OPTIMALLY INTERFACING AN ICP-MS WITH A CONVENTIONAL AUTOSAMPLER FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SOLUTIONS WITH A HIGH DISSOLVED SOLIDS CONTENT USING CONTINUOUS NEBULIZATION

A simple interfacing method for the optimal coupling of the basic soft ware of an ICP-MS with a conventional automatic sampler is described. It is designed to facilitate the quantitative analysis of solutions wi th a high dissolved solids content by eliminating the need for a signa l stabilization time and by reducing the sample introduction system ri nsing time. The general characteristics are presented along with the a nalytical figures of merit. The main benefits of this method include a n increased sample throughput (120 seconds per sample), a minimal amou nt of material needed, and a reduced maintenance frequency of the samp ler/skimmer cones and the nebulizer/desolvation chamber/torch assembly . It thus represents a valuable alternative to the traditional choice between conventional continuous nebulization and the purchase of a now injection analysis system.