Micro spatula

Mikro-spatel, m. micro spatula, -stativ, n, micro stand, -tomschnitt, m. microtome section. -trichter, m. micro funnel, -verbren-nung,/. microcombustion, mikrovolumetrisch, a. microvolumetric. Mikro-wa(a)ge, /. microbalance, -welle, /. 

It is advisable to use only a feeble vacuum when filtering, otherwise solvent may be lost and filters blocked. The Emich stick should be lowered slowly into the solution, so that the crystals collect at the bottom of the testtube and can be well pressed together. After release of the vacuum, the walls of the testtube and the crystals are washed with a few drops of cold solvent, which is then sucked off. Finally the filter stick is lifted carefully out of the tube, and the crystals adhering to its surface are removed by a micro spatula. 

Arrest the balance again and lower the furnace. The calcium oxalate, which is a white powder, may now be added. This may be done with the crucible on the balance using a micro spatula and a steady hand ... 

It is also very important that the ground KBr and filler are not mixed roughly, i.e., by grinding, as the surface layers will be disrupted and non-representative data will be generated the two components should be mixed by a gentle folding motion with a micro-spatula. 

The powder is mixed thoroughly by means of a platininum wire or thin glass rod. Micro-spatulas and wooden tooth picks also serve for manipulating the powders. The mixing can be conducted in crucibles, on watch glasses or on glossy paper. 

---