SC-FAST for SC-Autosamplers

A typical ICP-MS acquisition is made up of 6 time steps:

1. Autosampler movement – the time it takes from the ICP instrument sending the signal to the autosampler to move to next sample and sample probe actually entering the sample.
2. Uptake – The time for a sample to be drawn up the autosampler probe, peristaltic pump tubing and to the nebulizer.
3. Stabilization – time is required to allow the plasma to stabilize after speed pumping and air (due to autosampler movement) is introduced to the plasma
4. Measurement – Time required to obtain best quality data for the analytes being analyzed.
5. Rinse – Time required to remove the previous sample from the sample tubing and sample introduction area
6. Overhead – Time spent by the ICP performing calculations, printing results, etc.

Normal ICPMS Analysis

Most of the acquisition time is spent on the 5 non-productive steps, rinsing, uptake, stabilization, autosampler motion and ICP overhead/calculation time. Measurement (productive) time is typically only 20% to 50% of the analysis time.

The SC-FAST increases instrument productive time to over 75% without compromising analytical performance. A seamless integration with ICP software and hardware ensures complete optimisation of ALL non productive time steps in an ICP acquisition.

SC-FAST ICPMS Analysis

1. Autosampler Movement – Move Next pre-positions the autosampler over the next sample while the previous sample is being acquired, so no time delay.
2. Uptake – Vacuum pumping rapidly fills the sample loop. The close proximity of the sample loop to the nebulizer minimizes uptake time.
3. Stabilization – The pump delivering the sample to the plasma remains at a constant flow rate, and the injection valve ensures no air is introduced to the sample line, therefore, no stabilization time required.
4. Measurement – remains constant.
5. Rinse – The probe rinses during the sample analysis, minimal rinse time required.
6. Overhead – Used to ensure the previous sample has reached baseline.

Only the FAST system addresses ALL 5 non-productive steps. The SC-FAST can introduce, measure and rinse out a sample before a standard introduction system has started measuring.

A Teflon vacuum pump loads sample into a loop while carrier solution is nebulized then the carrier solution pushes sample into the nebulizer at the same time the sample line is rinsed.

Sample from SC-FAST introduced, analyzed and washed out before standard introduction system (SIS) has introduced the sample.

The SC-FAST system reduces the memory of volatile analytes such as Hg to such an extent that they can be added to ICPMS analytical methods. Click here for more information regarding Hg analysis and the SC-FAST.

• Quality of elemental analysis data maintained or improved (e.g. Hg)
• Sample turnaround time improved
• ICP productivity time increase 2x
• Maintenance time per sample reduced
• Fully compatible with current ICP instrumentation