Fisons - PlasmaQuad III (PQ III)
( Thermo Scientific )

Third generation quadrupole ICP-MS instrument.

This instrument was introduced in 1996. The primary improvements were that the STE instrument electronics controller of the PQ2 was replaced by commercially available programmable logic controller components. A fully automated torch alignment platform in the X, Y, and Z directions was used and an insertable torch screen could be fitted for use in cool plasma experiments. The vacuum system was all Edward's turbomolecular and rotary pumps and the lens stack was modified for improved sensitivity and background. The quadrupole and quadrupole electronics were redesigned for improved stability and ion transmission, and a dual-mode electron multiplier system in which analog and pulse counting is conducted simultaneously, became available. The physical size of the instrument was reduced to the size of a large table and the noise level reduced dramatically. Instrument sensitivity for a standard PQ3 using standard pneumatic nebulization was in the range of 30-60 mcps/ppm. Using the optional S-option pumping mode, sensitivity could be increased to 150 to 300 mcps/ppm depending on the element. Instrument background was 10 cps at 220 amu.

Dimensions (w x d x h  in cm)	155 x 67 x 115
Weight (kg)	410
Power	200/208/220/230/240V, 50/60 Hz, 6 kVA, monophase 30A
Mass filter	Quadrupole
Mass range	2-300
Resolution	1.0 amu
Detector	Simultaneous analogue and pulse-counting discrete dynode electron multiplier
Dynamic range (orders of magnitude)	8
Vacuum system	3-stage, 2 rotary pumps, 2 turbo pumps
ICP generator	crystal controlled, automatic impedance matching
Frequency (MHz)	27.12
Power (Watt)	2000
Load coil
Torch	Plasmascreen dual mode ion source for fully automated change between cool and hot plasma conditions; demountable torch
Argon flow  (L/min)	15
Sample introduction	Quart concentric nebulizer and cooled spray chamber
Operating system and software	OS/2, connectable to LIMS, EPA QC, custom report generator, overnight scan, time-resolved concentrations
Computer	486/50 MHz
Short term precision (RSD for 10 replicates)
Long term precision (RSD for 4 hours)
Sensitivity (Mcps/ppm)	30-60 (150-300 with S-option pumping mode)
Detection limits (3s, ng/L)
Isotope ratio precision (RSD for Ag-107/Ag-109)
Doubly charged Ba ions
Ce Oxide ions
Accessories	Liquid-sample introduction system, HF-resistant sample introduction, desolvation, DIN, laser ablation, ETV
Special features	High-resolution quadrupole with low-ppq detection limits, ultrahigh sensitivity mode (S-mode)