Flow controllers for ICP analysis

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Application requirements

The ICP-AES requires accurate and reproducible gas flow for the plasma section and reproducible purge gas flow for the optical section. The gas delivery device should be compact and ideally have an affordable price.

Important topics

ICP analysis.

Accuracy combined with reproducibility.

Cost reduction.

Small footprint.

Process solution

Through one of the three gas flow controllers, an argon gas flow crosses the nebulizer of the ICP-AES to turn the sample into a mist. The other two gas flow controllers allow argon to cross the induction-coil surrounded reactor to be turned into a plasma, and for auxiliary purposes.
The flow devices generate accurate, reproducible flows in the range of 1.5 – 20 liters per minute. This accuracy is necessary for the contents inside the reactor to have a correct composition.

The Bronkhorst devices contain a printed circuit board with specific settings, also called 'firmware', to make the communication with the ICP-AES as easy as possible.

Flow scheme

Nitrogen gas flows, in the range from 0.2 – 7 liters per minute, are used to purge the optical section of the ICP-AES, to guide away gases that might disturb the emission measurement process.

Mass flow controllers were introduced when automation has made its way into ICP analysis. A better gas flow control has resulted in an increase in accuracy and stability, and lower detection limits became possible - which is a good point in meeting increasingly stringent environmental requirements.  

The manifold is designed for an optimum value/price combination. Cost reduction is a driver in this market, and from the manufacturer's perspective one single supplier for gas related issues is favorable. A compact device has a small footprint, which is important due to the limited space in the lab. The small size of Bronkhorst mass flow controllers is very useful here.

"Due to the constrained space in our laboratory, having a compact device was essential. The small size of the Bronkhorst mass flow controllers proves highly advantageous in this regard."