When you are using a diffractor on a regular basis, you want to ensure that you maintain it as well as you possibly can. Good, correct, and proper maintenance will ensure that your diffractor lasts your business or company for many years to come. However, where do you start with diffractor maintenance? What do you need to be looking out for, and what should you be focusing tour time on?
Cooling Maintenance
Always check the condition of the cooler. The X-ray tube heats up, and when it is operating, you want to be sure that it is not overheating.The ideal water-in temperature for X-ray tubes is 20-25 °C and up to 30°C in warm and humid conditions. It is best to always be above the dew point
An x-ray tube must always be properly cooled and, if it does not, you may well experience a faster rate of degradation. Always use clean and cool water, and never try to use de-ionized water for cooling, as this is aggressive.
Stability and Life
When an x-ray tube is used over a period of time (even if care and maintenance are applied), you have to accept that it will age. High temperatures will occur when the diffractor is in use at maximum power/strength. Maximum power should be avoided (when it is not necessary) as this will age tubes a lot quicker. Of course, if your tubes expire, or if they no longer function at the highest capacity, you can rest easy because replacement x-ray tubes can be ordered from Malvern Panalytical which ensures that your diffractor will never be out of action for a prolonged period of time. Operating at full capacity or maximum power may affect the stability and life of your equipment, so when it is not needed, try operating at 80% and see the difference this will make to the longevity of your diffractor.
Focus on the Settings
When you are using your diffractor regularly, you will want to ensure that you are in control of all of the settings. Regularly checking the settings is important because faults spotted early on can be checked and then corrected. So, here are some tips for checking the settings on your diffractor – both when it is in use and when it is not.
- Where and when you can always use the standby setting.
- Always switch off an x-ray tube when you know it will not be being used within the next 24 hours.
- Always switch off the water flow within just a couple of minutes, and when the X-ray tube is switched off. Do not let water flow for more than a couple of minutes after the power is off because condensation can occur, and this can affect the quality and use of your diffractor.
- Do not switch off the water flow first because this can irreparably damage an x-ray tube instantly.
You need to maintain a diffractor to ensure that it is operating at its best (when in use). Having in place a prevention plan that includes maintenance is what you should be focusing on. Component care, as well as overall care and maintenance, will keep your diffractor functioning both effectively and efficiently.
