Instructions for Philips PW1830.pdf

STEP 4: DIFFRACTOMETER USAGE
1. Make sure the computer is switched on.
2. Load sample in to the diffractometer. Old samples must be removed, tipped in to
aluminium foil, labelled with the date and name of whoever ran the sample, then
placed in to the used specimen box for collection.
3. Place chamber door onto goniometer.
4. Ensure that all shielding is correctly positioned and close doors.
5. Make sure the shutter is closed, then launch the ‘HBX’ software, if not running.
- Note: If you try to launch the HBX software, and it appears to already be running,
simply press Ctrl, Alt and Delete, and close the HBX software before trying again.
6. Set the scanning parameters:
(i) Starting angle, in degrees 2θ (> 3º).
(ii) Finish angle, in degrees 2θ (< 160º).
(iii) Step size, in degrees 2θ (> 0.01º; 0.02 is a good standard, though 0.05 is often
best for quick, good quality data for phase analyses. Use 0.01 for cell refinement).
(iv) Scan speed in degrees per minute (between 0.1 and 2 degrees/minute).
(v) Enter comment, if desired, for your own reference.
(vi) Enter sample name (8 or less characters, no ‘special’ characters).
(vii) Save your data in your folder on the hard drive by selecting ‘Options’/’Data
Path and Type’ and then selecting your data folder.
7. Press ‘Begin Scan’ on the PC.
8. When prompted, open the shutter by holding the SHUTTERS button, and then
pressing the ‘OPEN’ button for shutter 2.
Note: if the shutter fails to open, the most common cause is the enclosure door being poorly
fitted.
9. Use mini-monitor to check for any radiation leaks.
10. MAKE SURE THAT YOU FILL IN THE LOG BOOK.
The scan may be stopped at any time with ‘STOP+SAVE’ or ‘ABORT SCAN’.