In this article, we will introduce concise quartz cleaning instructions, divided into three sections for different users:
For individual consumers cleaning household quartz tubes, we recommend physical cleaning methods.
For factories involved in cleaning industrial quartz tubes, chemical cleaning methods are suggested.
For laboratories, we will detail specific laboratory cleaning methods.
Physical Cleaning Methods—Suitable for Household Quartz Tubes
Water Washing Method
Immerse the quartz tube in clean water and gently wipe it with a brush or sponge. Ensure the use of pure water without any detergents or chemical agents. The water temperature should not exceed 60°C (140°F) to avoid damage.
Air Blowing Method
Employ high-pressure air to remove surface stains and dust. This method is effective for light contaminants but not for heavy substances like grease or paint.
Chemical Cleaning Methods—Suitable for Industrial Quartz Tubes
Acid Washing Method
Soak the quartz tube in an acid-cleaning solution to dissolve surface deposits. The acid concentration should not exceed 10% to prevent damage to the quartz tube. After cleaning, it is crucial to rinse with plenty of water and neutralize with a neutral cleaning solution to remove any acid residue.
Alkaline Washing Method
Use an alkaline solution to dissolve surface stains and residues. The concentration and duration of cleaning should be carefully controlled to avoid damaging the quartz tube. After cleaning, neutralize and thoroughly rinse with water.
Mechanical Cleaning
The quartz tube cleaning procedure for mechanical cleaning must follow strict procedural standards. If the cleaning tank contains hydrofluoric acid solution and it is not yet dirty, you can add up to 10 bottles of hydrofluoric acid into it. If the hydrofluoric acid solution in the tank is very dirty, it must first be emptied and the tank cleaned before refilling with the solution. During cleaning, it’s important to wear protective goggles and acid-resistant gloves. Place the quartz tube into the cleaning machine, with the opening of the tube facing towards the lint room and the tail end pointing towards the diffusion furnace direction. Close the machine’s protective door. The cleaning time should be set to 30 minutes. After setting the time, press the start button to begin cleaning.
Once the cleaning time has elapsed, while still wearing protective goggles and acid-resistant gloves, carefully remove the quartz tube from the acid tank and place it gently into the rinsing tank. Drain the water from the rinsing tank, then use a water gun to spray inside and outside of the quartz tube evenly for about 4 minutes. Do not press the start button while rinsing the inside of the tube; if the machine is in a start condition, please turn it off immediately. When using the water gun to clean the tube, clean from the inside towards the tail end, ensuring the interior wall of the quartz tube is meticulously cleaned without leaving any residue. Rotate the quartz tube 180 degrees every two minutes during rinsing, and continue this process until it is completely clean. Fill the rinsing tank with water so that the water level covers the middle to the tail end of the quartz tube; the rinsing time in the tank should be about 30 minutes. Once the time is up, drain the water from the tank completely. Then, repeat the rinsing process to ensure there are no remaining particles or substances. Finally, wrap the ends of the tube with foam paper and seal them with aluminum foil.
For relatively new quartz tubes, a cleaning duration of about 30 minutes is sufficient. However, for used quartz tubes, especially those with phosphorus pentoxide deposits on the inner walls, the deposits must be completely removed, which may require a cleaning time of one to two days. When the acid tank machine is not started, it is necessary to rotate the quartz tubes 180 degrees every two hours to achieve a more even and thorough cleaning.
Quartz tubes, boats, and related parts are relatively fragile, making their cleaning a meticulous process that must be customized according to specific process requirements. Additionally, to reduce costs, minimizing the use of cleaning fluids while achieving the same cleaning effect is an important consideration for the equipment.
Laboratory Chemical Cleaning Methods—Suitable for Laboratories
1 Prepare cleaning tools, including bottles, funnels, plastic cups, stiff brushes, glass rods, chemicals (such as acetic acid and ethanol), and deionized water.
2 Wear gloves and safety goggles for protection.
3 The cleaning principle involves using deionized water, ethanol, and acetic acid to dissolve contaminants and clean the quartz tube surface.
4 Detailed steps include placing the quartz tube in a bottle, adding the cleaning agents, and ensuring the tube is fully covered. Gently mix, then place the bottle in an ultrasonic bath for 30-60 minutes for thorough cleaning. Finally, rinse the quartz tube with deionized water to remove any remaining residues.
Precautions include avoiding acidic cleaning products that may damage the quartz surface, ensuring cleanliness to maintain the quartz tube for heater clarity and precision, and using deionized water over tap water to prevent potential contamination. Gloves and safety goggles are recommended to protect against chemical exposure and ensure safe handling.
By following these tailored cleaning guidelines, users can effectively maintain their quartz tubes across various applications, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
In summary, following our guidelines ensures the effective cleaning and maintenance of quartz tubes for all uses. For further support, email us at contact@globalquartztube.com.
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