- Enhanced solvent vapor removal by inert membrane desolvator
- Improved detection limits for ICP-MS
- Enables analysis of volatile organics by ICP-AES and ICP-MS
- Optional blend gas accessory
- Modular design
Membrane Desolvator
The U-6000AT+ adds a second desolvation stage (membrane desolvator) to the U-5000AT+ ultrasonic nebulizer. The membrane desolvator effectively removes solvent vapor (water and volatile organics) which escapes from the U-5000AT+ condensor (see diagram below). Solvent vapor permeates through a heated, porous PTFE membrane and is removed to vent by a flow of argon "sweep gas".
Improved Detection of K, Ca and Fe by ICP-MS
Water-based interferences (oxides and hydrides) in quadrupole ICP-MS are greatly reduced with the U-6000AT+. For example, the ArO+ interference at m/z=56 is sufficiently reduced to allow sub-ppb detection of Fe.
Analysis of Volatile Organics by ICP-AES and ICP-MS
Volatile organic solvent analysis by ICP-AES or ICP-MS is compromised by a number of factors. Organic solvent vapors can destabilize and/or extinguish the plasma, carbon-based interferences can inhibit analyte detection, and carbon may build up on hardware components such as the ICP torch or ICP-MS sampling interface. The U-6000AT+ effectively removes organic solvent vapors allowing improved analysis of organics.
Optional Blend Gas Accessory
An optional blend gas accessory (CETAC BGX-100) for the U-6000AT+ is available. The BGX-100 is equipped with a precision mass flow controller for addition of oxygen gas to the sample aerosol exiting the U-6000AT+. Oxygen addition can help prevent carbon buildup on the ICP torch and/or ICP-MS sampling interface. This accessory is recommended for the analysis of non-oxygenated solvents such as toluene and hexane. Generally the flow rate of oxygen required is only 10-20 mL/min. The BGX-100 is pictured below.
General Operating Conditions for Organics
For volatile organics, the ultrasonic nebulizer cooler is usually reduced to -10ºC to -15ºC. The lower temperature reduces the organic vapor loading to the membrane desolvator. Nebulizer gas flow (0.6 L/min - 1.1 L/min) and sweep gas flow (1.5 L/min - 4.0 L/min) can be adjusted through a wide range for best performance.
