746 VA Trace Analyzer with MME Pro - Changing the Needle & Capillary

Introduction

Replacing the needle and capillary on the MME Pro is a routine maintenance procedure that helps ensure reliable mercury drop formation and accurate voltammetric measurements on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. This article guides you through replacing both components, adjusting the needle valve, and verifying proper electrode operation before returning the electrode to service.

Before beginning, ensure you have all required replacement parts, tools, and accessories available, including a new needle, replacement capillary, the MME key, grey mounting ring, drip tray, and electrode stand. Follow the video in sequence to correctly install the new components, adjust the needle valve, and confirm proper DME, SMDE, or HMDE functionality before resuming measurements.

Video

Topics Covered

  • Changing the Capillary (0:06)
    • The following work must be carried out over the plastic tray! In addition to the MME pro, the following are required to change the capillary: drip tray, electrode stand, new capillary, the MME key, and scissors.
    • To prepare, open the needle valve with 1 to 2 turns counterclockwise, ensuring that the black sealing ring remains visible.
    • Check if there is still mercury in the capillary. Gently tap the capillary to move it back into the electrode body. Then hold the retaining screw and pull the capillary out.
    • Do not touch the needle with your bare fingers during this process.
    • Insert the capillary into the MME pro and, using gentle twisting motions, push it down through the seal until it stops. Then, loosely tighten the retaining screw by hand. To secure the capillary, place the key on top and use one finger to turn the retaining screw clockwise until the key falls off. Do not re-engage the key.
    • The application areas of the standard capillary (6.1226.030) and the silanized capillary (6.1226.050) can be found in the corresponding data sheet for the capillaries.
  • Changing the Needle (01:52)
    • The following work must be carried out over the plastic tray! In addition to the MME pro, the following are required to change the needle: drip tray, electrode stand, grey mounting ring, new needle, the MME key, and scissors.
    • Turn the needle holder counterclockwise until it can no longer be turned out, and then carefully pull it out using the grey mounting ring.
    • Replace the needle. To do this, cut open the plastic packaging of the new needle with scissors. Insert the needle into the hole in the diaphragm and push it in until the white mark is reached.
    • Insert the needle holder with the new needle into the MME pro and turn it clockwise until the black sealing ring is just visible. This prevents mercury from leaking out. Do not turn the needle holder in too far. The needle valve will be adjusted later on the measuring stand.
  • Adjusting the Needle Valve (03:08)
    • The needle valve is adjusted in the measuring station.
    • Before inserting an electrode with a new capillary, be sure to empty the measuring vessel (any solution entering the vessel can render the capillary unusable)!
    • Step 1: Pressurize the electrode (required pressure 1.0 to 1.2 bar). On the "STAND" page, activate the pressure ("Pressure") using the function key "F1". Once a large mercury droplet has formed, add approximately 20 mL of water and a few drops of KCl solution to the measuring vessel.
    • Step 2 (coarse adjustment): Turn the needle holder clockwise until no more mercury flows out.
      It has proven useful to check after each half turn, by observing the formation of new drops, whether the capillary is already sealed by the needle.
    • Step 3 (fine adjustment): Slowly rotate the needle holder counterclockwise until a new droplet forms.
      Close the capillary again with a small clockwise turn (approx. 10°).
    • Step 4: Rotate the needle holder another 90–100° clockwise. The electrode is now ready for use. Droplet formation can be controlled by the software.
  • Verifying electrode function in DME, SMDE, and HMDE operating modes (06:48)
    • DME – Dropping Mercury Electrode. The classic dropping mercury electrode.
    • When the DME electrode type is switched on, the needle valve opens, mercury flows through the capillary and forms a droplet, the actual electrode. Once the droplet reaches a certain size, it falls off. A new droplet then forms. This process repeats itself throughout the entire measurement cycle. In normal operation, the drop-off mechanism ensures that the droplet falls off after a defined time.
    • To check the DME function, activate the DME electrode type on the "STAND" page using the function key "F4". Drop formation is correct if the drop falls from the capillary at regular intervals.
    • SMDE – Static Mercury Drop Electrode. A dripping mercury electrode, like the DME, but with a static surface, like the HMDE.
    • With the SMDE electrode type, the needle valve opens for only a few milliseconds. During this time, mercury flows through the capillary, forming a droplet with a defined surface area. After a short time, this droplet is removed from the capillary by the knock-off mechanism. A new droplet then forms and is knocked off again after a short time. This process is repeated throughout the entire measurement cycle.
    • To check the SMDE function, select the SMDE electrode type on the "STAND" page using the "F6" function key. Drop formation is correct if each stroke of the ejection mechanism removes an equally sized droplet from the capillary.
    • HMDE – Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode. The hanging mercury drop electrode; a single hanging drop of mercury serves as the electrode.
    • When the HMDE electrode type is switched on, any existing mercury droplet is first removed by the knock-off mechanism. The needle valve then opens for a few milliseconds. During this time, mercury flows through the capillary, forming a droplet with a defined surface area, which serves as the electrode for the entire measurement cycle. Only when the electrode is switched on again does a new droplet form.
    • To check the function of the HMDE, activate the HMDE electrode type on the "STAND" page using the function key "F5". Drop formation is correct when the old drop is knocked off and a new drop forms. The drop should not increase in size over time. Reactivating the electrode will produce a new drop.

Additional Support

If you encounter any issues or need additional help, please submit a support ticket through Metrohm Technical Support. 

For more detailed training on any of these topics, explore our Metrohm Custom Training options. 

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