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
The 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

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)

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)

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
An 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)