Policies

Training

The minimum level of training involves a 30 minute overview by CIF staff followed by a self-training session that also involves successfully running one size measurement training sample, and one zeta measurement training sample.  Additional training related to use of the MPT-2 titrator is also available from CIF staff; MPT-2 training requires several hours.

Access

Reservation via iLabs has been implemented for this instrument.

Cuvettes

You must provide your own cuvettes.  These can be ordered directly from Malvern; there is a direct link to their on-line store within the Zetasizer software!. Note that the Accessories Guide PDF should already be on your desktop.  This lists all the various cuvettes available and their uses.  Cuvettes that came with the instrument have already been distributed to the faculty that supported the purchase.

Software Distribution

We have several CD copies of the Malvern Zetasizer software.  You may borrow a CD and load the software on your university-owned desktop or laptop.  You may not load it on your personal computer.  You may not share the software with anyone.  The software is intended to load on PC's running Windows 7 OS.  The software may load on other platforms and/or alternative operating systems, but I do not have those protocols; you are on your own.  If you do load the software successfully in an alternate environment, please e-mail me the details so that I can share with others.

Data Archival

Your measurement files are being archived in the research cloud storage space.  Access them using the same protocols you use to access your NMR data.  The remote data access tutorial describes the procedure.

Reporting Problems

Your desktop should include an Errors folder and both Word and Snag-It program links.  If errors are encountered, or you find anomalies in the software, please start a Word document; save it in the Errors folder with a date-coded filename (yyyy-mm-dd). Use Snipping-Tool or Snag-It to screen capture the error and paste it into the Word document.  Send me an e-mail if you wish to discuss the issue.

Logbook

Please put an entry in the logbook each time you use the instrument.  Also note if you encountered a problem; be sure that the details are in the date-coded Word document in the Errors folder.