Andrew J. Gellman Group S.O.P.

1. Handling and transferring of nitric acid may cause burns if not performed with adequate safety equipment. Prior to handling of any chemical, consult the MSDS for information regarding potential hazards and toxicity.
2. Mixing acid and water is an exothermic process. Always add acid to water to avoid splattering.
3. Familiarize yourself with the spill kit in B205. It is a 20 gallon yellow bucket containing various media to contain acid, base, and other liquid spills.
4. The propane torch should only be used in a well-ventilated area away from flammable substances.

1. Clean two beakers large enough to hold the gasket that is to be annealed.
2. Fill one beaker with deionized water and fill the other beaker with dilute (1 M) nitric acid.
3. Place the gasket on the insulating brick and heat the gasket with the torch until the gasket is red-hot.
4. Using tongs, place the hot gasket in the beaker of water for a few seconds to cool the gasket to room temperature.
5. Remove the gasket from the water and place it in the dilute nitric acid solution.
6. Once the annealed gasket is clean, remove from dilute nitric acid and rinse with deionized water, then acetone or isopropanol.
7. Dispose of the dilute nitric acid in the appropriate waste container.