This Information Applies To: Agilent ICP-OES 5000 Series (5100/5110/5800/5900)
Issue
How to run the ICP-OES Performance Test after installation, preventative maintenance, repairs, and when troubleshooting.
Steps to Follow
The ICP-OES Performance Test runs a suite of tests including Resolution, Sensitivity, and Precision to determine the analytical performance of your instrument and sample introduction components. The test uses the wavelength calibration solution and a blank to create a one-point calibration, then reruns the wavelength calibration solution as a sample.
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Tips: If 'Advanced Valve System Test' and 'Use Autosampler' are selected on the Tests tab, the Performance Test is not available
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Prepare the test solutions:
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Warning: Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when using acids
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- Blank: 1% nitric acid solution in ASTM grade water Or Calibration blank solution-Ready to use (Agilent part number 5190-7001).
- Purchased wavelength calibration solution - diluted (Agilent part number ICM-630) Or Purchased ICP-OES wavelength calibration solution-Ready to use (Agilent part number 6610030100).
- Rinse: 1% nitric acid solution in ASTM grade water.
Prepare the instrument
Ensure that the instrument meets the following guidelines before performing the Performance Test:
- Configured with the standard sample introduction system: SeaSpray nebulizer, double-pass cyclonic spray chamber, and 1.8 mm id standard torch.
- The torch, nebulizer, spray chamber, and pump tubing are clean and in good working condition.
- The external instrument exhaust is operating.
- The ICP Expert software is open.
- The polychromator heater and boost gas have been on for at least 20 minutes before lighting plasma.
- The plasma has been on for at least 20 minutes before running the test.
- The Peltier cooling has been on for at least five minutes before running the test.
Running the Performance Test
- Perform a dark current scan.
- Perform a wavelength calibration.
- Measure the Argon ratio and confirm it is within ±0.5 of the factory setting.
- Click Instrument > Tests > and deselect all tests except Instrument Performance
- Samples can be analyzed from the autosampler or introduced manually:
- Autosampler: select Use Autosampler and then place the wavelength calibration, rinse, and blank solutions in the locations as per the worksheet.
- Introduce solutions as prompted.
- Click Run Tests. This function automatically fills the appropriate method parameters and begins the test.
- Follow the onscreen prompts to introduce solutions if you are manually introducing the solutions.
- To print the report, click Print Preview > Print.
If the instrument performance tests pass, the system is in good working order. If any of the tests fail, contact Agilent Technical Support for additional troubleshooting.
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Learn how to effectively maintain your Agilent ICP-OES:
ICPOES-EX-1130e - Agilent 5000 Series ICP-OES: Introduction to ICP Expert Software (Ver. 7.5) e-learning course available from Agilent education
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