LimsPulse
Spectroscopy

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES)

Excites atoms in an argon plasma at about 6000–10,000 K and measures the light each element emits. Measures many elements at once from trace to percent levels.

  • Pharmaceutical
  • Environmental
  • Food & beverage
  • Petrochemical
  • Mining & metallurgy
  • Chemicals
Photo of a Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES)
Photo: Cyberwork 95, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
Follow your site SOP
This is a typical operating sequence for learning. Your instrument model and approved SOP take precedence.
STAGE 1

Before you start

  1. 1Check calibration status and the argon supply (enough for the full run).
  2. 2Inspect pump tubing for wear and fit it to the pump with correct tension.
  3. 3Check the torch, nebuliser and spray chamber are clean and correctly fitted.
  4. 4Switch on exhaust and cooling water (chiller).
  • Never ignite the plasma without the torch box closed and exhaust running.
STAGE 2

Start-up

  1. 1Purge the optics with argon or nitrogen if required (needed for lines below about 190 nm).
  2. 2Ignite the plasma and aspirate dilute acid blank; allow 15–30 minutes to stabilise.
  3. 3Run the instrument's wavelength calibration or daily performance check as per SOP.
  • The torch box contains RF energy and UV light; do not open it while the plasma is on.
STAGE 3

Measurement

  1. 1Calibrate with a blank and standards prepared in the same acid matrix as the samples.
  2. 2Add the internal standard to all solutions or on-line via a mixing tee.
  3. 3Run an independent check standard, then samples, with check standards and blanks at set intervals.
  4. 4Review internal standard recoveries and check-standard results before reporting.
  • Very high dissolved-solid samples can block the nebuliser and torch injector; dilute them.
STAGE 4

Shutdown

  1. 1Rinse with dilute acid and then water for several minutes.
  2. 2Extinguish the plasma; release pump tubing tension.
  3. 3Leave the purge on if the SOP requires; switch off chiller and exhaust as per instructions.
  4. 4Complete the instrument log.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every ICP-OES in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how