Product Specifications

Speed of analysis is often of paramountimportance in ICP analysis, as a rapid analysisenables high sample throughput, low argonusage and increases the productivity of thelaboratory. Looking at the various stages of ananalysis (see Figure 1), it is prudent tooptimize integration times, number of repeats,reduce dead volume, and decrease sampleuptake and rinse times. However, there aremany factors to consider including: detectionlimit degradation, carry over, contaminationand sample transport effects (for high pumpspeed applications). It is possible to achievefast analysis at the expense of sensitivity anddetection limits, by turning off pre-exposuresand shortening the integration times (thusreducing the precision of the method) – butthe obvious place to look to save time on ananalysis is the sample delivery to and fromthe instrument, as this will not compromisethe integrity of the analyses.

Sample introduction accessories can begreatly optimised to promote fast analysis, astraditional autosamplers employ hugeamounts of dead volume by a) remaining inthe sampling tubes until the analysis ends, b)returning to the rinse after each sample, andc) tracking along the full length of the racks toreach the next sample. All of these combineto necessitate very long uptake times. ESIoffer an innovative range of autosamplerswith an upgradeable FAST option to allow fordramatically reduced flush and rinse times.

Figure 1 shows the six stages of anormal acquisition, with most of the timeused for washing sample in and out of thesystem. The SC FAST option dramaticallydecreases the overall analysis time byvirtually eliminating these parts of theanalysis through the use of a novel 8 portvalve (see Figure 1).

ESI SC-4 DX FAST AutosamplerFast sample analysis on theThermo Scientific iCAP 6000 Series ICP-OES

Using an intelligent design with aninnovative dual loop, 8-port switchingvalve, the ESI SC-4 DX FASTAutosampler maximizes productivityby reducing the non-productive stepsin the sample analysis process.

Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

e l e m e n t a l a n a l y s i s

Figure 1: Six steps in and ICP Analysis

PrincipleThe SC DX range features intelligent design with a central probestation to minimize the autosampler movement (and thus, the timetaken to move from one sample to the next). The FAST option allowsyou to effectively eliminate wash in/out times as the sample linesare cleaned whilst the analysis is being carried out using a unique8-port valve system with dual sampling loops. The system ensureslow blanks and reduced sample contamination by removing samplecontact with peristaltic pump tubing, it also removes the need toadd a stabilization time to an analytical method due to fast pumpcleaning. Figure 2 shows a schematic of the system.

Figure 2: Schematic of SC DX FAST

Optimising for use withThermo Scientific iCAP ICP-OESThe SC DX software shown below is used to set up the SC-4 DX FASTmethod to run on the iCAP 6000 Series ICP-OES. Building a method isan easy stepwise process that involves sending commands to theautosampler to allow it to run in an efficient manner, see Figure 3below for an example of an SC-4 DX FAST method.

Figure 3: Example of SC-FAST method

To accurately match the timings between the Thermo ScientificiTEVA Software method and the FAST sequence, the followingformula should be used in the first instance:-

Uptake time (sec) = FAST load time (sec) + Sample flush time(nebulizer to plasma, sec)

When the autosession is started, the SC-4 DX FAST simplypicks up the FAST method settings from the ESI software (which isalso open and running with iTEVA Software) and this activates theautosampler and FAST mechanism.

Minimum PC requirements for Software InstallationThe ESI SC software will run on the following Microsoft Windows®

operating platforms:Windows 2000 SP3 or newer

Windows Server 2003

Windows XP, Vista and 7

The following requirements will be automatically installed bythe ESI SC DX installer package if not present:

Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (x86)

Windows Installer 3.0 (Windows Installer 3.1 or later is recommended)

Minimum PC memory requirements:Disk Space: 280MB (x86)

Memory: 512 MB RAM

Part Numbers:-ESI SC-4 DX FAST autosampler: 8423 470 04007

Acknowledgement:Elemental Scientific, Inc., 2440 Cuming St., Omaha, NE 68131, USA.

Product Specifications

PS40962_E 09/10C

Thermo Electron Manufacturing Ltd(Cambridge) is ISO Certified.

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