An inexpensive continuous-type ultrasonic nebulizer for atomic spectrometry

We developed an inexpensive continuous-type ultrasonic nebulizer for atomic spectrometry based on a domestic humidifier. With this nebulizer, the aero sol introduction rate is about 1.0 mL/min. much greater than that of pneuma tic nebulizer. The long-term stability was also satisfactory because both t he solution level and the coupling water temperature were held constant. Th e pumps controlled by a computer allow the nebulizer to work continuously. The results show that both the analytical performance and the cost were sat isfactory. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Lab Robotics and Automation 12: 76-80, 2000.