Minimum Specification ICP-MS Elemental Analysis System.docx

SPECIFICATIONS FOR ICP-MS ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS SYSTEM

SPECIFICATIONS FOR AN ICP-MS ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS SYSTEM

I. OVERVIEW: The NRL has a critical need for an ICP-MS system capable of elemental analysis using a quadrupole and reactive gases for elemental concentrations down to the parts per trillion range (ppt).

II. BACKGROUND: The ICP-MS is a critical tool that measures elemental concentrations in solutionized samples down to the parts per trillion range. The current capabilities across all division of NRL are restricted to a single ICP-OES system which does not have the sensitivity of a true ICP-MS system. This system will bring a capability to NRL which it does not currently have of detecting elemental compositions in samples down to the ppt range. Additionally, our current capabilities lack the reactive gas requirements for quadrupole analysis of the rare earth (lanthanide group) elements which are critical materials for the DoD, and domestically for the US energy sector, as a whole. We currently have a need for this system to meet the obligations of a currently running program for an external sponsor (DARPA, WU# 992D86). Having an ICP-MS system readily available in the lab will allow us to evaluate materials and timely complete research objectives for numerous current and future programs.

III. SCOPE: The ICP-MS system shall be comprised of five (5) components: (a) Sample Introduction System, (b) Matrix Dilution for High Solid Contents, (c) Multi-Quadrupole Mass Spec, (d) a Chiller System, and (e) Regulators for Reactive Gases & Vacuum Pump. The system shall provide accurate elemental concentration in solution and an easily interpretable interface to analyze data collected by the instrument. The system shall also use a straight forward software interface for the reduction of said data.

IV. SPECIFICATIONS AND SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR LABORTORY-SCALE HIGH TEMPERTURE FURNACE SYSTEM:

The ICP-MS system, hereinafter referred to as “The System” shall be comprised of five (5) components or instruments: (a) Sample Introduction System, (b) Matrix Dilution for High Solid Contents, (c) Multi-Quadrupole Mass Spec, (d) a Chiller system, and (e) Regulators for Reactive Gases & Vacuum Pump. The system SHALL meet all of the following minimum technical, physical, and performance requirements:

A. SAMPLE INTRODUCTION SYSTEM: The sample introduction system shall be easily mountable and cleanable for sample changes.

B. MATRIX DILUTION FOR HIGH SOLID CONTENTS: NRL has a need for the measurement of high solid content samples. Spray chamber shall include the ability for diluent gases / reactive gases for the reduction of contamination signals on the order of ppm concentration levels in solutions.

C. MULTI-QUADRUPOLE MASS SPEC: For the best elemental sensitivity multi-stages of mass resolution are necessary. This shall be executed by four mass selective quadrupoles to achieve a mass range from 2-285 AMU with mass resolution of < 0.3 AMU achievable for rare earth element (lanthanide group) containing samples.

D. CHILLER SYSTEM: The chiller system shall be capable of maintaining a safe operating temperature of an ICP-MS system in a typical laboratory environment.

E. REGULATORS FOR REACTIVE GASES & VACUUM PUMP: The system shall include regulators & lines for all gases (including the reactive) (i.e. Ammonia, Oxygen, Helium), along with all necessary vacuum pumping equipment & lines for system installation in a typical laboratory environment.

F. The overall system and all components shall be compatible with a typical instrument laboratory setting in terms of power and utility needs, and safety considerations.