MicrowaveDigestionPrepQualityChecker

Microwave Digestion Prep Quality Checker — Control of Microwave Digestion Quality

ℹ️  Utility checks critical parameters of sample preparation for elemental analysis:
   • Temperature: reaching target value (e.g., 180°C)
   • Pressure: within safe operating limits
   • Hold Time: sufficient for complete matrix oxidation
   • Visual Check: absence of precipitate (complete digestion)

⚠️  CRITICAL: Presence of precipitate or failure to reach temperature leads to incomplete analyte extraction!
   This causes systematic error (underestimation) in subsequent ICP-MS/AAS analysis.

Usage:
 MicrowaveDigestionPrepQualityChecker.exe                            → demo mode (console output)
 MicrowaveDigestionPrepQualityChecker.exe input.csv output.json      → evaluate your data

Input format:
BatchNumber,MaxTemperatureC,MaxPressureBar,HoldTimeMin,FinalVolumeMl,HasPrecipitate

Example:
 DIGEST-2026-001,180.0,35.0,15.0,50.0,0

— WHY IS THIS NEEDED?
Microwave digestion is a standard method for preparing solid and liquid samples for heavy metal and elemental impurity determination.
• High temperature and pressure in closed vessels ensure rapid and complete destruction of organic matrix.
• Control of cycle parameters (T, P, t) guarantees extraction reproducibility.
• Visual inspection is a mandatory QC step before dilution and analysis.
• Automation of instrument log checks allows rapid rejection of failed samples.

⚠️  CRITICAL:
• Failure to reach target temperature may indicate sensor malfunction or incorrect sample weight.
• Pressure exceedance is dangerous and can cause vessel rupture.
• Precipitate indicates presence of insoluble compounds (e.g., sulfates, silicates) or incomplete carbon oxidation.
• For complex matrices, two-stage digestion or HF addition (with caution) may be required.

Key features:
• Verification of digestion profile compliance with method.
• Safety control (pressure).
• Assessment of digestion completeness by visual sign.

Critical parameters:
• Temperature: Target ± Tolerance
• Pressure: < Safety Limit
• Hold Time: >= Minimum Required
• Precipitate: None (0)

💡 Usage tips:
1. Always use high-purity reagents (Trace Metal Grade).
2. Thoroughly clean vessels between runs to avoid cross-contamination.
3. Check vessel sealing rings for integrity.
4. Allow vessels to cool completely before opening in fume hood.
5. If precipitate is present, try adding fresh acid and repeating the cycle.

⚠️ Note: Some elements (e.g., mercury) may be lost at high temperatures if special additives or cooling modes are not used. They require specific control of the temperature profile.