Cleaning the Sample Introduction System
Issue
The sample introduction components including nebulizer, spray chamber, injector tube and torch require periodic cleaning which is dependent on the application and volume of samples being analyzed.
Environment
- iCAP 7000 Series
- iCAP PRO
- iCAP Qnova Series
Resolution
The following steps apply to components used to analyze aqueous matrices:
Cleaning the Nebulizer
1) Soak Nebulizer in an acidic solution for a couple of hours.
Some acceptable solutions are: 1:1 Nitric Acid, Dilute Aqua Regia, and 10% Nitric Acid
2) Rinse the nebulizer in DI water
a) Glass concentric nebulizers
With a syringe connected to the inlet of the nebulizer by a piece of Tygon tubing, insert the tip of the nebulizer into the acid bath used to soak the nebulizer and then pull the syringe in order to backflush the nebulizer. If you would like to backflush again, please disconnect the tygon tubing from the nebulizer in order to expunge the fluid in the syringe. You can repeat the backflush motion a few times in order to ensure that any potential blockages have been evacuated from the nebulizer.
Note: Form factor syringes are available that specifically fit the glass concentric nebulizers and can be ordered using P/N 1161990. These help to simplify the back flush process
b) PFA nebulizers
Note: Do NOT back flush the PFA nebulizers because this can damaged them. An Obstruction removal tool is available and can be ordered using P/N BRE0009666.
3) Rinse the nebulizer in DI water again.
Cleaning the Spray Chamber
- Soak the spray chamber in a cold acid bath consisting of 1:1 HNO3 OR 1 part HNO3 | 1 part HCl | 2 parts DI H2O overnight.
- Rinse the spray chamber with DI water.
Cleaning the Torch
1. Inspect the o-rings in the torch holder and replace if any wear or damage is visible.
2. Soak the torch in a dilute analytical-grade surfactant for five minutes to remove salt deposits.
3. To remove metallic deposits from the tip, separate the torch quartz section, immerse the tip of the torch in acid. (A mixture of nitric and hydrochloric similar to aqua regia is suitable.)
4. After cleaning, rinse the torch with de-ionized water and place it in a drying oven at 95 °C until it is dry. Rinsing with a volatile, zero residue, organic solvent (propanol is suitable) will aid drying. If a drying oven is not available, an acceptable alternative would be to allow the torch to air dry overnight.
Analysis
Cleaning the sample introduction components is especially important if adverse effects such as carry over are being witnessed in the analysis