WCPS: How the Latest Advancements in ICP- OES Instrumentation and Software Address the Requirements of Demanding Methods

Importance of the Topic

The analysis of trace elements in petrochemical matrices such as lubrication oils is critical for machinery health monitoring, contamination detection, and additive level control. High‐throughput, reliable methods ensure timely decision making in maintenance scheduling and failure prevention.

Objectives and Overview

This study evaluates the performance of a modern radial inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), the iCAP 7600 Plus Series, equipped with a Sprint sample introduction system and Qtegra ISDS software. The aim is to compare analysis speed, accuracy, precision, and stability against the conventional peristaltic pump (Speed) method when determining wear metals, contaminants, and additives in used and new lubrication oils according to ASTM D5185.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Samples were diluted 1:10 (w/v) in white spirit containing yttrium as an internal standard. Calibration standards ranged from 50 to 5000 mg/kg depending on the element. Key instrumentation included:

• Thermo Scientific iCAP 7600 ICP-OES Radial
• Sprint sample introduction valve and Sprint analysis mode
• Organic sample introduction kit: V-groove nebulizer, baffled spray chamber, 1 mm center tube

With the Sprint valve, flush and rinse cycles are managed automatically without additional pump speed or wash time adjustments.

Main Results and Discussion

Two oil samples (Oil A, Oil B) were analyzed using both Sprint and Speed methods. Elemental concentrations for Fe, Cu, Ni, Si, Ca, P, Zn and others were essentially identical between methods. The Sprint approach delivered analysis times under 30 seconds per sample, while maintaining:

• Accuracy comparable to conventional methods
• Precision and stability over hundreds of injections
• Reduced requirement for quality controls, recalibrations, and repeat analyses

Benefits and Practical Applications

Implementing the Sprint valve with radial ICP-OES offers laboratories significant advantages:

• High throughput for routine oil monitoring
• Lower cost per analysis by minimizing instrument downtime and consumable use
• Rapid detection of wear metals and contaminants to support preventative maintenance

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions include integration of real-time data processing with artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, miniaturized plasma sources for field analysis, and coupling ICP-OES with mass spectrometry to extend detection capabilities. Software enhancements will further streamline workflows and automate QC checks.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific iCAP 7600 Plus Series ICP-OES combined with Sprint sample introduction demonstrates a robust solution for high‐throughput analysis of petrochemical samples. It meets industry requirements for speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency while reducing overall analytical costs.

Reference

ASTM D5185: Determination of Additive Elements, Wear Metals, and Contaminants in Used Lubrication Oils by ICP-OES.