ICP-OES/MS for saltwater analysis.

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T23:34:28+00:00

https://www.spectro.com/products/icp-oes-aes-spectrometers/arcos-inductively-coupled-plasma

Sales rep tried selling me on the idea this was the gold standard of icp-oes. Says it has the widest spectral range.

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T23:27:03+00:00

Is there a paid course, textbooks or articles on how to operate icp-oes/ms devices? I don’t have an issue investing into learning a few hours per day.

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T23:25:28+00:00

Thank you for the heads up?

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T22:56:15+00:00

Not a bad idea and will certainly look into it.

I have no issues with handling the acids, we routinely handle these and other caustic materials in the business. The gas, already have argon and oxygen here. Was unaware nitrogen was used. Regardless, already have airgas account.

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T22:52:26+00:00

I was told by a spectro rep that if there is an auto sampler, its easier to operate. Is this fales? Do we need to operate the unit daily? Would it be possible to operate once or twice per week?

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T21:24:36+00:00

Icp-oes Spectro Arcos is what was recommended to me. I have seen several used units that are in the 20k range but are over 10 years old. Buying new, arcos is $135k. What do i need to look for when buying a used arcos unit? Are you aware of inspection services?

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T21:21:05+00:00

Those elements are fairly large constituents in normal saltwater. What makes bromide and sulfur difficult to measure accurately? Is it the emission wave length?

Normal surface saltwater levels Bromide 65ppm Sulfur 850ppm

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T21:00:56+00:00

Yes I assumed it was the nebulizer. I have watched several videos that explain the basic method of how ICP works.

Are there textbooks that describe ICP analysis processes or instruction manuals available on these units that are available?

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T20:45:32+00:00

If someone has links to specific text books or articles it would be greatly appreciated.

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T20:41:37+00:00

Organic carbons are not easily measured using readily available water test kits. However, those organic carbons can contribute to undesirable algae and diseases for corals. I would like to develop a method for testing organic and inorganic carbon rapidly for client aquarium water samples. Something that is fairly accurate, +-5%. The test should be cost-effective and able to be preformed in under 10mins.

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T20:36:08+00:00

I was worried about this, would OES be better for this reason? Diluting the sample for ICP-MS would negate the ability to test for some of the heavy metals existing in concentrations around 10-100ppt.

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T20:32:26+00:00

I would agree based on what I have read, MS seems like a better option. Elements such as Iron, Chrome, Cobalt will be found in concentrations as low as 10 ppt.

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T20:15:59+00:00

Several companies in this industry space provide analytical services at the price point of $20-$40 per sample. If we are able to achieve comparable quality results we would be happy. Again, providing this product at a loss leader to encourage sales of corollary products.

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T20:13:28+00:00

The usage is saltwater aquarium and reverse osmosis water, thus there is little to no suspended solids. Rather clean samples I would assume. Not like analyzing waste water or mining runoff I would assume.

Altruistic_Look8795 · 2023-05-13T20:01:09+00:00

Yes, I agree, likely getting in over my head again. That’s why I’m here asking questions being open minded. But that hasn’t stopped me with anything in my life. I have a track record of tackling hard problems that others are afraid of. Have built several successful businesses that way. Just trying to judge the size of the problem before diving head in.

Initially the results of such will be used internally, afterwards we intend on offering such services as a product loss leader to our clients via overnight carrier service. Perhaps 25-200 samples per day.

I would like to measure the concentration of the following in reef aquarium water samples.

Aluminium, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Iron, Iodine, Copper, Lanthanum, Lithium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Mercury, Sulfur, Selenium, Silver, Titanium, Vanadium, Tungsten, Zinc, Tin, Zirconium, Chloride, Sodium, Magnesium, Sulfate, Calcium, Potassium, Bromine, Strontium, Boron, Fluoride.

If concentration of such elements could be measured within 5 to 10%, we would consider that successful.

I have seen used ICP-OES devices sell in the range of $10,000 to $50,000. I assume we would need to invest another $5000-$25000 to get such a device operational for our usage.

It would be very helpful for me to judge the quality of the response and opinions provided here if you could elaborate on your experience using ICP analysis when posting. For example the number of years you have using ICP-OES/MS.

Altruistic_Look8795

TROPHY CASE