Cleaning the Agilent ICP-OES Cone

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent 5000 Series ICP-OES (5100/5110/5800/5900)

Issue

The ICP-OES cone is the interface between the plasma and the optics via the orifice at the tip of the cone. Argon passes through the orifice of the cone to produce an oxygen free light path to the optics. Damage to the cone allows oxygen to enter the light path and reduces sensitivity at low wavelengths. Damage occurs during routine operation by build-up of material and corrosion on both surfaces of the cone.

The ICP-OES sample torch components are detailed in Figure 1. 

 
Figure 1: ICP-OES torch compartment
1. Axial pre-optics window assembly 2. Cone 3. Cone thumb screw 4. Snout 5. Radial pre-optics window assembly 6. RF coil 7. Torch 

Warning: The torch compartment operates at high temperatures. Allow the compartment to cool before removing components. The cone may be contaminated with chemicals. Wear Personal Protective Equipment when handling ICP components.

Steps to follow 

Caution: Do not touch the RF coil when removing or installing the torch or snout. Always pull the torch straight down until the torch tube has cleared the loader before pulling it away from the instrument.

1. Remove the torch and snout.

2. Remove the cone:

   1. Undo the three thumb screws holding the cone in place.

   2. Pull the cone off the axial assembly.

3. Clean orifice and both sides of the cone:

   1. Dip the cone in de-ionized water and scrub with a scourer. Rub in a circular motion.

   2. Alternatively, use a damp soft cloth and a suitable cleaning powder such as a stainless steel cookware cleaner. Rub in a circular motion.

   3. Rinse the cone well in de-ionized water and then dry with a clean cloth.

      Caution: The cone is a soft metal and aggressive cleaning can cause damage.

4. Install the cone. Line up the screws with the holes in the cone and push the cone onto the axial pre-optics window assembly. Tighten the thumb screws firmly by hand.

   Caution: Loose thumb screws holding the cone in place, lead to poor contact between the cone and the cool cone interface, leading to damage of the cone.

5. Install the snout and torch:

   1. Slide the snout in and gently push to fit onto the radial window assembly. Align so the tabs on the snout are at the bottom and horizontal.

   2. Insert the torch. Holding the torch by its base, slide up the torch into the loader as far as it will go. Slight resistance should be felt as the base of the torch engages with the loader. The slot on the torch quartz tube should be parallel with the slot on the snout.

   3. Adjust the snout: Gently slide the snout toward the torch until the end of the snout touches the wall of the torch.

Routine maintenance: Agilent recommends cleaning the cone on a weekly to monthly basis.

Learn how to effectively maintain your Agilent ICP-OES: ICPOES-5110-1270e - Agilent 5110 ICP-OES Maintenance and Troubleshooting e-learning course available from Agilent education