The HGX-200 Hydride Generation / Cold Vapor System is a specialized sample introduction accessory for the generation of volatile hydride species or the reduction of mercury to Hg0 (cold vapor) prior to introduction to an ICP-AES or ICP-MS instrument. Hydride forming elements include As, Bi, Ge, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, and Te.
Lower Detection Limits: Up to 10x or more improvement in instruments detection limits (IDLs) for As, Se, Sb, or Hg with ICP-AES or ICP-MS.
Selective Hydride Generation / Cold Vapor Chemistry: Sample solutions are mixed with a sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution for hydride generation separately with and Sn(II)/HCl for generation of Hg0. The chemical conversion of the analyte elements offers advantages for measurement with ICP-AES or ICP-MS: nearly 100% analyte transport efficiency with no water loading of the ICP plasma can provide signal enhancements up to 100x. This feature is an important benefit for more difficult elements such as arsenic (As) and selenium (Se). In addition, the hydride generation and cold vapor reaction provides separation of selected elements from the sample matrix and any potential matrix induced interferences. Examples include the argon chloride (ArCl+) interferences on 75As+ and 77Se+ and tungsten oxides (WO+) on various Hg isotopes.
Specialized Gas Liquid Separator: A specialized u-shaped gas-liquid separator (GLS) includes a frosted glass post, providing a high surface area for liquid film evaporation and release of hydrides and Hg (0).
Inert Membrane Filter: The GLS also features an a porous fluoropolymer membrane filter and a droplet separator to achieve complete gas/liquid separation and reduce background noise.
Dual Gas Flow Inlets: Dual Ar gas inlets, including an on-board analog flow meter, allow tuning for highest analyte signal and lowest background. A separate gas flow through the GLS (before the inert membrane) allows a lower argon flow, minimizing noise-generating turbulence; additional argon gas is then added after the membrane to complete the needed sample vapor flow to the ICP.
Small Footprint: The small footprint of the HGX-200 allows convenient placement on a benchtop or the sample rack tray of the CETAC ASX-520/560 Autosamplers.
Easy Setup: Liquid flow lines (sample, make-up acid, reagents) are color-coded for easy setup; mixing tees are included prior to sample/reagent introduction to the GLS. The host ICP-AES or ICP-MS peristaltic pump can be used for introduction of samples and reagents. Dedicated reagent bottles and solution mixing blocks are also provided.
