s products,
references, and application notes.
Contact Information
• Applications Support: Contact CEM at [phone] (US/Canada), [phone], or by email at
analytical.suppor[email protected].
• Technical Support: Contact CEM Service at [phone] (US/Canada) or [phone], or by email
at ser[email protected].
• Additional contact information: Located on the back cover of this guide.
WARNING
Proper precautions must be taken to avoid contact with acids or acid vapors. Protective gear should be
worn as outlined in the user’s safety program for hazardous materials and the acid manufacturer’s safety
data sheet. Refer to these guidelines for proper handling and disposal of the acids.

2
VESSEL COMPONENTS
1
5
4
3
2
6
7
Item Description Physical Description
1 Frame Module Supports sleeve, load disc, vessel liner, plug and screw -
2 Sleeve Supports vessel liner Golden Brown. Even in diameter
throughout length.
3 Load Disc Evenly distributes load from plug -
4 Vessel Liner Contains acid and sample White. Smooth. Straight. Even diameter
throughout length until lip at the top.
5 Plug Seals liner to contain acid and sample Smooth. White.
6 Frame Screw Uniformly provides pressure seal among vessels when torqued -
7 Insulator Disc Evenly supports load from liner Opaque hard plastic. Side that touches
liner is at with a small lip.

3
PROPER CARE OF iPrep VESSELS
Conditioning
It is important to condition iPrep vessels prior to use. See New Liner and Plug Conditioning section of the iPrep
manual for instructions.
Cleaning Vessels
See Vessel Cleaning and Inspection section of the iPrep manual for proper cleaning procedures for these vessels.
Vessel and plug Bake-out
If the instrument reports a TempGuard error then you will need to bake out the vessels. Baking out will drive the
acid fumes out of the liner and make them run more similarly. See Routine Maintenance section of the iPrep
manual for Bake-Out Procedure.
Acid Blanks
You should never run acid blanks above 220 °C and never run water above 180 °C. See Important Safeguards
section in manual for further information on Sample Preparation Safeguards and running blanks.
Inverting Sleeves
It is very important to ip the sleeve after each run. This will provide better performance and extend the life of the
sleeve. You can mark the top and bottom with a High Temperature Marking Pen (P/N 302070) to assist in this
process. If unsure which end was up from the previous run, insert the liner into the end of the sleeve that is the
tightest.
Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4

4
Operating Tips
It is imperative that TempGuard is turned on when using iPrep vessels. See Important Safeguards section of the
iPrep Manual for Vessel and Microwave Safeguard settings. Do not turn TempGuard off. Note that in software
versions 1.49 and higher TempGuard is set automatically for iPrep vessels.
Max Power should be set to 10 minutes and can be increased to 15 minutes if necessary. Do not turn Max Power
off or extend past 15 minutes without consulting with CEM applications support.
Parts replacement
The iPrep Vessel Inspection section below will give you guidelines for replacement of worn parts. The most critical
part is the vessel sleeve as it provides the mechanical strength of the vessel.
For applications running organic samples at 240 °C or higher CEM strongly recommends replacement of sleeve
every 50 runs. If running at temperatures below 230 °C for organics or if running inorganic digestions, inspect
vessels to determine when to replace components.

5
iPrep VESSEL INSPECTION
The following issues can occur over time as the iPrep vessels are used and abused. Please inspect vessels
regularly and follow recommendations for safety of use.
All iPrep components should be inspected on a weekly basis. The component lifetime will be based upon
temperatures being run and hold times at high temperatures. Please use the inspection guide to determine if it is
ok to continue to use the part or if it needs replacement. It is imperative to replace worn vessel parts to prevent
vessel failure.
The most critical part is the vessel sleeve as it provides the mechanical strength of the vessel. For applications
running organic samples at 240 ºC or higher CEM strongly recommends replacement of these sleeves every
50 runs. At temperatures below this for organics or if running inorganic digestions use the attached guide to
determine when to replace the component.
Discoloration (no longer golden)
Cause: Temperatures greater than 250 ºC for long periods of time or normal wear and tear.
Continue Use?: No. Replace sleeves that are white
Preventative Measures: N/A

6
Sleeve Flaring
Cause: Not inverting/ipping sleeves after every run.
Continue Use?: No. Replace sleeves if ared or if it is not possible to insert any liner into the sleeve. Inspect
liners.
Preventative Measures: Invert sleeves after every run to extend lifetime and promote better sealing & even
heating.
Rough in texture on the outside (alligator skin)
Cause: High heat and pressure that pushes the liner against the sleeve.
Continue Use?: Maybe. The liners might be ok to run but will need to be grouped with like vessels.
Preventative Measures: See “Operating parameters” for maximum temperatures.

7
Stretching along top
Cause: Excessive pressure.
Continue Use?: No. Replace liner. Discard plug if damage is noticed.
Preventative Measures: See “Operating parameters” for maximum temperatures.
Liner Bowing or Flaring at bottom
Cause: High pressure during use and/or not inverting sleeves after each run.
Continue Use?: Maybe. If you can insert the liner into the most resistant end of sleeve, then continue use.
Preventative Measures: Invert sleeves after every run to extend lifetime and promote better sealing & even
heating.

8
Raised spot on bottom
Cause: Excessive pressure.
Continue Use?: No. Also might need to replace insulator disc.
Preventative Measures: See “Operating parameters” for maximum temperatures.
Inside of liner/plug very white
Cause: Extreme heat (>300 °C)
Continue Use?: No. Replace liner/plug.
Preventative Measures: See “Operating Parameters” for maximum temperatures.