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Having a problem with Salicylic acid paddles running low on paddles in one vessel? You are deaerating properly, and are sure of the standard, because all the other vessels passed middle of the range. The vessels are brand new. The mechanical parameters are perfect. Baskets pass as well. What would you suggest?

First of all, you can eliminate the tablets, if all other vessels are passing mid range. Usually this is my first suggestion because of the subliming of salicylic acid. However, if all other vessels are passing and all tablets are from the same bottle. Then I would suspect the vessel. If it were not one vessel but all, then I would suspect the media pH. But, this is not the case here.

Take it out and look at it. It may have a ridge, dent, or other defect. No matter how perfect, all are hand made and have subtle flaws. Because salicylic is non-disintegrating, it is sensitive to vessels flaws under paddle conditions. You won't have this with baskets, because they are not in contact with the vessel. If you haven't already, make note of the vessel positions and replace the suspect vessel and keep all other vessels in the same position.

A few years back, the PHRMA study claimed that Salicylic Acid was not sensitive to mechanical parameters. However, they forgot about vessel imperfections.