Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
08:42
How to Ignite an Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma Torch without Any Additional Igniters
Published on: April 16, 2015
20.9K
Ion Clouds in the Inductively Coupled Plasma Torch: A Closer Look through Computations
Maryam Aghaei1, Helmut Lindner1, Annemie Bogaerts1
1Research Group PLASMANT, Chemistry Department, University of Antwerp , Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
Analytical Chemistry
|July 27, 2016
Summary
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling optimizes copper particle injection into inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torches. On-axis injection and specific power/flow rates enhance ion transport efficiency to the sampler for improved mass spectrometry analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Plasma Physics
- Computational Science
Background:
- Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torches are crucial for elemental analysis.
- Efficient sample introduction and ionization are key challenges in ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Understanding particle behavior within the plasma is essential for optimizing analytical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To computationally investigate copper elemental particle introduction into an ICP torch.
- To analyze the ionization process and spatial distribution of copper ions.
- To evaluate the impact of injection parameters on ion transport efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling.
- Simulated liquid copper particle injection into an ICP torch and sampling cone.
- Tracked particle trajectories from inlet to ionization and sampling.
Main Results:
- On-axis injection resulted in ion clouds closer to the sampler with reduced radial diffusion.
- Higher transport efficiency of ions through the sampler cone was observed with on-axis injection.
- Optimal power and flow rate ranges were identified for maximizing ion capture and minimizing losses.
Conclusions:
- On-axis injection significantly improves ion transport efficiency in ICP torches.
- CFD modeling provides valuable insights into optimizing ICP-MS operational parameters.
- Proper control of plasma conditions and injection strategy enhances analytical sensitivity.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Principle
2.2K
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the most widely used plasma source in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), also known as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The ICP source, or torch, consists of three concentric quartz tubes with argon gas flowing through them. A spark from a Tesla coil initiates the ionization of argon, generating a high-temperature plasma.
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
2.2K
01:19Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
2.5K
In inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS), an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch is used as an atomizer and ionizer. Solid samples are dissolved and volatilized before being introduced into the high-temperature argon plasma, while solution samples are nebulized and passed through the high-temperature argon plasma. Plasma dissociates the analytes and ionizes their component atoms to form a mixture of positive ions and molecular species. The positive ions are then...
2.5K
01:26Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
930
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the common plasma source used in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), a technique that detects and analyzes various elements in a sample. This method is often called inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used....
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used....
930
01:28Induced Electric Dipoles
5.0K
A permanent electric dipole orients itself along an external electric field. This rotation can be quantified by defining the potential energy because the external torque does work in rotating it. Then, the potential energy is minimum at the parallel configuration and maximum at the antiparallel configuration. While the former is a stable equilibrium, the latter is an unstable equilibrium.
Since the absolute value of potential energy holds no physical meaning, its zero value can be chosen as per...
Since the absolute value of potential energy holds no physical meaning, its zero value can be chosen as per...
5.0K
01:27Induced Electric Fields: Applications
2.9K
An important distinction exists between the electric field induced by a changing magnetic field and the electrostatic field produced by a fixed charge distribution. Specifically, the induced electric field is nonconservative because it does not work in moving a charge over a closed path. In contrast, the electrostatic field is conservative and does no net work over a closed path. Hence, electric potential can be associated with the electrostatic field but not the induced field. The following...
2.9K
01:23Induced Electric Fields
4.9K
The fact that emfs are induced in circuits implies that work is being done on the conduction electrons in the wires. What can possibly be the source of this work? We know that it’s neither a battery nor a magnetic field, as a battery does not have to be present in a circuit where current is induced, and magnetic fields never do any work on moving charges. The source of the work is in fact an electric field that is induced in the wires. For example, if a stationary conductor is placed in a...
4.9K