Microsample liquid analysis with a wire loop direct sample insertion technique in an inductively coupled plasma

Introduction of liquid samples into the inductively coupled plasma by direct insertion on a wire loop

“…The most striking feature of the signals obtained for all the elements shown in Figure 2, and in contrast to the signals obtained for Cu (12), is the presence of a peak in addition to the analyte peak. This peak is present for the analyte and blank signals but is generally totally absent in the bare wire signals.…”

“…The increased flexibility of the configuration now allows relatively complex drying programs to be used by carefully controlling the distance between the graphite sample carried and the plasma during the drying and ashing steps. While the pneumatic system (12) can be automated, the advantages provided by the apparent simplicity and speed are outweighed when one seeks both automation and flexibility.…”

“…In two previous articles in this journal, we reported preliminary results on the use of tungsten wire loops as sample support for direct insertion of desolvated liquid microsamples into the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) for atomic emission spectrometry (12) and for ICP source mass spectrometry (13).…”

“…Two different direct sample insertion devices, one pneumatically driven and the other stepping motor Operating Conditions 1.75 kW 16 L/min 1 L/min 0.8 L/min 17 mm above top of load coil 2 mm below top of load coil 22 mm below top of load coil driven, were used for the experiments described in this article. The pneumatically driven device was described briefly in our first report (12). The stepping motor driven device, which has replaced the pneumatically driven device, is described in detail in the following section.…”

“…These include the reproducibility, the wire replacement, the multidrop insertions, and some optimization studies. The procedure for each individual insertion is described in our first report (12). Sample Supports.…”