Application Spotlight
real-time display of the liquid flow to the nebulizer. The TruFlo can
be used to alert the analyst when the inline filter needs to be backflushed
in addition to optimizing nebulizer conditions.
Spray chamber
To avoid the risk of breakage, washing glass spray chambers in an
ultrasonic bath is not recommended. If you notice a degradation in
performance (such as poorer precision or detection limits) or droplets
accumulating on the walls of the spray chamber, it is time to clean
the spray chamber. Aspirating a 2.5% Fluka RBS-25 solution for 15
minutes may be sufficient to recover the performance. Otherwise, the
spray chamber should be soaked overnight in a 25% Fluka RBS-25
solution and rinsed the following day with DI water.
Torch
As with the nebulizer, it is good practice to always finish use of a
torch by nebulizing a mildly-acidic blank solution for several minutes.
This ensures that sample deposits or crystals don't form inside the
torch injector bore when the solution inside the injector dries out.
Salt deposits can occur near the end of the outer tube and should be
regularly removed to prolong the torch life. This is best accomplished
by soaking the torch or outer tube in a 25% solution of Fluka RBS-
25. We recommend that you do not leave the torch in an ultrasonic
bath as this may damage the quartz. If deposits on the outer tube
is a persistent problem, in some cases, a torch with a shorter outer
tube may be available. Although this may result in a small loss of
sensitivity, it can also lead to a significant improvement in torch life.
The other alternative is a fully ceramic D-Torch which is less likely to
accumulate salt deposits for reasons discussed previously.
Conclusions
If you want the best performance your ICP-OES or ICP-MS can
provide, it is essential that you choose the proper sample introduction
system to meet the demands of your sample types. In this application
note, a complete sample introduction package was presented to
improve ICP performance in a high TDS sample matrix.
An easy way to eliminate drift, interrupted runs and frequent
maintenance to your ICP sample introduction system is to add
the Elegra argon humidifier. The D-Torch offers an affordable,
robust ICP torch design while greatly reducing torch consumable
costs. The optional ceramic outer tube for the D-Torch provides a
significant improvement in torch life and stability in the presence of
high TDS. Combining either the SeaSpray or DuraMist nebulizer
with the Twister spray chamber will provide optimum sensitivity and
exceptional long-term precision even in the presence of high TDS.
The Niagara CM Rapid Rinse accessory provides a simple lowcost
approach to improving ICP productivity and washout efficiency
while minimizing sample consumption. Proper care and regularly
scheduled maintenance of your sample introduction system can help
to maintain optimum performance and increase lifetime. The Fluka
RBS-25 solution is an essential cleaning solution that every high
TDS ICP laboratory should have on hand. It provides an excellent
cleaning reagent for your entire sample introduction system.
Glass Expansion’s intimate understanding of the relationship
between the various sample introduction components, together
with our expertise in manufacturing high quality nebulizers,
spray chambers, torches, ICP-MS cones and ICP accessories,
means that we can offer you a complete solution regardless of
your sample matrix. Visit us at www.geicp.com or contact us at
equiries@geicp.com to find the best solution for your ICP laboratory.
References
1. Glass Expansion June 2003 Newsletter, “Determination of Trace
Metals in Seawater by ICP-AES.”
2. Glass Expansion June 2010 Newsletter, “Dealing with High Salt
Matrices.”
3. Glass Expansion February 2016 Newsletter, “The Elegra Argon
Humidifier: Uninterrupted and Maintenance-Free ICP Operation.”
4. Agilent Technologies Application Note # 5991-4257EN,
“Performance of Agilent 7900 ICP-MS with UHMI for high salt
matrix analysis,” (2014)
5. Perkin Elmer Product Note # 012394-01, “All Matrix Solution
System for the NexION ICP-MS.” (2015)
6. Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical Note # 43202, "Analysis of
High Martix Samples using Argon Gas Dilution with the Thermo
Scientific iCAP Q ICP-MS.” (2016)
7. Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical Note # 43053, “Radial
Demountable Ceramic Torch for the Thermo Scientific iCAP
6000 Series ICP Spectrometer.” (2010)
8. Glass Expansion October 2013 Newsletter, “How to Achieve
High Accuracy with Difficult Samples.”
9. Glass Expansion October 2014 Newsletter, “ICP Spray Chamber
Update.”
10. Glass Expansion June 2013 Newsletter, “A Nebulizer Update.”
11. Glass Expansion October 2011 Newsletter, “Evaluation of a New
High Performance Inert Nebulizer.”
12. Glass Expansion June 2016 Newsletter, “A Simple, Low Cost
Approach to Improving ICP Productivity.”
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