Application of ultrasonic nebulizer to UHF plasma torch atomic emission spectrometry.

Abstract

To improve the sensitivities in UHF plasma torch atomic emission spectrometry, the sample nebulization process was modified. Conventional pneumatic nebulizers differed in their sample uptake rates; the sensitivities therefore varied with nebulizers. The sensitivities achieved by using the laboratory-built ultrasonic nebulizer varied with transducer power and plasma gas flow rate. Compared with the ordinary conditions (plasma gas flow: 3-4 1/min; conventional pneumatic nebulizer), the relative net intensities were increased from 1.3 to 7.6 fold for 7 elements at plasma gas flow of only 1.0 1/min using the ultrasonic nebulizer. The sample introduction to ultrasonic nebulizer, the sample removal from ultrasonic nebulizer, and cleaning the cell were made easily by using a reversible peristaltic pump.