Preadjusting The Nebulizer - PerkinElmer aanalyst 200 User Manual

Preadjusting the Nebulizer

In this procedure you adjust the aspiration rate (solution uptake rate) of the nebulizer.
You must preadjust the nebulizer whenever you install a nebulizer or when you have partially or
totally dismantled the nebulizer for any reason, such as cleaning.
You must always preadjust the nebulizer before you optimize the nebulizer (see chapter 9,
Maintenance).
WARNING
Preliminary steps
Prepare a blank solution and a standard solution of an element that requires an oxidizing (blue)
air-acetylene flame and whose analytical line lies above 250 nm.
Recommended elements: Cu (324.8 nm), Mg (285.2 nm), or Pb (283.3 nm).
Do not use an element that is sensitive to the air/fuel ratio of the flame, e.g. Ca, Cr, Pd, Pt, Rh,
Ru, Au, and Ir.
The concentration of the standard solution should be in the linear range and ideally should be
close to the 'sensitivity check' concentration quoted in the Recommended Conditions (i.e. give an
absorbance reading of approximately A = 0.2).
NOTE: You use this element to preadjust the nebulizer. It may be different to the element you
subsequently analyze.
1. Install a lamp for the element you have chosen.
2. Start up the spectrometer.
3. Set up the burner system.
4. Perform the safety checks. Ignite the flame.
5. Touch the Lamp tab to display the Lamp page.
6. For Signal select AA, no corrected, or AA, background-corrected if you will be using
background correction later.
Warning: Flashback Hazard
Never preadjust the nebulizer using a nitrous oxide-acetylene flame.
Preadjust the nebulizer using an air-acetylene flame only, and make small adjustments
slowly.
AAnalyst 200 User's Guide
6-37