This article introduces an automated vapor generation accessory for atomic absorption analysis. The accessory utilizes continuous flow technology to pump and mix samples and liquid reagents. It is suitable for determining low levels of elements such as arsenic, antimony, bismuth, selenium, tellurium, and tin, replacing traditional zinc metal and sodium borohydride reducing agents. The accessory simplifies the overall procedure and improves analysis efficiency.
The document introduces the Agilent VGA-76 automated vapor generation accessory, which utilizes a continuous flow technique with sodium borohydride as a reducing agent for atomic absorption analysis. It is designed to be connected to Agilent programmable sample changers and compatible with various Agilent atomic absorption spectrophotometers.
The note details the determination of specific elements including arsenic, antimony, bismuth, selenium, tellurium, tin, and mercury. It provides specific operating conditions, such as wavelengths and lamp currents, along with preparation procedures for calibration standards and reagents required for accurate analysis.
| Compatible Sample Changer | Agilent PSC-55 |
|---|---|
| Integration period | 3 s |
| Typical delay time | about 40 s |
| Mercury Wavelength | 253.7 nm |
| Mercury SBW | 0.5 nm |
| Mercury Lamp current | 4 mA |
| Arsenic Wavelength | 193.7 nm |
| Arsenic SBW | 0.2 nm |
| Arsenic Lamp current | 10 mA |
| Antimony Wavelength | 217.6 nm |
| Antimony SBW | 0.2 nm |
| Antimony Lamp current | 10 mA |
Elements that can be determined include arsenic, antimony, bismuth, selenium, tellurium, tin, and mercury.
The system uses sodium borohydride as the reducing agent for the production of hydride vapor.
Yes, the accessory can be readily connected to an Agilent programmable sample changer to provide automatic presentation of up to 67 samples plus up to 5 calibration standards.
A detection limit of 0.05 µg/L has been found with the flow-through cell for mercury.