NEWS
Design Improvements
U-Series
In 2009 Glass Expansion introduced the U-SeriesTM glass concentric
nebulizer. The previous design used an EzyFitTM sample connector
that slides into the sample arm port. Because the end of the EzyFit
connector did not always exactly match the end of the port in
the nebulizer arm, a small gap could result to varying degrees.
The U-Series nebulizer features instead a UniFit connector that slides
easily over the sample arm of the nebulizer creating an excellent seal
and a zero dead volume connection. You can see in Figure 1 (A)
that the VitriCone sample channel of the U-Series glass concentric
nebulizers is uniform from entry point to the nebulizer tip. Since there
is nowhere for the sample or particulates to be trapped, you get the
fastest possible washout and highest sample throughput.
A comparison of the EzyFit connector (A) and UniFit connector (B)
is shown in Figure 2. All of the glass concentric nebulizers (MicroMist,
SeaSpray, Conikal, and Slurry) are available in the U-Series style.
The U-series nebulizer still includes the same EzyLok argon
connector line for safe, easy, and effective connection to the argon
supply line. The U-Series glass concentric nebulizers will deliver the
same outstanding performance as the EzyFit style since the internal
construction is unchanged, but provide all the benefits of the UniFit
connector. Another modification implemented at the same time as
the U-Series design was to specify all nebulizers at 40 psi (276kPa),
which was the pressure found to give optimum performance. Since
all nebulizers now have the same pressure specification, we changed
the part number prefix from ARxx to ARG.
OpalMist and PolyCon
In 2011 the OpalMist and PolyCon nebulizers were re-designed.
With the previous design, the sample tubing was connected using
a screw-on cap and o’ring seal while the EzyLok argon connector
was permanently connected to the side-arm. The new design is
more user-friendly and accommodates the same UniFit sample
tube connector as our U-Series glass concentric nebulizers. The
EzyLok argon connector is attached by a screw-in fitting that is
easily removable. The updated OpalMist and PolyCon nebulizers
deliver the same outstanding performance as the previous design
since the internal construction is unchanged. The updated
OpalMist (A) is compared to the previous design (B) in Figure 4.
The updated PolyCon has the same design.
A. Updated OpalMist design
UniFit Connector
B. Previous OpalMist design
Removable gas line
Argon EzyLok Connector
Figure 4: Updated nebulizer design for Glass Expansion HF resistant concentric nebulizers.
VeeSpray
The new Ceramic VeeSprayTM nebulizer design was also released
in 2009. The focus of the VeeSpray re-design was to make it
simpler, while maintaining its ability to handle the widest range
of samples and largest particulates. The VeeSpray is now only
available with a ceramic body, making it ideal for any sample
matrix. It is also a fully serviceable nebulizer, allowing the ICP
analyst to easily replace the sample tube, gas tube, even the
ceramic body (Figure 5).
A. Glass Expansion concentric glass nebulizer with EzyFit
EzyFit Connector
B. Glass Expansion U-Series concentric glass nebulizer
UniFit Connector
Figure 2: Glass Expansion EzyFit and UniFit sample connector.
Removable ceramic body
Removable sample tube
Argon EzyLok Connector
Removable gas tube
Figure 5: Updated nebulizer design for Glass Expansion Ceramic VeeSpray.
The U-Series glass concentric nebulizer is a great improvement for
all labs, but has an extra advantage for those that are conducting
speciation measurements. With the Glass Expansion LC Fittings
Kit (P/N FT-16-8), any glass concentric U-Series nebulizer can be
quickly and easily connected to an LC, IC, or HPLC with a zero
dead volume connection. The standard LC Fittings Kit is configured
to connect typical eluent tubing (1.6mm or 1/16 inch OD) to the
U-Series sample arm (3.2mm or 1/8 inch OD). A diagram of the kit
connected to a U-Series nebulizer is pictured in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Glass Expansion LC Fittings Kit and U-Series glass concentric nebulizer
(zero dead volume).
www.geicp.com Glass Expansion Newsletter | Issue 31 | page 2
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