Hardware manual

Maintenance 4
Agilent 7500 Series ICP-MS Hardware Manual 4-51
Maintaining the Torch
Replace the torch whenever you notice that it is chipped, cracked, or distorted
from overheating. Replacement is also necessary when the central tube of
torch is deformed or clogged. Clean the torch when ultra low levels (ppt) need
to be analyzed. Any white deposit in the inner tube also indicates a need for
maintenance.
Locating Tools and Supplies
To maintain the ICP torch, you need the following supplies:
• Safety glasses and protective laboratory gloves
• 5% Nitric Acid bath
• Pure water in a rinse container
• Laboratory tissue
CAUTION
Slight deformation of the torch may not cause any problems. However, if the torch is
badly distorted problems such as “no sensitivity” or “difficulty in igniting plasma” may
occur during use.
WARNING
The torch is exposed to very high temperatures, wait at least 10 minutes for cooling
before starting any maintenance of the torch.
NOTE
Pure water used for cleaning is indicated as water that has been generated using the
ion-exchange method and a membrane filter, and has an electrical resistance of at least
18 MΩ.