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USGS · 70010435

Automated standardization technique for an inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometer

John R. Garbarino·Howard E. Taylor
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Abstract

The manifold assembly subsystem described permits real-time computer-controlled standardization and quality control of a commercial inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. The manifold assembly consists of a branch-structured glass manifold, a series of microcomputer-controlled solenoid valves, and a reservoir for each standard. Automated standardization involves selective actuation of each solenoid valve that permits a specific mixed standard solution to be pumped to the nebulizer of the spectrometer. Quality control is based on the evaluation of results obtained for a mixed standard containing 17 analytes, that is measured periodically with unknown samples. An inaccurate standard evaluation triggers restandardization of the instrument according to a predetermined protocol. Interaction of the computer-controlled manifold assembly hardware with the spectrometer system is outlined. Evaluation of the automated standardization system with respect to reliability, simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency is compared to the manual procedure.

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Analytica Chimica ActaArticle

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John R. Garbarino, Howard E. Taylor. 1982. Automated standardization technique for an inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometer. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0003-2670(01)84186-6

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