When it comes to the preparation of samples, the main focus is on a functioning application and that the results correspond to the analytical requirements. But for applications to function safely when working with acids, it is important to not only understand the chemistry behind the digestion but the construction-relevant aspects as well.
In microwave digestion, the sample is heated with an acid mixture up to 260°C in a microwave-transparent pressure vessel. In the process, the sample disintegrates completely and goes into solution. The advantage of microwave heating is that the sample solution is heated very quickly and selectively. To minimize safety risks caused by spontaneously induced exothermic reactions, monitoring the pressure and temperature parameters is particularly important. Modern sensor systems do not just measure pressure and temperature, they provide important data for controlling the microwave performance. (...)
