Heated sample introduction system for the analysis of slurries by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

A slurry sample introduction system with a heated spray chamber followed by a condenser has been evaluated. Signal intensities (calibration curve slopes) increased for liquid standards by a factor of 11 while for solid (slurry) samples, intensities increased by a factor of approximately 3. Despite these intensity increases, detection limit improvements were marginal due to a comparable increase in noise. Experimentation demonstrated that it was necessary to use a continuous tubular injector tube to reduce fluctuations in the plasma. Injector-gas composition appeared to have a major effect on the particle decomposition capability of the plasma.