Nebulizers for ICP Sample Introduction
The nebulizer is an essential component of sample introduction into an ICP analysis instrument. It introduces the liquid sample as an aerosol into the spray chamber which gets from there into the plasma. We offer nebulizers from different manufacturers, e.g. Glass Expansion, Burgener Research and ESI. Different designs and materials are available. Therefore, you can choose the nebulizer which works best for your type of sample and application.
Concentric Glass Nebulizers
These nebulizers are used for aqueous samples without hydrofluoric acid or for organic solvents. Depending on the ICP-instrument model and sample types, different versions are available:
»Conikal« Nebulizers: For samples with TDS (total dissolved solids) less than 5% and without particles. The Conikal is available with standard sample rates of 1, 2 and 3 ml/min and is usually used for ICP-OES.
»MicroMist« Nebulizers: Ideal nebulizer for ICP-MS with low sample volume between 0.05 and 0.6 mL/min.
»SeaSpray« Nebulizers: For samples with TDS up to 25%, the Seaspray is the best choice. It tolerates higher matrices than Conikal and MicroMist and even particulates up to 75 µm. Furthermore it produces a very fine aerosol. This helps getting a better sensitivity for many samples.
»Slurry« Nebulizers: Tolerates particles up to 150 µm. This makes it a good choice for i.e. analysis of metal abrasion in oils. Available standard sample rate is 6 ml/min.
Quartz Nebulizers: Used to achieve lower blanks for elements contained in borosilicate glass or for samples containing high amounts of sulphuric acid.
Cleaning Tool for Glass Nebulizers
Over time deposits from the sample can accumulate in the nebulizer capillary. So, the nebulizer should be cleaned regularly to keep it in a good condition. The glass capillary is prone to break, therefore ultrasonic baths aren’t suitable for cleaning glass nebulizers.
Glass Expansion has developed a tool, called »Eluo«, for safe and easy cleaning of their nebulizers. It can also be ordered via AHF analysentechnik. Nebulizers can be safely fixed in the holder of the Eluo. In the second step, solvent is filled into the syringe reservoir and then flushed through the nebulizer. In a few simple steps, obstructions can be removed from the nebulizer. Please contact us for more information about the best way to clean your nebulizer.
Concentric Plastic Nebulizers
Plastic nebulizers from are suitable especially for probes containing aggressive acids, like hydrofluoric acid, that is damaging glass. For samples containing less than 5% hydrofluoric acid, the »DuraMist« nebulizer series made from PEEK (handles high TDS up to 30%) or the »Polypro« made from PP can be used.
For higher concentrated solutions PFA fluoropolymer nebulizers like »OpalMist« or »Microflow« are recommended. Furthermore, PFA is an inert, high purity polymer that can be used to reduce background caused by glass. Therefore PFA nebulizers are used in ultra-trace analysis with ICP-MS, where lowest elemental traces have to be detected.
Parallel Path Nebulizers
Parallel path nebulizers from Burgener Research perform very precise and reliable for samples with high salt content and larger particles due to the large sample capillary diameter. Furthermore, the parallel path technique efficiently nebulizes even smallest sample quantities. Therefore, different models especially designed for coupling and small sample volumes are available.
Working Principle of Parallel Path
The sample is pumped through the sample capillary to the nebulizer tip. Due to the surface tension the liquid doesn’t flow out of the capillary. Instead it is dragged into the gas channel by the flowing gas. A sprout transports the sample to the center of the gas stream, were the gas has the highest speed. This produces an aerosol with very small droplet sizes. Parallel path nebulizers are not self-aspirating, so actively pumping is required.
Features of Parallel Path
- Minimized salt formation
- Tolerate high amounts of undissolved particles without plugging
- High intensity and greater stability due to high transport rates
- Large range of flow rate
Special Nebulizer Models
For application with high amounts of dissolved solids or particles
- For Scott spray chambers: Cross-Flow nebulizer
- V-Groove nebulizers: Noordermeer und VeeSpray
- »Modified Lichte Nebulizer« (MLN) for a special spray chamber