A Robust, High Performance, Demountable Super Torch to suit the Agilent® 5000 Series ICP-OES

We understand that dealing with aggressive sample matrices is a challenge and most real-world samples analyzed by ICP laboratories contain considerable concentrations of TDS, including soils, sludges, wastewater, brines, high acid digests, and fusions. Analyzing these types of samples can pose a number of challenges for the ICP analyst, including increased frequency of torch replacement due to shortened torch life.

The combination of high plasma temperatures and salt deposits on the torch leads to the devitrification of quartz torch outer tubes. The drawback of the single-piece torch is that it is a relatively expensive consumable item, requiring the replacement of the entire torch when, in most cases, only the outer tube is affected by devitrification.

The D-Torch to suit the Agilent® 5000 series ICP-OES (Figure 1), provides a robust and high-performing alternative to both the single-piece and semi-demountable quartz torches, ensuring greater robustness and a lower cost of ownership (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Agilent® 5000 Series D-Torch	Figure 2. Comparative torch ownership costs versus the D-Torch

A Unique Robust and Demountable Design

Compared to other demountable torches, the D-Torch is the only torch design that comes standard with a ceramic intermediate tube (Figure 3) for greater robustness and a lower cost of ownership. With demountable torch designs offered by other manufacturers, the intermediate tube is made of quartz and fused to the quartz outer tube, which is an additional consumable whose cost can quickly add up and negate the economic benefits of the torch itself.

Figure 3. Agilent® 5000 Series D-Torch Base with Ceramic Intermediate Tube.

Another exclusivity of the Glass Expansion D-Torch is an optional ceramic outer tube. For over 25 years, Glass Expansion has been the leader in ceramic torch design, offering ceramic versions of our acclaimed D-Torch for numerous ICP models. Compared to quartz outer tubes, the ceramic alternative has an extended lifespan, significantly reducing maintenance, cleaning, and downtime caused by torch failure. Incorporating a ceramic outer tube into your ICP torch has a range of benefits, particularly for the analysis of high-TDS sample matrices. The quartz torch in Figure 3 was run for only 6 hours with samples containing 10% NaCl and badly degraded. By contrast, the ceramic outer tube is not affected by salt deposits. (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Six hours of running 10% NaCl

In certain sample matrices, where quartz outer tubes degrade within hours, the ceramic outer tube perseveres for years under identical conditions, ensuring long-term reliability and cost savings.

Ceramic outer tube is ideal for:

• Measuring high TDS samples that will quickly devitrify the quartz outer tube
• Analysis of fusion samples where the lithium salts rapidly attack quartz
• Monitoring of wear metals in engine oils, as quartz outer tubes often suffer cracking and shortened lifetimes due to thermal shock
• Analyses at the detection limit as the hotter plasma increases sensitivity
• Silicon analysis due the lower background

---

Higher Performance

In addition to providing durability, the ceramic outer tube on an ICP torch produces a hotter, more robust plasma, which reduces matrix effects and improves sensitivities and detection limits, compared to a quartz torch. Table I shows the average signal intensity, based on three separate measurements of 10 replicates using a 100 ppb multi-element standard. The overall average increase in signal intensity with the ceramic outer tube was 21%.

Table 1. Comparison of signal intensity, ceramic versus quartz on Agilent® 5000 SDV ICP-OES.

---

Ease of Use and Simple Installation

The Glass Expansion D-Torch design is a direct replacement for the standard Agilent® 5000 series torch, providing the same self-aligning, turn-key installation. The D-Torch also offers easier cleaning and maintenance with the ability to fully remove the injector and outer tube, with no o-rings which can quickly degrade and become brittle.

As a means to further assist your laboratory, we have organized this assembly guide video.

Glass Expansion D-Torch Assembly Guide

---

Exceptional Benefits

We are confident that the D-Torch will revolutionize your ICP spectrometry experience, enabling you to overcome the obstacles presented by aggressive sample matrices. Say goodbye to frequent torch replacements and excessive costs, and embrace the efficiency and reliability of the D-Torch.

• Robust Design: With its ceramic intermediate tube, the D-Torch withstands the demanding conditions of aggressive sample matrices, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent torch replacements.
• Enhanced Performance: Experience superior performance with the D-Torch, as it efficiently tackles the challenges posed by high TDS concentrations and elevated plasma temperatures.
• Cost Savings: By replacing only the outer tube when necessary, the D-Torch significantly reduces operating costs compared to traditional single-piece torches.
• Greater Flexibility: The D-Torch is compatible with a wide range of sample matrices, allowing you to analyze diverse samples without the need for multiple torches.
• Lower Detection Limts: By using a high purity grade of ceramic, the background is much better and thus lower detection limits for silicon determination are achieved.

---

Ordering Information

D-Torch

Part Number	Description
30-808-3560	D-Torch for Agilent® 5000 Series SVDV/VDV
30-808-3590	D-Torch for Agilent® 5000 Series RV

D-Torch Options

Part Number	Description
31-808-3568	Base and Inner Tube for Agilent® 5000 Series D-Torch
31-808-3566	Retaining Ring for D-Torch Outer Tube
31-808-3578	Injector Adaptor for D-Torch
31-808-3586	Ceramic Outer Tube for Agilent® 5000 Series RV D-Torch
31-808-4020	Ignition Enhancer Agilent® 5000 Series ICP-OES
70-803-1500	O-ring kit for Agilent® 5000 Series D-Torch ICP-OES

Outer Tubes

Part Number	Description
31-808-3570	Quartz Outer Tube for Agilent® 5000 Series SVDV/VDV D-Torch
31-808-3580	Ceramic Outer Tube for Agilent® 5000 Series SVDV/VDV D-Torch
31-808-3582	Quartz Outer Tube for Agilent® 5000 Series RV D-Torch
31-808-3586	Ceramic Outer Tube for Agilent® 5000 Series RV D-Torch

Injectors

Part Number	Description
31-808-3738	Tapered Quartz Injector 0.8mm
31-808-3583	Tapered Quartz Injector 1.4mm
31-808-3576	Tapered Quartz Injector 1.8mm
31-808-3584	Tapered Quartz Injector 2.4mm
31-808-3725	Tapered Alumina Injector 1.5mm
31-808-3585	Tapered Alumina Injector 1.8mm
31-808-3722	Tapered Alumina Injector 2.4mm

Have another ICP? For a complete list of available D-Torch models, click here.