There are a lot of different ICP-MS cones available on the market. They are usually built of copper and nickel. However, they can also be produced using other materials like platinum to increase tolerance in corrosive liquids.
Choosing the best size can be difficult because there is a lot you should consider. You don’t want to make the wrong decision and waste your money on it. Here, you will learn to choose the right cone size for your needs.
What Are the Kinds of Sample Cones?
Get value for your money by selecting the right cones for your applications. The reliable ones are those platinum- and nickel-tipped skimmer and sampler cones. They can deliver the best performance.
Nickel tip with copper base
This tip is compatible with all ICP-MS models, making it the standard choice. It offers the most economical applications. At the same time, they are the most commonly used for different operations, such as acid matrix, aqueous, non-hydrogen fluoride-containing solutions, and inorganic.
Nickel tip with nickel-plated base
This tip goes with specific models. It’s the standard for s-lens ICP MS models, an ideal option for x-lens ICP MS models, and applications with lower detection limits and samples with higher matrices.
Platinum tip with a platinum base
This tip goes with specific models. It’s the standard for s-lens ICP MS models, an ideal option for x-lens ICP MS models, and applications with lower detection limits and samples with higher matrices.
In addition, it’s the go-to base for applications with analysis of the most aggressive acids, such as hydrogen fluoride, and when handling oxygen/argon gas for organic solvent analyses.
Large platinum tip with copper case
Another great option for all ICP MS models, this one is ideal for applications requiring the lowest detection limits and samples with the highest matrix. Also, it’s suitable for acids with high viscosity and high boiling points, such as hydrogen sulfate and phosphoric acid.
What Are the Different ICP-MS Cone Sizes?
Cones are the differential apertures that act as a separation point between the atmosphere and the sample coming from the detector and mass filter at a high vacuum. Manufacturers may have designed them with their specifications, but they all have the same use.
Skimmer and sample cones with a large orifice can stay stable for a long time with low chances of clogging. This can allow easy analysis under low and high sample uptake conditions.
To transmit ions from plasma at atmospheric pressure to a low-pressure operating atmosphere of a mass spectrometer, you can choose orifice sizes from 0.4 to 1.2 mm. There are also smaller sampling orifices with a size smaller than 0.8 millimeters. However, there are great chances of clogging in the presence of high salt content.
ICP-MS Is a Highly Useful Instrument
High-quality interface cones are critical to the stability and sensitivity of an ICP-MS system. The interface cones are an integral part of a mass spectrometer system.
They must withstand harsh treatment and maintain a high level of performance over time. So they must also be easy to clean so that your instrument can maintain its efficiency.
References
https://www.agilent.com/en/promotions/icp-ms-cone-selection-guide
https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/labcert/documents/training/ICPMS_basics.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/plasma-torch
