Recommended Routine ICP-OES and AVS 6/7 Maintenance Schedule

Answer

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

Issue:

The ICP-OES and AVS 6/7 components require regular routine maintenance. Agilent-authorized field service engineers must perform any maintenance procedures not listed in this document.

Warning: Shock Hazard. Do not remove instrument covers that expose electrical circuits, devices, and components operating at dangerous voltages. Contact with these circuits, devices, and components can result in death, cause serious injury, or painful electric shock.

Maintenance frequency:

Recommended maintenance schedule: The maintenance schedule can be customized to suit your sample throughput and sample matrix via the User Maintenance Counters. Customization can reduce system contamination, increase sample throughput and reduce consumable expenses.

Maintenance tasks are recommended at different intervals:

• Frequently
• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Three monthly

 Run the ICP-OES Performance Test after completing routine maintenance. 

Tip: Failure to properly maintain the ICP may lead to sensitivity issues. See Loss of or Change in Agilent ICP-OES Sensitivity: Causes and Corrections.

Frequently

• Check and empty the drain vessel.

Daily

• ICP-OES
  • Check the water level in the Argon Humidifier before every use if applicable.
  • Clean the surface of your ICP-OES and accessories. Spills should be cleaned up immediately.
  • Inspect the torch for cleanliness and clean as necessary. Separate processes are used for cleaning acid and aqueous matrices and organic matrices.
  • Inspect the pump tubing and replace if it has lost its elasticity. Unclip the pump tubes when the pump is not in use.
• AVS 6/7 switching valve
  • Inspect the switching valve tubing if in use. Replace if necessary.
  • Check that the sample loop is filling completely for the first few samples in the first run of the day. If the loop still does not fill completely, the rotor may need to be replaced. 
  • Check that there are no blockages in the tubing, sample probe, or connectors used.
  • Check for blockages in the switching valve. Clean or replace the valve.
  • Check for increases in carry over in blanks. If carry over is increasing, the valve may require the stator to be cleaned or replaced.
  • Flush the sample flow path, including the switching valve assembly, at the end of each period of operation. Flush systems analyzing acid and water samples with de-ionized water, and for systems running organic samples use an appropriate solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol propan-2-ol.

Weekly

• Clean the torch. Separate processes are used for cleaning when analyzing acid and aqueous matrices, or organic matrices.
• Clean the cone.
• Clean the snout.
• Clean the spray chamber.
• Clean the nebulizer.

Monthly

• Clean the cooling air inlet filter on top of your ICP-OES.
• Perform an ICP-OES instrument calibration.
• Inspect the state of the RF induction coil. Contact your Agilent representative if maintenance is required.
• Inspect the external gas supply system for leaks including the tubing connected to the instrument. Replace any damaged, leaking, or worn components.
• Inspect the axial and radial pre-optics window for cleanliness. Clean or replace as necessary.
• Check/clean the heat exchanger radiator on the cooling system and remove any build-up of dust and dirt.
• Check the water level in the water cooler. See the manual supplied with the water cooler for details.
• Periodically, drain the coolant from the cooling system and then refill/ treat with an appropriate algaecide as recommended by the manufacturer.

Three monthly

• Remove and clean the water filter on the right side of the instrument.

Learn how to effectively your Agilent ICP-OES and AVS 6/7: ICPOES-MULTI-2200e - Agilent 5000 Series ICP-OES Maintenance and Tips for Optimal Performance e-learning course available from Agilent education