Description
Demountable Torch, for PFA inert kit, for Agilent 7500/7700/8800
P/N: 900-56
Torch – 1 Piece – Demountable
P/N Cross Reference(s)
Agilent: G4912-80012 and G4912-80013
What is the Role of the ICP Torch?
A plasma is an ionized gas, consisting of positively charged ions and free (unbound) electrons. The role of the plasma (ICP) in ICP-MS is to ionize the sample. In contrast to so-called ‘soft’ ionization sources in other forms of mass spectrometry, the ICP is a ‘hard’ ionization technique because it completely atomizes most molecules in the sample.
ICP-MS instruments use an argon plasma, although helium plasma is also an option. Although there are several advantages to using helium, argon is the gas of choice since the cost of helium is prohibitive.
Torch – 1 Piece – Demountable
What Makes the Torch Work?
Plasma forms at the end of three concentric quartz tubes, collectively known as the torch. Argon gas flows through all three tubes.
- The inner tube is the injector and contains the sample aerosol in a stream of argon that delivers the sample to the plasma.
- Concentric to this tube is another tube of argon. This is the auxiliary gas that forms the plasma.
- The outer argon tube is a cooling layer to prevent the torch from melting.
- The far end of the torch has a copper induction coil (or ‘load coil’) surrounding it that connects to a radio frequency (RF) generator.
How the ICP Torch Ionizes a Sample
The RF generator supplies power to the load coil, creating a high-frequency alternating current. This, in turn, induces a time-varying electromagnetic field in the torch. As a result, with argon gas flowing through the torch, the application of a high-voltage discharge (called a Tesla spark) ionizes a fraction of the argon atoms generating ions and electrons.
The electromagnetic field in the torch then acts on the ions and electrons. As a result, they accelerate and collide with other argon atoms. If these collisions impart enough energy, additional atoms ionize creating electrons and ions that propagate the cascade.
As a result, the movement of electrons and ions in the torch generates tremendous heat. The result is an ICP, which reaches a temperature of up to 10,000 Kelvin (hotter than the surface of the sun).
Types of ICP Torches
Standard ICP Torch
Every mass spectrometer has many essential parts, but the heart of ICP analysis is the plasma torch that ionizes sample materials. The large 2.5mm injector on the standard torch gives maximum robustness and the lowest matrix interferences for the best plasma stability. The ICP torch’s purpose is to form, shape, and sustain an argon plasma that atomizes and ionizes a sample aerosol. The plasma is then fed into a mass spectrometer (MS) to detect multiple elements simultaneously. ICP-MS is a type of atomic mass spectroscopy that can quantitatively, semi-quantitatively, or qualitatively determine one or more elements in a sample. It can also measure organic solvents, detect nanoparticles, and analyze solid materials and gases.
Single Piece Torch
Single-piece inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torches have narrow bore injectors (1.0 mm or 1.5 mm) designed to improve plasma stability and reduce plasma loading when used with organic solvents. They are the least expensive type of torch to buy initially, but they are also the least versatile and must be replaced entirely if any component is damaged. Single-piece torches can also be expensive consumables that require regular maintenance and replacement, especially when used with aggressive sample matrices like hydrofluoric acid, organic solvents, and high total dissolved solids.
Demountable Torch
The D-Torch is a robust and higher-performing alternative to both a single-piece and a semi-demountable quartz torch. The demountable design offers several benefits, including ease of maintenance, flexibility in configuration, and the ability to customize the torch setup for specific analytical requirements. Additionally, it allows for thorough cleaning and removal of any sample residues or contaminants that may accumulate during analysis.
Torch – 1 Piece – Demountable
Demountable Torch, for PFA inert kit, for Agilent 7500/7700/8800
P/N: 900-56
Semi-Demountable Torch
A semi-demountable torch in ICP allows the user to remove the outer tube set and replace it, while a fully demountable torch has a removable injector as well as outer tube set. Semi-demountable torches have a removable quartz torch body and injector, and the injector adapter uses o-rings for sealing.
Aqueous Torch
Water torches pass an electric current through water and electrolytes stimulating a reaction that turns it into hydrogen and oxygen fuel. When choosing an aqueous torch, you may consider Light output: — the intensity of the light emitted on its highest setting with fresh batteries. In addition, consider the battery type, run time, size, and weight.
Inert Torch
The inert or chemically inactive torch assembly has the specific role of introducing hydrofluoric acid. Inert torches with alumina/ceramic injectors allow the analysis of samples containing hydrofluoric (HF) acid.
Torch – 1 Piece – Demountable
P/N Cross Reference(s)
Agilent: G4912-80012 and G4912-80013
Organics
In an ICP torch, organics refers to non-water-soluble organic solvents. ICP-OES instruments can analyze organic solvents directly, without dilution, at room temperature. As a result, this simplifies the analysis of petrochemical samples, since many dissolve in solvents like kerosene, xylene, methanol, or ethanol.
Mini Torch
A mini ICP torch is a component of an ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy) system. Ideally, a mini torch can reduce running costs.
Single-Slot Torch
A single-slot ICP torch is a standard torch for aqueous solutions in ICP-OES (optical emission spectrometry) instruments. ICP-OES is a technique that uses plasma and a spectrometer to determine the composition of elements in samples, usually dissolved in water.
Single-slot torches are made of one-piece quartz tubing for plasma and auxiliary gas flow. They can be demountable and require regular maintenance and replacement, especially when working with aggressive samples like hydrofluoric acid, organic solvents, or samples with high total dissolved solids.
Torch – 1 Piece – Demountable
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2-Slot Torch
A two-slot ICP torch is a component used in ICP-OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy) systems. Therefore, it’s designed with two slots to accommodate different viewing configurations for the plasma. This is where the sample is ionized and emits light at characteristic wavelengths that can be measured.
The two-slot torch typically refers to a torch with a slot for radial viewing, which can be part of a dual-view system allowing both radial and axial viewing. This design helps in handling tough samples with less cleaning and a longer torch lifetime. Some two-slot torches are also semi- or fully demountable, which can reduce operating costs by enabling parts like the outer tube or the injector to be replaced separately.
- Axially viewed systems, where the torch is oriented horizontally and viewed end-on, offering greater sensitivity.
- Radially viewed systems, where the torch is vertical and viewed from the side. This is the preference for complex high matrix samples and volatile organic solvents because the vertical orientation reduces matrix or carbon buildup on the torch.
3-Slot Torch
Three-slot torches are commonly for organic analysis in ICP optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). ICP-OES is a technique that uses plasma and a spectrometer to determine the composition of elements in samples.
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