Analytical Instruments Available in the ICP Laboratory

• Perkin Elmer OPTIMA 3000 DV ICP-AES
• Varian Vista AX Axial ICP-AES
• Perkin Elmer ELAN 6100 ICP-MS
• Lachat Flow Injection Analyser
• Dionex Ion Chromatography System

Sample Preparation Tools Available in the ICP Laboratory

• Milestone Ethos Plus – labstation Microwave Digestion System
• DuoPUR Acid Distillation Unit
• Retsch Ball Mill
• Centrifuge

Perkin Elmer OPTIMA 3000 DV ICP-AES

The Optima 3000DV ICP Optical Emission Spectrometer has dual-view capabilities. It allows selection of axial or radial viewing modes. The axial viewing configuration improves detection limits by providing high optical throughput and better signal-to-background ratios. For the most difficult high matrix samples, the radially viewed plasma offers the benefits of robust operation with less interference. The Segmented-array, Charged-coupled-device Detector (SCD) is able to detect over 5000 emission lines range from 167 to 782nm with simultaneous background measurement. The spectrometer provides rapid, simultaneous measurement of 60 elements in less than 1 minute. It is also fitted with an AS-91 auto sampler for unattended operation.

Varian Vista AX Simultaneous Axial Inductively Coupled Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES)

The Varian Vista AX ICP-AES is an axially viewed simultaneous instrument ideal for applications that require excellent sensitivity. The VistaChip CCD detector provides full wavelength coverage from 167-785nm and allows accurate measurement of trace analytes in the presence of high concentrations of other elements. It has detection limits for most elements in the 1-10 parts per billion ranges for clean sample. It is suitable for the routine analysis of samples with dissolved solids content up to 5% (or up to 25% with a high solids nebulizer). It has a linear dynamic range of 105 for analysis from parts per billion to percentage levels. It has generally precision of <2% RSD in short term and <5% over several hours.

Speed of analysis largely depends on precision requirement and number of analytes in the method, 2-4 minutes per sample is typical. The ICP Expert Software provides overall system control and data handling. The spectrometer also includes a SPS5 auto sampler for unattended operation.

Perkin Elmer ELAN 6100 ICP-MS

The ELAN 6100 ICP-MS system features:

• Rapid multi-element coverage
• Isotopic information
• Low detection limits
• Wide Linear Dynamic Range
• High sample throughput
• Semi-quantitative, as well as quantitative analysis

Lachat Flow Injection Analyser

The Lachat FIA can be used for high-throughput spectrophotometric analysis of a range of analytes. The system is currently fitted with three manifolds which enable analysis of ammonia in soil or seawater, and nitrate/nitrite analysis.

Dionex Ion Chromatography System

The Dionex IC is a computer controlled anion exchange column with autosampler which is used for rapid separation and quantification of inorganic anions to ppm levels. Typical analytes include fluoride, chloride, bromide, nitrate, chlorate, phosphate and sulfate.

Equipment Available for Sample Preparation

Milestone Ethos Plus – labstation Microwave Digestion System

Microwave Digestion is a sample preparation technique for trace and ultra-trace analysis. The samples are digested in a closed vessel in a microwave oven. The vessels are made of TFM which provides the best mechanical and thermal stability. The sealed vessel eliminates the chance of contamination and losses of more volatile metal species. The electronic controls allow very reproducible digestion conditions.

The Ethos Plus labstation features:

• Integrated approach to completely control the physical and chemical reactions during the digestion process
• Closed-vessel microwave digestion, perfect for analysis of volatile metals
• Quick and clean digestion for a broad range of samples e.g. plant material, soil, metal, alloy etc.
• Quick solvent extraction.

DuoPUR Acid Distillation Unit

Specialised distillation unit for preparing high purity nitric and hydrochloric acids suitable for trace elemental analysis.

Retsch Ball Mill

The RETSCH ball mill is used for the pulverization of soft, fibrous, hard and brittle materials. The mill produces a very high fineness, down to the submicron range, and enables more ready digestion to produce solutions for analysis.

Centrifuge

Used for separation of liquid extracts from solids or gels.