Introduction to Glass Expansion Spray Chambers
The spray chamber is a crucial component of the ICP sample introduction system since it has a profound effect on transport efficiency, precision, and
washout. Glass Expansion revolutionized the spray chamber design for the ICP industry with the Tracey and Twister cyclonic spray chamber, providing
improved efficiency and reduced washout. Glass Expansion’s unique Helix CT nebulizer interface, provides a zero dead volume seal that results in higher
throughput compared to non-Glass Expansion designs.
4
Helix CT - The Modern Interface Between
Nebulizer and Spray Chamber
Traditionally, ICP-OES and ICP-MS sample introduction systems have
relied on o-rings to form a gas-tight seal between the nebulizer and spray
chamber. There are several drawbacks with an o-ring seal, such as:
• Potential for contamination due to dead volume around the o-ring seal
• Chemical resistivity of strong acids and organic solvents
• The o-rings are difficult to replace, often requiring tools
• Bonding to the nebulizer can result in breakage
Glass Expansion is now pleased to introduce the new Helix CT spray
chamber with ConstantTorque technology, which provides a constant,
reproducible, inert, gas-tight seal between the nebulizer and spray
chamber.
The main feature of the Helix CT spray chamber is a new Helix locking
screw with built-in torque control mechanism that allows for a consistent
seal of the PTFE ferrule against the nebulizer –making it impossible to
overtighten or undertighten while ensuring a gas-tight seal each and every
time.
A new PressFit PTFE ferrule provides a chemically inert seal around the
nebulizer, which is immune to strong acids and organic solvents routinely
used in ICP sample preparation.
The new Helix CT cyclonic spray chamber by Glass Expansion, therefore,
eliminates all the drawbacks of the o-ring nebulizer seal, while improving
user safety by preventing broken nebulizers.
Spray Chambers
Locking Screw Seal
Spray Chamber Types
Tracey Internal Volume, mL:
Internal Baffle:
HF-resistant:
Precision:
Purity:
Material:
50
No
No
Very Good
Good
Glass
Twister Internal Volume, mL:
Internal Baffle:
HF-resistant:
Precision:
Purity:
Material:
50
Yes
No
Excellent
Good
Glass
Cinnabar Internal Volume, mL:
Internal Baffle:
HF-resistant:
Precision:
Purity:
Material:
20
No
No
Very Good
Good
Glass
Twinnabar Internal Volume, mL:
Internal Baffle:
HF-resistant:
Precision:
Purity:
Material:
20
Yes
No
Very Good
Good
Glass
Tracey TFE Internal Volume, mL:
Internal Baffle:
HF-resistant:
Precision:
Purity:
Material:
50
No
Yes
Good
Good
PTFE
Twister TFE Internal Volume, mL:
Internal Baffle:
HF-resistant:
Precision:
Purity:
Material:
50
Yes
Yes
Very Good
Good
PTFE
Tracey PFA44 Internal Volume, mL:
Internal Baffle:
HF-resistant:
Precision:
Purity:
Material:
44
No
Yes
Good
Excellent
PFA