Ultra-fast determination of base metals in geochemical samples using the 5100 SVDV ICP-OES

Significance of the topic

Determining base metals in geochemical samples is essential for mineral exploration, environmental assessment, and industrial quality control. High throughput, low cost per analysis, and the ability to handle complex matrices with elevated total dissolved solids are critical for modern analytical laboratories.

Objectives and study overview

This application note presents the evaluation of a vertical torch ICP-OES system operating in synchronous dual view mode for rapid quantification of base metals in samples containing up to 2.5 percent total dissolved solids. Study goals included assessing method detection limits, accuracy against a certified reference material, long term stability, sample throughput, and argon consumption.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• ICP-OES configured in synchronous vertical dual view mode to read UV wavelengths axially and other wavelengths radially
• Seven port switching valve system with positive displacement pump and bubble injector to reduce uptake, stabilization, and rinse delays
• SeaSpray nebulizer and double pass glass cyclonic spray chamber coupled to a standard dual view quartz torch with 1.8 mm injector
• Vista Chip II CCD detector enabling 1 MHz readout speed and eight orders of linear dynamic range
• Sample digestion by aqua regia reflux at 60 C for 0.5 h then 110 C for 2 h, diluted to 40 mL for a 30 percent acid matrix
• Calibration standards prepared in 30 percent aqua regia; internal standards lutetium and rubidium introduced via T-connector for spectral correction
• Spectral interelement correction factors established in software templates for reuse

Main results and discussion

Detection limits were in the low microgram per gram range for key base metals. Certified reference material recoveries were within 91 to 109 percent and spike recoveries for additional elements remained within ±10 percent. Calibration curves for all analytes showed correlation coefficients greater than 0.999 with readback errors below 0.5 percent. Long term stability over eight hours yielded relative standard deviations below 2.1 percent. The optimized system achieved a sample to sample cycle time of 40 seconds, corresponding to 90 samples per hour and 720 per eight hour day, while consuming only 14 L of argon per sample.

Benefits and practical applications

• High throughput lowers per sample cost and maximizes laboratory productivity
• Robust plasma and rapid washout support analysis of high solids samples with minimal downtime
• Wide linear dynamic range enables simplified calibration strategies
• Low method detection limits support sensitive trace metal determinations

Future trends and opportunities

Further improvements in sample introduction automation and detector speed may push throughput beyond 100 samples per hour. Coupling with real time data analytics and remote monitoring can enhance process control in mining and environmental laboratories. Expanding validated methods to additional elements and more challenging matrices will broaden application scope.

Conclusion

The vertical torch synchronous dual view ICP-OES system delivers accurate, stable, and ultra fast base metal analysis in geochemical samples, achieving low detection limits, high recovery, and exceptional sample throughput with minimal gas consumption.

Reference

Application note on ultrafast base metal determination in geochemical samples using synchronous vertical dual view ICP-OES by Agilent Technologies