Calibration Procedure

Modern Testing Services

Chapter: CP-0019 Version: 3

Title:

Calibration Procedure of
Microwave Digestion System

Revision:
Prepared on 01/27/2011

Copy no: 1

Prepared by:
Aida Wong Assistance Manager Signature: Date: 01/27/2011

Approved by:
Karen Chung Division Manager Signature: Date: 01/27/2011

/conversion/tmp/activity_task_scratch/716791244.doc
 Calibration Procedure

Modern Testing Services

Chapter: CP-0019 Version: 3
Title: Calibration Procedure of Microwave Digestion System

AMENDMENT RECORD

Version No. Date Section & Clause Page Remark

1 3/1/2008 - - First Issue
2 10/25/2010 Cover page 1 Change MTS logo
3 1/27/2011 4.3 and 4.4 3-4 Amend the
procedure on
temp. sensor and
add the time check

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 Calibration Procedure

Modern Testing Services

Chapter: CP-0019 Version: 3
Title: Calibration Procedure of Microwave Digestion System

1. Calibration Interval
1.1 Energy Test, Turntable rotation rate, Temperature sensor and Time check - Every 3 months.

2. Reference Document
2.1 ETHOS 1 User Manual
2.2 Tips & Techniques for Milestone Microwave Lab Stations
2.3 USEPA 3051 – Microwave Assisted Acid Digestion of Sediments, Sludges, Soils and Oils
2.4 USEPA 3052 – Microwave Assisted Acid Digestion of Siliceous and Organically Based
Matrices

3. Apparatus
3.1 Reference thermocouple
3.2 Beaker
3.3 Timer
3.4 General lab glassware

4. Calibration
4.1 Energy Test – to check the microwave power emission.
4.1.1 Turn on the microwave digestion system and warm up about 15 minutes.
4.1.2 Use 1 L of D.I. water under 12 ℃ heating up for 60 seconds at 1000 W.
4.1.3 Measure the temperatures before (Ti) and after (Tf) heating up and calculate the power
output.
4.1.4 Refer to page 113, ETHOS 1 User Manual for the details of Energy Test.
4.1.5 Repeat the test twice and the limit of acceptance is ± 15 %.

4.2 Turntable Rotation Rate

4.2.1 Use a calibrated timer (3.3) to calibrate the rotation rate of the turntable. The acceptable
rate is at least 3 rpm.

4.3 Temperature Sensor

4.3.1 Prepare about 100mL olive oil in a beaker.
4.3.2 Place the beaker on the heater and heat the oil up to 220℃. (CAUTION: suitable
gloves and protective clothing must be worn. The overhead exhaust fan must be
turned on).
4.3.3 Using a magnetic stir bar to keep stirring on the oil after heating up the oil.
4.3.4 Place the thermocouple and the temperature senor into the oil bath.
4.3.5 Allow the temperature drop to the desired temperature (210℃, 180℃, 120℃ and/or
frequently used temperature)
4.3.6 Record the thermocouple (3.1) and temperature reading shown on the panel outside the
microwave oven in the calibration form.
4.3.7 Repeat 4.3.1-4.3.6 twice. Obtain an average temperature value.
4.3.8 The acceptance criteria of the average temperature is ± 4 ℃ of the desired temperature.

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 Calibration Procedure

Modern Testing Services

Chapter: CP-0019 Version: 3
Title: Calibration Procedure of Microwave Digestion System

4.4 Time check

4.4.1 Place the blank digestion vessel in the microwave digestion system.
4.4.2 Turn on the laboratory microwave unit according to the following settings:

Time (min) Energy (W) Temperature

0-30 700 Room temp. – 200 ℃

4.4.3 Start the calibration timer (3.3) together when the program starts.
4.4.4 Record the time when the program stops.
4.4.5 Repeat the step 4.4.1 – 4.4.4 twice. Obtain an average value.
4.4.6 The acceptance criteria of the average value is ±1 second of the desired time (1800 s)

(Refer to Analytical Form AF-0047)

- End -

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