The impactor will have to be separated from the sample and can be handled with gloved fingers, a strong magnet, tongs, or pliers. Tools without a good gripping surface are likely to slip off the impactor.
If some condensation on a cold sample is unacceptable, you can either wait for the sample vial to warm up before opening and emptying it, or open and empty a chilled vial in a glove box filled with dry nitrogen gas, argon, etc.
Small amounts of sample usually adhere to the vial’s impactor, end plugs, and plastic cylinder. Brushing or scraping these surfaces of the vial can often recover this fraction of the sample. Again, speed is important to minimize condensation and other effects of warming.
If it is necessary to recover 100% of the sample, let the vial warm up and add some water or other liquid that will not affect the polycarbonate (see 6.34, Cleaning the vial). Shake the vial, empty it onto some filter paper, and rinse again if necessary to recover all the sample.
6.34 Cleaning the Vials
Freezer/Mill vials may be superficially cleaned quickly and easily by placing them under running hot water. If the vial is cold a coating of ice will form on the steel parts, but will melt quickly as the water runs.
The plastic center cylinders for all vials, and the
Before
If sample adheres to the steel end plugs and impactor, they can be cleaned with water and soap or detergent, or with organic solvents. If they must be disinfected or cleaned of any organic residue, they can be washed with bleach or chemical cleaners or autoclaved, but should always be dried immediately after use. The steel parts in the 6751, 6801, and 6881 vials are made from 440C Stainless Steel, a
The steel parts of the
Rust on steel Freezer/Mill parts can be removed by scrubbing them with steel wool or an abrasive cleanser. If rusting persists, store the parts in a sealed bag with a desiccant.
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