Documentation:Standard Operating Procedures for Atomic Absorption Spectrometer 560
- Please obtain proper training from the FNH teaching lab technician Imelda Cheung (Imelda.Cheung@ubc.ca) prior to using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer 560
- A video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miKyZm_vI_g is also provided for review purpose and can be viewed as needed.
- Screw on tightly the sample slot.
- Turn on the power switch of AAS 560.
- Turn on acetylene gas tank (in the corner).
- Turn on the air flow on the wall to parallel to pipe (red lever).
- Adjust the air flow on AAS 560 to in between the green and yellow tape mark on the oxidant gauge.
- For oxidant, adjust closer to the green tape. To adjust the air flow, turn control to AIR, then adjust fine/coarse knob until gauge reads just below the green tape.
- Adjust the fuel on AAS 560 to in between the green and yellow tape mark on the fuel gauge.
- For fuel, adjust closer to the center between yellow and green tapes. To adjust the fuel, turn control to fuel, then adjust fine/coarse knob until gauge reads in between the green and yellow tape.
- When everything is set, turn control to AIR, and light the flame with lighter while turning FUEL on (click switch towards you).
- A nice blue flame that is about 2 inches tall should be observed. If the flame is yellow, decrease the oxidant level.
- The order in which you ignite the flame is very important! If the fuel is turned on first, you will create a lot of ashes but will fail to ignite the flame.
- Place the sample tubing in ddwater, flush for 30 seconds and pay attention to any leaks.
- If no leak is observed, then zero the instrument, while ddwater is flushing, using the “AZ” button.
- If leak is observed, turn off the flame following step 12. Unscrew the sample slot and re-screw to ensure a tight seal. Re-ignite the flame following step 8.
- Now the instrument is ready for sample measurement. Place the sample tubing in the sample and take readings when stabilized.
- Always start with the lowest concentration and work your way up to the highest concentration.
- The instrument is old so there will be slight fluctuation in value. Take the value that is most occurred during the short time span.
- After measuring all samples, place sample tubing back in ddwater to rinse for 1 min.
- Turn FUEL off, then turn AIR off.
- Turn off the air flow on the wall by turning the red lever to a perpendicular position.
- Turn off acetylene gas tank.
- Finally turn off the instrument.
- To reserve a time to utilize the atomic absorption spectrometer, please visit https://www.qreserve.com/r/resource/QR00415106