Maintenance ICP-MS Cones

/in /by

Maintenance of ICP-MS cones

use your Cones longer, practical tips and background information

Introduction

Troubleshooting and maintaining your ICP-MS sample introduction system can be a daunting task. However, not following proper maintenance

on a regularly scheduled basis can be costly. This is especially true particular for ICP-MS laboratories that handle a large number of samples. In this article, we highlight why, when and how to maintain your ICP-MS interface Cones, as well as the importance of conditioning the Cone. Also discussed are the advantages of platinum (Pt) coated Cones. It should be noted that these are recommended maintenance guidelines, many of which are borrowed from the ICP-MS manufacturers. Always consult the recommended maintenance guidelines from the manufacturer of your instrument

Most Common Problems

The most common type of problems with ICP-MS Cones are related to clogging of the Orifice or due to corrosion. The interface cones are also very fragile, especially the tip. Damage to the tip changes the diameter of the Orifice and the performance of the Cone. Using Cones that are in poor condition for your ICP-MS can lead to increased background signal, Memory effects, loss of sensitivity and poor precision. All of this can lead to interrupted analyses and having to re-run sample sequences, resulting in lost time and reduced profits.

When to clean?

Frequency

The frequency with which they need to be cleaned is highly dependent on the
application and the load on the instrument. Excessive cleaning can lead to a shorter life, so unnecessary cleaning should be avoided. If the samples are clean and the usage is low, the Cones may only need to be cleaned monthly. But if, for example, the instrument is in continuous use, and/or the samples contain high levels of dissolved solids or are highly corrosive, then the Cones will need to be cleaned daily.

Sample types

If your laboratory analyzes different types of samples, it may be necessary to clean the Cones in between. For example, one sample matrix contains a high concentration of an element to be analyzed and another matrix is that same element at trace level. To avoid cross-contamination, clean the Cones in between.

Visible Deposits

If there are visible deposits near the opening or if the opening is blocked or distorted. As mentioned above, a deterioration in the performance of the ICP-MS may also indicate that the Cones may need to be cleaned. In particular, watch for increased background signal, Memory effects, loss of sensitivity, or distorted peak shapes.

Change in Vacuum Measurement

A change in the vacuum measurement of the instrument may also indicate problems with the Cones. If the orifice is blocked, the vacuum will increase (pressure drop). A deterioration in the measurement results will be noticeable before this point. If the vacuum decreases (and the pressure increases), this may indicate that the orifice has worn out and become larger. If this occurs, the Cone should be replaced. Since the Sampler Cone is more exposed to the plasma, it will usually need to be cleaned more often than the Skimmer Cone. If instrument performance does not improve after cleaning, the Cones may need to be replaced or refurbished (Pt tipped).

Mode of cleaning

The method of cleaning also depends on the application. If the samples are relatively clean, gentle cleaning is sufficient. In some cases, routine cleaning with a cotton swab and DI water is appropriate. But if the samples contain high levels of dissolved solids or are highly corrosive, a more aggressive cleaning procedure is required. A diluted Citranox solution is a gentle and effective cleaning agent and we recommend trying this first. If Citranox is not effective, it may be necessary to use a more aggressive cleaning agent such as nitric acid.

However, we recommend using nitric acid only when necessary. Nitric acid is more corrosive than Citranox and prolonged use will shorten the life of the Cones. Even Citranox will corrode the copper Cones, so they should not be exposed to high concentrations of Citranox or prolonged exposure to it.

Thread Protection

When cleaning threaded Cones, it is important that the threads do not come into contact with a corrosive solution. If the threads become corroded, the Cone may not seal properly or may adhere to the base and be difficult to remove. And with Pt-tipped cones, there is a good chance that the threads for the Pt insert will wear out. It is also important to keep the threads in good condition to prevent the possibility of thread deformation and possible damage to the instrument body. Glass Expansion has developed the ConeGuard Thread Protector to seal the threads and protect them from corrosion during the cleaning process. The ConeGuard is simply screwed onto the threaded portion of the Cone and O-ring seals prevent the solution from coming into contact with the thread.

Pre-soaking

Pre-soaking the Cones in a cleaning agent such as Fluka RBS-25 before cleaning with Citranox or nitric acid helps in the cleaning process. Citranox is produced by Alconox Inc. (www.alconox.com) and Fluka RBS-25 by Sigma-Aldrich. Fluka is available through us (P/N FLUKA25). Always use safety glasses and gloves. Be careful when handling the Cones; the tip is very easy to damage. Hold the Cone by the edge and use only light pressure with your hand when cleaning the tip. Never use tools to clean Cones. The cleaning process does not necessarily reproduce the original, newly polished appearance. Sample deposits should be removed, but it is usually not a problem if the Cone is discolored. This may even result in a more stable signal (see Cone Conditioning).

Cleaning Methods

There are three common methods of cleaning Cones. The recommended Citranox and nitric acid concentrations, and cleaning times, should be used as guidelines only. Given the wide range of ICP-MS applications and samples, you may need to experiment a bit to find the best cleaning procedure for your application. We recommend that you do not use more nitric acid than necessary, as it will corrode the Cone. If nitric acid is used excessively, the size of the Cone opening may be increased. If this happens, or if the tip is damaged or deformed, then the Cone should be replaced.

The following cleaning methods are listed, from the simplest and gentlest, Method A, to the most thorough and aggressive, Method C.

Method A: Soak in Citranox daily or weekly, depending on the application.

1.Soak the Cones overnight in a 25% solution (4x dilution) of Fluka RBS-25. 2. Rinse with deionized water. 3. Place the Cones in a 2% Citranox solution and soak for approximately 10 minutes. 4. Wipe with a soft cloth or with Kimwipe dipped in the Citranox solution. 5. Wash thoroughly with deionized water. 6. Place Cones in deionized water and soak for 2 minutes to remove any remaining Citranox. 7. Change the deionized water and repeat step 6 at least twice – the Cones should be washed at least three times, each time with fresh deionized water. 8. Rinse with deionized water and allow to dry or blow dry with clean argon or nitrogen. Make sure the Coness are completely dry. It may help to heat them in a laboratory oven at approximately 60 °C

Method B: Ultrasonic cleaning in Citranox, daily or weekly, depending on the application.

Soak Cones overnight in a 25% solution (4x dilution) of Fluka RBS-25. 2. Rinse with deionized water. 3. Be very careful to avoid damaging the tip of the Cone. The Cone should not be placed in the ultrasonic bath without being supported or enclosed. One way to avoid damage is to place the Cone in a sealable plastic bag half filled with a 2% Citranox solution and float the bag in the ultrasonic bath. Make sure the bag floats so that the Cone does not rest on the bottom or touch the walls of the bath. This also minimizes the volume of Citranox used because the bath can be filled with water. 4. Place in ultrasonic bath for 5 minutes. 5. Wipe with a soft cloth or Kimwipe dipped in the Citranox solution. 6. Wash thoroughly with deionized water. 7. Replace the Citranox with deionized water and sonicate for 2 minutes to remove any remaining Citranox. 8. Replace the deionized water and repeat step 6 at least twice – the Cones should be washed at least three times in the ultrasonic bath, using fresh deionized water each time. 9. Rinse with deionized water and allow to dry or blow dry with clean argon or nitrogen. Make sure the Cones are completely dry. It may help to heat them in a laboratory oven at about 60 °C.

Method C: Ultrasonic cleaning in Nitric Acid, weekly or monthly, depending on the application.

Soak the Cone overnight in a 25% solution (4x dilution) of Fluka RBS-25. 2. Rinse with deionized water. 3. Be very careful to avoid damaging the tip of the Cone. The Cone should not be placed in the ultrasonic bath without being supported or enclosed. One way to avoid damage is to place the Cone in a sealable plastic bag half filled with 5% nitric acid and float the bag in the ultrasonic bath. Make sure the bag floats so that the Cone does not rest on the bottom or touch the walls of the bath. This also minimizes the volume of nitric acid used since the bath can be filled with water. 4. Place in ultrasonic bath for 5 minutes. 5. Wipe with a soft cloth. 6. Wash thoroughly with deionized water. 7. Replace the nitric acid with deionized water and sonicate for 2 minutes to remove any residual nitric acid. 8. Replace the deionized water and repeat step 6 at least twice (the Cones should be washed at least three times in the ultrasonic bath), using fresh deionized water each time. 9. Rinse with deionized water and allow to dry or blow dry with clean argon or nitrogen. Make sure the Cones are completely dry. It may help to heat them in a laboratory oven at about 60 °C. After cleaning your Sampler and Skimmer Cone, it is also important to check the condition of the Cone’s consumables. Many Sampler and Skimmer Cones rely on a gasket or O-ring for a good seal. Installing a new or recently cleaned Cone with a worn gasket or O-ring can prevent proper vacuum and result in rapid overheating of the Cone. Some Cones require additional screws for installation within the interface. Heavily corroded screws can lead to the same problems and in some cases result in an increased iron background, as many of the screws are made of steel. You don’t want to ruin a Cone for an O-ring or gasket. Therefore, we recommend replacing the Sampler’s gasket every time you replace the Sampler Cone to ensure a good seal. Check the condition of the O-rings regularly and replace them if they show signs of cracking.

Cone Conditioning

To ensure the lowest background levels of copper and nickel, conditioning of Cones before use is recommended. A conditioned Cone with a uniform coating will also result in better long-term stability. Brand new Cones and Cones that have been cleaned should be conditioned before use. To condition your Cones, prepare the following conditioning solutions:

  • 1.0% nitric acid solution
  • 50 ppm calcium in 1.0% nitric acid.

Install the new Cones or recently cleaned Cones in the instrument. Turn on the plasma and set robust plasma conditions:

  1. Aspirate the 50 ppm calcium solution for 10 minutes
  2. Switch to the 1.0% nitric acid solution and aspirate for another 10 minutes.

Another recommended procedure for conditioning the Cone is to aspirate your highest matrix sample for at least 30 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of aspirating your blank or rinsing the solution. This method is useful if your laboratory analyzes a common matrix every day.

Platinum Tipped Cones

When treating a high TDS matrix analyzed by ICP-MS, Pt-Cones are often preferred in place of Ni. The Pt insert becomes warmer than Ni, which slows the buildup of salts at the aperture. This allows the ICP-MS analyst to work longer before maintenance on the Cones is required. Pt tipped Cones are also recommended for the analysis of sample matrices containing aggressive acids such as hydrofluoric acid (HF), sulfuric acid (H2SO4 ) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4 ). For the lowest detection limits, Pt-tipped Cones are often used in the semiconductor industry. For more aggressive samples, for example a combination of high TDS and high acid concentration, a Sampler Cone with a larger diameter Pt insert can be used. For some ICP-MS models, a Sampler is available with a 10, 15 or 18 mm Pt insert. The larger insert provides a much longer life due to the larger surface area. A Glass Expansion customer found that the 15 mm and 18 mm inserts lasted 18-24 months compared to 6-8 months with the 10 mm inserts, or as long as the Orifice was good.

Options for Agilent ICP-MS instruments

For Agilent ICP-MS instruments, a variety of different Cones and Skimmer Insert combinations are available from manufacturer Glass Expansion so that the best option can be chosen for your laboratory. As an example, Glass Expansion’s Sampler and Skimmer Insert options for the Agilent 7900 ICP-MS are listed in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively. It is recommended that Pt Skimmer Cones be used with a brass Skimmer base and Ni Skimmer Cones be used with a stainless steel Skimmer base. Choosing the correct Skimmer base helps prevent overheating and extends the life of the Skimmer Cone.


Table 1. Glass Expansion Agilent 7900 Sampler Cone Options
DescriptionP/NOEM P/N
Recommendation
Nickel sampler coneAT7701-NiG3280-67040
Standard with x-lens, suitable for most applications
Nickel plated Nickel
sampler cone		AT7701-Ni/NiG3280-67061For samples with > 0.5% HCl or for routine operation with UHMI
Aluminum sampler coneAT7701-AlFor lowest nickel background and laser ablation applications
Platinum sampler coneAT7706-PtG3280-67036
Standard with s-lens, for lowest detection limits and for higher matrix samples with
x-lens
Platinum sampler cone (18
mm insert)		AT7706A-PtG3280-67056
For use with high viscosity, high boiling point acids
Platinum sampler cone
Boron Free		AT7706-Pt-BFFor lowest boron background
Nickel plated Platinum
sample cone		AT7706-Pt/NiPIncreased durability for samples with > 0.5% HCl
Platinum sampler cone with
Nickel base		AT7706-Pt/NiUsed when cone deposition is rapid due to high TDS
Platinum sampler cone (15
mm insert) with Nickel base		AT7706B-Pt/NiFor use when cone deposition is rapid due to high TDS and increased durability
requied

Table 2. Glass Expansion Agilent 7900 Skimmer Cone Options
DescriptionP/NOEM P/NRecommendation
Nickel skimmer cone for
x-lens		AT7902X-NiG8400-67200Standard with x-lens, suitable for most applications
Aluminum skimmer cone for
x-lens		AT7902X-AlFor lowest nickel background and laser ablation applications
Platinum skimmer cone
Copper base for x-lens		AT7908X-PtG8400-67201Lowest detection limits and high matrix samples
Platinum skimmer cone
Nickel base for x-lens		AT7908X-Pt/NiG8400-67202Organic analysis with x-lens
Nickel skimmer cone for
s-lens		AT7702S-NiG3280-67066Economical option for the s-lens
Copper skimmer cone for
s-lens		AT7702S-CuG3280-67067Economical option for the s-lens
Platinum skimmer cone
Copper base for s-lens		AT7708S-PtG3280-67064Standard with s-lens, aggressive acids and lowest detection limits
Platinum skimmer cone
Nickel base for s-lens		AT7708S-Pt/NiG3280-67065Organic analysis with s-lens

Table 3. Glass Expansion Cone Availability
ICP-MS ManufacturerNiAlPtPt -Boron FreeCu
AgilentXXXXX
Fluidigm (TOF-ICP-MS)X
Nu InstrumentsXX
PerkinElmerXX
XX
ShimadzuXXX
ThermoXXXX

Texst: Ryan Brennan en Justin Masone van Glass Expansion, USA

Contact Form


6 reasons to stop preparing standards yourself

/in /by

Are you tired of the limitations associated with buying standard reference materials through standard catalogs? It can be a huge waste of time; scrolling through endless product pages, each with different concentrations and matrices, without any guarantee that you will find the best analytical standards for the task at hand.

Many chemists often skip this laborious process and mix their own analytical standards. However, this method also has pitfalls. Such as extra hassle and non-negligible risks.

Fortunately, there is a better solution. Custom Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) from Inorganic Ventures. This is simple and faster way to get the right analytical reference standards for your specific applications.

A certified, NIST-traceable product delivered by elemental compatibility experts provides complete peace of mind.

It is very nice to have them take on the tough work and reduces for you the inefficiency in time associated with off-the-shelf products, as well as the risk of mixing analytical standards yourself in the lab. The technical team at Inorganic Ventures does nothing but custom produce analytical standards.

Here are the 6 reasons why CRMs custom made by a specialist are superior to analytical standards you mix yourself:

1 Mixing analytical standards is expensive

Blending single-element analytical standards into a working solution demands  both resources and time. Consider the administrative, equipment and labor costs of stocking and measuring re-order points per solution. This quickly leads to a significant ongoing investment.

Using custom analytics standards from Inorganic Ventures ensures that you only pay for what you need. This makes inventory management much easier. Our CRMs are ready for immediate use without further preparation, and you can easily dilute each standard directly from the bottle.

Inorganic Ventures offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

2 Documenting analytical standards is a pain

You always bear the burden of proof when mixing your own calibration standards. Laboratories that are held to the most stringent testing parameters must diligent that every standard is produced to the highest of standards. This requires an enormous degree of confidence and organization. It also requires nerves of steel if you are faced with an audit.

When using a custom product from Inorganic Ventures, all regulatory documentation and associated paperwork (CoA and SDS) is taken care of for you, and is readily available for audits. Their standards are manufactured and certified under their ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 Scopes.

3 Human error is a real risk

To err is human and even experienced chemists make mistakes. When you blend analytical standards yourself, you are bound to question the validity of your results at some point. Unfortunately, there is no room for error in the analytical industry. Perhaps you may experience compatibility issues when mixing your calibration standards because of incorrect additions or an improper matrix – or a host of other common problems.

Common human errors that may compromise the integrity of your DIY working standard include:

  • Incorrect calculations or dilutions
  • Accidental use of the wrong standard, leading to the wrong concentration
  • Improper use of the matrix, which can cause interferences
  • An unstable matrix due to poor knowledge of the required stabilizers
  • Recording the wrong weight (if preparing gravimetrically).

Inorganic Ventures’ technical team carefully checks all of their custom blends to ensure compatibility and stability of your analytical standard. All CRMs are then validated through a robust QC process to ensure absolute accuracy.

If necessary, we can advise you if/how standards can be combined to create a stable working solution. Several stability studies have been conducted to strengthen the methods.

A certified, NIST-recognized custom product provided by elemental compatibility experts provides complete peace of mind.

4 Storing analytical standards can cause even more problems

Transpiration can gradually increase the concentration of your analytical standards over time. Unfortunately, there is no way to combat this phenomenon when mixing your own working standards in-house. Reason is that it occurs as a result of water vapor entering the mixture, either through the walls of the container or through the opening.

Inorganic Ventures has developed a proprietary packaging system that effectively mitigates transpiration, preserving the integrity of the CRMs over longer periods. Transpiration Control Technology (TCT) prevents transpiration from the bottle by means of an equilibrium inside the hermetically sealed container. Analytical standards packaged in this manner maintain their integrity for up to five years after the production date. Products can be stored in the TCT bag for up to four years and then again for up to one year after removal. The time and cost savings associated with constantly replenishing supplies are effectively eliminated, significantly alleviating your storage concerns.

5 Your laboratory could be introducing contaminants

Analytical standards must be packaged in ultra-clean bottles, and sterilized laboratory equipment and clean starter materials are used to prepare the CRM. It is possible to replicate these strict cleanliness conditions in your own lab, but this is another example of the labor intensity and cost requirements of mixing calibration standards yourself.

The team at Inorganic Ventures has conducted extensive leaching studies to examine the contamination levels in all the materials used to manufacture their CRMs. They purchase the cleanest components (starting materials, weigh boats, pipettes, bottles, etc.) and properly leach them all to obtain the cleanest possible analytical standard. In doing so, they have access to a dedicated clean room with a HEPA filtration system and ultra-pure acids for production. This ensures that no environmental contaminants are introduced at any point.

6 You have nowhere to turn when you get unexpected results

It can be extremely difficult to pinpoint the source of errors when your results are disappointing. Simple errors, such as exceeding the volume, will require boiling the concentrate, usually in glass, which can only introduce more pollutants. The only solution then is to start all over again.

Inorganic Ventures’ technical support team is ready to assist with sample preparation and is highly skilled at solving problems that arise during testing. Trust their expertise when you encounter unexpected problems. Inorganic Ventures offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

Are you ready to stop mixing your own calibration standards and try out a custom CRM from Inorganic Ventures? If so, contact us today for your first created quote. You can also always call us with your questions at +31 (0) 88 46 78 786.

 

more information about standards from Inorganic Ventures
Home

New design GenoGrinder® 2010

/in /by

The design of the Geno/Grinder® 2010 has been completely redesigned! This proven homogenizer with large processing capacity for plant and animal tissue has not only undergone a metamorphosis in terms of appearance, but also functionally! 

  • The design of the Geno/Grinder® 2010 has been completely redesigned! This panel is tiltable and removable which makes it more pleasant to operate..
  • Position of the clamp is now ‘Landscape‘ instead of ‘Portrait’ making it easier to place the samples
  • Produces less noise due to better insulation
  • Larger observation window and LED interior lighting provide a better view of the samples during the run
  • Safer; lid lock makes it impossible to open the lid during the run
  • Programmable parameters include run time, speed, cycles and pause
  • Assign different permissions per user to specific protocols and functions
  • It records information of interest to Technical Service
Page about Geno/Grinder

Proud to be sisters!

/in /by

Two proud sister companies, two trusted names, SALM EN KIPP and Instrument Solutions (Instrument Solutions was recently acquired by the owner of SALM EN KIPP), with a track record of respectively 122 and 22 years in the laboratory industry!

Both sisters continue to operate independently.

1+1=3

By joining forces we offer you more than twice the knowledge, (technical) service and laboratory products and you don’t have to do anything extra for it. Our employees will arrange everything for you in the background. Both sisters are in close contact with each other and look for the best solutions for you.

We put you, our customer, first and because we have years of lab experience (144 years together), we speak your language. Thanks to our honest and professional advice, you can rely on the sisters SALM AND KIPP and Instrument Solutions for the supply of equipment, accessories, consumables and technical support.

We are genuinely proud of this partnership, proud of what we have already achieved together with you. And a little proud of where we are going with you in the near future.

Little girls grow up, and faster than you think.

Curious?

www.salmenkipp.nl

Questions? Feel free to contact one of the sisters!

 

 

Instument Solutions distributor for Interchim PuriFlash Systems

/in /by

We are proud to announce that the French multinational Interchim has appointed  Instrument Solutions as business partner for the Dutch market for the sale of PuriFlash purification systems and PuriFlash consumables.
The Flash purification systems of Interchim consist of instruments for the purification of organic compounds in Normal Phase and Reversed Phase. Besides organic compounds, Interchim also offers instruments for the purification of Peptides & Oligonucleotides. In fact, PuriFlash replaces the classical HPLC column for purification.

Choosing a puriFlash® system means benefiting from state-of-the-art technology with a minimum space requirement, which guarantees optimisation of your working time and increased safety for your samples. Increase your productivity and rely on your purification system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Complex technologies, hidden behind a simple button, take your Flash purifications to another dimension.

With a wide range of ready-to-use puriFlash consumables in combination with comprehensive application support, we take the burden off your laboratory staff.
The range for purification systems consists of:
– Flash Purification – pressure (up to 50 bar) and flow up to 825 ml/min)
– Preparative Purification – under high pressure (up to 250 bar) and relatively low flow (up to 250 ml/min)
– Ultra Preparative Purification – under very high pressure (up to 400 bar) and relatively low flow (125 ml/min)
– Peptides & Oligonucleotides Purification – pressure and flow similar to those of Preparative Purification Systems

Intersoft X – the intuitive and user-friendly operating software

An ultra-optimised user experience and interface for simplified operation.
With Intersoft X, you will be able to use the full power of your puriFlash® purification systems. And all that with fingertip control or a stylus pen.

Genius

To determine the correct purification method, you use Genius. This is the artificial intelligence that recommends the best purification method based on your TLC and HPLC data. This intelligence is part of the InterSoft X software.

No matter how skilled you are in chromatography, Genius and its brand new features Flash & Go, Load & Go and Boost & Go as well as RFID recognition, will enable you to increase the productivity of your laboratory and achieve expert results for all your purifications.

The video below shows how to determine the optimum purification method for the puriFlash 5.020 system on the basis of a 4-component sample:

More information about Purification systems
Click here

Is your spectrophotometer compiant with the latest USP and EP Chapters?

/in /by

New editions of United States General Pharmacopeia Chapter <857> and European Pharmacopoeia Chapter 2.2.25, giving guidance on instrument qualification for ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry, have recently been published. The former becomes mandatory on 1st December 2019 and the latter on 1st January 2020. Both introduce new approaches to qualification and suggest a variety of new reference materials for qualification measurements. While there are several areas of conformity between the two new standards, there are also some important differences.

What do they have in common?

Earlier versions of both standards contained a fairly limited set of tests to control an instrument’s performance for wavelength, absorbance, stray light and resolution (spectral bandwidth). Provided an instrument passed these tests it could be claimed that it was ‘pharmacopoeia compliant’. The limitation of this approach is that a qualification carried out under one set of operating conditions might not be valid under another set. A simple example would be a qualification carried out in the visible using one light source when the actual analysis was to be carried out in the UV region using a different source. While the same parameters must still be qualified, the requirement is now to demonstrate ‘fitness for purpose’, namely that the instrument has the performance to undertake the actual analysis to the required accuracy and precision. The user must therefore determine, for these four parameters, the range over which the system will be used in the actual analysis and prove compliance over that range. One consequence of this is that the simplistic approach often adopted in the past – one qualification test for each of the four parameters – may not suffice. Both standards now recommend, directly or by implication, that the values of the references used for qualification should ‘bracket’ the values to be used in the proposed analysis, which may mean that more than one reference is required. There is also a specific new requirement, in both standards, to qualify absorbance linearity: this will almost certainly require the use of more than one absorbance reference. To help meet these new requirements, additional reference materials are cited in both standards. Both standards also allow – the USP strongly advocates – the use of commercially available Certified Reference Materials.

How do they differ?

The major difference between the two new standards is their scope. Whereas USP <857> is limited to UV-visible spectrophotometers as described in USP <1857>, the new EP standard is extended to encompass HPLC UV detectors and PAT (process analytical technology) applications. This is a considerable divergence – USP <857> specifi cally excludes HPLC detectors from its scope whereas EP 2.2.25 will be mandatory for HPLC detectors. The following notes relate to spectrophotometers: HPLC is covered separately.

Another major difference is in the approach to the test materials to be used for qualifi cation. The USP states: ‘Whenever possible, certifi ed reference materials (CRMs) are to be used in preference to laboratory-prepared solutions’ and now lists a greater variety of commercially available CRMs to make it easier to establish ‘fi tness for purpose’ over a range of operating parameters. The EP, conversely, gives details for the preparation of relatively few test solutions, one of which (caffeine) is not available commercially as a CRM. Fortunately, however, it still allows the use of Certifi ed Reference Materials, so compliance can still be achieved without the need to prepare solutions in the laboratory.

Will I need new reference materials?

Most laboratories working in a regulated environment will already have a selection of references for instrument qualification. To determine if any additional references are needed to meet the new regulations the wavelength and absorbance values expected in the proposed analyses should be checked to see if they are encompassed by the available references. If not, additional references will be required. For example, holmium oxide solution is the most widely used wavelength reference, with 14 peaks covering wavelengths from 240 nm to 650 nm. Provided the wavelengths to be used for analysis lie within these limits, no additional wavelength references should be required. For wavelengths below 240 nm, however, both standards now recommend cerium oxide solution, covering 200 nm to 270 nm. For even lower wavelengths, a ‘Deep UV’ CRM is available from Starna Scientific (Hainault UK), with certified wavelength and absorbance values down to 191 nm. When including analysis above 650 nm, didymium oxide is frequently used.

For absorbance qualification, the new linearity specifications mean that more than one reference will almost certainly be required: the USP recommends that linearity is controlled at a minimum of three absorbance levels over the expected range. Potassium dichromate solution has been used for many years and covers wavelengths from 235 to 350 nm. For lower wavelengths, nicotinic acid is now recommended, covering 210-270 nm. Both are commercially available as CRMs, at a range of concentrations with absorbance values up to 3A and can be purchased in convenient ‘linearity sets’. For the visible region, the USP now lists metal-on-quartz filters; while not compatible with all instruments, these filters can be used over a wide wavelength range (250 to 850 nm). For the visible region, wellestablished neutral density (grey glass) filters are available.

Stray light qualification: whereas EP 2.2.25 formerly named just one stray light reference, potassium chloride solution, both standards now list several references covering wavelengths from 190 nm to 400 nm. Note that USP <857> now permits the use of the traditional “specified wavelength” method as well as the ‘filter ratio’ or Mielenz method cited in the 2015 edition.

Both standards recommend the well-established toluene-in-hexane solution for resolution (bandwidth) qualification.

Other than the references named in the standards, a wide range of CRMs for spectrophotometry is available (see table below):

Wavelengh range of Certified Reference Materials

HPLC and PAT

The inclusion of these applications of UV-visible spectrophotometry in EP 2.2.25 requires different qualification
procedures from conventional spectrophotometry. All the references discussed above are available either as sealed
solution cells or solid filters and therefore involve no manipulation other than insertion in the instrument’s sample
holder. A few HPLC detectors can accept a conventional solution cell or filter, but for others and for PAT applications, it will be necessary to physically transfer the test solution into the measurement cell. Three of the references mentioned above, namely cerium oxide, holmium oxide and nicotinic acid solutions, are available as CRMs in vial format for this purpose and were developed specifically for HPLC. A fourth, Starna Green, can be used for both wavelength and absorbance qualification and is a specially formulated dye mixture that is
very stable, non-toxic and REACH compliant.

Conclusions

The new editions of USP <857> and EP 2.2.25 take a more holistic approach to the qualifi cation of UV-visible spectrophotometers, which must now be performed under conditions that approximate as closely as possible to those to be used for analysis. While some aspects of the new regulations may appear contradictory, the judicious selection of Certifi ed Reference Materials will allow instrument users to comply with the new regulations.

Credits for this article go to Nathan Hulme, Starna Scientific Ltd, who wrote this article. It is originally published on www.labmate-online.com.

If you have any questions about standards for your spectrophotometer or would like a quote, please call us on +31 (0) 88 46 78 786 or complete this form.

More information about Starna Certified Reference Material

 

 

 

Status deliveries and service in relation to Corona virus

/in /by

Dear customer,

Because of the coronavirus outbreak we live in a time with many questions.

It affects us all. More than ever before, it is important for your organisation to be able to guarantee continuity as much as possible, so that your contribution to our economy does not disappear.

We remain at your service, you can rely on the complete team of Instrument Solutions.

Supplies of instrument or consumables

To date, our foreign suppliers have not yet caused us any delays or that shipments are being temporarily detained.

However, this situation may change at any time. We advise you to build up sufficient stock so that you do not run into problems in the event of possible lockdowns. If you need an overview of products you order from us, we will be happy to send you this.

It concerns for instance products of the following brands: Inorganic Ventures – SCP Science – Glass Expansion – SPEX – Savillex – Macherey Nagel – LABC – Starna – CTC – Scion.  A complete overview of brands can be found here.

Technical Service

We will do everything in our power to continue to assist you in the event of technical malfunctions. Of course the safety of you and our Service & Product Specialists comes first. This means that if it is safe, we can carry out work at your location. If it is not safe or allowed, we can assist you remotely to solve the malfunctions of your lab equipment together. If you have a service request, you can let us know via a Service Ticket.

If you already have a General Service Agreement, you will be given priority.

Sales

Where possible, visits can be made remotely. We have possibilities for video meetings, presentations and product demonstrations, easy to give on your PC, tablet or smartphone. In this way, projects are minimally delayed.

If you need a call, please call us at +31 88 467 87 86.

We wish you a lot of strength in these turbulent times.

Home

Meet us at Laborama 2020 (new dates)

/in /by

Instrument Solutions participates with a booth at Laborama Expo on 11 and 12 June 2020 in Brussels. Originally this event was planned to take place on March 19 and 20, but due to the Corona virus it has been postponed.

For the Belgian market, this annual Expo is the meeting place for the laboratory sector.

Where is it? Brussels Expo – Palace 1 – Belgium

Meet us at booth number E20.

What you can expect at our stand:

Register free of charge

Silent compact Air Compressor AirComp200

/in /by

Claind, Italian manufacturer of gas generators since 1979, has launched a new compact air compressor. It has the power of an industrial compressor, but made it suitable for the laboratory.

The compressor delivers 180 Nl/minute of ultra dry oil-free compressed air suitable for feeding all nitrogen generators. Also suitable for general use.

For the lab a low noise level is important and the AirComp 200 is therefore quiet (< 58 dB). For years Claind has identified the most important wishes of laboratory users and integrated these into the AirComp 200. This makes the AirComp 200 unique!

Lowest noise level in the market

A pleasantly compact, aesthetic compressor that can be placed under the lab table. Ideal for the laboratory.

The AirComp 200 has a high production capacity (180 Nl/minute at 8.5 bar). Depending on the desired flow, the speed is automatically controlled so that in most situations only a small part of the capacity is used. The effect of this is:

  • a low electricity consumption;
  • Reduced engine load resulting in longer compressor life;
  • that it is low-maintenance thanks to the variable speed and low temperature that is released.

A built-in membrane dryer provides ultra dry air (Outlet Dew Point -60°C).

Lastly, the AirComp 200 is remotely controllable from the PC or smartphone and Operating parameters can be monitored in real time.

 

Specifications
Flow Rate180Nl/min (210 l/min FAD) @ 7 bar
Technologies employedOil free SCROLL compressor with Universal Power Supply and Electronic Speed Control
Output pressure6 ÷ 9,5 bar
Air output characteristicsParticulate = 0,01 mmm, Moisture=  -60°C dew point ATP @ 9,5bar 50Nl/min
Electrical Supply230 Vac ± 10%, 50/60, Hz 2,5kW
Index of protectionIP20
Noise Minimum: 54 dBA    Medium: 58 dBA
Operating temperature5°C – 40°C
Environmental HumidityMax 90% without condensation
Max AltitudeTested up to 2000 m from the sea level
DimensionsHeight: 79,5cm, Width: 68cm,  Depth: 83cm, Weight: 148kg
Pneumatic ConnectionsPurified Air Output: G 1/2” female
Page about Gas Generators
Home

 

 

 

Freezer Mill ideal for modified RoHS regulations

/in /by

The RoHS Directive is an EU directive for the restriction of hazardous substances in electronic products. RoHS is an abbreviation of Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Until recently, this directive listed 6 heavy metals that could be restricted in products by manufacturers of these devices. Four phthalates have now been added to these heavy metals for the RoHS3 version.

For years the Freezer/Mill of manufacturer SPEX SamplePrep has been grinding electronic & electrical components (for heavy metals) and plastic children’s toys & care products (for phthalates) into a homogeneous fine powder. This fine powder ensures efficient extraction of residues at low level and is therefore an ideal device to prepare samples for further downstream analysis. The Freezer/Mill therefore plays an important role in demonstrating whether the individual components and end product are produced in accordance with RoHS regulations.

The EU RoHS3 specifies maximum levels for the following 10 restricted substances:

  • Cadmium (Cd): < 100 ppm
  • Lead (Pb): < 1000 ppm
  • Mercury (Hg): < 1000 ppm
  • Hexavalent chromium: (Cr VI) < 1000 ppm
  • Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB): < 1000 ppm
  • Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE): < 1000 ppm
  • Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): < 1000 ppm
  • Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP): < 1000 ppm
  • Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): < 1000 ppm
  • Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): < 1000 ppm

The first six were already applicable to the original RoHS, while the last four were added under RoHS 3, which came into force on 22 July 2019.

In order to comply with these new regulations, companies and local authorities will have to test products to ensure compliance.

Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Related to RoHS is the WEEE, which stands for Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment. The WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC requires the treatment, recovery and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment (90% goes to landfill). All electronic products on the EU markets must comply with the WEEE standard and carry the “Wheelie Bin” sticker.

Functioning Freezer/Mill:

The sample is placed in a special fully sealable Grinding Vial and immersed in liquid nitrogen to reach cryogenic temperatures. The sample is then pulverized by a stainless steel impacter which is magnetically beaten back and forth against two stationary end plugs of the vial by induction. Because the vial is immersed in liquid nitrogen throughout the grinding cycle and is tightly sealed, it retains hazardous and volatile substances and does not cross-contaminate other samples.

Special chromium-free vial sets are available for analysis of the elements. (Of course no Hg, Cd, or Pb is present in these sets either)

page Cryogenic Milling - Freezer/Mill
Home