FAQ ICP

Instruments are available between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm. Working outside of these times is at the discretion of the lab manager.

Yes training is provided for frequent users of instrumentation. Training is free and is normally provided during method development.

It is easier to describe which elements cannot be analysed by ICP these include, the noble gases, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon. There are also a number of elements which are difficult and require a specialized set up these include, fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. The analysis of halogens is not available at the AAC.

All other elements can be analysed for by using either ICP-MS or ICP-AES.

Samples for ICP are generally introduced as a solution (a liquid phase) or when using the laser by ablation of a solid. Where bulk/whole or acid soluble analysis is required of solid samples the material needs to be crushed and dried and a suitable method employed to dissolve the material (normally accomplished by open vessel or microwave-assisted digestion in acids or, where necessary by fusion techniques). In most instances the AAC will perform sample digestion. For geological samples 1 g of powder is generally sufficient for analysis.

Laser ablation material is typically mounted on glass slides or in epoxy resin mounts. These are then cut and polished prior to ablation.

Detection limits are element and technique specific.  Some elements can be detected at ppt levels others at ppm.

Costs for external clients are available upon application.

In general charges are based on a per sample and element basis. Charges for the first element include sample preparation costs. A small additional cost is applied for each extra element.

The laser ablation unit when coupled to the ICP-MS is charged on a per day basis.