ICP-MS Cone Selection Guide

ICP-MS Interface Cone Selection Guide

High-quality interface cones are critical to the sensitivity and stability of your ICP-MS system. They are also one of the most costly supplies used in routine ICP-MS operation.

Protect your investment by choosing the right genuine Agilent cone for your needs. Only Agilent nickel- and platinum-tipped sampler and skimmer cones deliver the performance that our single quadrupole and triple quadrupole ICP-MS systems demand.

These guides will help you pick the right sampling cone, skimmer cone, and skimmer base for your instrument configuration and application.

Which cone is best for my application?

Sampler Cone	For Which Model ICP-MS?	Recommended Applications	Recommended Skimmer Cone	Required Skimmer Base
Nickel-tip with copper base G3280-67040	Standard on all x-lens models	Suitable for most common applications (aqueous, acid matrix, non-HF containing solutions, non-organic) Provides most economical operation	Nickel	Stainless steel
Nickel-tip with nickel-plated base G3280-67061	Optional for all models	For samples containing high salts (i.e. seawaters/process waters) and chloride matrices (i.e. HCl, HClO₄) Ideal for routine operation with (u)HMI with a high (>8x) aerosol dilution ratio	Nickel	Stainless steel
Platinum-tip with copper base G3280-67036	Standard on all s-lens models (semiconductor configuration) Optional for all x-lens models	Recommended for lower limits of detection (LODs) and for higher-matrix samples Required for analysis of aggressive acids (especially HF) and when O₂/Ar option gas is used for analyzing organic solvents	Platinum-tip with copper base	Brass
Platinum-tip with nickel-plated base G3280-67142	Optional for all models	Recommended for analysis of aggressive acids (especially HCl, HF, and HClO₄) and for higher-matrix samples
Large (18 mm) platinum-tip with copper base G3280-67056	Optional for all models	Recommended for the lowest LODs and for highest-matrix samples Suitable for high-viscosity and high-boiling-point acids (i.e. H₂SO₄ or H₃PO₄)

Skimmer cones

Selection by ion lens configuration and ICP-MS series

Description	x-lens		s-lens (semicon)
	7700 (+e)/7800/8800	7900/8900	7700/7900/8800	8900
Nickel	G3280-67041	G8400-67200	G3280-67066	G3666-67421
Platinum, with copper base	G3280-67060	G8400-67201	G3280-67064	G3666-67401
Platinum, with nickel base	G3280-67063	G8400-67202	G3280-67065	G3666-67411

Note: Shaded cells denote standard configuration.

Skimmer bases

Selection first by ion lens configuration and ICP-MS series, then by interface cone material (nickel or platinum)

Description	x-lens			s-lens (semicon)
	7700 (+e)/7800/8800	7900	8900	7900	7700/8800	8900
Stainless steel (use with nickel cones)	G3280-60608	G8400-60624	G3666-60301	G8400-60627	G1833-65591	-
Brass (use with platinum cones)	G3280-60621	G8400-60625	G3666-60311	G8400-60626	G1833-65590	G3666-60401

Note: Shaded cells denote standard configuration.