Preparing Your Laboratory for PerkinElmer Atomic Absorption Spectrometers

LABORATORY

PREPARATION

Preparing Your Laboratory for

PerkinElmer Atomic Absorption Spectrometers

Suitable Working Area

The environment in which any instrument is housed is an important consid-

eration. The room temperature should be between 15 and 35 °C (59-95 °F)

with a maximum rate of change of 3 °C (5 °F) per hour. The relative humidity

should be between 20 and 80%, non-condensing.

A relatively dust-free environment is necessary. This is especially important when

working with ultra-trace techniques, such as graphite furnace sampling. Other

important considerations are to locate the instrument in an area free of corrosive

fumes and vibration and in an area that does not receive direct sunlight.

Atomic absorption spectrometer systems are normally installed on laboratory

work benches or tables. The benchtop or area in which the atomic absorption

instrument is to be installed should be large enough to accommodate the instru-

ment and all accessories. (Dimensions of those items are given in Section 10.)

Make sure that there is space at the rear and sides of the system for air to

circulate freely. Do not block the fan operating on the back or rear of the instru-

ment. The back of the instrument should not be placed permanently against a

wall, as the instrument must be accessible from the back for servicing purposes.

An accessible space of at least 60 cm (24 in.) should be available behind the

instrument. If this is not possible, the table or bench on which the instrument

is mounted should be on wheels so that it can be easily moved.

A means of electrically grounding the instrument and all accessories must

be available.

Atomic Absorption System Layout. In addition to the basic requirements for

atomic spectroscopy systems, preparation of your laboratory for atomic absorption

(AA) spectrometers equipped with graphite furnaces requires that consideration

be given to the installation needs of the furnace power supply when it is not

This document gives detailed instructions regarding the space,

accessories and utilities required to operate PerkinElmer atomic

absorption (AA) spectrometers, THGA and HGA graphite fur-

nace systems, and other major AA accessories.

PerkinElmer atomic absorption instruments are complete sys-

tems with the exception of the following items which must be

provided by the analyst: suitable working area; exhaust vent(s);

gases and regulators and light sources. When a THGA or HGA

graphite furnace system is being used, additional items may be

required, which are described in Section 8. General information

on each of the required items is given in the appropriate section

of this brochure as indicated below.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Subject

1 Suitable Working Area

2 Exhaust Vent

3 Atomic Absorption Gases:

Compressed Air

Acetylene

Nitrous Oxide

Argon

4 Gas Line Connections

5 Handling of Gas Cylinders and Other Suggested Safety Practices

6 Drain Vessels

7 Atomic Absorption Source Lamps

8 Graphite Furnace Requirements

9 Training Courses

10 Facilities Required for PerkinElmer AA Instruments and Accessories

built into the spectrometer. For example, an AAnalyst

™

400 system

with an HGA 900 graphite furnace typically includes the HGA 900

power supply, the HGA 900 furnace, an AS-800 autosampler, the

AAnalyst 400 AA spectrometer and the system computer and printer.

WARNING: The use of atomic absorption instruments without adequate ventilation

to outside air may constitute a health hazard. For example, the combustion

of halogenated hydrocarbons produces toxic vapors. Extreme care should be

taken that exhaust gases are vented properly.

The HGA 900 furnace power supply mounts to the left side of

the AAnalyst 400 spectrometer. The system computer may be

positioned on the bench next to the instrument or on a separate

computer table in front of the instrument. However, it should not

be positioned immediately adjacent to the furnace power supply,

as the strong magnetic field generated during operation of the

module might interfere with the computer’s CRT display.

FIAS systems and flame autosamplers should be placed on a cart

or table close to the AA spectrometer sample compartment to keep

FIAS tubing to a minimum length. The FIAS can also be placed to

the side of the instrument, however, maximum performance may

be compromised due to the increased length of tubing required.

Exhaust Vent

A venting system is required to remove the combustion fumes and

vapors from the flame or graphite furnace for atomic absorption

instruments. Exhaust venting is important for a number of reasons:

• It will protect laboratory personnel from toxic vapors which may

be produced by some samples.

• It will tend to remove the effects of room drafts and the laboratory

atmosphere on flame stability.

• It will help to protect the instrument from corrosive vapors

which may originate from the samples.

• It will remove dissipated heat which is produced by the flame

or furnace.

The venting system should provide a flow rate of approximately

7000-8500 liters/min (250-300 cubic feet/min). It is strongly

recommended that the instrument not be placed in a chemical

hood! If a chemical hood must be used, arrangements should be

made to keep out corrosive vapors and backdrafts from other hoods.

Sample preparation should not be carried out in the same hood

where the instrument is located.

PerkinElmer offers an accessory Blower and Vent Kit (Part No.

03030447, 110V; 03030448, 230V) which will fulfill the exhaust

requirements for all atomic absorption instruments (see Figure 1).

Included in the kit are a rotary blower with capacitor and hard-

ware, a vent to be located above the instrument, and an adapter

to permit connection of the blower and vent with suitable metal

tubing. The adapter and vent are made of stainless steel sheets.

Notice: Local electrical codes do not permit PerkinElmer Service Engineers to

install the blower and vent assembly.

The metal tubing required to connect the vent to the blower and to

provide suitable exhaust from the blower is not included in the

accessory Blower and Vent Kit. Flexible stainless steel tubing is

recommended for this purpose and can be obtained from the

companies listed in Table I and from various other firms. In some

instances this type of flexible metal tubing is sold only in minimum

lengths of 3 meters (10 feet).

Table I. U.S. Suppliers of Flexible Metal Duct Tubing.

Flexaust Co. Potomac Rubber Co.

11 Chestnut St. 9011 Hampton Overlook

Amesbury, MA 01913 Capital Heights, MD 20743

(508) 388-9700 (301) 336-7400

Triplex Inc. Fox Manufacturing Inc.

1142 Kress St. P.O. Box 1047

Houston, TX 77020 Clarkdale, AZ 86324

(713) 672-7521 (602) 634-5897

Darcoid Co. of California

1742 Yosemite Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94124

(415) 861-6984

For the names of suppliers in other areas, contact your PerkinElmer

representative.

The capacity of the blower depends on the duct length and the

number of elbows or bends used to install the system. If an exces-

sively long duct system or a system with many bends is used, a

stronger blower may be necessary to provide sufficient exhaust

volume. Alternatively, smooth stainless steel tubing may be used

instead of flexible stainless steel tubing where flexibility is not

required to reduce system friction loss or “drag.” A length of

smooth stainless steel ducting has 20-30% less friction loss than a

comparable length of flexible ducting. When smooth stainless steel

tubing is used, elbows must be used to turn corners. These elbows

should turn at a center line radius of 45 degrees to reduce friction

losses, and the number of elbows should be minimized.

Figure 1. Blower and vent kit dimensions.

If a rigid tubing system is used, it is strongly recommended that

flexible tubing be used from the vent hood to the ceiling to facilitate

hood alignment and service access to the instrument.

The dimensions for the various parts of the Blower and Vent Kit

are shown in Figure 1. The vent i.d. is slightly larger than the tubing

o.d. to allow for tubing tolerances. A slight gap between the two

units is normal.

When installing such a venting system, all connections should be

made with metal screws or rivets. Solder must not be used. The

blower should be located at least 4 meters (12 feet) and not more

than 6.5 meters (20 feet) from the flame or the graphite furnace

and should exhaust to the atmosphere or into a considerably wider

exhaust duct. Under these conditions, the following temperatures

have been measured during operation of a nitrous oxide-acetylene

flame: 310 °C at the vent intake; 160 °C at 2.4 meters (8 feet)

from the vent intake; 105 °C at the blower intake; and 50 °C at

the blower motor housing near the front bearing.

Instructions for installation (Part No. 09909701) are provided

with the Blower and Vent assembly. The blower provided in the

PerkinElmer accessory kit requires a line voltage of 115 V or

230 V, depending on the part number ordered.

Additional recommendations on the venting system include:

• Make sure the duct casing is installed using fireproof construction.

Route ducts away from sprinkler heads.

• Locate the discharge outlet as close to the blower as possible.

All joints on the discharge side should be airtight, especially if

toxic vapors are being carried.

• Equip the outlet end of the system with a backdraft damper and

take the necessary precautions to keep the exhaust outlet away

from open windows or inlet vents and to extend it above the

roof of the building for proper dispersal of the exhaust.

• Equip the exhaust end of the system with an exhaust stack to

improve the overall efficiency of the system.

• Make sure the length of the duct that enters into the blower is

a straight length at least ten times the duct diameter. An elbow

entrance into the blower inlet causes a loss in efficiency.

• Design local exhaust ventilation systems individually for each

specific atomic absorption instrument. Also, the opening of the

exhaust vent should be large enough to cover the graphite furnace

or flame area completely.

• Provide make-up air in the same quantity as is exhausted by

the system. An “airtight” lab will cause an efficiency loss in

the exhaust system.

• Ensure that the system is drawing properly by releasing smoke

into the mouth of the collector hood (vent). A synthetic “smoke”

can be generated by placing open bottles of hydrochloric acid and

ammonium hydroxide in proximity under the hood.

• Equip the blower with a pilot light located near the instrument

to indicate to the operator when the blower is on.

Atomic Absorption Gases

NOTE: Standards for cylinder dimensions, regulator connections, gas fittings,

etc. vary from country to country. The information provided here is for the

U.S. Contact your PerkinElmer representative for information on the specific

requirements of your area.

Compressed Air. For flame operation, the air supply should provide

a minimum of 28 liters/min (1 cubic foot/min) at a minimum pressure

of 350 kPa (50 psig). The pneumatics of the AAnalyst 700 and

AAnalyst 800 systems require an air pressure of 500 kPa (70-75 psig).

It is desirable to have a water and oil trap or filter between the

compressor and the instrument gas control system. The use of

an Air Filter Accessory (Part No. 00470652) or an Air/Acetylene

Filter Accessory (Part No. N9301398) is strongly recommended

to remove entrained water, oil, water aerosols and solid particles

from compressed air lines.

If there is any doubt regarding the usability of a central air supply

(insufficient volume or pressure or excessive oil or water contami-

nation), the quality of the supply should be checked prior to the

arrival of the instrument. A small, oil-less air compressor meeting

the stated requirements is available from PerkinElmer (Part No.

03030313 for 115 volts, 60 Hz or Part No. 03030314 for 230

volts, 50 Hz service).

Air compressors are generally uncomfortably noisy to have in

the immediate vicinity of the instrument. Whenever possible, it is

advisable to locate them at some distance from laboratory workers

in an area providing suitable ventilation.

Cylinders of compressed air can also be used but are recommended

only as an emergency or short-term solution for the following reasons:

• A standard #1 size air cylinder contains about 6200 liters (220

cubic feet) of air at standard temperature and pressure (STP).

A premix burner-nebulizer system uses about 20 liters/min (0.7

cubic feet/min), and, therefore, a cylinder will last only about

five hours. Unless an instrument is used only a few hours per

day, changing cylinders becomes a nuisance as well as being

expensive.

• Occasionally, cylinder air may be obtained from a liquefaction

process during which the oxygen-to-nitrogen ratio can change.

Therefore, it is not uncommon to find other than 20% oxygen

in air cylinders. This can cause erratic burner operation and

non-reproducible analytical results and, in extreme cases, may

provide a potential safety hazard. In general, if cylinder air is to

be used, it is important to specify compressed air rather than

breathing air (i.e. medical grade) or an unspecified form.

WARNING: For safe operation, oxygen must NEVER be used with PerkinElmer

premix burner systems.

The use of air cylinders requires the use of a suitable dual-stage

regulator. A regulator for cylinders with a CGA 590 connection

is available from PerkinElmer (Part No. 03030264).

Acetylene. For the overwhelming majority of analyses, acetylene

is the preferred fuel gas with atomic absorption spectrometers.

Air-acetylene is the preferred flame for the determination of about

35 elements by atomic absorption. The temperature of the air-

acetylene flame is approximately 2300 °C. For most air-acetylene

flames, the acetylene flow used is about 4 liters/min or 0.14 cubic

feet/min. Using a heat combustion value of 1,450 BTU per cubic

foot, the heat given off would be approximately 12,300 BTU

per hour (3,600 W). An air-acetylene flame can be used with all

PerkinElmer burner heads but is most commonly used with the

supplied 10-cm (4-inch) burner head (Part No. N0400102 for

AAnalyst series instruments).

Suitable acetylene typically has a minimum purity specification

of 99.6% with the actual assay being about 99.8%. In general,

ordinary welding grade acetylene is adequate for most atomic

absorption analyses, though sometimes a particular tank may be

contaminated. Special higher purity “atomic absorption” grade

acetylene is also available from some vendors, and its use is

recommended when the available welding grade acetylene is

not sufficiently pure.

A size 1A acetylene cylinder contains about 8,500 liters (300 cubic

feet) of acetylene and usually lasts about 30 hours of burning time

with an air-acetylene flame. The cylinder requires an acetylene

pressure regulator, which can be obtained from the supplier of

the gas or from PerkinElmer (Part No. 03030106).

The PerkinElmer Acetylene Regulator Assembly includes an adapter so

that the pressure regulator can be connected to cylinders requiring

either CGA 300 or CGA 510 fittings and a connector for attach-

ing the fuel hose assembly supplied with the instrument. The fuel

hose assembly is constructed of red neoprene, reinforced with high

tensile strength rayon cord, and provides a rated working pressure

of about 1700 kPa (250 psig). The connectors are permanently

mounted at each end of the hose assembly for connection to the

pressure regulator and instrument gas controls, and use left-hand

threads as per accepted practice for fuel gas connections. (See

Section 5 for more details.)

It may be desirable to have an acetylene filter between the

acetylene tank and the instrument gas control system to remove

particulates and acetone droplets from acetylene, protecting

the gas controls and AA burner system from contamination and

corrosion. An Acetylene Filter (Part No. N9301399) and an Air/

Acetylene Filter Accessory (Part No. N9301398) are available from

PerkinElmer. Some countries also require the use of a flashback

arrestor such as PerkinElmer Part No. N9300068 in the acetylene

fuel line. Please check with your local gas supplier for the

appropriate flashback arrestor for the nitrous oxide line.

Acetylene is normally supplied dissolved in acetone, and a small

amount of acetone carryover with the acetylene is normal.

However, as tank pressure falls, the relative amount of acetone

entering the gas stream increases and can give erratic results,

particularly for elements such as calcium, tin, chromium, molybde-

num and others whose sensitivity is highly dependent on the fuel/

oxidant ratio. For this reason, acetylene tanks should be replaced

when the cylinder pressure drops to about 600 kPa (85 psig).

Since the acetylene is dissolved in acetone, the pressure drop is

not linear with gas removal, and a pressure of 600 kPa (85 psig)

indicates that the cylinder is nearly empty, assuming the cylinder is

at room temperature.

Acetylene tanks should always be stored and operated in a vertical

position, rather than horizontally, to prevent liquid acetone from

reaching the cylinder valve. New tanks should be positioned verti-

cally for at least 8 hours prior to use. The practice of “cracking the

valve” of an acetylene tank (that is, opening the valve slightly for

a very short period prior to attaching the regulator) is not recom-

mended. While such an action will clear the valve opening of dust

or dirt particles and may remove acetone from the cylinder valve, it

is a potentially hazardous practice and one which should never be

attempted in the presence of an open flame, sparks or other pos-

sible sources of ignition.

Both fuel and oxidant gas lines should be relieved of pressure at

the end of the working day or if the instrument is to be unused for

an extended period. Cylinder valves should be closed to avoid the

possibility of pressure regulators failing and gas lines being sub-

jected to the full cylinder pressure.

CAUTION: Acetylene may react with copper to form a potentially explosive

compound. Copper tubing or fittings for acetylene gas must be strictly avoided.

IMPORTANT: Failure to change the acetylene cylinder before the cylinder

pressure drops below 600 kPa (85 psig) may cause damage to valves or tubing

within the burner gas control system due to high acetone carryover. Such

damage from acetone is not covered by instrument warranties.

CAUTION: Acetylene line pressure from the cylinder to the instrument should

never be allowed to exceed 103 kPa (15 psig). At higher pressures, acetylene

can spontaneously decompose or explode. PerkinElmer recommends that a

maximum acetylene line pressure of 80-95 kPa (12-14 psig) be used to provide a

reasonable margin of safety.

Nitrous Oxide. The nitrous oxide-acetylene flame has a maximum

temperature of approximately 2800 °C and is used for the deter-

mination of elements that form refractory oxides. It is also used to

overcome chemical interferences that may occur in flames of lower

temperatures. For the nitrous oxide-acetylene flame, the acetylene

flow is about 14 liters/min or 0.5 cubic feet per min.

Using a heat of combustion value of 1,450 BTU per cubic foot, the heat

given off would be approximately 43,000 BTU per hour (12,500 W).

The use of nitrous oxide requires a number of accessories and

precautions. A size 1A cylinder of nitrous oxide contains about

14,800 liters (520 cubic feet) and will typically last for 10 to 12

hours of burning time. Cylinders of nitrous oxide (99.0% minimum

purity) are available from local suppliers. A dual-stage regulator is

recommended (and is mandatory in some countries).

Nitrous oxide is supplied in the liquid state, initially at a pressure

of about 5000 kPa (750 psig). Since the nitrous oxide is in liquid

form, the pressure gauge does not give a true indication of how

much nitrous oxide remains in the cylinder until the pressure starts

to fall rapidly as the residual gas is drawn off.

When nitrous oxide is rapidly removed from the cylinder, the

expanding gas causes cooling of the cylinder pressure regulator

and the regulator diaphragm sometimes freezes. This can create

erratic flame conditions or, in the most extreme case, a flashback.

It is therefore advisable to heat the regulator using either a built-in

heater or an externally supplied heat source, such as an electrical

resistance heating tape.

A dual-stage heated nitrous oxide pressure regulator for use

with gas cylinders with a CGA 326 connection is available from

PerkinElmer [Part No. 03030204 (115 volts) or 03030349 (230

volts)]. These regulators provide pressure control from 350-520

kPa (50-75 psig) and contain an integral thermostatted heater to

prevent freezing of the regulator diaphragm. A color-coded hose

with suitable connectors at each end is supplied with the regulators

to provide connection to the instrument gas controls (see Section 5).

A nitrous oxide burner head (Part No. N0400100 for AAnalyst

series instruments) must be used with nitrous oxide-based flames.

The instructions provided with the nitrous oxide burner head

should be strictly followed.

There is generally little advantage to using nitrous oxide-acetylene

to determine elements that are best determined with air-acetylene.

Air is less expensive than nitrous oxide; also, a number of elements

will show poorer sensitivity and produce ionization interferences

in the nitrous oxide flame.

Argon. Argon is required for external and internal gas streams

through the THGA or HGA graphite furnace or as a carrier gas with

mercury/hydride systems such as the FIAS or FIMS flow injections

systems or the MHS-15. The quality criteria listed in Table II for

argon are suitable for these applications. Normally, for graphite

furnace operation, gaseous argon is used, although either liquid or

gaseous argon can be used. The choice of liquid argon or gaseous

argon tanks is determined primarily by the availability of each and

the usage rate. Liquid argon is usually less expensive per unit volume

to purchase, but cannot be stored for extended periods. If liquid

argon is used, the tank should be fitted with an over-pressure regu-

lator which will vent the tank as necessary in order to keep the

liquid argon cool enough to remain in the liquid state. Gaseous

argon tanks do not require venting and consequently can be

stored for extended periods without loss.

A dual-stage cylinder regulator that can be used with either gaseous

argon or nitrogen is available from PerkinElmer (Part No. 03030284).

The regulator has a CGA 580 fitting, and includes a color-coded

hose with 1/4-inch Swagelok

fittings to permit direct connection

to the regulator and to the instrument gas controls (see Section 5).

Table II. Quality Criteria for Argon.

Criterion Specification

Purity ................................................................. ≥ 99.996%

Oxygen ...................................................................≤ 5 ppm

Nitrogen ...............................................................≤ 20 ppm

Water .....................................................................≤ 4 ppm

Gas Line Connections

PerkinElmer atomic absorption instruments include the hoses

necessary for connection to gas lines (see Table III). It is the

responsibility of the user to provide the appropriate gas lines,

regulators, connectors and valves to which the hoses are connected.

Handling of Gas Cylinders and Other Safety Practices

• Fasten all gas cylinders securely to an immovable bulkhead or a

permanent wall.

• When gas cylinders are stored in confined areas, such as

a room, ventilation should be adequate to prevent toxic

or explosive accumulations. Move or store gas cylinders

only in a vertical position with the valve cap in place.

• Locate gas cylinders away from heat or ignition sources, including

heat lamps. Cylinders have a pressure-relief device that will

release the contents of the cylinder if the temperature exceeds

52 °C (125 °F).

• When storing cylinders external to a building, the cylinders

should be stored so that they are protected against temperature

extremes (including the direct rays of the sun) and should be

stored above ground on a suitable floor.

• Mark gas cylinders clearly to identify the contents and status

(full, empty, etc.).

• Do not attempt to refill gas cylinders.

• Use only approved regulators and hose connectors. Left-hand

thread fittings are used for fuel gas tank connections, whereas

right-hand fittings are used for oxidant and support gas connections.

CAUTION: All lines carrying nitrous oxide should be free of grease, oil or

other organic material, as it is possible for spontaneous combustion to occur.

Cylinders of nitrous oxide should be considered high-pressure cylinders and

should be handled with care at all times.

NOTICE: The permanent installation of gas supplies is the responsibility of the

user and should conform to local safety and building codes.

• Use galvanized iron tubing, steel, wrought iron or other tubing

that will not react chemically with acetylene. Never use copper

tubing with acetylene. Joints may be welded or made up of

threaded or flanged fittings, typically stainless steel, aluminum

or brass composed of less than 65% copper. Rolled, forged or

cast steel or malleable iron fittings may also be used. Cast iron

fittings cannot be used safely for acetylene lines.

• Arrange gas hoses where they will not be damaged or stepped

on and where things will not be dropped on them.

• Never run acetylene at a pressure higher than 100 kPa (15 psig).

At pressures above this level, acetylene may spontaneously explode.

• Perform periodic gas leak tests by applying a soap solution to

all joints and seals.

• Periodically check for the presence of acetylene in the laboratory

atmosphere, especially near the ceiling.

WARNING: Contact between acetylene gas and copper or silver (or high concen-

trations of silver salts), liquid mercury or gaseous chlorine can produce potentially

unstable acetylides. Always clean the burner thoroughly after analyzing solutions

with high silver or mercury concentrations, and aspirate solution continuously

during the analysis to prevent any residues from drying.

• When the equipment is turned off (for example, at the end of

the working day), close all gas cylinder valves tightly at the

tank. Bleed the remainder of the line to the atmosphere before

the exhaust fan (vent) is turned off.

• When using premix burners with cyanide solutions, check the

pH of the liquid trap and drain vessel. The pH of the liquid

should be greater than 10. If the liquid is even slightly acidic,

highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas may be released.

Table III. Gas Line Connections (Note: Regulator, connector and fitting needs vary by country. For information on

what is required in your area, consult your local PerkinElmer Service Representative.)

Regulator

Regulator Regulator Connection

Hose Assembly Connections

Part to Cylinder to Gas Hose Part Connection Connection

Gas Number CGA No. Assembly Number Color to Regulator to Instrument

Air 03030264 590 1/4" Swagelok

00570567 black 1/4" Swagelok

1/4" Swagelok

Argon 03030284 580 1/4" Swagelok

00570567 black 1/4" Swagelok

1/4" Swagelok

Nitrogen 03030284 580 1/4" Swagelok

00570567 black 1/4" Swagelok

1/4" Swagelok

O 03030204 326 1/4" N.P.T.* 00470258 blue 5/16" Swagelok

5/16" Swagelok

Acetylene 03030106 510 or 300 9/16" L.H.T.** 00570559 red 9/16" L.H.T. 3/8" L.H.T.

N.P.T. = Normal Pipe Thread, L.H.T. = Left-Hand Thread

* Supplied with 5/16" x 1/4" N.P.T. Swagelok

Male connector Body (P/N 09903946).

** Supplied with Outlet Bushing (P/N 09903031), 1/4" N.P.T. to 9/16" L.H.T.

PerkinElmer Air Compressor (P/N 03030313, 03030314) provides a 1/4" Swagelok

fitting.

PerkinElmer Air Filter Assembly (P/N N0580531) provides 1/4" Swagelok

inlet and outlet fittings.

PerkinElmer Air Dryer Filter Assembly (P/N 00470652) provides 1/4" Swagelok

inlet and outlet fittings.

PerkinElmer Air/Acetylene Filter Assembly (P/N N9301398) provides 1/4" Swagelok

inlet and outlet fittings for air and

3/8" LH (A size) inlet and 9/16" LH (B size) outlet fittings for acetylene.

PerkinElmer Acetylene Filter (P/N N9301399) provides 3/8" LH (A size) inlet and 9/16" LH (B size) outlet fittings.

Also Available:

1. P/N 09903032 Connector for joining two P/N 00570559 fuel hose assemblies

2. P/N 09903898 Connector for joining two P/N 00570567 air/argon hose assemblies

3. P/N 09903196 Adapter, female 1/4" N.P.T. to male 1/4" Swagelok

4. P/N 09920223 Connector for joining two 00470258 nitrous oxide hose assemblies.

• Take suitable precautions when using volatile organic solvents.

A potentially flammable organic vapor “cloud” can form around

the opening of the sample vessel. Feeding the capillary tubing

through a small hole in a covered sample container is one way

of reducing the possibility for ignition.

• Never view the flame, hollow cathode lamps, electrodeless discharge

lamps or deuterium background corrector lamps directly without

protective eyewear. Potentially hazardous ultraviolet radiation

may be emitted. Ordinary safety glasses will in general provide

sufficient protection, but additional side shields will ensure a

further margin of safety. Safety glasses will also provide

mechanical protection for the eyes.

• Never leave the flame unattended.

• Zeeman background-corrected AA instruments generate a

strong magnetic field. People with cardiac pacemakers are

advised not to operate or frequent the vicinity of Zeeman-

corrected instruments while they are in operation.

Drain Vessels

A specially-configured drain vessel is supplied with all PerkinElmer

atomic spectroscopy instruments with burner systems. That vessel

must be used to gather the effluent from the AA burner drain. The

drain vessel should NOT be stored in an enclosed storage area.

Rather, the drain vessel should be stored in plain sight of the

operator, usually on the floor in front of the instrument or on

an open shelf underneath the instrument table.

The drain system should be checked regularly and replaced when

necessary. Follow the directions in the instrument manuals regarding

the proper placement of the drain tube in the drain vessel and the

proper liquid level in the drain vessel.

Atomic Absorption Source Lamps

Atomic absorption spectrometers require different source lamps,

depending on the elements to be determined and the instrument

to be used. Multielement lamps are available for some elements,

but most lamps are constructed using a single element to avoid

potential spectral interferences and reduced performance, especially

when using a graphite furnace.

PerkinElmer manufactures all of its hollow cathode and electrodeless

discharge lamps. The Lumina

™

and Atomax

™

series of hollow

cathode lamps are especially noted for spectral purity, brightness,

stability and long life.

Hollow cathode lamps are excellent for most elements; however,

there are a number of “difficult” elements for which an improved

light source is desirable. PerkinElmer System 2 Electrodeless

Discharge Lamps (EDLs) provide improved performance in most

instances. EDLs are more intense than their corresponding hollow

cathode lamps. Most also provide better lamp life and stability

and some also provide better sensitivity. EDLs do not require a

separate power supply, except for the AAnalyst 200 without D2

background correction.

A lamp mount or turret is supplied with all PerkinElmer AA instru-

ments and will accommodate all PerkinElmer hollow cathode or

electrodeless discharge lamps. Users who may have lamps with

1.5-inch diameters rather than the standard PerkinElmer 2-inch

diameter can adapt those lamps for use in PerkinElmer lamp

mounts with the Small Diameter Lamp Adapter Kit, (Part No.

03030870).

Graphite Furnace Requirements

Location. The furnace power supply is built into the AAnalyst

600/700/800. With the AAnalyst 400, the HGA 900 must be

placed on the left side of the spectrometer.

Figure 2. HGA power circuit connections.

Services. Graphite furnaces require electrical power, cooling

water and a supply of inert gas, normally argon. A minimum input

voltage of 208 volts is recommended (with a minimum of 195 V

under load required) to enable the furnaces to reach maximum

potential operating temperatures and heating rate and, for some

systems with Zeeman effect background correction, proper magnetic

field strength. For installations where the line voltage may drop

below this level, the use of a “buck boost”-type transformer is

recommended to maintain proper analytical operating conditions.

An appropriately-rated female electrical connector is required to

provide power for the graphite furnace. Please contact your local

Service Engineer to determine the appropriate connector for your

laboratory.

Electrical supply circuitry, circuit breakers and wiring size for the

graphite furnaces should be selected according to local regulations.

Three types of 3-wire circuits used in North America which provide

power adequate to run THGA or HGA systems are illustrated in

Figure 2. The AAnalyst 700 AA requires a 230 volts (+5%, -10%),

50/60 Hz (±0.3 Hz ), 20- or 30-amp line capable of delivering

3.5 kW of peak power.

The THGA furnace and Zeeman magnet of the AAnalyst 600 and

AAnalyst 800 systems operate from a single, dedicated electrical

supply of 230 volts (+5%, -10%), 30 amp, 50 or 60 Hz (±0.3 Hz),

single phase, capable of delivering 7.7 kW of peak power.

The AAnalyst 600 and AAnalyst 800 systems are all provided

with a 30-amp plug, and the HGA 900 and AAnalyst 700 AA

are provided with a 20-amp plug. It is recommended that 8-gauge

(6 mm

) wire be used for the electrical supply for AAnalyst 600

and AAnalyst 800 systems, and that the length of the wiring

(circuit breaker to instrument connection) not exceed 20 meters

(65 feet). Although 10-gauge (4 mm

) wire can be used for the

electrical supply of the HGA 900 and AAnalyst 700 AA, 8-gauge

(6 mm

) wire is recommended.

For all furnace systems, the electrical supply should contain a

“slow blow” circuit breaker capable of handling 300% of the

rated current for periods of 3 seconds. Also, the AA spectrometer,

graphite furnace, Zeeman magnet, computer and other accessories

should all be connected to the same electrical ground, and the

power supply should be free of transients in excess of 50 V over

the nominal voltage.

Additional Furnace Requirements. A water supply is required

to cool the furnace quickly to ambient temperature after reaching

high atomization temperatures. The water supply should be free

of sediment, have a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a hardness

less than 14 °D (2.5 mMol/ liter). A maximum flow of 2.5 L/min

(0.6 gal/min) is used for the THGA, 1.5 liters/min (0.4 gal/min)

for the HGA at a temperature between 20 °C and 40 °C. As both

the flow rate and water temperature affect the cooling rate, it is

desirable to be able to vary the flow rate to compensate for variations

in cooling water temperature. A suitable recirculating cooling system

is included with a number of THGA systems. With an HGA system,

the use of an optional Recirculating Cooling System is strongly

recommended. To prevent combustion of the graphite tube at high

temperatures, the furnace is purged with argon.

CAUTION: Do not use nitrogen as the furnace purge gas. Its use may lead to

reduced sensitivity for some elements, and it is also possible for nitrogen to

react with the graphite tube at temperatures above 2300 °C to form cyanogen,

a toxic gas.

When operating the HGA Graphite Furnace systems at high temperatures, do not

look directly at the tube without suitable eye protection.

Maximum gas consumption is 0.7 liters/min (0.19 cubic feet/min)

for THGA furnaces and 1.2 liters/min (0.3 cubic feet/min) for the

HGA furnaces, both at 300-450 kPa (44-66 psig). Purity specifi-

cations for the gases to be used with HGA Systems are given in

Section 3. Ventilation is required to remove potentially toxic or

corrosive gases which can be generated by the samples.

Training Courses

Training courses for users of PerkinElmer atomic absorption instruments

are given at various locations. The courses cover basic principles

and applications of atomic absorption and detailed instruction in

the use of the instruments and major accessories.

To gain the most benefit from the training course, it is strongly

recommended that the attendee should have operated the instrument

for at least several weeks prior to the course.

For additional information on atomic spectroscopy training courses,

please contact your local sales representative.

Facilities Required for PerkinElmer AA Instruments

The following figure and tables provide the dimensions and power

requirements for PerkinElmer atomic absorption instruments and

major accessories. Dimensions are defined in Figure 3. Required

services are shown in Table IV, and product dimensions and

approximate power consumption for AA spectrometers and major

accessories are given in Table V. PerkinElmer instruments will normally

operate within a ±10% range of the specified voltage and within

±1 Hz of the specified frequency, unless otherwise noted. If the

power line is unstable, fluctuates in frequency or is subject to

surges or sags, additional control of the incoming power may be

required. A means of electrically grounding the instruments and

accessories must be available.

A = length

B = height to top of cover

C = depth

D = distance from center of atomizer compartment to right hand

edge of instrument

E = protuberance of sample tray in front of instrument

F = height of flame shield above top of instrument cover

G = 10 cm (4 inches) in all cases

H = 30 cm (12 inches) in all cases

J = 15 cm (6 inches) in all cases

Figure 3. Spectrometer and accessories dimensions.

Table IV. Required Services.

Instrument/ Gases Cooling Computer Req. No. Electrical

Accessory Air N

O C

Ar Water Controlled of Vents Power

AAnalyst 50 • • • 1 a

AAnalyst 200 • • • 1 a

AAnalyst 400 • • • • 1 a

AAnalyst 600 • d • 1 b

AAnalyst 700 • • • • d • 1 b

AAnalyst 800 • • • • • 1 b

HGA 900 • d e c b

FIAS 100/400 • e c a

FIMS 100/400 • • c a

Amalgamation

Attachment • • e a

MHS-15 • c

a = 115 V, 50/60 Hz or 230 V, 50/60 Hz, single phase

b = 230 V (+5%, -10%), 50 or 60 Hz, single phase

c = uses the same vent as the spectrometer

d = optional (included with some versions of the AAnalyst 600)

e = controlled from the spectrometer computer/controller

For a complete listing of our global offices, visit www.perkinelmer.com/ContactUs

is a registered trademark of PerkinElmer, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

006660C_01

PerkinElmer, Inc.

940 Winter Street

Waltham, MA 02451 USA

P: (800) 762-4000 or

(+1) 203-925-4602

www.perkinelmer.com

Table V. Instrument and Accessory Specifications (Refer to Figure 3).

Width (cm) Height (cm) Depth (cm) (cm) (cm) (cm) Power Weight

A B C D E F VA Kg

Spectrometers:

AAnalyst 50 82 39 55 41 12 1 220 70

AAnalyst 200 70 65 65 43 17 18 200 49

AAnalyst 400 70 65 65 43 17 18 200 49

AAnalyst 600 110 65 70 43 30 6 5000 175

AAnalyst 700 110 64 70 43 30 10 3600 147

AAnalyst 800 110 64 70 43 30 10 5000 187

Graphite Furnace Components:

HGA 900 Controller 32 65 65 3600 43

AS-800 Autosampler 25 20 34 NA 6

HGA/THGA Cooling System 20 37.5 50 140 18

Flame Autosamplers:

S10 42 56 34 360 4

Mercury/Hydride System:

MHS-15 17 38 16 NA 3

Flow Injection Systems:

FIAS 100/400 42 18 41 600 11

FIMS 100/400 42 26 41 450 12

Amalgamation Attachment 25 25 24 300 5

Lenovo ThinkCentre M58p Computers:

CPU 18 44 40 690 11

17” LCD Monitor 37 33 18 210 15

Keyboard 46 5 18 NA 2

Accessories:

AutoPrep

™

50 Autodilutor 34 39 20 60 7.5

Air Compressor 65 55 31 700 36

Heated N

O Regulator 150 2

HP LaserJet

4250 Printer 39 35 41 330 18

HP 5600 Series InkJet

Printer 44 20 37 250 6

Brother HL-5240 Laser

Printer 36 24 38 610 9.5

Lexmark E260d Laser

Printer 40 26 37 600 13.5

* With the AAnalyst 400, the furnace autosampler projects 30 cm from the left front of the instrument in its storage position.

** With the AAnalyst 600, 700 or 800, the furnace autosampler projects 35 cm from the right front of the instrument in its storage position.

*** Height at maximum sample arm upward travel.

NA Not applicable (powered by another device or included with another component)