Application Spotlight
rinse tubing to be used so that a constant flow to the plasma can be
achieved throughout the analysis. The performance of the Niagara
CM Rapid Rinse was highlighted in our June 2016 Newsletter.12
The typical time saved with the Niagara is around 30% as shown in
Figure 15. Niagara CM Rapid Rinse Accessory
Table 2. With the Niagara you also minimize the amount of sample
introduced into the plasma, since the valve switches immediately after
the read is complete directing excess sample to waste, bypassing the
sample introduction system. This feature can drastically reduce your
consumables costs, particularly for challenging sample matrices like
high TDS where the ICP torch and/or ICP-MS cones require frequent
cleaning and suffer from a shorter life.
Table 2. Method timing with and without the Niagara Rapid Rinse
Without Niagara Rapid Rinse With Niagara Rapid Rinse
Total Time (sec) 200 129
Improvement N/A 35%
Samples per hour 18 28
ICP-MS Cones
When dealing with a high TDS matrix analyzed by ICP-MS, Pt cones
are often preferred in place of Ni. The Pt insert runs hotter than Ni,
which slows the build-up of salts at the orifice. This allows the ICP-MS
analyst to run for longer periods of time before cone maintenance is
required. Unlike Ni cones, Pt cones can be economically refurbished
several times, as long as the orifice and tip are still in reasonably
good condition. This provides a high TDS ICP-MS laboratory with a
significant cost savings.
Glass Expansion manufactures ICP-MS cones to the same exacting
standards as all of our products and they are guaranteed to perform
to your satisfaction. Our manufacturing plant includes four CNC
machines and an electron beam welder allowing us to provide you
with the tightest manufacturing specifications.
We supply cones for all of the popular ICP-MS models including the
Agilent 7500, 7700, 7800, 7900 8800 and 8900, the PerkinElmer
Elan and NexION, and the Thermo Fisher X Series, Element
and iCAP Q. We also provide a Free Pt refurbishment service;
visit the Glass Expansion website to learn more.
Maintenance Procedures
Nebulizer
To keep your nebulizer in good condition, always finish a run by
nebulizing a mildly acidic blank solution followed by deionized water
for several minutes. This ensures that sample deposits do not form
inside the nebulizer when the solvent dries out.
If the nebulizer becomes blocked with salt build-up, the Eluo Nebulizer
Cleaning Tool provides a safe and convenient way to remove the
blockage from your Glass Expansion nebulizer. Never attempt to
remove a blockage with wires or probes; irreparable damage is likely
to result.
Glass Expansion Eluo designs:
• Eluo for glass concentric nebulizers (SeaSpray, Conikal,
MicroMist, Slurry) – P/N 70-ELUO
• Eluo for inert concentric nebulizers (OpalMist, DuraMist, PolyCon)
– P/N 70-ELUO-OPD
If there are salt deposits that cannot be removed with a quick
backflush using the Eluo, we recommend the following procedure:
1. Initially flush your nebulizer with warm water* using the Eluo.
2. Soak the nebulizer tip in a 25% solution of Fluka RBS-25 (P/N
FLUKA25) for 24 hours. Use the Eluo to make sure the Fluka
RBS-25 solution fills the nebulizer. An initial flush of 25% Fluka
using the Eluo may be required.
3. After 24 hours, flush the nebulizer 3 times with warm water* using
the Eluo.
4. Stubborn deposits may require an additional soaking for 2 hours
with a 5% nitric acid solution.
5. Flush 3 times with warm water* using the Eluo.
6. For faster drying, flush again with methanol.
* Warm water only recommended for use with glass or quartz
nebulizers.
A helpful video tutorial on nebulizer maintenance using the Eluo can
be found at: https://youtu.be/587QFobdQgE
Particulates
In order to prevent any issues with clogs or blockages due to
particulates (undissolved solids in your samples), install a re-usable
Inline particle filter (P/N 70-803-1108) which provides a simple and
effective way to eliminate the risk of particulates getting trapped in
your nebulizer or sample capillary tubing. It incorporates a re-usable
120 micron PEEK filter and is suitable for use with 1/16 inch (1.6mm)
or 1.3mm OD sample tubing. The filter can easily be cleaned by
back-flushing using an adaptor (P/N 70-803-1160) connected to the
Eluo Nebulizer Cleaning Tool.
The best cleaning procedure for the inline filter is to do a quick soak
(~5min) in a 25% Fluka RBS-25 solution, sonicate the assembly for
~5min, then backflush 3 times with warm DI water using the Eluo tool
and back flushing adapter. If you do not wish to use the Fluka RBS-
25, a similar glassware cleaner, or even dilute acid will help.
Glass Expansion’s Quality Assurance Kit (P/N KT-1136) combines
the re-usable inline filter, back flushing adapter, Eluo nebulizer
cleaner and TruFlo sample monitor providing your ICP laboratory with
all the tools necessary to protect and maintain your ICP nebulizer.
The addition of the TruFlo sample monitor provides a continuous
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