The Savillex PFA cyclonic spray chamber (CSC) for ICP-OES and ICP-MS is moulded from high purity virgin PFA using Savillex’s unique stretch blow moulding technology.
Unlike other inert cyclonic spray chambers, which are manufactured from individual machined parts that are assembled or welded together, stretch blow moulding allows the Savillex CSC to be moulded in an optimum cyclonic shape similar to a traditional glass or quartz cyclonic. A deep spoiler is moulded into the side wall, which improves signal stability and prevents re-nebulization, while a drain guide on the baffle tip promotes smooth draining.
Stretch blow moulding also produces a smooth surface finish for improved draining, and its translucent walls allow the user to see inside the chamber. The CSC is designed for use with the Savillex C-Flow nebulizer but accepts any 6 mm OD nebulizer and a threaded PFA nut eliminates the need for o-rings.
The Savillex CSC has excellent stability and sensitivity, and is available with an optional surface treatment, further enhancing sensitivity. It's key benefits are:
- Optimum shape – similar to glass and quartz cyclonics
- High sensitivity: 10-20% higher than other PFA cyclonics
- Optional surface treatment gives a further 40% enhancement in sensitivity
- Excellent signal stability due to spoiler and baffle design
- Improved washout due to smooth surface finish and elimination of dead space
- O-ring free nebulizer port
- Nebulizer insertion depth is automatically optimized for C-Flow nebulizers
- Ultra clean: manufactured from high purity virgin PFA
- Users can see inside the chamber during operation
- Highly reproducible manufacture
- Can be used on different instruments simply by changing the connector
Exit Ports/Connectors
A range of exit ports and combination exit port/connectors are available to allow the Savillex PFA CSC to be used with a variety of instruments, and usually connect directly to the torch. All exit port/connectors fit both the treated and untreated versions.
Part numbers 821-103 (with baffle) and 821-104 (without baffle) have a 12/5 socket connector which is commonly used in ICP-OES instruments. Typically, a baffle is used with ICP-MS but not with ICP-OES or MP-AES, since the baffle removes larger droplets which may overload the plasma in ICP-MS. The function of the baffle with the untreated PFA CSC is not as critical as with glass and quartz cyclonics, however, since the larger droplets tend to be removed through absorption by smaller droplets that form on the side walls.
Compatible Nebulizers
Although the Savillex PFA CSC accepts any 6 mm OD nebulizer, the nebulizer port has been optimised for use with the Savillex C-Flow range of PFA concentric nebulizers.
Simply insert any C-Flow nebulizer fully and tighten the nut – the correct insertion depth is automatically set for optimum performance. For ICP-OES use choose the C-Flow 700d and for general purpose ICP-MS use, choose the C-Flow 400d. For semiconductor or limited sample volumes, use the Savillex microconcentric nebulizer versions.
Surface Treatment
Like all inert materials, PFA does not wet as effectively as glass or quartz, due to its inherent hydrophobic nature. The reduced wettability of PFA (and PTFE, PEEK) impacts spray chamber performance in two ways: build-up of large droplets that cause signal instability and poorer washout, and reduced aerosol transport efficiency (due most likely to absorption of aerosol by droplets on side walls). In the case of the Savillex PFA CSC, its smoother surface, optimised internal shape and features such as drain guide and spoiler virtually eliminate the formation of larger droplets. Due to its optimum shape, the Savillex PFA CSC has excellent sensitivity that can be further enhanced by improving wettability. An optionally available, proprietary organic based surface treatment significantly improving wettability and increases sensitivity by approx. 40% compared to the standard, untreated version. ICP-MS signal sensitivity for a surface treated Savillex PFA CSC is equivalent to the highest sensitivity glass or quartz cyclonic spray chambers. For ultratrace applications such as semiconductor using ICP-MS, the untreated version is recommended. For applications that require maximum sensitivity (i.e. all ICP-OES applications), the treated version is recommended.
Ordering Information
1. Choose a spray chamber version - either 820-01 (untreated) or 820-02 (treated)
2. Choose an Exit Port or Exit Port/Connector - any 821-XXX product
Notes:
All 821-xxx parts can be used with both versions of spray chamber
Instrument compatibility for each exit port or exit port/connector (821-xxx part) is provided in the product description
A 12/5 socket connector is commonly used in ICP-OES
The term 12/5 refers to the dimensions of the connector, which is 12 mm OD and 5 mm ID
- Spray Chamber - Cyclonic
- Spray Chamber
