Analytical Notes
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide
38
Arsenic
TIP
Use the 189.0 nm line and add 1% oxygen to the inert gas flow to improve
sensitivity for arsenic determinations. Add the oxygen directly before the hydride
vapor enters the tube.
Mercury
The flow-through mercury cell will not fit inside the workhead of the ETC 60. If
mercury determinations are being carried out using the ETC 60, the standard flow
through the cell must be used.
NOTE
When using the ETC 60 for mercury determinations there may be a slight loss of
sensitivity in comparison to measurements made using the flow-through mercury
cell.
WARNING
Noxious Gas
Mercury (Hg) vapor is highly toxic. Always ensure that laboratory safety
practices governing the use, handling, and disposal of mercury-containing
materials are strictly observed. These safety practices should include
ensuring adequate ventilation to minimize exposure to the vapor and
adherence to local environmental regulations regarding its subsequent
release into the atmosphere.
If the ETC 60 is used for the determination of mercury, the Temperature Control
Module should either be turned off or set to a temperature of 0 °C — unless
condensation starts to occur.
NOTE
If condensation forms inside the cell, program the ETC 60 to operate at a constant
temperature of approximately 100 °C. You can set the optimal isothermal
temperature to suit your analytical requirements but never exceed 300 °C when
analyzing for mercury.
