Maintenance
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Agilent 55B AA Spectrometer User’s Guide
18
Re-assemble the nebulizer and spray chamber components and install the
complete assembly in the sample compartment - see Chapter 3 – Page 97.
The location of the Impact bead is close to the maximum sensitivity position for
easily atomized elements.
To confirm, aspirate a 5 ppm copper standard and monitor the absorbance.
Gradually turn the Impact bead adjustment screw first clockwise, then
anticlockwise until the maximum signal is achieved.
Improve the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing the sensitivity setting. To do this, turn
the impact bead adjuster clockwise until the signal is about 40% of the maximum
signal.
Spray chamber
The spray chamber should be cleaned as outlined below.
Table 8.
Spray chamber cleaning schedule
Test material
Frequency
Cleaning method
Organic or hazardous
After each analysis
Disassemble and clean.
Inorganic, non-hazardous or
aqueous solutions
End of each day
Aspirate 0.1% detergent
solution for 10 minutes
Inorganic, non-hazardous or
aqueous solutions
Every 1-4 weeks depending on
use
Disassemble and clean
At the end of every working day by aspirating at least 50 mL of the appropriate
solvent through the system.
Disassemble the spray chamber
To disassemble the spray chamber:
1
Remove the nebulizer block/spray chamber assembly from the sample
compartment.
2
Separate the spray chamber from the Remove the nebulizer block – see Page
3
Twist and pull the pressure relief bung from the rear of the spray chamber.
Inspect the O-ring and replace if cracked or deformed.
4
Insert a blunt, inert object inserted through the front of the spray chamber.
5
Push on the mixing paddles boss to remove the part.
