Glass Expansion (GE) is an international supplier of several products and accessories for use with ICP spectroscopy, with applications in ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ICP-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The product range includes nebulizers, spray chambers, torches, radiofrequency (RF) coils, ICP-MS cones, and accessories.
GE’s value proposition depends on many factors, such as a wide product range backed with a no-risk warrantee and technical support that provides customers with the highest value for their money.
Many original GE designs have now become industry standards. The products based on these designs are sought after because of their reproducibility, longer lifetime, and dependability. Use of these products saves time in terms of experimentation and down time, thus saving users money in the long term.
Products include:
Nebulizers
The nebulizer is a critical component of the ICP sample introduction system, so choosing the appropriate model is an important factor for any ICP laboratory. GE has been manufacturing nebulizers since the early 1980s and continually updates nebulizer designs to improve performance and ease of use. Whether your laboratory is analyzing clean aqueous samples, samples containing hydrofluoric acid (HF), samples high in total dissolved solids (TDS), or volatile organic solvents, GE has a nebulizer model suitable any sample type. These nebulizer models include:
- Conikal—for routine aqueous applications low in TDS (<5%) and organic solvents.
- SeaSpray—for aqueous samples high in TDS up to 20%.
- MicroMist—for high-performance low-flow aqueous applications, standard choice for most ICP-MS instruments.
- Slurry—for analysis of slurries with large particulates, favorite of wear metal in oil applications.
- DuraMist—for high-precision analysis of samples digested in HF and a high tolerance to TDS up to 30%.
- OpalMist—for high-precision applications requiring the highest chemical resistance and ultimate purity.
- VeeSpray—a nonconcentric nebulizer design with ceramic body, suitable for samples high in TDS, large particulates, and HF resistant.
All GE concentric glass nebulizers incorporate the unique VitriCone construction for the sample channel. With the VitriCone design, the sample channel is constructed from a heavy glass capillary which is machined to very high tolerances. The benefits of the VitriCone construction are:
- The sample channel is guaranteed uniform and thus resistant to clogging.
- The rugged precision-machined capillary resists vibration and delivers the best possible precision.
- The industry’s tightest tolerances ensure that each nebulizer will perform to the same high standards as the previous one.
The process used by other manufacturers is to heat and draw a thin fragile capillary from the glass tubing to create the internal capillary. This can lead to complications such as inconsistent inner diameter; increased glass porosity; and harmonic vibrations from the flow of argon, which degrade nebulizer performance and shorten lifetime.
GE’s Direct Connection (DC) nebulizer has an argon connector that connects directly to the ICP spectrometer and a zero dead volume UniFit sample line connector that slides easily over the sample arm. Features of the easy-to-use DC nebulizer include an inert, metal-free argon connector; instrument-specific, flexible argon line; a ratchet fitting that provides leak-free gas connection; resistance to blockage; and fast washout.
GE’s entire range of nebulizer models are available in a DC configuration to suit your ICP spectrometer.
Spray chambers
The spray chamber is also a crucial component of the ICP sample introduction system since it has a profound effect on transport efficiency, precision, and washout. GE revolutionized the spray chamber design for the ICP industry with the Tracey and Twister cyclonic spray chamber, providing improved efficiency and reduced washout. GE’s unique Helix CT nebulizer interface combines a constant torque seal with a zero dead volume interface that results in higher throughput and consistent performance compared to non-GE designs. GE’s cyclonic spray chamber designs are available in glass, quartz, PTFE, or PFA to suit all the common ICP solvents and acid matrices.
GE’s spray chamber models include:
- Tracey cyclonic—industry standard for aqueous ICP-OES applications providing the best sensitivity, reproducibility, and lowest memory effects.
- Twister cyclonic—features a central channel (baffled) to reduce the load on the plasma, optimum for high-TDS and volatile organic applications or where the best precision is required.
- Tracey TFE—for HF-resistant ICP-OES applications. The Tracey TFE spray chambers are specially treated to ensure efficient drainage and offer better sensitivity and precision than the old polypropylene spray chambers.
- Tracey PFA44—ideal for ultra-trace ICP-MS applications, impervious to organic solvents, strong acids, and HF.
- Cinnabar cyclonic—mini-cyclonic design (20 mL) ideal for reduced memory and matrix effects for applications in the 20 to 400 µL/min range.
- Twinnabar cyclonic—mini-cyclonic design (20 mL) with central channel (baffle), combining benefits of the Twister and Cinnabar. Ideal for applications in the 20 to 400 µL/min range requiring excellent precision and fast washout.
- IsoMist XR—a compact, convenient, and maintenance-free temperature-controlled sample introduction system for all ICP-OES and ICP-MS. The spray chamber temperature is settable in 1 °C increments from –25 °C to 80 °C guaranteeing optimum conditions for any application. The IsoMist XR is packaged with a Twister cyclonic spray chamber available in either glass, or PFA.
Torches
GE carries a wide range of precision-made ICP torches. Most common on today’s ICPs, you will a single-piece quartz torch or a semi-demountable torch (SDT). The single-piece torch consists of three components: the outer tube, intermediate tube, and injector, all of which are fused together. The SDT features a quartz torch body (outer and intermediate tube fused together) and a removable injector. GE offers both of these torch options in addition to their own patented demountable torch design, the D-Torch.
The D-Torch incorporates a ceramic intermediate tube for greater robustness and provides the analyst with an outer tube that can be replaced when it fails rather than replacing the entire torch or torch body. The D-Torch also features an interchangeable injector, allowing the analyst to install a specific injector (material and internal diameter) for each application whether it be for aqueous, organics, high TDS, or HF.
Unique to the D-Torch is an optional ceramic outer tube. In general, the ceramic outer tube has a much longer lifetime, greatly reducing interruptions and downtime due to torch failure. The ceramic outer tube is of particular benefit for:
- Analysis of wear metals in engine oils, where quartz outer tubes often suffer from short lifetime.
- Si determinations, where quartz outer tubes often produce high background signals.
- Fusion samples or samples with high levels of TDS that cause quartz tubes to devitrify rapidly.
RF coil
GE RF coils are produced from the highest-quality and purity raw materials and plated using proprietary methods to obtain maximum RF transmission efficiency. Available RF coils include copper, silver, gold, and PTFE-coated silver. In addition to producing the highest-quality RF coils, GE also simplifies the installation with a “Do-it-yourself” RF coil installation kit. Each kit is designed specific to the ICP model, including an installation tool set and easy-to-follow step-by-step graphic instructional.
Advantages of GE RF coils:
- High purity and consistent plating extend coil life.
- Each coil is supplied on a plastic former and in a special protective container, ensuring correct dimensions are maintained and the coil arrives corrosion-free.
- Correct alignment of the coil with respect to the torch body reduces devitrification of the outer tube and ensures the plasma is concentric within the torch allowing the sample aerosol to travel correctly through the plasma.
ICP-MS cones
With four CNC machines and an electron beam welder, GE has the best-equipped and highest-quality cone manufacturing plant in the world. They supply cones for all of the popular ICP-MS models including the Agilent 8900, 8800, 7900, 7800, 7700, and 7500; the PerkinElmer NexION and Elan; and the Thermo Fisher X Series, Element, and ICAP Q, RQ, and TQ. A complimentary Pt refurbishment program allows your laboratory to extend the life of Pt cones, while available thread protectors can extend cone life by sealing the threads and shielding them from corrosion during cleaning.
Accessories
ICP accessories are added to an existing sample introduction system to improve performance and reduce the frequency of required maintenance. GE accessories include:
- Elegra Argon Humidifier—helps to alleviate salt deposits in the nebulizer and torch injector, allowing uninterrupted and maintenance-free operation for ICP analyses involving high concentrations of dissolved solids.
- WindTunnel Autosampler Enclosure—provides protection to your samples against airborne contaminants, while protecting the ICP operator against fumes and odors. A wide variety of accessories allow you to configure the WindTunnel to best suit your laboratory’s requirements.
- Trident In-line Reagent Addition Kit—provides an efficient means of accurately and precisely dosing all samples with an internal standard or ionization buffer without extra effort or the risk of error or contamination.
- Niagara Plus CM and Niagara CM Rapid Rinse Accessory—reduce sample turnaround time, boost sample throughput, decrease cost per sample, and lengthen life of consumables such as cones and torches.
- Assist CM—an automated sample introduction system consisting of purpose-built programmable syringe drives and an integrated valve system. The Assist delivers the highest level of accuracy, stability, and sample throughput by controlling the delivery of both sample and internal standard or diluent, eliminating the inaccuracies and pulsations caused by peristaltic pumps.
- Guardian In-line Filters—provide a simple and effective way to eliminate blockages in the nebulizer either from the nebulizer gas or liquid samples.
- Eluo Nebulizer Cleaner—designed to efficiently deliver a cleanser through the nebulizer capillary to dislodge particle build-up and thoroughly clean the nebulizer.
- TruFlo Sample Monitor—provides a real-time display of the nebulizer liquid flow rate. Enhances day-to-day reproducibility of results and reduces the need to repeat measurements due to a blocked nebulizer, worn pump tubing, or incorrect clamping of the pump tube.
More value propositions
No-Risk Guarantee
All Glass Expansion products are supplied with a No-Risk Guarantee. If the performance of the product is unsatisfactory or if it is unsuitable in any way, they will provide a credit or refund, provided the product is returned in original condition within 14 days of receipt.
Technical support
GE offers a wide range of information for ICP users. This product information is available on the company website and newsletters and is published by ICP subject-matter experts. Through its experienced application scientists, GE provides its customers with full technical support. Through its own test laboratory, which is equipped with four ICP-OES (PE AVIO 200, Optima 2100DV, Agilent 5100 SVDV, and Thermo Scientific iCAP 6500 Duo), and two ICP-MS (Agilent 7500 and Agilent 7900) spectrometers, GE can conduct real-world testing of new products to ensure they will perform optimally on users’ instruments.
Customer testimonials
The following are comments made by GE customers:
“Glass Expansion is the first place I check for ICP consumables/resources! Further, the technical advice I have received from you has been extremely helpful.” Geochemistry Laboratory, U.S.A.
In reference to the Eluo Nebulizer Cleaner: “I have used it for years. Great tool to have and use regularly to keep your nebulizer clean.” Consumer products manufacturer, U.S.A.
In reference to the SeaSpray nebulizer: “It is working very well, as are all the cleaning tools and pre-filter … how great you were in helping me buy the right nebulizer, etc. I could not have asked for any better customer service.” Pharmaceutical laboratory, U.S.A.
In reference to the Twister spray chamber: “Simply amazed at the RSDs we saw immediately and the stability in the plasma conditions. Thank you; it is a great upgrade for our system.” Nutritional supplement manufacturer, U.S.A.
In reference to the Elegra: “Talking with my operators that are here today neither of them has changed a nebulizer since we put it on. … We had been replacing nebulizers after about a week and half. … I will be ordering two more.” Contract laboratory, U.S.A.
“I can only say thank you for the service provided, the goods were received quickly, especially as it came from the opposite side of the world. … I will have no hesitation in using you as a supplier in the future.” Defence establishment, U.K.
“Thank you. I did receive the catalogue. I found it and your website a fantastic aid, especially when identifying appropriate combinations for nebulizers and spray chambers, etc., for our testing requirements.” Pharmaceutical company, Ireland
“I also want to thank you for the most recent edition of your newsletter, which I always find contains important and pertinent information. … Thanks again for all the important information that you provide to people like me. And thanks also for your wonderful products. I love the SeaSpray nebulizer and Twister spray chamber I’m using on our Optima 3300DV, along with all the fittings and connectors that make it so easy to connect and also to disassemble for cleaning.” Wastewater laboratory, U.S.A.
Conclusion
Glass Expansion has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing ICP sample introduction components and has earned a worldwide reputation for quality and reliability. Their wide selection of consumables and accessories are designed to provide optimal performance, thus reducing down time for users and providing the highest value for their money. For more information, visit http://www.geicp.com
Lina Genovesi, Ph.D., JD, is a technical, regulatory, and business writer based in Princeton, NJ, U.S.A.; e-mail: [email protected]; www.linagenovesi.com