C50s nebulizer with carbon probe (100cm)

Summary

Savillex C-Flow s-type PFA concentric nebulizers are unique in combining the sensitivity and washout performance of an integrated uptake line nebulizer with the convenience of a demountable type nebulizer.

The range comprises of three versions: the C50s, C100s and C250s, with nominal free aspiration uptake rates of 50, 100 and 250 μL/min, respectively.

The s-type features a new inner body design that has significantly improved nebulization efficiency and, therefore, sensitivity. Sensitivity is 10% higher in normal plasma and 15% higher in cool plasma compared to previous generation C-Flows, as well as, all other PFA concentric nebulizers. The s-type nebulizers all have demountable uptake lines, featuring a unique Savillex zero dead volume connector. The benefit of a demountable uptake line means that if the uptake line is damaged, the nebulizer is not destroyed: the uptake line is simply replaced. Other demountable-type nebulizers have degraded washout performance due to carryover; however, Savillex’s s-type nebulizers have equivalent washout performance to nebulizers with integrated uptake lines.

Savillex designs, molds and manufactures all its sample introduction products in-house using only the highest purity grade PFA resins. C-Flow s-type nebulizers have no measurable elemental background contribution. Savillex C-Flow s-type nebulizers are the highest performing, most reproducible and reliable nebulizers available for semiconductor and low sample volume ICP-MS applications.

C-Flow S-Type Design

The key requirements for high performance concentric nebulizers (for ICP-MS) are:

• High sensitivity in both normal and cool plasma modes
• Low RSDs
• Low oxide and doubly charged ion formation
• Free aspiration sample uptake rate accuracy: actual uptake rate vs. target uptake rate
• Nebulizer-to-nebulizer performance reproducibility
• If necessary, easy to unclog by backflushing

The C-Flow features a unique two-piece construction that consists of a PFA outer body and PFA inner body that supports the capillary. This design allows for very precise assembly and optimization of argon back pressure, which is key because back pressure directly impacts droplet size and signal sensitivity. The design also provides the best performance reproducibility compared to any other concentric nebulizer. This is especially important for the lowest uptake rate nebulizers, which are the most challenging to manufacture. As a result, C-Flow uptake rate ranges are narrower than any other concentric nebulizers. The image below shows outer and inner C-Flow bodies prior to assembly: the quality of the moulding and finish can clearly be seen. A 4 mm nebulizer gas fitting is moulded into the outer body. The design allows for precise adjustment and optimization of free aspiration uptake rate during assembly. Once the uptake rate is within specification, the two parts are locked together, and the uptake rate is fixed prior to shipment. The two-piece C-Flow design also offers additional benefits: because the capillary is supported all the way to the tip, all C-Flows can be backflushed safely without risk of damaging the capillary, and lifetime is significantly increased compared to other PFA nebulizers.

C-Flow S-Type Versions

All versions feature a demountable uptake line with a Savillex zero dead volume connector. Each of the three nebulizer versions can be ordered with no probe on the uptake line or with a range of different probes to fit commonly used autosamplers. Note that uptake rate specification is not guaranteed when the uptake line is changed but normally the nebulizer does remain in specification, as long as the appropriate uptake line is used (i.e. a C250s nebulizer body should be used only with C250s uptake lines). Custom uptake line lengths and probe lengths are available. All C-Flows can also be pumped but they are normally used in free aspiration mode.

• The C250s is the standard version for ICP-MS use with semiconductor samples – e.g. process chemicals.
• The C100s is designed for applications that require a lower uptake rate, e.g. when sample volume is limited.
• The C50s is designed for applications where sample volume is extremely limited, or where the sample matrix would overload the plasma if aspirated at a higher uptake rate (e.g. VPD samples).

Uptake Rate Specifications*

*(all at 0.7 SPLM nebulizer gas flow)

Note: The C-Flow s-type nebulizers are not designed for use with desolvators. Savillex offers dedicated versions for desolvators. These versions are assembled and tested at 110°C and cannot be used at ~2°C in a conventional spray chamber.