Glyn Russell

Nebulizer selection is a critical but often overlooked aspect of inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analyses. There are many different nebulizers available for ICP-OES, and choosing the optimal one can be confusing and difficult. To achieve peak performance from your ICP, it is essential to choose the proper nebulizer based on your sample types in addition to any necessary accessories to maintain long-term performance. In this study, we compare the performance of Glass Expansion’s most popular concentric nebulizer designs for ICP-OES applications as well as a parallel-path nebulizer from another vendor, providing a complete selection guide based on performance and design.

The analytical performance of your ICP can often be improved by a careful choice of torch, spray chamber and nebulizer components by taking into account the type of samples that will be analyzed. In this article, we focus on the “hard to measure” ICP-OES elements, As, Se and Pb to determine whether we can improve detection limit performance by selection of appropriate sample introduction components.

Glass Expansion designed and patented the D-Torch, a revolutionary, demountable torch. The D-Torch uses high-precision engineering to provide the benefits of a demountable torch, such as lower running costs, chemical inertness, and configurable injector geometry, without compromising usability, performance, or durability. In this report, we discuss the effects of harsh matrices on torches, as well as the features, benefits, and improvements in analysis achieved with the D-Torch.

Glass Expansion’s new HydraMist spray chamber can be simultaneously used to determine As, Se, Sb and Hg via hydride generation, in addition to the determination of non-hydride forming elements using conventional pneumatic nebulization. The performance of the HydraMist was evaluated on an Agilent 5100 SVDV ICP-OES, and, when paired with a SeaSpray nebulizer, the detection limits for the hydride forming elements were improved between 15- and 50-fold without compromising the analytical performance of the non-hydride forming elements.