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ICP-OES Torch Selection Guide

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Traditionally, 2 torch configurations have been used with ICP-OES systems, depending on the instrument configuration.
Axially viewed ICP-OES systems typically have a torch that is oriented horizontally and viewed end-on, which offers greater sensitivity.
Radially viewed ICP-OES systems typically have a vertical torch, which is viewed from the side. This is often preferred for complicated high matrix samples and volatile organic solvents because the vertical orientation reduces matrix or carbon build up on the torch, enabling longer analysis time, reduced torch cleaning, and longer torch lifetime.
Today, dual view ICP-OES systems provide the capability for viewing the plasma in both radial (side-on) and axial (end-on) configurations. In some dual-view systems, the torch is oriented horizontally which compromises torch lifetime, and limits the matrix handling capability.
A vertically oriented torch in a dual view instrument ensures uncompromised, robust measurements on tough samples with less cleaning, less downtime, and longer lifetime.
Some torches are also semi- or fully demountable, which can reduce operating costs by enabling the outer tube and/or the injector to be removed and replaced separately.

Each torch has different performance characteristics and although a “standard” torch can handle a wide variety of applications, there are also applications that necessitate a specialized torch design. Using the right ICP-OES torch for your application will ensure you achieve the optimum performance and reduce your risk of injector blockage and unplanned downtime. The performance characteristics of common torches are summarized in the table below:


Torch Description Reordering Part Number Image Construction Injector ID (mm) Tolerance to Dissolved Solids HF Resistance Organics Compatibility Demountable Ideal Sample Type Additional Resources
Low-flow (standard torch) 2010090400 One piece quartz design 2.4 Medium Poor Medium cross button Routine analysis of aqueous samples with <10 % TDS Learn More
Low-flow for volatile organic solvents 2010104700 One piece quartz design 0.8 Poor Poor Excellent cross button Routine analysis of volatile organic solvents, e.g. gasoline Learn More
Low-flow for semivolatile organic solvents 2010104800 One piece quartz design 1.4 Medium Poor Excellent cross button Routine analysis of semivolatile organic solvents, e.g. kerosene, xylene, and white spirit Learn More
Low-flow high solids torch 2010094800 One piece quartz design with shorter length outer tube and Agilent injector design 2.4 Excellent Poor Poor cross button Routine analysis of samples with up to 25 % TDS Learn More
Low-flow, extended length high solids torch 2010104600 One piece quartz design with extended length outer tube and Agilent injector design 2.4 Excellent Poor Poor cross button Routine analysis of samples with up to 25 % TDS Learn More
Sheath gas high solids torch 2010122400 One piece quartz design with extended length outer tube and Agilent injector design 2.4 Excellent Poor Poor cross button Routine analysis of samples with up to 25 % TDS with better performance than the extended high solids torch Learn More
Semidemountable inert torch 9910084700 Quartz design with removable injector 0.8 or 1.8 Medium Excellent Medium Semi Samples with free HF when used with an inert alumina injector for volatile organic solvents, use narrow 0.8 mm id quartz injector Learn More
Fully demountable torch 9910106300 Quartz design with removable injector 1.8 or 2.4 Excellent Excellent Medium Samples with free HF when used with an inert alumina injector; for aqueous samples, use quartz injector Learn More
Torch Description Reordering Part Number Image Construction Injector ID (mm) Tolerance to Dissolved Solids HF Resistance Organics Compatibility Demountable Ideal Sample Type Additional Resources
Low-flow (standard torch) 2010069690 One piece quartz design 1.8 Medium Poor Medium cross button Routine analysis of aqueous samples with <10 % TDS Learn More
Low-flow for volatile organics 2010117400 One piece quartz design, annealed for greater strength 0.8 Poor Poor Excellent cross button Routine analysis of volatile organic solvents, e.g. gasoline Learn More
Low-flow for semivolatile organics 2010117500 One piece quartz design, annealed for greater strength 1.4 Medium Poor Excellent cross button Routine analysis of semivolatile organic solvents, e.g. kerosene, xylene, and white spirit Learn More
Low-flow high solids torch 2010095000 One piece quartz design with Agilent injector design 1.8 Excellent Poor Poor cross button Routine analysis of samples with up to 25 % TDS Learn More
Semidemountable inert torch 9910056800 Quartz design with removable injector 0.8 or 1.8 Medium Excellent Medium Semi Samples with free HF when used with an inert alumina injector; For volatile organic solvents, use a narrow 0.8 mm id quartz injector Learn More
Fully demountable torch 9910106400 Quartz design with removable injector 1.0, 1.5, 1.8 or 2.4 Excellent Excellent Medium Samples with free HF when used with an inert alumina injector; for aqueous samples, use quartz injector Learn More

Additional Resources

5100/5110 and 5800/5900 Series ICP-OES

 

Technical Overview

Application Notes – Fully Demountable Torch

Application Notes - Standard DV Torch

Application Notes - Semi-demountable DV Torch

Application Notes - Organics DV Torch

Application Notes - RV Torch

 

700 Series, Vista Series & Liberty Series ICP-OES

 

Application Notes - Axial Torch

Application Notes - Radial Torch

Application Notes - Demountable Torch

Technical Overview

Poster - High Solids Torch

 

General

 

ICP-OES Torch Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Agilent ICP-OES Fully Demountable Torch

ICP-OES Troubleshooting and Maintenance On Demand Webinar