Sample Spinner Option for the BTX II & TERRA
2 likes2,275 views
The document outlines the use and assembly of an optional sample spinner cell for the Olympus Terra and BTX-II XRD instruments, emphasizing its advantages for testing slurries, gels, and air-sensitive materials. It provides detailed steps for preparing and loading samples into the spinner assembly, as well as instructions for creating and calibrating a spinner mode on the instrument. Additional resources for more information about the instruments are also provided.
Sample Spinner Option for the BTX II & TERRA
- 1. Sample Spinner Option for the BTX II & TERRA
- 2. The Olympus TERRA and BTX-II XRD instruments have an optional sample chamber that spins rather than vibrates. This is useful for a variety of applications: • The spinner cell can be used when testing some slurries and gels. It has also been used for some solids that are not in powdered form. • The sealed spinner cells are especially useful in testing volatiles, hazardous substances, or air-sensitive materials • The spinner cells can be labeled and archived for future reference which is especially useful for possible litigation Vibration Sample Cell Holder Optional Spinner Cell Assembly
- 3. Step 1: Gather materials to prepare your sample cell Sample Spinner Assembly Micro Spatula Quartz standard Sample Cell Top Window Sample Cell Bottom Window
- 4. Step 2: Loading the Sample • Using a micro-spatula, place enough sample to cover the window on the bottom sample plate. • Using the spatula or a straight edge, smooth out the sample inside the spacer release liner – do not overfill as just a thin film is needed to cover the window.
- 5. Step 3: Preparing the sample cell • Remove the release liner by grabbing the tab and pulling away from the sample plate to reveal the adhesive spacer. • Align the label of the top window to cover the sample. Press firmly to seal. • The sample can be named and archived as a representative sample for future use.
- 6. Step 4: Loading the Sample • Place the sample cell with the label window facing up inside the spinner assembly and screw in (finger-tighten) the sample locking back of the sample spinner holder. • Insert the sample spinner assembly into the TERRA or BTX-II Sample locking back
- 7. Step 5: Create a spinner mode on your TERRA or BTX-II If your instrument did not come originally equipped with the spinner assembly you will need to set up the spinner mode. Navigate to the Settings tab on the user interface and click on the “Add New Mode” button on the right side of the screen.
- 8. Step 6: Adjust your default settings • Name this new mode “Spinner” and scroll down the list to change the Piezo parameters. To change parameters, unclick the defaults check box and enter new values for the high and low Piezo Frequency and Piezo Volume as shown below.
- 9. Step 7: Create a Set Scroll to the bottom of the list and click “Create Set.” This will close the active window and add your new Spinner mode to the list of modes at the start of an acquisition.
- 10. Step 8: Start a New Sample To use the sample spinner, ensure that the Spinner mode is selected from the pull down menu at the start of an acquisition. If adding this mode after you have purchased the instrument you will need to re-calibrate with a quartz standard using the spinner before running your samples.
- 11. Thank you! Learn more about the BTX II: http://bit.ly/1wiCoZb Learn more about the TERRA: http://bit.ly/YzVegA For more information, please visit us at: www.olympus-ims.com