ICP Nebulizer Maintenance Made Easy

Proper nebulizer care combined with regularly scheduled maintenance helps maintain optimum performance, increases lifetime, and reduces your laboratory's nebulizer replacement costs. Allow Glass Expansion to simplify and enhance your nebulizer maintenance procedures with our convenient tools, accessories, and a detailed maintenance guide.

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ICP Nebulizers Made Easy
What customers are saying: Eluo Nebulizer Cleaner Guardian In-Line Particle Filter Guardian In-Line Non-Return Gas Filter TruFlo Sample Monitor QA Kit Related Documents Customer Comments

What customers are saying:

"The Eluo worked perfectly."


"I have used it for years. Great tool to have and use regularly to keep your nebulizer clean."


"The TruFlo is a great diagnostic tool."


"The inline filter has reduced the frequency of ICP troubleshooting."

Nebulizer Maintenance
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Nebulizer Maintenance Tools

Part Number Description
70-ELUO Eluo Nebulizer Cleaner for Glass concentric Nebulizers
70-ELUO-OPD Eluo HF Nebulizer Cleaner for OpalMist or DuraMist
70-803-1108 Guardian in-line sample filter
70-803-1160 Eluo Adaptor for Inline Filter
70-803-1942 Guardian in-line Non-Return Gas Filter
70-803-0643 TruFlo Sample Monitor 0 - 4.0mL/min
70-803-0890 TruFlo Sample Monitor for HF 0 - 4.0mL/min

Eluo Nebulizer Cleaner

Previously there was no simple way to effectively clean and unblock nebulizers. Now, blocked nebulizers can be safely and easily restored to optimum performance with a revolutionary cleaning tool - the Eluo.


The Eluo is designed to efficiently deliver a cleaning solution through the nebulizer capillary to dislodge particle build-up and thoroughly clean the nebulizer capillary and gas orifice. One simple action does it all. No more messy procedures or shattered nebulizers in ultrasonic baths.


Use the Eluo regularly to maintain nebulizer performance and prolong nebulizer life.

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Eluo

Recommended Cleaning Procedure:

  1. Initially flush your nebulizer with warm water using the Eluo.
  2. Soak the nebulizer tip in a 25% solution of Fluka RBS-25 (Fluka RBS-25 is manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich, and is available from most suppliers of laboratory chemicals) for 24 hours. Use the Eluo to make sure the Fluka solution fills the nebulizer. An initial flush of 25% Fluka using the Eluo may be required.
  3. Flush 3 times with warm water using the Eluo.
  4. Stubborn deposits may require an additional soaking for 2 hours with nitric acid (5% concentration).
  5. Flush 3 times with warm water using the Eluo.
  6. For faster drying, flush again with methanol.

*Daily cleaning with the Eluo can be done by a quick flush with 25% Fluka, followed by flushing 3 times with warm water and a final flush with methanol for faster drying.

Nebulizer Maintenance Practices to Avoid:

  1. Do not insert anything through the orifice of the nebulizer, including wires and probes. This is most likely to damage the nebulizer beyond repair.
  2. Never touch the nebulizer tip. Any deposit of body oils can have a detrimental effect on the performance of the nebulizer.
  3. Do not use any concentration of HF to clean a glass or quartz nebulizer. Even dilute HF can alter the orifice of the internal capillary and deteriorate the performance of the nebulizer.
  4. Do not place a glass nebulizer in an ultrasonic bath as it may dislodge the internal capillary.
  5. Do not use hot liquid to flush the sample capillary of an inert nebulizer. The temperature can potentially deform the capillary and affect nebulizer performance.​

Ordering Information

Part Number Description
70-ELUO Eluo Nebulizer Cleaner for Glass concentric Nebulizers
70-ELUO-OPD Eluo HF Nebulizer Cleaner for OpalMist or DuraMist
70-0806
O-ring Kit for Eluo (2 sets)
70-703-0069 Eluo Nebulizer Holder for glass concentric nebulizers
70-803-0932 Eluo HF Nebulizer Holder for OpalMist or DuraMist
70-703-0070 Eluo Plunger
703-0058 Eluo Barrel

Guardian In-Line Particle Filter

Particulates can be found in your samples due to incomplete digestion, contamination from the laboratory environment, or as a precipitate post-digestion. These particulates pose a significant risk for an interruption in production due to a blockage within the capillary tubing, nebulizer, or switching valve. The Guardian In-Line Particle Filter P/N 70-803-1108 provides a simple and effective way to eliminate this risk and significantly reduce the time required to troubleshoot where the blockage is.


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Guardian Filter

This Guardian filter is easily installed on your autosampler probe tubing or sample uptake line to capture and prevent any of these large particulates. The Guardian incorporates a 120 micron filter and is supplied with seals(ferrules) to suit both 1/16 inch (1.6mm) and 1.3mm OD sample tubing.

The purpose-built clog-resistant design is ideal for ICP samples. Any particle build-up is easily removed by back-flushing and ultrasonic cleaning. The PEEK material is suitable for all of the most common ICP solutions.

Back-flushing can be conveniently done using an adaptor connected to the Eluo Nebulizer Cleaning Tool. If you already have the Eluo, you only need to add the adaptor P/N 70-803-1160. If you do not have an Eluo, you will need to purchase the Plunger P/N 70-703-0070 and Barrel P/N 703-0058 or a complete Eluo.

Ordering Information

Part Number Description
70-803-1108 Guardian in-line sample filter
70-803-1160 Eluo Adaptor for Inline Filter
70-703-0070
Eluo Plunger
703-0058 Eluo Barrel
70-803-0749
Replacement Ferrules 1/16 (PKT. 10)
70-803-0748
Replacement Ferrules 1.3mm (PKT. 10)
70-803-1350 Replacement Ratchet Connector

Guardian In-Line Non-Return Gas Filter

The Guardian DC In-line Non-Return Gas Filter P/N 70-803-1942 from Glass Expansion provides protection for your ICP system in two ways:


  1. A non-return valve prevents acidified sample or rinse solution syphoning into the instrument gas box.
  2. 30-micron PolyComb filter protects the nebulizer from particulates in the instrument gas supply.


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70-803-1942

The Guardian In-line Non-Return Gas is positioned between the Ar inlet on the Direct Connection nebulizer and the gas supply fitting on the instrument. The In-line Non-Return Filter has a one-way valve that allows argon to flow from the instrument into the nebulizer, but prevents liquid syphoning into the instrument. A unique PolyComb 30-micron filter design protects the nebulizer from particulates from the gas supply or from worn or damaged fittings in the gas lines. Unlike Sintered or Frit style filters, the linear honeycomb structure makes PolyComb most resistant to particulate and dissolved solid clogging.

Syphoning of the sample or rinse solution into the nebulizer argon control module on your ICP can occur at the end of an analytic run when the nebulizer gas pressure is turned off and there is liquid in the sample flow path. It is made worse if the autosampler probe stays in the rinse position at the end of a run.

A real problem using an autosampler for unattended overnight runs, it is a silent, invisible killer of your ICP. Acidified solution in the instrument Ar control module can cause corrosion to electronic sensors in mass flow controllers and damage regulators that can result in expensive repairs to your ICP and un-planned down time.

Ordering Information

Part Number Description
70-803-1942 Guardian DC in-line non-return gas filter

* Requires a DC Gas Line to directly connect to your ICP nebulizer gas supply. If you do not currently use a Glass Expansion DC style nebulizer, click here for a complete list of available DC Gas Lines.


For a universal connection assembly, you will also need to purchase P/N EL-1 (x2), 70-803-1504, and 70-803-1105.

TruFlo Sample Monitor

With the digital display of the TruFlo Sample Monitor, you always know the actual rate of sample uptake to your nebulizer. This enhances the day-to-day reproducibility of your results and reduces the need to repeat measurements due to a blocked nebulizer, worn pump tubing or incorrect clamping of the pump tube.


  • Eliminates guess work
  • Sounds an out-of-range alarm
  • Reduces sample repeats
  • Ideal for sample introduction by peristaltic pump or natural aspiration
  • Suitable for all ICP-OES and ICP-MS models


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TruFlo

The TruFlo is a precision device that incorporates an accurate flow sensor to facilitate real-time measurement of low liquid flow rates. The inert flow path comprises PEEK, borosilicate glass and Teflon, making it suitable for use with most liquids. The flow rate can be logged by your computer and displayed on the inbuilt screen. We can even customize the output to fit your requirements.

Ordering Information

Part Number Description
70-803-0643 TruFlo Sample Monitor 0 - 4.0mL/min
70-803-0774 TruFlo Sample Monitor 0 - 0.05mL/min
70-803-0788 TruFlo Sample Monitor 0 - 1.0mL/min
70-803-0890 TruFlo Sample Monitor for HF 0 - 4.0mL/min
70-803-0892 TruFlo Sample Monitor for HF 0 - 0.05mL/min
70-803-0891 TruFlo Sample Monitor for HF 0 - 1.0mL/min

QA Kit

Looking for the complete QC package to ensure optimum performance, day-to-consistency, and long-life of your nebulizer investment? The answer to this is quite simple, our QA Kit is a convenient package combining the TruFlo Sample Monitor, Inline Particle Filter, Eluo Nebulizer Cleaning Tool and Eluo Adaptor for Inline Filter. The QA Kit enhances the reproducibility of your results, greatly reduces the chance of a blocked nebulizer, and alerts you when the filter needs to be back-flushed.


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QA Kit

Related Documents

Eluo Flyer

Eluo Flyer
Nebulizer Maintenance Flyer

Nebulizer Maintenance Flyer
TruFlo Flyer

TruFlo Flyer
Nebulizer Made Easy Video

ICP Nebulizer Maintenance Made Easy: Video
Nebulizer 101 Video

ICP Nebulizers 101: Selection and Maintenance Guide Webinar

Customer Comments

(In reference to the Eluo, Guardian Inline Particle Filter) It is working very well, as are all the cleaning tools and pre-filter........how great you were in helping me buy the right nebulizer, etc. I could not have asked for any better customer service.

Pharmaceutical Laboratory USA 

(In reference to the Guardian Inline Particle Filter) So far it has worked great, we have noticed significantly less clogged lines.

 Fertilizer manufacturer USA 

(In reference to the Eluo Nebulizer Cleaner) I have used this and love it. I try to use it about every other week, if I remember.

University Laboratory USA

(In reference to the TruFlo) A nice piece of kit to help with sample intro troubleshooting.

Minerals Laboratory Australia

(In reference to the TruFlo) I just had a frustrating fiasco with a happy ending that might prove helpful to others. We were experiencing random high drifts (>10% over 5 minutes) ... I purchased a liquid flow meter from a popular ICP supplies vendor and installed it on the carrier line. Sure enough, the flow rate was making fairly abrupt changes consistent with the observed drifts in the ICP emission. I finally figured out it was a worn teflon rotor in the FAST switching valve...I have found the sample flow meter to be a very handy diagnostic tool...It is the TruFlo from Glass Expansion. I saw it at Pittcon and remembered it when the problem arose.

Chemical manufacturer USA

(In reference to the Eluo, Guardian Inline Particle Filter) It is working very well, as are all the cleaning tools and pre-filter........how great you were in helping me buy the right nebulizer, etc. I could not have asked for any better customer service.

Pharmaceutical Laboratory USA 

(In reference to the Guardian Inline Particle Filter) So far it has worked great, we have noticed significantly less clogged lines.

 Fertilizer manufacturer USA 

(In reference to the TruFlo) It works exceptionally well. I have two units connected to ICPs and have saved a great deal of troubleshooting time because of them.

Manufacturer USA

(In reference to the TruFlo) No need to convince me - I consider this an essential tool for every lab that uses ICP-OES, ICP-MS.

 University Analytical Chemistry Department  Canada

For all enquiries or more information:

Contact Glass Expansion