Skip navigation.
New Mexico State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
 Left Button

 Detailed Set up for Acetylene/Air AAS

 

Setup considerations -- Set up the instrument for the determination of copper, silver, or other elements which have an absorbing wavelength above 250 nm and whose sensitivity is not dependent on the fuel/oxidant ratio. Do not select an element requiring a nitrous oxide-acetylene flame. Note the following steps are required if the instrument has not been used for many months or if major adjustments have been made.

 

Flow Meter Setting for Acetylene at 12 psig and Air at 60-100 psig

 Burner Head

Fuel (Acetylene)

Oxidizer (Air)

 10-cm Single Slot

12

40

 10-cm Triple Slot

20

50

1. Aspirate a standard solution of the element being determined and turn the knurled end cap of the nebulizer counterclockwise until air bubbles into the solution. If the flame becomes leaner during this operation, slight adjustment of the fuel flow may be necessary.

2. While observing the absorbance reading, slowly turn the knurled end cap of the nebulizer clockwise. The absorbance reading may go through several peaks as the end cap is turned. Return the end cap to the peak which gives maximum absorbance (normally the first peak).

3. After adjustment turn, the locking ring counterclockwise until it rests against the nebulizer end cap to prevent accidental misadjustment. Nebulizers do not normally require readjustment unless a different solvent is used.

 


 

Return to Instrumentation or Teaching Instruments