BI-200SM Goniometer Alignment Troubleshooting
One of our amazing sales engineers, Nancy Bush , was in the lab for a BI-200SM Goniometer alignment refresher. After completing all of the alignment steps, it was time for Nancy to check her alignment using the Particle Explorer IST Alignment software. However, the software indicated that there was an issue with the alignment.
Nancy took this opportunity to further investigate the different steps of the goniometer alignment process and after a thorough search she found the source of the problem... the decalin just needed to be filtered!
Decalin is an index matching liquid the sample cell is put in to minimize reflections. If there are floating particulates in the decalin, the alignment check and integrity of the SLS measurements will be compromised. So Nancy filtered the decalin using the BI-FC pump (filtration/circulation pump) and she was successful in aligning the goniometer!
Particulates in the decalin are just like a pebble in your shoe: something small that can cause big problems if ignored!
Adaptable Applied Chemist with Research, Teaching, and Sales Experience
2 年Thanks for the post, Brookhaven Instruments! In addition, the filter in the FC pump might need to be changed, fresh decalin might be needed, or both! It is all on a case-by-case basis. It is a good thing to remember when checking an alignment.