Argon Humidifier
The humidifier is used to humidify gas to reduce deposits in the nebulizer. It improves the stability of the signal for some high matrix samples, for example seawater analysis.
The humidifier features:
- Simple structure using hollow fiber membrane tubing
- No delay in gas flow changes using much lower volumes
- 2 channels in one unit for nebulizer gas and accessories
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Gray ports |
Humidifier Kit for the ICP-OES
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Description |
Quantity |
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Flexible tubing 3 mm ID 4 mm OD 0.5 mm thick |
2 |
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Argon humidifier installation instructions for the ICP-OES |
1 |
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Humidifier bracket |
1 |
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Humidifier bracket back plate |
1 |
Precaution
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Use at least 200 mL water. We recommend using distilled, de-ionized water. Water deposits in and outside the membrane filter does not indicate a problem. This is caused by the characteristics of the membrane filter. |
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Do not use the humidifier on the Argon, Nitrogen or Option gas lines on the side panel of the ICP-OES. Sometimes condensation is created in the gas flow line (i.e., membrane tube) and droplets may be carried to the outlet which could contaminate the gas filter or optics purge, make it difficult to ignite the plasma, or damage the plasma torch. (Condensation is acceptable for the nebulizer gas). |
Installing the Humidifier
To install the humidifier:
- Turn off the plasma and peristaltic pump.
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You can place the humidifier bracket back plate anywhere in the sample introduction area and on the front left panel. Two alternative areas are shown with dotted lines. Do not place it on the outer left side panel of the sample introduction area (2 in the image below). Always test the location first with the bottle installed in the bracket to ensure you do not block access to the gas ports or spray chamber before placing the backing onto the ICP-OES. Once the adhesive backing is placed on the instrument, you cannot move it. |
- Clean the area that you will be placing the accessory with isopropyl alcohol or other suitable solvent.
- Peel the backing off of the double sided tape on the back of the humidifier bracket back plate.
- Place the back plate onto the instrument. (1 in the image below).
Ensure the back plate is not at an angle.
Image showing an example of where to put the humidifier back plate (1) and where not to put the back plate (2). -
Slide the bracket over the two pegs on the humidifier bracket back plate (1 in the image below) and then press down on the stand to fully seat it.
Stand inserted on the pegs on the humidifier back plate. - Place the bottle in the stand.
- Connect one end of the flexible tubing to one of the gray ports (2 in image below) on the humidifier.
- Connect the free end of the tubing to the NEB gas port (1 in image below) in the sample introduction area on the front of the ICP-OES.
- Connect one end of the second piece of the flexible tubing to the remaining gray port on the humidifier.
- Connect the free end of the tubing to side arm (3 in image below) of the nebulizer.
- Return the instrument to its original status.
Filling/Refilling the Humidifier with Water
- Turn off the plasma and peristaltic pump.
- Turn the bottle cap of the humidifier counter- clockwise, and then remove it from the humidifier bottle.
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Place the bottle cap with hollow fiber membrane tubing on a clean tray when filling refilling with water. The hollow fiber membrane tubing is very sensitive, and it is connected to the ports inside the bottle cap. |
- Fill the humidifier bottle with deionized water up to at least the 200 mL fill line.
- Tighten the bottle cap until it stops.
- Return the instrument to its original status.
Removing the Humidifier
Remove the humidifier in the reverse order of installation in the Installing the Humidifier section above.
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When removing the flexible tubing, push the gray removal ring on the top of the connector on the humidifier or black removal ring on the nebulizer gas connector. Do not pull the tubing by force. This could damage the tubing and cause a gas leak. |