ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR ENERGY AND CHEMICAL SAMPLES AA. MP-AES. ICP-OES. ICP-MS. ICP-QQQ

Importance of the Topic

Trace element analysis is critical in the energy and chemical sectors to ensure product quality, safety and performance. Contaminants or intentional additives at trace levels can affect fuel efficiency, catalyst activity, and downstream processing. Reliable quantification of these elements supports process optimization, regulatory compliance and cost control.

Objectives and Study Overview

This whitepaper evaluates Agilent’s atomic spectroscopy solutions for elemental analysis in energy and chemical samples. It compares four techniques—atomic absorption (AA), microwave plasma atomic emission (MP-AES), inductively coupled plasma optical emission (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/ICP-QQQ)—across criteria of accuracy, throughput, operating cost and detection limits.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study reviews instrument design features, sample introduction options and analytical performance metrics. Key attributes include:

• Atomic Absorption (AA): Low system cost, sequential analysis, sensitivity down to high ppb, suitable for brines and engine oils.
• MP-AES: Air-plasma source avoiding gases, multi-element capability, medium ppb detection, ideal for biofuels and formation waters.
• ICP-OES: Axial/radial plasma, very high throughput (<30 s per sample), low ppb detection, tolerance up to 30 % dissolved solids.
• ICP-MS/ICP-QQQ: Broadest elemental coverage, lowest detection limits (ppq), high matrix tolerance (up to 25 % solids), advanced interference removal via MS/MS.

The instruments discussed include Agilent 5110 ICP-OES, 7800/7900 ICP-MS, 8900 ICP-QQQ and an MP-AES system.

Main Results and Discussion

Each technique delivers unique advantages:

• AA offers cost-effective analysis for a limited set of elements and sample volumes.
• MP-AES provides safe, unattended multi-element analysis on air plasma with competitive sensitivity.
• ICP-OES achieves the highest throughput for routine wear-metal screening and high-matrix samples.
• ICP-MS and ICP-QQQ excel in ultra-trace quantitation and speciation when coupled with GC or LC separation.

Trade-offs between throughput, detection limits and operating expenses are examined to guide method selection.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Agilent’s portfolio supports:

• Quality control of fuels, crude oil and biofuels to monitor contaminants (Fe, Ni, Cr, Pd).
• Analysis of process chemicals, plating baths and formation waters in oilfield operations.
• Speciation studies for catalyst development and environmental compliance.
• Nanoparticle characterization and trace contaminant analysis in solar-grade materials.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements likely include further integration of chromatography-ICP-MS for detailed speciation, automation for higher sample throughput, and enhanced data analytics with machine learning to predict process outcomes. The development of greener plasma sources and novel nebulizers will improve matrix tolerance and reduce waste.

Conclusion

Agilent’s atomic spectroscopy solutions offer a versatile toolkit for trace element analysis in energy and chemical samples. By selecting the appropriate technique, laboratories can balance cost, speed and sensitivity to meet specific analytical challenges and improve product quality.

Reference

Agilent Technologies, Accurate, Reliable, Cost-Effective Elemental Analysis for Energy and Chemical Samples, 2016, publication 5991-5606EN.