Plasma Not Igniting

• Air in torch/spray chamber
• Organic vapors
• Kink in plasma gas hose
• Air inlet filter dirty
• Nebulizer blocked
• Argon gas flow incorrect
• Blocked drain
• Contaminated argon

Plasma On Monitoring

An optical detector in the ICP-OES is positioned to detect light emitted by the plasma. If the plasma goes out an alert message is displayed in the ICP Expert software. If this fault condition is detected while the plasma is on, the RF generator and the gas control unit are shut down.

Cooling Fan Monitoring

Cooling fan operation is detected by an air flow sensor. If the air cooling flow is detected to be insufficient, the instrument will inhibit plasma ignition or extinguish an existing plasma.

Air in Torch/Spray chamber

Connections

Check that all tubing connections from the torch assembly to the sample compartment wall are correctly sealed. Any air leaks in the argon gas lines may prevent plasma ignition or may produce imprecise analytical results. The peristaltic pump tubing should be clamped and the sample line placed in solution to prevent air getting introduced.

Purge

The plasma may fail to ignite at the first attempt if the air in the torch and spray chamber has not been fully purged. Repeat the plasma igniting procedure.

Organic Vapors

After running organic samples, the torch area and spray chamber may fill up with organic vapors. Clean the spray chamber before attempting to ignite the plasma again.

Kink in Plasma Gas Hose

If the argon bottle hose or argon filter hose has a kink, it will prevent the argon from reaching the torch. Straighten the kink and try again.

Air Inlet Filter Dirty

Ensure the air inlet filter is not blocked. Check the air filter for blockages.

Nebulizer Blocked

Clean the nebulizer.

Argon Gas Flow Incorrect

Check that the gas supplies are at the correct flow rate.

Blocked Drain

If precipitation has occurred leading to blockage of the spray chamber drain, the spray chamber will fill up with liquid and extinguish the plasma. Good drainage is shown by a constant stream of bubbles being pumped away. If none are seen, clean the spray chamber and replace the drain tubing.

	Tell me how to clean the spray chamber
	Tell me how to replace the drain tubing

Contaminated Argon

It is important that only high purity argon be used. If the argon supply is contaminated with molecular gases (e.g., N₂, CO₂) it may not be possible to ignite the plasma. Try another cylinder of high purity argon.

Normally only found when using compressed gas cylinders (i.e., not liquid argon supplies).