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 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. The U-Series glass concentric nebulizer is a great improvement for ceramic body (Figure 5). 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). Removable ceramic body Removable sample tube Argon EzyLok Connector Removable gas tube Figure 5: Updated nebulizer design for Glass Expansion Ceramic VeeSpray. www.geicp.com Glass Expansion Newsletter | Issue 31 | page 2
Glass Expansion News June 2013
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