Shimadzu ICPE-9800 Series

Significance of the Topic

Modern laboratories across environmental, food, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and metallurgical industries demand rapid, simultaneous multi-element analysis with high accuracy over a broad concentration range. Simultaneous ICP atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) addresses these needs by providing robust, sensitive and cost-effective elemental determinations. This capability supports regulatory compliance for trace contaminants, ensures product quality and accelerates research and quality control workflows.

Objectives and Overview of the Article

This article reviews Shimadzu’s ICPE-9800 Series of simultaneous ICP-AES instruments. It highlights system design innovations—axial/radial dual views, a one-inch CCD detector, vertical torch orientation, proprietary gas-saving features and intuitive software—and demonstrates how these technologies enhance throughput, reduce operating costs and simplify method development for a wide variety of sample matrices.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The ICPE-9800 Series employs a high-frequency plasma source feeding a vertically oriented torch that minimizes memory effects. Dual observation modes (axial for trace sensitivity, radial for high-concentration samples) are selected without hardware changes. A one-inch back-illuminated CCD array captures emission spectra across all wavelengths simultaneously, enabling retrospective wavelength selection and interference checks. Gas consumption is curtailed by three innovations:

• Mini-torch with half the gas flow of a standard torch.
• Eco mode that drops plasma power and argon flow during standby.
• Vacuum spectrometer design eliminating continuous purging.

The sample introduction system relies on high-efficiency nebulizers, cyclone spray chambers and optional modules for organic solvents or hydrofluoric acid matrices. Automated autosamplers (up to 240 vials) and optional hydride generation or ultrasonic nebulization enhance sensitivity for specific elements. Data acquisition and control are managed by ICPEsolution software with built-in assistants for wavelength selection, interference diagnosis and method generation. Compliance with electronic record regulations is achieved via an optional LabSolutions Multi-Data Register Connection Kit.

Main Results and Discussion

Performance evaluations demonstrate:

• Dynamic range spanning low-ppb to percent levels across axial and radial modes, enabling simultaneous analysis of trace hazardous elements and major nutrients in food samples (e.g., cheese, drinking water).
• Rapid rinse-to-rinse stability, as evidenced by a boron memory test comparing vertical and conventional horizontal torch orientation. Vertical operation reduced rinse times by more than half.
• Long-term signal stability over continuous 3-hour measurements of engine oil and 9-hour aqueous runs, with relative concentration drift below 5% for 16 elements.
• High matrix tolerance for acids, salts and organic solvents without auxiliary oxygen, owing to optimized torch design and plasma conditions.
• Substantial argon cost savings—up to 50%—when running typical six-hour daily workloads over three years, compared to purge-type instruments.

These results confirm that the ICPE-9800 Series delivers reproducible, interference-corrected data with exceptional throughput and reduced consumable costs.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages for routine laboratories include:

• Fully simultaneous multi-element detection without hardware reconfiguration.
• Simplified method development via software-guided wavelength selection, interference correction and automatic calibration.
• Flexible sample introduction accommodating aqueous, acidic, organic and high-salt matrices.
• Automated sample handling with high-capacity autosamplers and peristaltic pump options for internal standard addition.
• Reduced downtime and gas expenses through Eco mode, mini-torch and vacuum spectrometer technologies.
• Regulatory compliance support for ICH Q3D elemental impurity analysis and environmental water testing.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in ICP-AES are likely to focus on deeper integration with laboratory information management systems and cloud-based data analytics. Artificial intelligence-driven method optimization, on-line process monitoring and further miniaturization of plasma sources will extend capabilities into field deployable units. Continued development of high-sensitivity interfaces (e.g., single-particle analysis, nanoparticle characterization) and green laboratory initiatives to further reduce gas consumption are also anticipated.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s ICPE-9800 Series represents a significant evolution in simultaneous ICP-AES instrumentation. By combining dual viewing modes, all-wavelength CCD detection, vertical torch design and intelligent software with aggressive gas-saving measures, the system meets the demanding requirements of modern analytical laboratories for speed, accuracy, versatility and cost efficiency.

Used Instrumentation

Major components of the ICPE-9800 Series include:

• Main unit with vertical plasma torch and axial/radial view optics.
• One-inch back-illuminated CCD detector and vacuum spectrometer chamber.
• Mini-torch assembly, Eco mode and integrated vacuum pump.
• Sample introduction options: cyclonic spray chamber, organic solvent chambers, hydrofluoric-acid-resistant modules and ultrasonic nebulizer.
• Hydride Generator HVG-1 for As/Se/Sb enhancement and optional IsoMist temperature-controlled chamber.
• ICPEsolution software with automatic wavelength selection, interference diagnosis and method development assistant.
• LabSolutions Multi-Data Register Connection Kit for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.