Maximize Your ICP-OES Instrument Performance and Uptime

Importance of the topic

ICP-OES is widely used for elemental analysis in environmental, industrial, pharmaceutical and academic laboratories. Optimizing instrument performance and uptime reduces unplanned downtime, lowers operating costs and ensures reliable, reproducible results. Regular maintenance of the sample introduction system, proper standard preparation and effective diagnostics are key to long-term productivity.

Objectives and overview of the paper

This paper presents practical advice, tips and best practices to help end users minimize maintenance, prevent common failures and improve overall workflow. Based on a global Agilent-commissioned survey of 700 laboratory managers across Germany, the UK, the USA and China, the authors identify major pain points in ICP-OES operation and propose strategies to address them.

Methodology and instrumentation

The survey, conducted by Frost & Sullivan, covered respondents with diverse roles, company sizes and experience levels. The recommendations in this guide focus on ICP-OES systems such as the Agilent 5100/5110 and 700 Series. Key areas include sample preparation, sample introduction components (nebulizer, spray chamber, torch), peristaltic pump tubing, autosampler interfaces and the use of certified reference materials.

Main results and discussion

1. Preventing nebulizer blockage:

• Rinse the sample introduction system with reagent blank before shutdown to avoid salt deposition.
• Filter or centrifuge samples to remove particulates; use syringe filters for easy four-step filtration.
• Adjust autosampler probe height and use enclosures to limit dust contamination.
• Use an argon humidifier accessory to reduce salt build-up and signal drift.

2. Removing blockages and cleaning:

• Backflush nebulizers with methanol or use a dedicated cleaning tool; soak stubborn deposits in concentrated nitric acid.
• Soak torches in aqua regia and rinse thoroughly; confirm positioning with alignment routines.
• Clean spray chambers in 25% detergent solution and inspect for droplet buildup.

3. Preparing and handling standards:

• Use ISO-certified reference materials traceable to NIST SRM 3100 Series.
• Work with calibrated pipettes and volumetric flasks; perform serial dilutions and prepare fresh low-level standards.
• Store standards in PFA/FEP vessels with added acid and monitor reagent water purity.

4. Pump tubing and flow consistency:

• Select tubing materials compatible with acids or organics (PVC, Viton, Marprene).
• Maintain larger waste tubing ID than sample tubing for efficient drainage.
• Replace tubing weekly under heavy use and inspect for flat spots or stretching.

5. Diagnostics and performance checks:

• Run wavelength calibration monthly and verify boost purge settings.
• Use software dashboards to monitor nebulizer backpressure, torch alignment and performance tests.
• Employ semi-quantitative tools like Intelliquant to identify major elements and optimize wavelength selection.

6. Improving sensitivity:

• Extend read times and consider single-pass spray chambers for higher transport efficiency.
• Use a multi-mode sample introduction system (MSIS) or hydride generation for sub-ppb detection of As, Se, Sb and Hg.

7. Routine maintenance schedule:

1. Daily checks: exhaust, Ar gas pressures, visual inspection for blockages.
2. Weekly: clean sample introduction components; check chiller water levels and filters.
3. Monthly: soak and inspect spray chamber, nebulizer, torch; replace argon and water filters.

8. Autosampler considerations:

• Use short transfer tubes and wide-bore probes for viscous or high-solids samples.
• Monitor sample stability during queue times to prevent evaporation, precipitation or contamination.

9. Spare parts and supplies:

• Maintain a stock of critical consumables (nebulizers, torches, tubing, spray chambers).
• Consider operating supplies kits tailored to each ICP-OES model to minimize downtime.

Benefits and practical applications

Implementing these guidelines leads to more stable baselines, lower detection limits, improved precision and extended component lifetimes. Laboratories can achieve consistent performance, reduced maintenance costs and faster method development for applications in QA/QC, environmental monitoring, food safety and process control.

Future trends and potentials

Advances in automated diagnostics, remote monitoring and smart rinse protocols will further enhance instrument uptime. The integration of triple-quadrupole ICP-MS, improved hydride generation modules and advanced glassware coatings promise deeper sensitivity, higher throughput and reduced user intervention.

Conclusion

Maintaining ICP-OES systems at peak performance requires a holistic approach to sample introduction, standard preparation and routine diagnostics. Following a structured maintenance schedule, using high-quality consumables and leveraging built-in software tools ensures reliable, high-quality data and maximizes instrument uptime.

References

• Agilent Technologies. Maximize Your ICP-OES Instrument Performance and Uptime. 2019.
• Frost & Sullivan. Global Survey of ICP-OES Users. 2017.
• NIST SRM 3100 Series. National Institute of Standards and Technology.