How to clean a cuvette
- Dilute. Make a 2% solution — 5 mL of concentrate in 250 mL of water.
- Soak. Time depends on the temperature of the bath:
20–25 °C 120–180 min 30–35 °C 30–40 min 50–60 °C (quartz only) 10–15 min 70–80 °C (quartz only) under 5 min - Rinse. Rinse thoroughly with ultrapure water, replacing the contents of the rinse bath at least three times.
- Dry. Let the cuvette drain and dry without wiping the optical windows.
PLEASE NOTE
- Avoid extreme changes in temperature. Fragile!
- Avoid exposure to ultrasound waves: Excessive energy density and/or unfavorable frequencies may break the cuvettes. Cuvettes made of multiple materials (glass, metal, etc.) are especially at risk. Cavitation attacks polished surfaces, rendering them unusable.
- Do not leave the cleaning solution in the cuvette at high temperatures for so long that it evaporates. This is because an increase in concentration and the high pH value may damage the surface of the glass.
Questions
What dilution should I use, and how long do I soak?
A 2% solution — 5 mL of concentrate in 250 mL of water. Soak for 120 to 180 minutes at 20 to 25 °C, or 30 to 40 minutes at 30 to 35 °C. Quartz tolerates warmer baths and shorter times.
Can I use it on coated optics?
No. Hellmanex III is for uncoated surfaces only. Do not use it on coated optics.
Is it safe on quartz, sapphire and porcelain?
Yes. It is intended for glass and quartz-glass cuvettes, sensitive optical parts, and laboratory equipment in glass, quartz, sapphire and porcelain, provided the surfaces are uncoated.
Can I clean in an ultrasonic bath?
No. Do not clean cuvettes in an ultrasonic bath.
How long does one bottle last?
A 1.0 litre bottle makes about 50 litres of 2% cleaning bath, which is roughly 200 baths of 250 mL. A laboratory running one bath a week uses about 260 mL a year.
What should I rinse with?
Ultrapure water. Rinse thoroughly and replace the contents of the rinse bath at least three times.
Can I leave cuvettes soaking in a warm bath overnight?
Do not let the solution evaporate in a cuvette at elevated temperature. The concentration rises as it evaporates and the high pH can damage the surface.
Do you accept purchase orders?
Yes. We accept purchase orders and net terms. Email your PO to info.us@hellma.com or call (516) 939-0888 and we will invoice your institution.