Preparing Your Laboratory for
Atomic Absorption
Spectrometers-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SUITABLE WORKING
AREA
The environment in which any
instrument is housed is an
important consideration. The
room temperature should be
between 15 and 35 °C (59-95 °F)
with a maximum rate of change of
3 °C (5 °F) per hour. The relative
humidity should be between 20
and 80%, noncondensing.
A relatively dust-free environment
is necessary. This is especially
important when working with
ultra-trace techniques, such as
graphite furnace sampling. Other
important considerations are to
locate the instrument in an area
free of corrosive fumes and
vibration and in an area that does
not receive direct sunlight.
Atomic absorption spectrometer
systems are normally installed on
laboratory work benches or tables.
The benchtop or area in which the
atomic absorption instrument is to
be installed should be large
enough to accommodate the
instrument and all accessories.
(Dimensions of those items are
given in Section 10.) The
instrument should not be placed
permanently against a wall, as the
instrument must be accessible
from the back for servicing
purposes. An accessible space of
at least 60 cm (24 in.) should be
available behind the instrument. If
this is not possible, the table or
bench on which the instrument is
mounted should be on wheels so
that it can be easily moved.
A means of electrically grounding
the instrument and all accessories
must be available.
-------------------------------
2. EXHAUST VENT
A venting system is required to
remove the combustion fumes and
vapors from the flame or graphite
furnace for atomic absorption
instruments. Exhaust venting is
important for a number of reasons:
• It will protect laboratory
personnel from toxic vapors
which may be produced by
some samples.
• It will tend to remove the effects
of room drafts and the laboratory
atmosphere on flame stability.
• It will help to protect the
instrument from corrosive
vapors which may originate
from the samples.
• It will remove dissipated heat
which is produced by the flame
or furnace.