Nebulizer Selection Guide and Understanding Part Numbers

Understanding Nebulizer Part Numbers

It’s important we understand our nebulizer part numbers as they provide critical nebulizer parameters. Having an understanding of these parameters will also help you choose the proper nebulizer to match your ICP operating conditions.

The number following the 'A' (#) will inform the style of gas fitting included with the particular glass expansion nebulizer.

Typically ICP-OES will run at an optimal nebulizer gas flow close to 0.7L/min whereas ICP-MS instruments typically run closer to 1L/min. Glass Expansion manufactures all of our nebulizer models to run optimally at a specific gas flow rate, which is why it’s important that you choose the correct nebulizer part number to match the particular operating condition of your instrument. The gas flow of a particular glass expansion nebulizer model is indicated by the ‘07’ you see in our part number nomenclature.

Each of our nebulizer models is also designed for a specific liquid flow rate, or a range of liquid flow rates. For example, You do not want to choose a low uptake nebulizer model if you’re running your ICP at 2mL/min as it will degrade the performance and lifetime of that nebulizer. The liquid flow rate of your nebulizer model is indicated ‘02’ in our part number nomenclature.

Each nebulizer model also has it’s certain tolerances and is best suited for specific applications. The Glass Expansion model is indicated by the ‘UM’ in our part number nomenclature. It’s also important to note that all of these uptake rates are the nominal self aspiration rate. It's good to know that you can always starve a nebulizer with your peristaltic pump, but you want to make sure you’re selecting the nebulizer model close to the highest uptake rate that you’re going to be using in your ICP method.