Benefits of running organic matrices using the Agilent 5100 ICP-OES—fast, robust, high performance analysis

Importance of the Topic

Monitoring trace metals in organic solvents and product streams is essential for quality control in industries such as petrochemicals, lubrication, fuels and specialty chemicals. Reliable detection of wear metals and additive elements in oils and fuels helps prevent equipment damage and ensures product compliance with regulatory and performance standards. The inherent challenges of organic matrices—volatile components, carbon-based interferences, and potential corrosion—require robust analytical solutions.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This technical overview evaluates the performance of the Agilent 5100 ICP-OES configured with Synchronous Vertical Dual View (SVDV) optics and solid-state RF generator for rapid, stable, high-sensitivity analysis of metals in organic matrices. The study aims to demonstrate long-term stability, extended linear dynamic range, low detection limits, reduced maintenance requirements, and efficient sample throughput using advanced hardware and software features.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The analysis employs the Agilent 5100 ICP-OES with the following key components and configurations:

• Solid-state RF generator operating at 27 MHz, 700–1500 W for rapid plasma stability and resilience against organic vapor load.
• Vertically oriented plug-and-play torch system with corrosion-resistant materials and positive-pressure design to protect against aggressive sample vapors.
• Sample introduction kits for non-volatile and volatile organics: Easy-fit torch and cyclonic spray chamber for kerosene and xylene; concentric nebulizer and 0.8 mm injector for volatile solvents.
• VistaChip II CCD detector for continuous wavelength coverage, high sensitivity and wide dynamic range.
• SVS 2+ Switching Valve System and SPS 3 autosampler to minimize rinse delays and maximize throughput.
• FACT (Fast Automated Curve-Fitting Technique) background correction software to model and remove complex carbon-based spectral interferences.

Main Results and Discussion

Long-term stability tests over 4 hours on a 5 ppm multi-element standard in kerosene yielded relative standard deviations below 1 % for all elements, demonstrating exceptional plasma robustness under organic load. Calibration curves for elements such as calcium at 422.673 nm showed correlation coefficients above 0.9999 and calibration errors below 2 % up to 50 ppm, highlighting an extended linear dynamic range. FACT background correction improved quantitative detection limits for sodium and potassium in biodiesel by up to 10-fold compared to conventional fitted background methods. Sample cycle times as short as 30 seconds and argon consumption of 9.5 L per analysis were achieved, translating into throughput of 960 samples per 8-hour shift with lower operating costs.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integration of advanced hardware and software features provides several practical advantages:

• Robust plasma maintenance with minimal torch cleaning thanks to vertical orientation and solid-state RF power control.
• Sensitivity comparable to axial viewing while maintaining the durability of a radial configuration.
• Accurate low-level detection through FACT background correction of carbon interferences.
• High throughput and reduced argon usage using SVS 2+ and VistaChip II CCD detector.
• Simple torch installation with plug-and-play loader for reproducible alignment and rapid startup.

Future Trends and Applications

Ongoing developments in ICP-OES technology aim to further enhance sensitivity, automation, and data processing. Emerging areas include coupling organic analysis with hyphenated techniques for speciation, implementing machine learning algorithms for real-time interference correction, and integrating online sample preparation systems. These advances will expand applications into environmental monitoring, biofuel production, pharmaceutical process control and beyond.

Conclusion

The Agilent 5100 ICP-OES with SVDV optics and solid-state RF generator delivers a robust, high-performance solution for trace metal analysis in challenging organic matrices. Key strengths include exceptional plasma stability, extended linear dynamic range, low detection limits, minimal maintenance and high sample throughput, making it well-suited to diverse industrial and research laboratories.

References

1. ASTM D5185-13: Multielement Determination of Used and Unused Lubricating Oils by ICP-AES.
2. ASTM UOP389-14: Trace Metals in Organics by ICP-OES.
3. Agilent 5991-4837EN: Real-time Spectral Correction of Complex Samples Using FACT.
4. Agilent 5991-4854EN: Benefits of a Vertically Oriented Torch.
5. Agilent 5991-5271EN: Improved Productivity for Metals in Oils with ASTM D5185.