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Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer

Perkin Elmer DRC II model ICP-MS,

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry is an analytical technique which requires the sample to be introduced to a high temperature plasma, commonly argon, which dissociates molecules and ionizes atoms. The ions are passed into vacuum via a sample and skimmer cone interface, where a lens stack focuses the ion beam into a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Here, the ions are sorted by mass and detected using a scanning electron multiplier. Sample introduction is normally performed via nebulization of solution. As an alternative sampling technique, the use of laser ablation allows direct analysis of solids. ICP-MS can be considered a multi-element technique since scanning over different masses is very fast. In addition, a large variety of solid samples can be handled either following a dissolution step or using LA-ICP-MS. Perhaps one of the most advantageous applications of LA-ICP-MS is semi-quantitative analysis which allows a compositional fingerprint of unknown materials to be obtained.

Specifications

ICP-MS system consists of an argon plasma to produce atomic ions and a quadrupole mass spectrometer for analysis. Mass range is 5-270 amu and detection limits are in the range of ng/L. Dynamic Reaction Cell can be used if needed to eliminate isobaric interferences caused by the presence of gaseous molecules.

Sample requirements

Detailed information should be given about the samples; such as the composition of matrix, expected concentrations, legally required concentration level. If the sample is brought in solution,a blank should also be supplied with the sample.

Applications

Aqueous samples such as drinking water, wastewater and other samples relevant to fields of environmental studies, petrochemistry, food, hydrogeology and others.