Routine maintenance is essential to ensure long service life and optimal performance of your Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) TG-IR interface, as well as to guarantee consistent, high-quality results from your FT-IR analysis. We recommend performing periodic Preventive Maintenance (PM) to verify proper system functionality — typically once per year, or twice in case of intensive use.
Before starting any maintenance operation, check the status of your TG-IR system by verifying the flow using a negative flow meter. If the measured value matches the expected specification, the system is operating correctly. Otherwise, maintenance is required; the correct performance will be verified again at Step 5.
Switch off the instrument and allow it to cool down completely before proceeding.
Wear appropriate protective gloves and ensure that all required components and tools are available before performing any PM procedure.
Remove the IR gas cell from the FT-IR sample compartment and access the inner components to inspect windows and gaskets.
Replace gaskets if they appear worn or excessively compressed, as they must ensure proper sealing and secure the windows in place.
If windows are dirty, streaked, or dull, replace them. Alternatively, if a dedicated KBr window cleaning kit is available, cleaning can be performed instead of replacement.
The controller includes filters designed to clean the gas flow before exhiting the system. Access and inspect them following the manual. Replace them if they appear heavily contaminated.
The exhaust tubing allows gas to flow from the IR gas cell to the outlet.
Inspect the tubing and replace it if visible residues or dark spots are present.
The transfer line on the TGA side may accumulate residues, especially when analyzing samples with high organic or heavy fractions. To eliminate buildup, it is recommended to increase the TGA furnace temperature after each run and introduce ambient air to help remove residual compounds before starting a new analysis.
If deposits are visible, clean the sniffer using fine sandpaper or a small drill bit, followed by wiping with a solvent-soaked cloth. Always perform a blank run afterward to eliminate any remaining traces.
At the end of the PM procedure, verify the entire gas flow path.
Set and check TGA flows to ensure they match the values defined in the software. Then verify the TG-IR flow to confirm overall consistency.
For detailed procedures specific to each TGA model, please contact our technical support team.
A dedicated maintenance kit for the TL8000 is also available, including all necessary components for a complete refurbishment and system check.
