Common sense about use of thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA)

1. The measured sample shall be placed at the center of crucible.

2. For temperature calibration, the magnet placed under the stove shall approach, but not touch the stove.

3. When the temperature is below 800℃, the gas flow is set at 60mL/min; when the temperature is above 800℃, the gas flow is set at 100mL/min.

4. The temperature calibration is necessary when the thermal coupling moves or the temperature is not accurate.

5. For the instrument that is often used, the weight calibration shall be performed once a month; for the instrument that is not often used, the weight calibration shall be performed before use.

6. During test, the test bed shall be kept stable, and not shaken.

7. If the ceramic crucible is used, the instrument shall be calibrated after the ceramic crucible is removed.

8. The crucible shall be clamped in the instrument slot.

9. Normally, the measured sample shall not be more than 10mg; when the temperature is above 800℃, 5~7mg sample shall be used.

10. For cooling upon test completion, the stove can be lowered when the temperature drops below 200℃, to quicken the cooling; the stove must be not be lowered when the temperature is above 200℃ because the rapid oxidation at high temperature is harmful to the instrument.

11. The sample can be taken or placed only when the crucible is removed from the hook.

12. Every time after use, the crucible and hook shall be wiped clean with alcohol pad; when the test temperature is high, it is best to bake the crucible with alcohol burner in order to avoid polluting the sample of next test.