1.0 OBJECTIVE: 1.1 Objective of this Standard Operating Procedure is to provide guidelines for the Cleaning and Operation of the Polarimeter. The fundamental principle of polarimetric analysis is based on the existence of optical activity in substances, ie. The ability of a substance to rotate plane-polarized light.
2.0 SCOPE: 2.1 Standard Operating Procedure is applicable for the Cleaning and Operation of Polarimeter in Quality Control department.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
3.1 Preparation: Quality Control chemist
3.2 Review: Head Quality control
3.3 Approval: Head of Quality Assurance Department
4.0 DEFINITION (S)
4.1 SOP: Detailed written instructions for procedures routinely performed in the course of any of the activities associated with pharmaceutical manufacturing. They are used to achieve uniformity of performance.
4.2 Format: An approved designed layout of a document having space for recording/data entry as a part of the documentation.
5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1 Operation
5.1.1 Switch on the mains and wait till the sodium lamp glows with its full intensity.
5.1.2 Adjust the temperature of the solution whose optical rotation is to be determined to 25°C.
5.1.3 Fill water in a polarimeter tube, clean both ends with a lint-free cloth or tissue paper & Place it inappropriate place.
5.1.4 Remove the bubble if present by tilting the tube upward or downward.
5.1.5 Turn the control wheel till there is no demarcation (equal intensity should be there) on the telescopic field.
5.1.6 Turn the knurled knob to a measurable point.
5.1.7 Record the analyzer reading by seeing through the eyepiece. It should be zero. That is called the balance point.
5.1.8 Water to be replaced by the solution whose optical rotation is to be determined.
5.1.9 Calculate the Optical rotation / Specific rotation.
5.2 Precautions:
5.2.1 The sample compartment lid should be closed while making a measurement.
5.2.2 The air bubble should be removed before setting zero.
5.2.3 Sample compartment should be cleaned before and after measurement.
5.3 Cleaning :
5.3.1 Remove the electrical connection of the machine.
5.3.2 Open its lid and remove the sample tube from the sample chamber. Open its tip end, purge the sample solution, and wash the tube with Purified water at least three times.
5.3.3 Clean the external surface similarly.
5.3.4 Wash the Tip piece and body tube thoroughly with methanol.
5.3.5 Finally, dry the tube with tissue paper.
5.3.6 Clean the entire working space.
Related: SOP for Magnetic Stirrer in Pharmaceutical
6.0 Abbreviation:
SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
QA: Quality Assurance
QCL: Quality Control Laboratory.
NA: Not Applicable.