Cleaning the Agilent ICP-OES Snout

Answer

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

Issue

Argon passes through the snout to produce an oxygen free light path to the optics. The snout sits next to the plasma and during routine operation contaminants can deposit on the snout.

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

Figure 1. 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 snout 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.

2. Remove the snout: Gently pull the snout off the radial window assembly and then slide it toward the right.

3. Wash the snout:

   1. Wash with dilute detergent to remove any solid buildup from inside the snout.

   2. Rinse both the inside and outside with de-ionized water.

   3. Remove any remaining contaminants by wiping with a lint free wipe and rinse.

   4. Thoroughly dry the inside and outside of the snout with compressed nitrogen or laboratory grade air.

4. 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 snout 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