A Brief Analysis of Daily Maintenance and Upkeep of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers

Main Uses of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers:

Atomic absorption spectrophotometers can determine a variety of elements. The flame atomic absorption spectrometry can detect elements at the order of 10⁻⁹ g/mL, while the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry can reach the detection level of 10⁻¹³ g/mL. Its hydride generator enables micro-trace determination of 8 volatile elements, including mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), tin (Sn), tellurium (Te), antimony (Sb), and germanium (Ge).

Daily maintenance and upkeep of atomic absorption spectrophotometers is a responsibility that every analyst must undertake. Generally, this work can be summarized in the following aspects:

The daily maintenance and upkeep of atomic absorption spectrophotometers are as follows:

  1. The lamp window of the hollow cathode lamp should be kept clean. If it is accidentally contaminated, it can be wiped with alcohol cotton.
  2. Regularly check whether the gas supply pipeline is leaking. During the inspection, apply some soapy water to the suspicious area to see if bubbles are generated. Never use an open flame to check for leaks.
  3. A gas-water separator should be installed on the air supply pipeline of the air compressor, and the condensed water accumulated in the gas-water separator should be drained regularly.
  4. Always keep the spray chamber clean and ensure smooth drainage of waste liquid.
  5. Salt accumulation at the burner slit will cause flame bifurcation and affect the determination results. If necessary, rinse the slit with water.
  6. The solution to be determined should be filtered or completely clarified to prevent clogging of the nebulizer.
  7. Do not touch the lenses of the external optical path with hands.
  8. Most gratings and reflectors in the monochromator are devices with surface coatings, which are prone to mildew when damp. Therefore, the monochromator should be kept sealed and dry.
  9. For atomic absorption spectrophotometers used for a long time, excessive internal dust accumulation may sometimes lead to circuit failures. If necessary, use a rubber bulb to blow away the dust or a brush to clean it.
  10. For instruments that are not used for a long time, they should be kept dry. During the humid season, the instrument should be powered on regularly.