CEM MARS 6 User manual

Operation Manual
Microwave Reaction System
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Copyright 2011 by CEM Corporation
All Rights Reserved
This manual contains proprietary information which shall not
be reproduced or transferred to other documents or disclosed to others
without prior written permission from CEM Corporation
CEM is a registered trademark of CEM Corporation.
One Touch Technology is a registered trademark of CEM Corporation
One Touch, PowerMAX, DuoTemp, EnergySeal, SynergyPrep,
and Thermo-Optic are all trademarks of CEM Corporation.
Patents Pending
CEM Corporation
Matthews, North Carolina 28106
[phone]
email: [email protected]
Manufactured in the
United States of America
600284
Rev. 11
December, 2017

ii
WARNING
All CEM microwave digestion instruments are to be operated using CEM
designed vessels and vessel components. All CEM supplied vessels and
components are manufactured to exact specifications in order to provide a
product that is reliable and safe to work in conditions that include high
temperatures and pressures. The use of vessels and vessel components other
than original CEM parts will put operators and equipment at risk. CEM will
not assume any liability for use of these parts and all warranties, either
written or implied, will immediately become void. CEM vessels can only be
purchased direct from CEM or through its authorized dealer network. CEM
vessels are covered by worldwide patents including US patents 8,480,981 and
6,136,276.

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Table of Contents
Operating Precautions........................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
General Safety ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Compounds Unsuitable for Closed Vessel Microwave Digestion .......................................................................................................... 4
Chemical Safety Concerns at High Temperature .................................................................................................................................. 4
Installation ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Tools Required ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Installation Site ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Instrument Setup .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Inspection ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Instrument Description .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Turntable Drive System.................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Exhaust Blower ................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Optional Sample Stirrer .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Standard Pressure Control System .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Standard Temperature Control System ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Optional Temperature Control System ............................................................................................................................................. 14
ReactiGuard Cavity Sensing System ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Optional TempGuard™/DuoTemp™ Sensor.................................................................................................................................... 15
Optional Internal Printer.................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Software Icon and Keyboard Reference Guide ..................................................................................................................................... 17
One Touch Methods vs Classic Methods .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Create One-Touch Method.................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Create Classic Method .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Edit Method ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Review Method Information................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Delete Method ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Perform Method..................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Retrieve Data from Previous Method Performance ............................................................................................................................... 43
Selection of Single or Multiple Methods for Export and/or Deletion....................................................................................................... 45
Export Single/Multiple Methods ................................................................................................................................................... 45
Delete Single/Multiple Methods ................................................................................................................................................... 47
System Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 49
Tools................................................................................................................................................................................................. 49
System ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 49
Diagnostics.................................................................................................................................................................................. 50
Power .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
IR................................................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Pressure ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Activity Log .................................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Update Manager.......................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Settings ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 54
General........................................................................................................................................................................................ 54
System ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 56
Localization ................................................................................................................................................................................. 57
Date/Time.................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Users ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Run.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 66
Method ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 70
Sensors ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 72
Printing ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 75
Networking .................................................................................................................................................................................. 75
Video ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 76
Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Service .......................................................................................................................................... 78
Routine Maintenance and Cleaning ................................................................................................................................................. 78
After Each Sample Test
............................................................................................................................................................... 78
Daily ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 79
ESP-1500 PlusVessel Cleaning ....................................................................................................................................................... 79
Microwave Leakage Measurement................................................................................................................................................... 79
Microwave Power Measurement ...................................................................................................................................................... 80
Temperature Calibration (IR Sensors).............................................................................................................................................. 83
Verification of IR Sensor(s) Calibration............................................................................................................................................. 85
Pressure Calibration......................................................................................................................................................................... 86
Update Firmware.............................................................................................................................................................................. 87
Troubleshooting Guide ..................................................................................................................................................................... 89
Repair and Service................................................................................................................................................................................ 91

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Ordering Information ............................................................................................................................................................................. 92
Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 93
Warranty................................................................................................................................................................................................ 95

1
Operating Precautions
The MARS 6 must be grounded. In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces the risk of electric shock by
providing an escape wire for electric current. This instrument is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire with a
grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded. Consult a qualified
electrician or service technician if the grounding instructions are not completely understood or if doubt exists as to whether
the instrument is properly grounded. If it is necessary to use an extension cord, use only a 3-wire extension cord that has
a 3-blade grounding plug and a 3-slot receptacle that will accept the plug from the instrument. The marked rating of the
extension cord must be equal to or greater than the electrical rating of the instrument.
The possibility of instrument-induced electromagnetic interference (EMI) is minimal if the instrument is operated as
outlined in this manual. The instrument should not be placed close to any electrical device susceptible to EMI. It is
suggested by the manufacturer that the user post a sign warning pacemaker wearers that a microwave device is in
operation. If the instrument is suspected of inducing EMI, a microwave leakage measurement should be performed as
outlined in this manual. Leakage measured above the legal limit of 5 mW/cm2should be reported to the CEM Service
Department.
Cardiac pacemakers require magnets to control their operation during checkout. If the instrument is equipped with an
optional magnetic sample stirrer which contains very high static magnetic fields, some danger exists if a pacemaker is
positioned in close proximity of the instrument cavity (such as placing the head into the instrument cavity to perform a
visual inspection). If the instrument is suspected of interfering with the operation of a pacemaker, the instrument should be
turned off or the pacemaker wearer should move away from the instrument.
This instrument utilizes high voltages and microwave radiation. Instrument service and repair should be performed only by
those trained in repair and maintenance of high voltage and microwave power systems.
Warnings, cautions and notes are included throughout this manual and should be read thoroughly and strictly follows.
WARNING:A warning is inserted for essential information used to emphasize dangerous or hazardous conditions to the
operation, cleaning and maintenance of the instrument which may result in personal injury.
CAUTION:A caution is inserted for essential information used to emphasize procedures which, if not strictly followed,
may result in damage or destruction to the instrument or improper instrument operation.
NOTE: A note is inserted for emphasis of procedures or conditions which may otherwise be misinterpreted or overlooked
and to clarify possible confusing situations.
WARNING
If the MARS 6 is used in a manner not specified by CEM Corporation in this manual, the protection
provided by the instrument may be impaired.
This instrument complies with United States Code of Federal Regulations 21CFR Part 1030.10 (C) for microwave
leakage. A verification report is on file. This instrument complies with FCC Requirements in the United States Code of
Federal Regulations (47CFR Part 18) - Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) Equipment - emissions requirements. A
verification report is on file.
The name “Teflon” is used throughout this manual. Teflon® is a registered trademark of the E.I. DuPont Company.
This product has been tested to the requirements of CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1, second edition, including Amendment
1, or a later version of the same standard incorporating the same level of testing requirements.

2
Introduction
The Microwave Accelerated Reaction System, Model MARS 6®, is designed for laboratory use in digesting, dissolving,
hydrolyzing, extracting or drying a wide range of materials. Its primary purpose is the rapid preparation of samples for
analysis by atomic absorption (AA) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectroscopy and gas or liquid
chromatography.
The MARS 6 System brings a remarkable intelligence and ease of use to microwave sample preparation. The One Touch
Technology is like having a chemist built into the system. It combines more than 30 years of microwave chemistry
experience with today’s most advanced software and hardware technologies to give laboratories the most accurate,
easiest-to-use microwave sample preparation system ever designed.
The MARS 6 consists of
a microwave power system with operator selectable output of 0 - 1800 watts ±15%, by IEC Method 705-1988
a fluoropolymer-coated microwave cavity,
a cavity exhaust fan and tubing to vent fumes,
a digital computer programmable for unlimited programs consisting of up to five stages each,
an alternating or continuous mode turntable system,
3 door safety interlocks and an interlock monitoring system to prevent microwave emission when the door is
open.
The MARS 6 uses microwave energy to heat samples. Compounds such as water and other polar liquids absorb
microwave energy rapidly. A sample placed inside a microwave transparent vessel with a polar liquid or ionic solution
(usually an acid) in the MARS 6 is subjected to rapid heating and elevated pressures, causing the sample to digest or
dissolve in a short time.
At full power, the MARS 6 delivers approximately 1800 watts of microwave energy at a frequency of 2450 MHz. A
microcomputer controls and monitors operations.
WARNING
All CEM microwave digestion instruments are to be operated using CEM designed vessels and vessel
components. All CEM supplied vessels and components are manufactured to exact specifications in
order to provide a product that is reliable and safe to work in conditions that include high
temperatures and pressures. The use of vessels and vessel components other than original CEM
parts will put operators and equipment at risk. CEM will not assume any liability for use of these
parts and all warranties, either written or implied, will immediately become void. CEM vessels can
only be purchased direct from CEM or through its authorized dealer network. CEM vessels are
covered by worldwide patents including US patents 8,480,981 and 6,136,276.

3
General Safety
Microwave sample preparation imposes a unique set of safety considerations beyond the basics of good laboratory
practice. General guidelines for safe operation of laboratory microwave systems are presented below.
All vessel components must be dry and free of particulate matter. Drops of liquid or particles will absorb microwave
energy, causing localized heating which may char and damage vessel components, leading to possible vessel failure.
Never heat liquids in a sealed vessel or container that is not equipped with a pressure relief device.
CEM does not recommend use of Parr Microwave Acid Digestion Bombs inside MARS 6 systems. Such usage constitutes
unreasonable operating conditions because Parr bombs cannot be connected to the pressure and temperature control
mechanisms of the MARS 6 and all software safeguards and safety relief devices are bypassed. CEM will not be
responsible for damage to the MARS 6 Microwave Digestion System or personal injuries resulting from use of Parr
microwave acid digestion bombs.
Never attempt to digest samples larger than 0.5 grams if the organic content and composition of the sample is unknown.
Unknown samples should be predigested for a minimum of 15 minutes in an unsealed vessel without any heating prior to
attempting a closed vessel digestion.
Minimum volume for the MARS 6 cavity is 10mL of acid or 50mL of water.
Microwave heating of alkaline or salt solutions in open or closed vessels will concentrate these solutions, causing
precipitation of salts and formation of crystal deposits on vessel walls. These crystal deposits will absorb microwave
energy, causing localized heating which may char and damage vessel components, leading to possible failure.
Never install a MARS 6 inside a laboratory fume hood. Acid and chemical fumes may attack the electrical components,
resulting in possible damage and malfunctioning of the cavity door safety interlocks. The proper method for installation of
the system and connection to a laboratory fume hood are described in this manual.
This instrument utilizes high voltages and microwave radiation in its operation. Instrument service and repair should be
undertaken only by technicians trained in repair and maintenance of high voltage and microwave power systems.
Daily, remove the ESP-1500 Plus cable connection from the bulkhead connection and thoroughly clean the connector with
a paper towel or soft cloth. Wipe and clean both the inside and outside surfaces of the connector. If necessary, dampen
the towel with isopropyl alcohol. To assist in cleaning.
If the MARS 6 is equipped with a sample stirrer, some danger exists if a pacemaker is positioned in close proximity to the
instrument cavity.
If the MARS 6 is equipped with IR sensors, each IR window or lens in the cavity floor should be cleaned weely or after any
spillage by wiping each lens with a damp soft cloth.

4
Compounds Unsuitable for Closed Vessel Microwave Digestion
WARNING
Acid decomposition of certain chemical compounds or types of samples constitutes unreasonable, hazardous
misuse of CEM microwave digestion systems. The classes of compounds listed below are unsuitable for closed
vessel microwave digestion because they are highly reactive with oxidizing acids and/or may become nitrated
and potentially explosive. Absence of a particular chemical compound from this list does not imply microwave
acid decomposition of such a sample is safe under all conditions. CEM will not be responsible for damage to
equipment and facilities or personal injuries resulting from microwave digestion of such compounds/samples.
Explosives (TNT, Nitrocellulose, etc.)
Propellants (Hydrazine, Ammonium Perchlorate, etc.)
Pyrophoric chemicals
Hypergolic mixtures (Nitric Acid and Phenol, Nitric Acid and Triethylamine, Nitric Acid and Acetone, etc.)
Animal Fats (Esters of glycerol capable of nitration and the formation of nitroglycerin or other nitrated organic
compounds)
Aviation Fuels (JP-1, etc.)
Acetylides
Glycols (Ethylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, etc.)
Perchlorates (Ammonium, Potassium, etc.)
Ethers (Cellosolve - Ethylene Glycol Phenyl ether, etc.)
Lacquers
Alkanes (Butane, Hexane, etc.)
Ketones (Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, etc.) and alcohols (methanol, etc.)
Chemical Safety Concerns at High Temperature
Mineral Acids
Perchloric ................................................Dangerous hot
Explosive as dry salt with organics
Decomposes to Cl2gas
Sulfuric ....................................................Dehydrating agent
Hydrofluoric .............................................Biological irritant/very dangerous
Aqua Regia .............................................Nitrosyl chloride gas irritant
Alkaline Hydroxides
NaOH, KOH, LiOH ..................................Caustic, dehydrating, biological irritants
Peroxides
Hydrogen.................................................Potent oxidizer
Organic Ethers ........................................Explosive
Organic Solvents................................................Toxicity, explosiveness, flammability, volatility

5
Installation
The MARS 6 instrument should be installed on a laboratory work bench with access to a fume hood or other means of
fume disposal.
Tools Required
Lab Coat
Gloves
Eye Protection
Installation Site
To install the MARS 6, choose a location that:
provides at least 8 in. (20 cm) space on each side and 6 in. (15 cm) space in the rear for proper ventilation.
is free from vibration of large equipment and/or walk-through traffic.
is away from the primary laboratory exits and walk-through traffic.
provides a temperature range of 41°F (5°C) to 104°F (40°C).
provides adequate bench space for sample handling and printer placement (if applicable).
permits the instrument to be connected to a dedicated, grounded outlet. The MARS 6 instrument should be
operated on stabilized, constant voltage AC power supply. (Refer to Instrument Specifications in this manual.)
Note: Measure line voltage to ensure that it meets system specifications.
CAUTION
Line voltage fluctuations greater than 10% will affect instrument performance.
provides access to a fume hood or other means of fume disposal.
CAUTION
Never install an MARS 6 system inside a laboratory fume hood. Acid and chemical fumes may attack electrical
components, resulting in possible damage and malfunctioning of the cavity door safety interlocks.
NOTE
The MARS 6 system is supplied with eight (8) ft. of flexible exhaust hose (3-1/8” OD x 2-13/16” ID). The
inboard exhaust mechanism will push fumes through the hose at 125 CFM. To properly vent the MARS 6, the
fume hood or exhaust line must draw at least 125 CFM at the point of connection. The system must be located
within 8 feet of a hood or exhaust line for proper ventilation.