News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 49, 2024

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in week 49, 2024? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy, especially ICP/MS techniques!

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This week we bring you applications and other documents by Agilent Technologies, Shimadzu, Anton Paar, and Thermo Fisher Scientific!

1. Agilent Technologies: Top Supplies for 5000 series ICP-OES for aqueous matrices

• Other

Agilent technical experts have compiled a list of recommended supplies that you should consider using with your new instrument in order to keep your lab operational without any disruptions and to achieve optimal performance.

• Standard (aqueous) 5000 series ICP-OES supplies recommendations
• Inert (HF Compatible) 5000 series ICP-OES supplies recommendations
• Semi-Volatile organic solvent compatible 5000 series ICP-OES supplies recommendations
• Volatile organic solvent compatible 5800/5900 ICP-OES workflow supplies recommendations
• High TDS compatible 5000 series ICP-OES supplies recommendations
• SPS 4 autosampler supplies recommendations (5000 Series ICP-OES)
• AVS 6/7 Advanced Valve System supplies recommendations (5000 series ICP-OES)
• ADS 2 Advanced Dilution System Workflow Supplies Recommendations (5800/5900 ICP-OES)

2. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Analysis of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine at low levels using triple quadrupole ICP-MS

• Application

Goal

This application note will demonstrate an analytical workflow for the determination of the halogens fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine at low levels using triple quadrupole ICP-MS.

Introduction

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is widely used as an analytical technique for the trace level quantification of elemental impurities in the range of different matrices due to its specificity, detection capability, and ability to provide isotopic information.

The detection sensitivity in ICP-MS is mostly determined by the first ionization potential (i.e., the energy required to remove an electron from the valence shell) and mass for a given element. In an argon plasma, complete ionization is typically only achieved for elements with ionization potentials below 6 eV, such as alkaline and alkaline earth elements. Typical transition metals, precious metals, and rare earth elements still ionize at close to 100%. However, semi-metals and in particular non-metals, like silicon, sulfur, or halogens, will only poorly ionize. At the same time, their signals are found in the low mass range (often below m/z 50), where many ions are lost in the transition through the mass spectrometer. In addition, other factors may significantly impact the analysis, for example, isobaric and polyatomic interferences leading to bias on the most abundant isotope for a given element, and hence forcing analysts to often select a less sensitive, but interference-free alternative. Especially polyatomic interferences are abundant in the low mass range and may render the analysis using ICP-MS nearly impossible.

The analysis of halogens is of importance in a variety of sample matrices pertaining to different industries, such as environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and industrial applications such as Li-ion battery and renewable fuels. Ion chromatography (IC) is a commonly used technique for analysis of halogens, whereas argon plasma-based techniques, like ICP-OES or ICP-MS, have limited applications for this purpose. However, its outstanding characteristics as an element selective detection system have led to the development of applications highly complementary to chromatographic techniques, for example, for the detection of PFAS.

This note describes the analytical workflows developed with the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MTX ICP-MS to mitigate these analytical challenges associated with the analysis of halogens using ICP-MS.

Conclusion

This document highlights how triple quadrupole ICP-MS, such as the iCAP MTX ICP-MS operated in TQ-O2 mode, can be used for accurate and precise quantification of challenging analytes such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine, which can be analyzed directly using optimized instrument conditions. It further highlights the feasibility of the iCAP MTX ICP-MS for indirect but accurate and precise determination of fluorine after complex formation with barium under optimized and controlled conditions. It further summarizes details of iodine (127I) analysis using helium as cell gas in SQ-KED mode. The analytical data and observations made during this study strongly suggest that the iCAP MTX ICP-MS equipped with dedicated mass flow controllers (MFCs) for introduction of pure oxygen and pure helium as cell gases is a powerful tool to accomplish the otherwise challenging analysis of halogens.

3. Shimadzu: Observation of Joined Metal and Rubber Parts Using a Microfocus X-Ray CT System

• Application

User Benefits

• The progression of rubber deterioration, where rubber is in contact with metal, can be evaluated non-destructively.
• Even locations with no visible abnormalities can be inspected non-destructively to help improve or maintain quality.

Introduction

Because metal and rubber materials have different properties, using them together can achieve high strength, vibration-damping effects, lighter weight, tight seals, and various other characteristics that cannot be achieved with only one or the other. Therefore, mechanical parts with rubber joined to metal
are widely used in automotive, industrial machinery, and other fields. However, joining parts with dissimilar properties can cause defects from heat, vibration, or other factors present during manufacturing processes or product use. In particular, rubber can potentially deteriorate at metal contact surfaces due to high metal temperatures without showing any symptoms significant enough for the deterioration to be discovered. Consequently, non-destructive inspections are required to evaluate deterioration and defects before they appear.

X-ray CT systems offer one type of non-destructive inspection. They can visually show the internal status of joined metal-rubber parts in order to assess the position and shape of internal defects without damaging the part. This article describes using an inspeXio SMX-225CT FPD HR Plus microfocus X-ray CT system (Fig. 1) to observe rollers made with rubber joined to metal.

Conclusion

his article describes using an inspeXio SMX-225CT FPD HR Plus microfocus X-ray CT system to scan rollers made of rubber bonded to metal.

The system enables non-destructive discovery of rubber deterioration and debonding, regardless of whether or not the exterior appears normal. The progression of rubber deterioration can be observed by detailed observations of cross-sectional images or by comparing the volumes of deteriorated portions. Color-coding the deteriorated or debonded areas can  provide a 3D understanding of the position and shape of those areas. Thus, X-ray CT imaging provides a useful way to inspect the quality of parts made with rubber bonded to metal.

4. Anton Paar: Anton Paar’s Multiwave 5000 Helps Colombian Industry Grow: Inside Confia’s Food Analysis

• Other

Confia, an analysis service laboratory, plays a significant role in supporting the growth of Colombian industry. Central to its operations is the use of Anton Paar’s Multiwave 5000, a key piece of equipment that enhances efficiency and precision.

This technology is particularly crucial in the food industry, where Confia focuses much of its project work. Multiwave 5000 facilitates microwave-assisted acid digestion, ensuring fast and efficient sample preparation across as many as 60 food matrices per month. This process is essential for accurately determining a range of elements, including sodium, magnesium, calcium, and various heavy metals in a subsequent analysis.

Q: Can you introduce yourself and describe your role at Confia?

A: I’m David Moyano, a chemist with 17 years of experience in fields like food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental. At Confia Control SAS, I lead the Physical-Chemical Department. My work has included helping to accredit labs, starting up environmental labs, and working on chromatography methods and accreditation in the food industry with the National Accreditation Agency of Colombia (ONAC).

Q: What does Confia specialize in?

A: Confia is a third-party laboratory that focuses on improving Colombian industry, particularly through food analysis. We handle nutritional labeling, detect heavy metals, toxins, and quantify vitamins. Besides providing analytical results, we also offer guidance and support to our clients.

Q: Why do you use Multiwave 5000 from Anton Paar?

A: Multiwave 5000 is essential for digesting food samples as sample preparation for a subsequent analysis of metals via atomic absorption spectroscopy. It helps us quantify various minerals and heavy metals efficiently. We chose this instrument because it saves time, minimizes errors, and delivers accurate and reliable results.

Q: How does Multiwave 5000 help you overcome challenges? 

A: This instrument has been a game-changer in reducing the time needed for sample preparation and allowing us to handle different samples simultaneously. Its precise temperature control is vital for the variety of samples we process.

Q: What makes Multiwave 5000 ideal for preparing food samples?

A: Its design minimizes contamination risks and exposure to toxic vapors, and it’s efficient with small sample quantities. These features make it particularly
suited for our work with food samples.

Q: What improvements have you seen with Multiwave 5000?

A: Since we started using Multiwave 5000, we’ve seen better customer engagement and more efficient decision-making. It has also allowed us to process samples faster, improving our service turnaround and building trust with more clients.

Q: Can you comment on the support from Anton Paar?

A: Anton Paar’s support has been outstanding. They’ve been excellent at providing training and assistance whenever we’ve faced turnover or technical
issues, ensuring we can always get the most out of the instrument. Help is just a phone call away, which gives us a lot of confidence in our daily perations.

“Anton Paar’s support has been outstanding. They’ve been excellent at providing training and assistance whenever we’ve faced turnover or technical issues, ensuring we can always get the most out of the instrument.”

David Moyano, Physical-Chemical Head at Confia Control SAS

Q: Would you recommend Anton Paar and Multiwave 5000?

A: Yes, our experience has been very positive. The support from Anton Paar throughout our journey to find the right solution has been excellent, and it’s a
decision we’re happy with.

Q: Are there other Anton Paar instruments you’re interested in?

A: We’re exploring using Multiwave 5000 for fat extraction as a modern alternative to traditional methods. We’re also looking into your densimeters and viscosity meters to expand our capabilities.

Through smart technology adoption like Multiwave 5000 and collaborative efforts with Anton Paar, Confia is not just meeting the current needs of the Colombian food industry, but also positioning itself for future challenges. This approach highlights Confia’s dedication to innovation and service excellence.