PerkinElmer AVIO 200, Hardware Manual

Page: 68 / 309

Preparing Your Laboratory
66
Pneumatic Requirements
Argon
Liquid or gaseous argon can be used with the Avio 200 system. The use of liquid or
gaseous argon tanks is determined primarily by the usage rate. Liquid argon is
usually less expensive per unit volume to purchase, but cannot be stored for extended
periods. If liquid argon is used, the tank should be fitted with an over-pressure
regulator for safety reasons. The over-pressure regulator vents the tank as necessary
to keep the argon cool enough to remain in its liquid state, thus preventing the
cylinder from exploding due to pressure build-up. A tank of liquid argon containing
160 liters will typically last for 80 hours of continuous running time.
Gaseous argon tanks do not require venting and consequently can be stored for
longer periods without loss. A tank of gaseous argon will last 5 to 6 hours of running
time. The normal argon usage is 9-20 liters/min. with a maximum of 25 liters/min
(0.04 - 1.0 cu. ft/min). The argon flow for the system (including the ICP) may vary
between 1 and 25 L/min.
Available argon pressure should be between 550 to 825 kPa (5.5 to 8.25 bar or 80 to
120 psig ).
Argon can be purchased from local suppliers. The argon for use with ICP systems
should be 99.996% pure.
Purge Gas
Nitrogen or argon can be used to purge the Avio 200 spectrometer optics. The purge
gas high flow is 8 L/min. The low gas flow is 1.5 L/min.
Caution
Attention
Gas delivery lines from the argon tank should be contaminant-free and
not made of plastic. Teflon delivery lines are acceptable.
Conduites de distribution de gaz de la cuve d'argon doivent être exemptes de
contaminants et pas en matière plastique. Lignes de livraison de Téflon sont
acceptables.