Physical testing
Polarimeter
Measures how much a solution of a chiral substance rotates the plane of polarised light. The result is used to calculate specific optical rotation, an identity and purity test for many APIs.
- Pharmaceutical
- Food & sugar
- Flavours & fragrances
- Chemicals
- Academic research
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Maintenance checklist
Daily / each use
- Zero with the solvent blank
- Check with a quartz control plate if your SOP requires it
- Clean tubes and windows after use
Monthly
- Inspect tube windows and seals for scratches or leaks
- Clean the sample compartment
- Check the temperature display against a calibrated probe (or as your SOP requires)
Six-monthly / annual
- Calibrate optical rotation with certified quartz plates
- Calibrate the sample temperature
- Preventive maintenance and lamp check by the service engineer
- Send quartz plates for recertification when due
SAFETY
Safety precautions
Before you work on the Polarimeter
- Handle organic solvents in a fume hood and keep them away from ignition sources.
- Glass tubes and windows break easily; handle them carefully and dispose of broken glass safely.
- Do not look directly into an LED or lamp source with the cover open.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when filling tubes with hazardous solutions.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management
Keep every Polarimeter in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.