Perkin-Elmer AAnalyst 300 - User Manual

Elizabethtown College Department of Chemistry Last Updated by KK 1/09
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF THE PE AANALYST 300
ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROPHOTOMETER
The Perkin-Elmer AAnalyst Model 300 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer is a sophisticated
instrument that allows determination of the concentration of many elements in both organic and
aqueous solutions. The basic principles of atomic absorption spectroscopy should be well understood
before operating this instrument. You must follow basic safety precautions when working with high-
pressure gases and high temperature flames and furnaces, and a thorough understanding of the
instrument is your best protection. If at any time you have reservations about the use of this
instrument, please consult your instructor.
The basic capabilities of the instrument and operating procedures are covered in this document
(assuming aqueous samples and standards); advanced operational methods can be found in the
instrument manuals and publications available in the laboratory (Musser 215).
 For a very basic overview of AAS, consult the Perkin-Elmer Publication: Concepts,
Instrumentation, and Techniques in Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
 For a more advanced overview of AAS, consult CH 9, “Atomic Absorption and Atomic
Fluorescence Spectroscopy” in Principles of Instrumental Analysis, 6
th
Ed. by Skoog, Holler, and
Crouch
 For specific sample methods, consult the Perkin-Elmer Manuals:
o Analytical Methods for Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
o Analytical Techniques for Graphite Furnace AAS
o Graphite Furnace AAS, A Source Book
 For software related applications, consult the Perkin-Elmer Manual: AA Winlab Software Guide
for Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
 For hardware related applications, consult the Perkin-Elmer Manual:
o AAnalyst 100/300 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Hardware Guide for Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy
o HGA-800 Graphite Furnace System including the AS-72 Autosampler Hardware Guide
 For questions related to the water circulator, consult the Lauda/Brinkman Manual: Operating
Instructions #132: Lauda/Brinkman Circulator, Model K-2/R, Cat. No. 27 50 150-8 & Model
Super K-2/R Cat. No. 27 50 400-1
BASIC OPERATING PROCEDURES
1. Prepare your samples according to methods appropriate for both the metal ion you wish to study
and for the sample matrix from which you wish to extract the metal ion. Note the final analysis
medium used—either organic solvent or aqueous solution. Consult the literature and/or the
methods manuals for that particular metal to find the recommended instrumental parameters.
2. Prepare a blank and a set of standards within the concentration ranges appropriate for the method
you have chosen. Note that the matrix for the standards must be identical to the matrix used in

Summary

Basic Operating Procedures

Sample and Standard Preparation

Prepare samples and standards, ensuring identical matrix for standards.

Solution Handling and Safety Precautions

Ensure collection bottle is empty and tubing is placed correctly.

Hollow Cathode Lamp (HCL) Installation

Install the appropriate HCL and record its maximum operating current.

Ventilation and System Power-Up

Turn on exhaust hood, computer, monitor, and spectrometer.

User Log Entry

Record information and observations in the instrument's user log.

Flame Measurements

Software Launch and Initial Setup

Launch AA WinLab Analyst Software and select flame technique.

Lamp Alignment and Burner Height Adjustment

Align lamp and adjust burner height per manual guidelines.

Gas Mixture and Burner Ignition

Set appropriate gas mixture and ignite the burner.

Measurement of Blank, Standards, and Samples

Aspirate and analyze blank, standards, and samples sequentially.

Analysis Review and Data Saving

Review calibration curve and sample analysis results.

Flame Measurement Shutdown Procedures

Perform shutdown steps including water aspiration and gas bleed.

Graphite Furnace Measurements

Gas Supply and Cooling System Setup

Turn on argon supply and ensure cooling system is operational.

Furnace Power and Software Initialization

Power on the furnace and launch the AA WinLab Analyst Software.

Graphite Tube and Autosampler Adjustments

Condition graphite tube, fill rinse system, and align autosampler arm.

Measure Blank, Standards, and Samples

Fill sample cups and program autosampler for replicate measurements.

Graphite Furnace Shutdown Procedures

Flush autosampler, turn off units, and ensure proper waste disposal.

Perkin-Elmer AAnalyst 300 Specifications