Spectrometer is an important instrument in analytical chemistry, which is used to detect the chemical composition and concentration of substances. Common spectrometers include ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV), atomic absorption spectrometer (AA) and inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP). Their structures and working principles are different, but they all contain key components and spare parts to ensure the accuracy and stability of the analysis.
1. Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV)
(1) Main components
light source
Deuterium lamp (UV band, 190-400 nm): provides ultraviolet light.
Tungsten lamp (visible light band, 350-2500 nm): provides visible light.
Switching device: automatically switch light sources to adapt to different wavelength ranges.
Monochromator (monochromator)
Grating/prism: light splitting element, which decomposes composite light into monochromatic light.
Slit: Control the beam width and affect the resolution and sensitivity.
Sample cell (Cuvette)
Shi Ying cuvette: Suitable for UV-visible detection.
Glass cuvette: only suitable for visible light (opaque to UV).
detector
Photomultiplier tube (PMT): High sensitivity, suitable for low concentration samples.
CCD/CMOS detector: Multi-channel detection, suitable for Qualcomm analysis.
data-processing system
Spectral workstation: record absorbance and transmittance, and calculate concentration.
(2) Common spare parts
Component action replacement cycle
Deuterium lamp/tungsten lamp provides light source Deuterium lamp: 1,000-2,000 hours; Tungsten lamp: 500-1,000 hours
The cuvette sample container is replaced according to the wear condition.
Grating/prism splitting elements are rarely replaced unless they are damaged.
The optical signal conversion of the detector is rarely replaced unless it is faulty.
The slit assembly controls the beam width and needs to be replaced if the light intensity is unstable.
2. Atomic absorption spectrometer (AA)
(1) Main components
Light source (Hollow Cathode Lamp, HCL)
Emit characteristic spectral lines of specific elements (such as Cu, Fe, Zn, etc.).
Some instruments support multi-element lamps or electrodeless discharge lamps (EDL).
Atomization system
Flame Atomizer (FAAS): gas (acetylene/air or acetylene/nitrous oxide)+auxiliary gas, suitable for routine analysis.
Graphite Furnace Atomizer (GFAAS): heating samples at high temperature, suitable for trace element analysis.
Monochromator (monochromator)
Grating: light splitting element, separating characteristic spectral lines.
Background correction devices (such as Zeeman effect and deuterium lamp correction): eliminate background interference.
detector
Photomultiplier tube (PMT): High sensitivity, suitable for low concentration detection.
data-processing system
Spectral workstation: record absorbance and calculate concentration.
(2) Common spare parts
Component action replacement cycle
Hollow cathode lamp (HCl) emission characteristic line lamp usually has a service life of 1,000-5,000 hours, and needs to be replaced after aging.
The atomized sample of atomizer is easily blocked, so it needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly.
Burner Head) flame atomization needs to be replaced in case of blockage or corrosion.
The atomization life of Graphite Tube) graphite furnace is about 500-2,000 samples.
The beam splitting element of grating/monochromator assembly is rarely replaced unless it is damaged.
The optical signal conversion of PMT detector is rarely replaced unless it is faulty.
3. Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer (ICP-OES/Optical Emission)
(1) Main components
Plasma generation system (ICP torch)
RF Generator: It generates high-frequency electromagnetic field and excites argon to form plasma.
Torch: It consists of three layers of quartz tubes (argon in the outer tube, carrier gas in the middle tube and sample in the inner tube).
sampling system
Nebulizer: Atomize the sample solution into fine particles.
Spray Chamber: remove large particles and stabilize aerosols.
Optical System (optical system)
Grating: light splitting element, which separates emission spectrum.
CCD/CID detector: Multi-channel detection, suitable for Qualcomm analysis.
cooling system
Water cooling/air cooling system: prevent torch from overheating and ensure stable operation.
data-processing system
Spectral workstation: record emission intensity and calculate concentration.
(2) Common spare parts
Component action replacement cycle
The atomized sample of atomizer is easily blocked, so it needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly.
The stable aerosol in the Spray Chamber) needs to be replaced if it is blocked or corroded.
The lifetime of Torch) plasma formation is about 1-2 years, depending on the frequency of use.
The plasma confinement of Shi Ying torch is easy to be damaged, so it needs to be checked regularly.
The light splitting element of grating/light splitting system is rarely replaced unless it is damaged.
The optical signal conversion of CCD/CID detector is rarely replaced unless it is faulty.
Plasma excited by high frequency generator (RF) is rarely replaced unless it is out of order.
4. Suggestions on spectrometer maintenance and spare parts management
Replace wearing parts (such as deuterium lamp, hollow cathode lamp and atomizer) regularly.
Keep the instrument clean to avoid pollution affecting the analysis results.
Use the original factory or compatible high-quality spare parts to ensure the stable performance of the instrument.
Establish maintenance files, record replacement time of spare parts, and optimize maintenance plan.
027-5039999
