Presentation Profile
Advances in ICP-OES & ICP-MS: Revolutionizing Oil Analysis and Redefining Reliability with Next-Generation Nebulization
Currently Scheduled: 10/13/2026 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Room: Floral Hall A1
Main Author
Sergei Leikin - Texas Scientific Products
- Don Johnson - SVL Analytical
- Mike Booth - Inorganic Ventures
- Genette Alcaraz - Spectron LLC
- Liz Ranalli - Spectron LLC
- Andrew Gunderson - Dakota Gasification Company
Abstract:
Advances in ICP-OES & ICP-MS: Revolutionizing Oil Analysis and Redefining Reliability with Next-Generation Nebulization The workshop will highlight practical advances in ICP-OES and ICP-MS that simplify challenging analyses and enable confident results with less instrument intervention and lower operating costs. Presentations will cover an innovative aqueous calibration approach for oil analysis, next-generation nebulization for demanding matrices, and practical strategies for extending ICP-MS cone life. Real-world laboratory experiences and an open Q&A will provide attendees with practical solutions they can apply in their own labs.
1. Reliable Trace Metals Analysis of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) by ICP-OES By Andrew Gunderson, Chemical Laboratory Shift Supervisor at Dakota Gasification Company Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) presents challenges for trace metals analysis by ICP-OES, including frequent nebulizer plugging from urea buildup, calibration and reproducibility issues, and achieving required detection limits, particularly for phosphorus. Replacing the GemCone nebulizer with an OptiMist® EXTREME nebulizer and Argon Humidifier, along with method and calibration changes, enhanced analytical performance and reliability. Better calibration quality and peak shape, along with increased signal intensity, allowed lower detection limits to be achieved in this challenging matrix. The nebulizer now rarely plugs, requires only weekly cleaning, with routine maintenance taking approximately 10 minutes. Together, these improvements have made routine ppb-level metals analysis of DEF more reliable and efficient while reducing consumable costs, maintenance, and technician time.
2. Cone Care Decoded: A Manufacturer's Guide to Maintaining, Refurbishing, and Replacing ICP-MS Interface Cones By Genette Alcaraz, CEO, and Liz Ranalli, Director of Sales & Marketing, SPECTRON LLC Interface cones are one of the most misunderstood parts of an ICP-MS system, and a consumable often retired too soon. Drawing on inspection data from a facility that manufactures tens of thousands of cones a year, this talk offers a guide to telling normal wear from real damage, and damage from mishandling. Plus, a look at a new cone cleaning system designed to protect cone geometry and prevent handling damage during routine care. We'll guide you through the decision-making process to determine what cones need cleaning, refurbishing, or deciding if they are truly end-of-life. Attendees will leave with a practical checklist for extending cone life and cutting replacement costs.
3. An Inside Look at a Profitable Metals Laboratory By Don Johnson, Technical Director, SVL Analytical Environmental and geological laboratories require ICP-OES systems that can seamlessly handle matrices ranging from trace-level (ppb) environmental samples to high-concentration geological digests. The combination of the TSP OptiMist® VORTEX nebulizer and Mini Argon Humidifier enables a single sample introduction system to accommodate this wide range of applications with minimal method changeover. In most cases, switching between methods requires only a brief rinse with a more concentrated solution before recalibration. The need to shut down the instrument to install a separate sample introduction system is practically a thing of the past. This reduces downtime while improving laboratory efficiency, productivity, and profitability. In my experience, for the analyses we perform at SVL Analytical, these sample introduction components—especially the nebulizer—have exceeded the performance and flexibility of every other system I have used throughout my career, without sacrificing sensitivity or detection limits. These additions to our Agilent 5800 AVS systems continue to save time and effort during our daily analytical workflow, further enhancing laboratory productivity and profitability.
4. Modernizing Oil Analysis with Specially Formulated Aqueous Calibration Standards By Michael Booth, Innovation & Applications Development Manager, Inorganic Ventures Oil analysis by ICP-OES and ICP-MS traditionally relies on organometallic standards for calibration. A new hybrid aqueous/organic solvent, ASOSolv™, enables the use of widely available aqueous CRMs, traceable through NIST SRMs, while maintaining compatibility with traditional organometallic standards. This innovative approach provides greater flexibility for calibration of wear metals, additives, and contaminants in lubricating oils. Extended stability at working concentrations allows calibration standards to be prepared further in advance and used longer, simplifying standard sourcing and preparation while extending usable standard life.
