PerkinElmer OPTIMA 8000, Customer Hardware And Service Manual, Page: 199 / 285

Maintenance
201
GemCone Nebulizer
Daily Cleaning of the Low-Flow GemCone Nebulizer
Each day after use, the low-flow GemCone nebulizer should be rinsed out by
pumping deionized water to the nebulizer for several minutes. This should be done
with both the plasma on and the nebulizer gas on. This helps prevent the formation
of salt crystals near the exit of the nebulizer gas orifice. The plasma should be on to
prevent aerosol from condensing on the purge window. This is important for axial
and dual view instruments since the aerosol is aimed directly at the purge window.
Daily Cleaning of the High Solids GemCone Nebulizer
It is important to rinse the high solids nebulizer after use, particularly when working
with solutions containing high levels of solids. You do this by pumping deionized
water for several minutes to wash out any solid material that may have crystallized
on the inside surface of the nebulizer. If a stronger cleaning solution is required, a
solution of 1% acid in deionized water may be used in place of the deionized water.
The plasma should be on to prevent aerosol from condensing on the purge window.
This is important for axial and dual view instruments since the aerosol is aimed
directly at the purge window.
To rinse the argon orifice:
1. Place the sample capillary tube in deionized water or 1% acid in deionized water
and operate the pump.
2. Momentarily shut off the nebulizer gas flow for about 30 seconds.
3. Turn the nebulizer gas back on.
This procedure can be performed more than once a day in cases where very high
levels of dissolved solids are aspirated through the nebulizer for prolonged
periods of time.