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Automation Laser Ablation Nebulizers Mercury Analyzers Sample Prep
Nebulizers
U-6000AT+ Ultrasonic Nebulizer/Membrane Desolvator

The U6000AT+ Ultrasonic Nebulizer/Membrane Desolvator provides enhanced desolvation for both aqueous and organic samples. Interferences are reduced for ICP-AES and ICP-MS, lowering analyte detection limits.

  • Enhanced solvent vapor removal by inert membrane desolvator
  • Improved detection limits for ICP-MS
  • Enables analysis of volatile organics by ICP-AES and ICP-MS
  • Optional blend gas accessory
  • Modular design

Membrane Desolvator
U6000The U6000AT+adds a second desolvation stage (membrane desolvator) to the U5000AT+ Ultrasonic Nebulizer. The membrane desolvator effectively removes solvent vapor (water and volatile organics) which escapes from the U5000AT+ condenser. (See diagram to the right.) Solvent vapor permeates through a heated, porous PTFE membrane and is removed to vent by a flow of argon "sweep gas".

Improved Detection of K and Fe by ICP-MS
Water-based interferences, (oxides and hydrides), in quadrupole ICP-MS are greatly reduced with the U6000AT+. For example, the ArO+ interference at m/z=56 is sufficiently reduced to allow sub-ppb detection of Fe. Typical detection limits for K and Fe are listed below.

U6000AT+ Detection Limits

Element Interference Det. Limit (ng/L)
39K ArH+ 8
56Fe ArO+ 10

Note: Detection limits are based on three sigma. Limits obtained under non-cleanroom conditions. Instrument used was a PerkinElmer ELAN 9000 ICP-MS.

Analysis of Volatile Organics by ICP-AES and ICP-MS
Volatile organic solvent analysis by ICP-AES or ICP-MS is compromised by a number of factors. Organic solvent vapors can destabilize and/or extinguish the plasma, carbon-based interferences can inhibit analyte detection, and carbon may build up on hardware components such as the ICP torch or ICP-MS sampling interface. The U6000AT+ effectively removes organic solvent vapors allowing improved analysis of organics. (See table below.)

ICP-AES Detection Limits in Naphtha with the U6000AT+ (µg/L)

Element Wavelength (nm) Det. Limit
Al 396.153 0.40
Ca 315.887 0.32
Cr 267.716 0.11
Cu 327.393 0.21
Fe 238.204 0.14
Mg 285.213 1.2
Na 589.592 0.03
Ni 231.604 0.24
P 214.914 6.8
Zn 213.857 0.08

Note: Detection limits are based on 3 sigma. Instrument used was a PerkinElmer Optima 5300DV ICP-AES.

Quadrupole ICP-MS Detection Limits in Isopropyl Alcohol with the U6000AT+ (µg/L)

Element Mass Det. Limit
Mg 24 0.005
Al 27 0.01
Cr 53 0.06
Fe 56 0.03
Ni 60 0.03
Zn 66 0.05
Sn 118 0.001
Ba 137 0.002
Pb 208 0.0006

Note: Detection limits are based on three sigma. Limits obtained under non-cleanroom conditions. Instrument used was a PerkinElmer ELAN 9000 ICP-MS.

Optional Blend Gas Accessory
U6000An optional blend gas accessory (CETAC BGX-100) for the U6000AT+ is available. The BGX-100 is equipped with a precision mass flow controller for addition of oxygen gas to the sample aerosol exiting the membrane desolvation module. Oxygen addition can help prevent carbon buildup on the ICP torch and/or ICP-MS sampling interface. This accessory is recommended for the analysis of non-oxygenated solvents such as toluene and hexane. Generally the flow rate of oxygen required is only 10-20 mL/min.

General Operating Conditions for Organics
For volatile organics, the desolvation cooling temperature is usually reduced to -10ºC to -15ºC. The lower temperature reduces the organic vapor loading to the membrane desolvator. Nebulizer gas flow (0.5 L/min - 1.1 L/min) and sweep gas flow (1.5 L/min - 4.0 L/min) can be adjusted through a wide range for best performance.

Specifications

  • Sample Uptake Rate:  0.5 - 2.5 ml/min
  • Nebulizer Gas Flow:  0.5 - 1.5 L/min
  • Sweep Gas Flow:  0.0 - 5.0 L/min
  • Desolvation Heating Temp:  120ºC to 160ºC
    (Factory Setting: 140ºC)
  • Desolvation Cooling Temp:  -20ºC to 10ºC
    (Factory Setting: 3ºC)
  • Membrane Module Heating Temp:  80ºC to 160ºC
    (Factory Setting: 160ºC)
  • Power Requirement: 
    • Ultrasonic Nebulizer:
      100-120 VAC, 50/60Hz, 4.5A
      220-240 VAC, 50/60Hz, 2.5A
    • Membrane Desolvator:
      100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz, 4A/2/A
  • Dimensions:  35.6 cm W x 34.9 cm D x 38.7 cm H
  • Weight:  29.9 lbs (13.6 kg)
  • Shipping Weight (with cart and accessories):  94 lbs (42.7 kg)

Features
Enhanced Detection Limits
Simple and Efficient Operation
Desolvating Capabilities
Modular Design
Product Literature
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