Salt Plate Analysis
===================

.. important::

   Salt plates are stored in a desiccator when not in use. They **will** absorb
   moisure, so be sure to return them to the desiccator when you are finished.
 
#. Before scanning any of your samples, you must collect a background
   spectrum beforehand

-  The sample compartment should contain the salt plate with your
   solvent.

-  Click *Scan*

   .. image:: images/scanfirst.jpg

#. Starting with the lowest concentration sample, place several drops (2
   or 3) of your sample onto the salt plate using a Pasteur pipet
#. Load the salt plate into the sample holder. Be sure to only touch the
   outer edges of the salt plates to insert it into the holder.
#. You may notice that the “Scan” button you used has changed to a
   slightly different icon after running the background (it will still
   say *Scan*)
#. Click *Scan* and notice that a green progress bar appears at the
   bottom of the Viewing Pane
#. When the scan is complete, you will see your spectrum appear in the
   Viewing Pane
#. You can see a list of all of the scans you run below the Viewing
   Pane, as well as under the *Results* tab listed near the top

   .. image:: images/results.jpg1.jpg

#. After each scan, remove the salt plates carefully, and clean with
   methylene chloride between uses. This done by adding 2 drops to each
   salt plate and letting the plates air dry. 

   .. caution::
      The salt plates are very fragile, so when you go to clean them make sure
      to have a kim wipe down on the benchtop to set them on.

#. Load your next sample onto the plates and insert them into the
   compartment within the instrument
#. Continue this process for the rest of your samples by repeating the above
   steps