EM-Storr vacuum sample storage containers

NEW The EM-Storr vacuum sample storage container has been specifically developed to protect SEM / FIB / TEM samples and calibration standards under vacuum during storage and transportation. It is ideal for protecting TEM grids, SEM stubs and other valuable EM samples from air, moisture and dust.

The modern space saving design and superior construction of the EM-Storr uses high vacuum compatible materials to reduce outgassing and to hold vacuum for extended periods. Several EM-Storr can be stacked on top of each other saving valuable space in the laboratory.

Operating instructions

Storing samples under vacuum

• Place the EM-Storr vacuum sample container on a stable and flat surface
• Make sure that the EM-Storr vacuum container is up-right and level
• Place the samples in the storage area: for SEM stubs use SEM stub gripper tweezers and push the pin in the holes. Select appropriate holes to maximise storage capacity
• Check if O-ring surface is clean; if not wipe clean with a lint-free cloth
• Check if glass lid is clean; if not wipe clean with a lint-free cloth
• Place glass lid on the O-ring; center the lid so it doesn’t touch the protective posts
• Connect vacuum pump to the barbed hose connection on the vacuum valve using a 6mm vacuum hose
• Make sure the vacuum valve is opened (turn counter clock-wise)
• Switch the vacuum pump on and pump down (push down on the glass lid to provide an initial seal if needed)
• When the required vacuum level has been reached, close the vacuum valve (turn clock-wise)
• Switch the vacuum pump off and remove the 6mm vacuum hose.
• The samples are now stored under vacuum

Retrieving samples from vacuum

• Place the EM-Storr vacuum sample storage container on a stable and flat surface
• Make sure that the EM-Storr vacuum container is up-right and level
• Open vacuum valve (turn counter clock-wise) to vent; you might hear a hissing sound
• Remove the glass lid; it might be needed to pull the glass lid to break the seal on the O-ring
• Place the glass lid on a soft clean surface
• The samples can be removed from the vacuum container

Maintenance

Maintenance of EM-Storr

The EM-Storr vacuum sample storage container requires little maintenance:

• Keep the sealing O-ring clean and dust free.
• When the O-ring gets damaged; replace with an NBR (Nitrile rubber) O-ring size: Ø85mm ID x Ø5mm cross section.
• When the O-ring dries out, remove, clean and use high vacuum grease to grease the O-ring; fully remove excess grease before replacing.
• Over time, the PTFE seal on the vacuum valve may require some tightening; do not over-tighten.
• The pin stubs and the Hitachi adapters are held by small O-rings underneath the sample plate; if they get damaged replace with a silicon O-ring size: Ø3mm ID x Ø1.5mm cross section.
• If the glass lid gets damaged, do not use it and replace it with a new glass lid. Part number: 13-001050-G

The superior construction of the EM-Storr vacuum sample storage container uses high vacuum compatible materials: vacuum grade aluminum, a hardened safety glass lid, NBR (Nitrile rubber) O-ring and an all metal high vacuum valve with PTFE shaft seal. The outside of the aluminium container is hard anodised for protection. To reduce out-gassing and to hold vacuum for extended periods, the inside surface is machined vacuum grade aluminium with a glass lid.
The EM-Storr is capable of reaching vacuum in the 10-4 mbar range. The vacuum connection for pump-down is a 6mm (1/4”) barbed hose fitting – compatible with 6mm thick wall silicon vacuum hose.
The EM-Storr vacuum containers are stackable; the octagonal design is optimised for handling, strength and weight.

Construction

EM-Storr Description

The EM-Storr vacuum container is constructed using high vacuum design guidelines and high vacuum compatible materials:
• Vacuum grade aluminium, protective anodised coating only outside the vacuum chamber
• Hardened safety glass lid Ø100mm x10mm; specified to withstand 7 bar
• NBR O-ring with size: Ø85mm x Ø5mm cross section
• All metal high vacuum valve with PTFE shaft seal and 6mm (1/4”) barbed hose connection
• Silicon O-ring to hold the pin stubs or Hitachi stub adapters with size: Ø3mm ID x Ø1.5mm cross section
The outside of the aluminium container is hard anodised for protection. To reduce outgassing and to hold vacuum for extended periods, the inside surface is machined vacuum grade aluminium with a glass lid.