The Agilent 5100/5110 and 5800/5900 ICP-OES Easy-fit Fully Demountable Torch is a crucial component of the sample introduction system for Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) instruments. Its primary function is to facilitate the generation of plasma, which is essential for the atomization and excitation of samples, ultimately enabling the precise and sensitive analysis of various elements. This torch plays a significant role in determining the sensitivity, precision, and stability achieved during analytical procedures.
Function Description:
The fully demountable torch is designed to introduce samples into the ICP-OES plasma. It consists of five main parts: a locking nut, an injector (available in quartz or inert alumina), a torch base, a top seal, and a quartz outer tube-set. The injector introduces the sample aerosol into the plasma, while the outer tube-set forms the primary plasma containment. The design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, which is critical for maintenance and customization. The torch can be configured for either Radial View (RV) or Dual View (DV) modes, depending on the chosen quartz outer tube-set, offering flexibility for different analytical requirements. A range of injector types with varying internal diameters are available, including specialized inert alumina injectors for use with hydrofluoric (HF) acid digests, allowing the torch to be tailored for specific applications and sample matrices.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific dimensions are not provided, the manual highlights the availability of different injector internal diameters:
- 0.8mm ID quartz injector: Recommended for volatile organic solvents (Part Number: G8020-60805).
- 1.4mm ID quartz injector: Recommended for semi-volatile organic solvents and acidic solutions with RV torch type (Part Number: G8020-60806).
- 1.8mm ID quartz injector: Recommended for acidic solutions with DV torch type (Part Number: G8020-60807).
- 2.4mm ID quartz injector: Recommended for high TDS samples (Part Number: G8020-60808).
- 1.8mm ID alumina injector (inert): Recommended for HF digests (Part Number: G8020-60809).
The torch also supports different outer tube-sets for various applications and viewing modes:
- Quartz outer tube-set for organic solvents: RV type (Part Number: G8016-60000) and DV type (Part Number: G8014-60022).
- Quartz outer tube-set for aqueous & acidic solutions: RV type (Part Number: G8010-60264) and DV type (Part Number: G8010-60263).
Other essential spare parts include a top seal (pack/3, Part Number: G8014-60023) and an injector locking nut (Part Number: G8020-60810).
Usage Features:
The Agilent Easy-fit Fully Demountable Torch is designed for user-friendliness and adaptability.
- Easy Assembly/Disassembly: The modular design allows for the injector and/or the quartz outer tube-set to be easily removed from the torch base. This facilitates straightforward cleaning, replacement, and configuration changes.
- Initial Setup: The torch is shipped without the injector installed. The initial setup involves unscrewing the locking nut, inserting the injector until it "clicks" into position against the retaining clamp, and then hand-tightening the locking nut to secure it. Over-tightening is explicitly cautioned against to prevent damage.
- Application Versatility: The availability of various injector types (quartz for general use, alumina for HF digests) and outer tube-sets (for organic/aqueous solutions, RV/DV modes) allows the torch to be optimized for a wide range of analytical applications and sample matrices. This configurability ensures high performance across different experimental conditions.
- Installation: Once assembled, the torch is ready for installation into the ICP-OES instrument, following the specific instructions provided in the ICP Expert Help and Learning Center.
Maintenance Features:
Regular preventative maintenance is crucial for ensuring the optimum performance and extended service life of the torch.
- Inspection: Users are advised to regularly inspect torch components for signs of wear, such as a rough outer surface on the quartz, loose fitting of outer tube-sets, holes, or significant cracks. Any damaged component should be replaced immediately.
- Cleaning Procedures:
- Inorganic Residues: For cleaning inorganic residues from the injector or outer tube-set, soaking them in a 50% Aqua Regia solution (1 part deionized water to 1 part Aqua Regia, where Aqua Regia is 1:3 concentrated nitric acid: hydrochloric acid) for at least one hour is recommended. Thorough rinsing and complete drying are essential before re-fitting.
- Carbon Build-up: Excessive carbon build-up on the outer tube-set or injector tip can be removed using a muffle furnace. The parts should be placed in the furnace, ramped to 550°C, held at <550°C for a maximum of 20 minutes, and then allowed to cool slowly. Any remaining residue can be removed by soaking the tip in a 50% Aqua Regia solution for at least one hour, followed by thorough rinsing and drying.
- Alternative Carbon Removal: If a muffle furnace is unavailable, a handheld propane torch can be used for carbon removal, with detailed procedures found in the ICP Expert Help and Learning Center or the dedicated Agilent torch maintenance guide (G8010-90015).
- Top Seal and Torch Base: The removable top seal and torch base should not be soaked in cleaning solutions. If cleaning is required, they should be wiped with a clean tissue. Dry, clean air can be used to blow any particles out of the injector channel.
- Safety Precautions:
- Hot Surfaces: The torch and its compartment become extremely hot during operation and remain hot for some time after the plasma is switched off. A cooling period of at least five minutes is required before handling. When using a muffle furnace or propane torch for carbon removal, components will reach very high temperatures, necessitating appropriate safety equipment.
- Corrosive Liquids: Handling torch components may expose users to acids, corrosive substances, or hazardous chemical residues. The cleaning process itself involves hazardous chemicals. Appropriate protective clothing must be worn at all times. In case of skin contact with acids or cleaning chemicals, immediate washing with copious amounts of water and seeking medical attention are mandatory.
The Agilent Easy-fit Fully Demountable Torch is a robust and adaptable component designed to ensure optimal performance and longevity in ICP-OES applications, provided proper usage and maintenance guidelines are followed.
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