• Created : 
  • Modified : 
  • Category :  Agilent Knowledge Portal
  • Entry Type :  Article
  • Product Type :  Atomic Absorption Systems
  • Component :  Atomic Absorption Instruments
  • Product Name :  240FS AA 280FS AA 55B AA
  • Task :  Maintenance Troubleshooting
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Troubleshooting and Maintenance of AA Systems Part 2B- Flame Optimization

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent Flame AA Systems: 55B, 240FS, 280FS 

Issue:

After cleaning and re-installing the flame atomic absorption system components, it is important to optimize the burner position, nebulizer uptake rate, flame conditions, glass impact bead, and mixing paddles. Proper optimization ensures that the atomic absorption system will yield accurate and precise results throughout its lifetime.

Steps to follow:

  1. Optimize the burner position vertically, horizontally, and rotationally using the burner alignment card.

  2. Attach the plastic capillary tubing to the nebulizer. Wind the nebulizer locking thimble and locking ring clockwise, as far as they go.

    Figure 2

  3. To determine the nebulizer uptake rate, ignite the flame, and aspirate distilled water from a small graduated cylinder over a one minute time period. Adjust the thimble until the uptake rate is between 5-6 mL per minute (ml/min), then tighten the locking ring (behind the thimble).

    Figure 3

  4. Select or develop a Cu method to use for optimization.  Go to the worksheet window and click optimize and the hollow cathode will complete the peaking procedure. Once complete, click Optimize Signal > Instrument Zero.


  5. Aspirate a 5 ppm Cu solution. Optimize the burner position vertically, horizontally, and rotationally to yield the highest signal.

  6. Then adjust the glass impact bead position to achieve the maximum signal and minimum noise. Close the optimization window by clicking OK.

  7. For most flame AA applications, the mixing paddles should be fitted in the spray chamber, and the glass impact bead should be adjusted for best sensitivity. If you have more difficult samples to run, such as high % total dissolved solids (TDS), ensure that the mixing paddles are in place inside the spray chamber.  Adjust the impact bead at least half a turn clockwise from the optimum sensitivity position. This will give better performance with difficult sample types.

See the other articles in this series:  Troubleshooting and Maintenance of AA Systems: Part 1-Hollow Cathode Lamps and Troubleshooting and Maintenance of AA Systems: Part 2A- Cleaning Flame AA Components

 

 
Learn how to effectively maintain and troubleshoot your Agilent Atomic Absorption system:
240/280 User's Guide 
Troubleshooting and Maintenance of Atomic Absorption Systems: Part 2 - Flame Atomic Absorption Video on the Agilent Knowledge Portal
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