Don Potter

The new Savillex PFA Cyclonic Spray Chamber is the first inert chamber with the traditional shape of a glass cyclonic, and is also the first translucent inert chamber. Combining excellent stability with high sensitivity, the Savillex PFA offers performance similar to that of a good glass cyclonic. 

The Savillex PFA Cyclonic Spray Chamber (CSC) for ICP-OES and ICP-MS is manufactured using Savillex's unique stretch blow molding technology. Unlike other inert cyclonics, which are manufactured from individual machined parts that are assembled or welded together, stretch blow molding allows the Savillex PFA CSC to be molded in an optimum cyclonic shape similar to the traditional shape of a glass or quartz cyclonic. Its translucent walls allow the user to see inside the chamber during operation, while the very smooth surface finish helps improve washout. A deep spoiler is molded into the side walls, improving signal stability and preventing re-nebulization, and a drain guide on the baffle tip promotes smooth draining. The CSC is manufactured independently of the exit port and baffle, so that the same chamber can be used with and without a baffle, and even used on different instruments simply by changing the exit port/connector. The nebulizer port accepts any 6 mm OD nebulizer, although the port is optimized for the Savillex C-Flow PFA concentric: simply insert the C-Flow fully and tighten the port nut: nebulizer insertion depth is automatically optimized. The Savillex PFA CSC has excellent stability and sensitivity, and is also available with an optional surface treatment, which further enhances sensitivity. 

The performance of both versions of the Savillex PFA CSC (treated and untreated) was compared to a PFA cyclonic from another manufacturer ("PFA Cyclonic A"), using ICP-MS. The table above shows stability and sensitivity across the mass range, Ce2+ and CeO levels. Both versions of the Savillex PFA CSC demonstrated superior signal stability and sensitivity, and the Savillex treated version was 60% more sensitive than PFA Cyclonic A. For more information, go to 

Table I: 10 min stability test; nebulizer used: Savillex C400d PFA concentric, pumped at 350 ÂµL/min; 10 ppb multielement tune solution			

				10321 West 70th St., Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Articles

The new Savillex PFA Cyclonic Spray Chamber is the first inert chamber with the traditional shape of a glass cyclonic, and is also the first translucent inert chamber.

Savillex PFA Cyclonic Spray Chamber for ICP-OES and ICP-MS

The new Savillex C400d PFA concentric nebulizer for ICP-MS combines the reliability of a low flow glass nebulizer with the chemical resistance and low elemental background of a PFA concentric nebulizer. Its unique constant diameter capillary and removable uptake line with zero dead volume connector also gives the C400d excellent resistance to clogging and extremely fast washout.

While microconcentric PFA nebulizers are now used as standard with ICP-MS for semiconductor applications, most nonsemiconductor ICP-MS labs still use low flow glass concentric nebulizers due to their reliability, reproducibility, and relatively low cost. The new C400d PFA concentric nebulizer from Savillex is designed to be pumped at the lower uptake rates (350–400 µL/min) of today's ICP-MS systems and features the reliability and reproducibility of a low flow glass nebulizer, at a very competitive price point. Molded from high purity virgin PFA, the C400d also offers the chemical resistance and low metal background of a conventional PFA nebulizer, along with several unique features: Its two piece precision molded design allows precise optimization of back pressure during manufacture and incorporates an inner body that supports the capillary all the way to the tip, giving more consistent performance and significantly longer lifetime than other PFA nebulizers. 

The C400d is also extremely resistant to clogging by large particulates; inside the nebulizer body, a constant internal diameter (ID) capillary avoids the changes in ID which can be potential blockage points. And because the capillary is supported at the tip, the C400d can be easily and safely backflushed — without the need for tools. The C400d is capable of handling over 15% total dissolved solids. A screw threaded PFA gas inlet fitting ensures a reliable connection and includes a range of adapters to connect to common gas line sizes, while the removable sample uptake line connects to the body using Savillex's unique zero dead volume connector for consistent connections and the fastest possible washout. 

The table below compares the fundamental ICP-MS performance of the C400d with a PFA concentric and a low flow glass concentric. The C400d has been optimized for use at 1SLPM to match the carrier gas flow rates of ICP-MS, and it's 6 mm OD body fits all common spray chamber end caps. 

Table I: ICP-MS performance comparison. Carrier and make-up gas were adjusted to give the same oxide level so performance could be directly compared. A 10 ppb tune solution and sample uptake rate of 350 ÂµL/min (pumped) was used.			

Combining high performance, reliability and ruggedness with long lifetime and the widest possible sample matrix compatibility makes the C400d the perfect choice for routine, non-semiconductor ICP-MS applications. 

10321 West 70th St., Eden Prairie, MN 55344

The new Savillex C400d PFA concentric nebulizer for ICP-MS combines the reliability of a low flow glass nebulizer with the chemical resistance and low elemental background of a PFA concentric nebulizer.

Savillex C400d: A New General Purpose, Inert Nebulizer for ICP-MS

In-lab acid purification offers significant benefits compared to commercial bottled high purity acid. In-lab purified acid is extremely pure, produced fresh on demand, and the cost savings compared to bottled high purity acid are significant. The low cost of in-lab purified acid allows it to be used for sample digestion, which reduces the sample prep blank, improving data quality.

With more labs using ICP-MS to perform trace metals analysis, the use of high purity acid (to meet ICP-MS reagent quality requirements) has increased dramatically. At the same time, lab consumables costs are coming under ever stricter control. As a result, many labs are producing their own high purity grade (10 ppt) acids in-house by purifying lower cost trace metal grade (1 ppb) acid, using the Savillex DST-1000 Acid Purification System.  

Figure 1: Savillex DST-1000 Acid Purification System.			

Extremely easy to use, the DST-1000 is a compact, all PFA system that fits in any fume hood and requires no cooling water. The DST-1000 operates unattended, purifying acid by the process of sub-boiling distillation. It produces approximately 500 mL of high purity HNO

, HCl or HF every 12 h — essentially a continuous supply of high purity acid suitable for the most demanding ICP-MS applications — even semiconductor and geochemical. 

Table I shows that the HCl produced by the DST-1000 actually has a lower metal content than commercial bottled high purity HCl. In addition, Hg is not detectable, which makes it ideal for CVAA use. Similar improvements in metal content are seen with HNO

 and HF. And unlike commercial bottled acid, which degrades every time the bottle is opened, DST-1000 acid is freshly produced and so always uncontaminated. The DST-1000 produces a continuous supply of high purity acid at the cost of trace metal grade acid, which brings other benefits: high purity acid can be used for sample digestions, which lowers the sample prep blank, improves data quality and reduces re-runs.  

Table I: Quality of commercial high purity HCl compared to the DST-1000 produced HCl. (All data in ppt.)			

High purity acid can also be used for all ICP-OES determinations, and the risk of contamination from a large bottle of trace metal grade acid, that has been opened many times, is eliminated. 

The cost savings gained from in-lab acid purification with the DST-1000 are significant: even taking into account the purchase price of the DST-1000, a lab currently buying 2 L high purity HNO

 per month will save approx. $16K in the first 3 years and a lab buying 6 L per month will save $60K. With HF, the savings are more than double due to the high price of high purity HF. More information is available online at 

10321 West 70th St., Eden Prairie, MN 55344  

In-lab acid purification offers significant benefits compared to commercial bottled high purity acid. In-lab purified acid is extremely pure, produced fresh on demand, and the cost savings compared to bottled high purity acid are significant.

Don Potter

Articles

Savillex PFA Cyclonic Spray Chamber for ICP-OES and ICP-MS

Savillex C400d: A New General Purpose, Inert Nebulizer for ICP-MS

Improving Trace Metals Data Quality Through In-Lab Acid Purification