The torch box exhaust must be installed, but the RF generator
exhaust is optional (see note in Table 7*).
The RF generator exhaust vent is used for the blower that
cools the system power supplies and ICP generator.
We recommend using two 100-mm (4 in.) exhaust hoses
(for both the torch box exhaust vent and RF generator
exhaust vent). The NexION 300 ICP-MS is supplied with 6 m
(22 ft.) of 100-mm (4 in.) flexible tubing. This tubing permits
the movement of the instrument without disconnecting the
vents from the laboratory system. See Tables 6 and 7 for
vent specifications.
In operation, the roughing pump produces 1200-1500W
(4100-5100 BTU/hr) of heat. The heat from the roughing
pump is released into the laboratory. Proper ventilation is
required to remove this heat from the room or any enclosure
in which the pump is situated. There must be a minimum of
15 cm (6 in.) clearance between the rear of the pump and
any vertical surface as well as a minimum of 35 cm (14 in.)
clearance in the front. It should be located away from other
heat generating sources such as the liquid cooling system.
The ambient air temperature must NOT exceed 40 °C at the
roughing pump control electronics.
The heat from the liquid cooling system (heat exchanger or
refrigerated chiller) is also released into the laboratory during
operation. The heat exchanger will produce a maximum of
2000W (6825 BTU/hr) of heat. The refrigerated chiller will
produce a maximum of 3000W (10,000 BTU/hr) of heat.
Proper ventilation is required to remove this heat from the
room or any enclosure in which the liquid cooling system
is situated. Adequate clearance should be allowed on the
front, sides, and rear of the unit for access to connections
and components. The front and rear vents of the unit must
be a minimum of 61 cm (2 ft.) away from walls or vertical
surfaces so air flow is not restricted. It should be installed at
7
least 1.4 meters (4 ft.) away from any heat-generating
sources such as the roughing pump or other instruments.
Proper ventilation is critical for the heat exchanger – its
ambient air temperature must never exceed 30 ˚C.
Venting System Recommendations
The exhaust flow rate at the instrument (the ability to vent
the system) is dependent on customer-provided blower, the
duct length, material and the number of elbows or bends
used. If an excessively long duct system or a system with
many bends is used, a stronger blower may be necessary to
provide sufficient exhaust volume at the instrument. Smooth
stainless steel tubing should be used instead of flexible stain-
less steel tubing, where flexibility is not required, to reduce
system friction loss or “drag.” A length of smooth stainless
steel ducting has 20-30% less friction loss than a comparable
length of flexible ducting. When smooth stainless steel
tubing is used, elbows must be used to turn corners. These
elbows should turn at no more than 45 degrees between
straight sections to reduce friction losses, and the number
of elbows should be minimized.
Additional recommendations on the venting system include:
• The duct casing and venting system should be made of
materials suitable for temperatures as high as 70 ˚C and
be installed to meet local building code requirements.
• Locate the blower as close to the discharge outlet as possible.
All joints on the discharge side should be airtight, especially if
toxic vapors are being carried.
• Equip the outlet end of the system with a backdraft
damper and take the necessary precautions to keep the
exhaust outlet away from open windows or inlet vents
and to extend it above the roof of the building for proper
dispersal of the exhaust.
• Equip the exhaust end of the system with an exhaust
stack to improve the overall efficiency of the system.
Table 7. Hose Diameter and Venting Capabilities.*
Hose
Hose Diameter
Heat Vented Outside Lab Watts (BTU/hr)
Torch Box Exhaust
100 mm (4 in.)
800 (2720)
RF Generator Exhaust
100 mm (4 in.)
1500 (5100)
*If only the Torch Box exhaust hose is used, approximately 1500W (5100 BTU/hr) of heat from the RF generator exhaust is vented into the lab.
An independent room air conditioner [3000W (10000 BTU/hr)] is recommended to remove this additional heat.
Table 6. Instrument Exhaust Ventilation Requirements.
Required airflow
Required air velocity
Reference airflow
Reference air velocity
measured with hose connected to NexION
measured with hose disconnected from NexION
Torch Box
Exhaust Port
73 – 100 ft
3
/min @ 0.5" H
2
O
836 – 1145 ft/min @ 0.5" H
2
O
110 – 150 cfm @ 0" H
2
O
1260 – 1719 ft/min @ 0" H
2
O
(35 – 47 L/sec @ 125 Pa)
(4.3 – 5.8 m/sec @ 125 Pa)
(52 – 71 L/sec @ 0 Pa)
(6.4 – 8.7 m/sec @ 0 Pa)
RF Generator
Exhaust Port
150 – 160 ft
3
/min @ 0" H
2
O 1719 – 1833 ft/min @ 0" H
2
O
150 – 160 ft
3
/min @ 0" H
2
O 1719 – 1833 ft/min @ 0" H
2
O
(71 – 76 L/sec @ 0 Pa)
(8.7 – 9.3 m/sec @ 0 Pa)
(71 – 76 L/sec @ 0 Pa)
(8.7 – 9.3 m/sec @ 0 Pa)
