Elemental Scientific M-17211 Avio 200/500 FAST Method Guide

Avio 200/500 FAST Method Guide

FAST Installation Verification, Method Configuration, and Troubleshooting Guide

Verify proper installation and configure the Syngistix and FAST methods for analysis using the following steps to
get the most out of the FAST system.

This guide is for use with the standard FAST configuration shown below. If configuring a FAST system with
another configuration, values in Table 1 should be adjusted accordingly.

ES-2502-PPF2 MPP-038-F-PVC
Female Union Org/Grn Peripump Tubing

SC-5037-4506-IS7
IS Probe Line Kit
ES-2502-PPF2 Includes Probe, Peripump Tubing,
MPP-076-F-PVC and connection line.
Female Union Blk/Blk Peripump Tubing

SC-5037-4502-C
Carrier Probe Line Kit
To Includes Probe, Peripump Tubing,
INTERNAL STANDARD PORT#7

Nebulizer and connection line.

SC-0317-0250
CA

#3
RT
RR

PO
IER

ER
IN

LIZ
PO

BU
RT

NE
#2

V1
P7
PORT #4 PORT #1

SC-5037-3500-080
SC-5037-3500-080
T#6

SA

Internal
OR

MP
MP

Standard
LE
UU

IN

Probe
PO
C
VA

RT
#5

1mL Loop Carrier

SC-5037-3995-150

SC-0318-10 Probe

Sample
Probe
Red - 0.15mm id
Purple - 0.20mm id
Green - 0.25mm id
Yellow - 0.30mm id
Orange - 0.50mm id
Blue - 0.80mm id
Gray - 1.00mm id
SC-0321-32-215
FAST VACCUM

Diagram 1. Standard FAST for Avio, showing 1 mL loop and grey probe

To perform a torch alignment or any other optimization procedure with a FAST system installed, place the Carrier
and Internal Standard probes into the optimization solution. When finished with the optimization, rinse and put
these probes back into the appropriate solutions.

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1 Verify the FAST Installation
Step 1: Load the FAST verification method
a) Open the FAST Method Control window in the ESI software by clicking on “FAST” on the ESI SC-Autosampler
menu bar, File → Open Text File and open FAST-Verify-Install.txt.
b) Check the box to “Enable FAST Control”.
c) Close the FAST window.

Step 2: Solution Preparation

a) Place a blank solution in the Standards rack, Position 1.
b) Place a 1 ppm Mn solution in the Standards rack, Position 2.
c) Use 1 ppm Y in 2% nitric acid as the internal standard solution. (For regular analysis, any appropriate internal
standard may be used.)

Step 3: Configure the Avio for FAST installation verification

a) Position the torch between -3 and -5.
b) In Syngistix, open the FAST-Verify-Install.icpx
Workspace.

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c) Start the ICP. Set the Avio for black/black peristaltic pump tubing by clicking on “Devices” on the Syngistix menu bar
and choosing “Pump,” next open “Plasma Control” as shown in the figure below. Tune the nebulizer flow as needed
using Y in continuous graphics mode. Update the method with the optimized settings. Since the ESIMethods data-
base is read-only, the default methods database will be used when saving the method. Close the Continuous Graph-
ics window.

If not using ESI integrated

peripump, set to 0.8

d) Go to Analysis → New → Method… Then click “Modify”… Change the default conditions to the optimized settings
determined in the previous step. Make sure to change the Sample Flow Rate to 2.0 (0.8 if not using the ESI
integrated peripump) to prevent the pump from pumping too fast.

Note: If you want the Syngistix flow rates to match ESI DXi
peristaltic pump, see M-18064 Changing Avio flow rates for
ESI DXi peristaltic pump guide”. (This is only for black/ black
tubing).

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e) If not using an ESI integrated peripump, open the Syngistix

method → FAST-Verify-Install.
Note: If using a sequentially scanning Avio, open the Syngistix
method -> FAST-Verify_DXi-x000 (with ESI integrated
peripump) or FAST-Verify-x000 (standard Avio pump).
f) On the Automated tab, click “Rebuild List,” then “Analyze All.”
g) In the Results display, verify the following:
a. Internal Standard RSD < 2%
b. 1ppm Mn RSD < 2%
c. Mn in Blank1 < 0.5 ppb (2000x washout)
d. Mn in Blank2 < 0.1 ppb (10,000x washout)
These specifications are for the standard FAST configuration,
including ESI peristaltic pump. Performance may be different if
alternate hardware or settings are used.
h) If the system fails to meet specification, see Section 3: FAST
Troubleshooting Guide.

< 2%

< 0.500 µg/L

< 0.100 µg/L

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2 Method Configuration
Step 1: Determine or estimate the method analysis time
a) Open a Syngistix method to be converted to a
FAST-compatible method.
b) If the Syngistix method to be converted has
previously been used on the instrument, open
Reprocess, load a dataset, and use the
time stamps to determine the longest
sample-to-sample time.
c) If the Syngistix method is new or hasn’t been used to
acquire data with samples, estimate the analysis
time using the formula:
Analysis time = (Max integration time) x (Replicates) x 3
If using only Axial OR Radial mode, divide the
calculated analysis time in half.
For example, the following method, if using both Radial and Axial modes, would have
an estimated analysis time of 90 s: 10 x 3 x 3.
d) If using a sequentially scanning Avio, the method analysis time should be determined experimentally by running a
blank and some typical samples. Choose the longest sample-to-sample time in the resulting dataset.

Step 2: Determining other parameters

a) Once the analysis time is determined or estimated, refer to Table 1 for suggested parameters used for the rest of the
installation procedure. Table 1 is valid for typical samples and the following standard plumbing: 1.0 mm ID (grey), 150
cm sample probe (SC-5037-3995-150) at 0.8 mL/min flow rate (black/black peristaltic pump tubing). For viscous
samples, increase the FAST method Timers A and J to ensure the loop is overfilled before the FAST injection.

Estimated Analysis Syngistix Syngistix FAST Method FAST Method FAST Method
Loop Size (mL) Timer A (s) Timer J (s) Timer B (s)
Time (s) Delay Time (s) Wash Time (s) (Loop Load) (Early Probe Up) (Loop Rinse)
< 10 0.3 15 10 3 2 1
10-25 0.5 15 10 3 2 1
25-60 1 17 12 5 3 3
60-80 1.5 20 14 8 6 4
80-120 2 22 17 10 8 6
120-160 2.5 24 19 12 10 8
160-210 3 26 21 14 11 8
210-300 4 30 23 18 14 8
> 300 Custom Custom Custom Custom Custom Custom
Table 1 (Guide). Parameters used for the rest of the installation procedure.

Step 3: Loop installation

a) Install the loop indicated in Table 1 onto
positions 1 and 4 of the FAST valve.

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Step 4: Configuring the Syngistix Method

a) Set the Delay Time according to Table 1.

b) Update the plasma parameters as needed.

Refer to Section 1, Step 3c for suggested
plasma parameters.

c) Set the peristaltic pump to 2.0 mL/min

(0.8 if not using ESI integrated peripump)
and the flush time to 0 seconds.

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d) Select to wash “Between Samples” or “After

every sample + extra time if sample
concentrations exceed limits.”

If washing “After every sample + extra

time if sample concentrations exceed
limits,” enter at least 30 s for the Extra Time.

e) Set the rate to 2.0 mL/min (0.8 if not using ESI

integrated peripump), and enter the wash time
according to Table 1.

f) Save the modified method under a new

name. (File → Save As → Method)

Step 5: Configuring the FAST

method
a) Open the FAST Method
Control window in the ESI
software.
b) Go to File → Open, and load
“FAST-LRT-QC-wash.txt.”

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c) Refer to Table 1 to change the

value of Timers A, J and B.
d) Enable FAST control.
e) Save the modified FAST
method under a new name
(File → Save Text File).
f) Close the FAST window.

Washing “Between Samples”

Step 6: Custom Configuration

For custom flow rates, loop sizes, or special applications, see the FAST method design guide for further information.
(About → Help)

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3 FAST Troubleshooting Guide

The FAST troubleshooting guide contains a series of diagnostic tests to identify any problems with the method configuration.
If any step fails to produce the expected result, see Table 2 at the end of this section for possible causes and solutions.

Diagnostic Tests
Internal Standard Stability and Sample Injection
The steps in this diagnostic test show the FAST-Verify-Install methods with a 1 mL loop. Any method may be tested in the
same manner. Refer to Table 1 for appropriate parameters for any method.
a. Load the FAST and Syngistix methods to be tested.
b. Start continuous mode, and verify that the internal standard signal is stable and shows the appropriate intensity.

c. With continuous graphics running,

send the autosampler to a vial
containing ~ 1 ppm of your standard.
Be ready to perform the next step.

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d. When the probe reaches the bottom of the vial, click “Start Timer” on the Syngistix continuous graphics window.

e. Watch for a FAST rise in signal followed by a plateau. Verify that the plateau occurs within the time specified in
Table 1 for your loop size. Click “Stop Timer”.

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f. Send the autosampler to wash while the signal is still on a plateau, and immediately restart the continuous mode timer.
Washout should appear near baseline in approximately 20 s.

g) If the previous steps are performed as described, but a problem still exists, see Table 2.

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Table 2. Troubleshooting Guide

Failed Step Description Possible Causes Possible Solution

1b The internal standard The Avio is in the wrong Change to Axial mode.
signal is not as high mode (i.e., Radial instead
as expected or is of Axial)
unstable.
The Avio torch is not Place the carrier probe into a solution of 1 ppm
aligned. Mn, and perform a torch align.
The peristaltic pump Set the peristaltic pump to black/black in the
tubing or rate in the Syngistix software. Set the rate to 2.0 mL/min.
Syngistix software is set Set the rate on the Method → Sampler →
incorrectly. Peristaltic Pump and Method → Sampler →
Autosampler tabs to 2.0 mL/min.
The peristaltic pump Check all tubing quality and connections,
tubing is worn out, especially the internal standard line (orange/
disconnected, or is not green). Refer to the FAST diagram to verify the
connected properly. correct configuration.
The Avio is not tuned Starting from the plasma parameters in step 3c,
properly. tune the nebulizer gas flow rate for stability and
sensitivity.
The sample gas is not Verify that the sample gas is flowing through
flowing or is not connect- the nebulizer. Check for leaks at the nebulizer
ed properly. and at the instrument gas outlet.
There is an obstruction in Turn off the ICP. Remove the nebulizer line
the nebulizer. from the back of the nebulizer. Turn on the
sample gas flow. Loosen the nut that holds the
nebulizer in place, and gently remove the
nebulizer. Place a gloved finger firmly over the
tip of the nebulizer for a few seconds. Release
and repeat. Replace the nebulizer, gently
tighten the nut (do not overtighten), and replace
the nebulizer line. Restart the plasma and
check for stability and sensitivity.
Failed Step Description Possible Causes Possible Solution
1c The Autosampler The ESI software is not Start the ESI software. Initialize the
does not respond running. autosampler. In the Syngistix software,
when the Avio sends reconnect with the autosampler through
it to a vial location. Instrument → Diagnostics → Autosampler →
Reconnect.
The autosampler is not Make sure the autosampler is plugged in and
powered on. turned on. Initialize the Autosampler. In the
Syngistix software, reconnect with the
autosampler through Instrument → Diagnostics
→ Autosampler → Reconnect.
The autosampler Restart the computer. Start the ESI software,
communication is not and initialize the autosampler. Start the
configured properly. Syngistix software. If the autosampler fails to
connect, check the installation instructions for
how to configure the Syngistix and ESI software
upon installation.

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Failed Step Description Possible Causes Possible Solution

1e The probe moves to The FAST method window Close the FAST method window. Do not close
the correct vial but is open. the ESI software.
has no further
movement. No rise in
signal is observed in
continuous graphics
mode.
No FAST method is Open the FAST window in the ESI software.
loaded. Load the proper FAST method. Close the FAST
method window.
FAST control is not Check the “Enable FAST Control” box. Close
enabled. the FAST method window.

Failed Step Description Possible Causes Possible Solution

1e The probe goes to The vial does not contain Ensure that a standard with appropriate levels
the proper vial and the proper standard or of analytes is in the vial location.
then to the rinse concentration of standard.
station, but the rise
in signal is not as
expected.
The analytical wave- Choose analytical wavelengths for elements
lengths chosen to display that are in the standard.
in continuous graphics
are for elements not in the
standard.
The peristaltic pump Set the peristaltic pump to black/black in the
tubing or rate in the Syngistix software. Set the rate to 2.0 mL/min.
Syngistix software is set Set the rate on the Method → Sampler →
incorrectly. Peristaltic Pump and Method → Sampler →
Autosampler tabs to 2.0 mL/min.
The peristaltic pump Check all tubing quality and connections,
tubing is worn out, especially the carrier line (black/black).
disconnected, or is not Refer to the FAST diagram to verify the correct
connected properly. configuration.
Timer A is not set accord- Check what loop is installed on your valve.
ing to Table 1 for your loop Use Table 1 to verify that Timer A in the FAST
size. method is appropriate for this loop.
The sample introduction Remove non-genuine or non-standard parts
system contains non- and replace them with genuine ESI parts.
genuine or non-standard
ESI parts
No liquid is being removed Use the FAST diagram to check the vacuum
from the vial. plumbing. Make sure that the FAST method has
the line, “On Probe Down, Vacuum1 On.” Open
the FAST window in the ESI software. Navigate
to the FAST tab. While feeling the vacuum port
on the exterior of the autosampler, turn
Vacuum1 on and off. If no vibration is felt from
the pump, contact Technical Support. If the
pump turns on, verify that the pump rate is at
least 30 mL/min. Replace the vacuum line.

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Failed Step Description Possible Causes Possible Solution

The valve is not switching Make sure the valve cable is secure both at the
properly. back of the autosampler and at the back of the
valve module. Verify that it is plugged into the
V1 port on the back of the autosampler. Open
the FAST window in the ESI software. Navigate
to the FAST tab, and toggle between Load1
and Inject1. Listen for the sound of the valve
toggling, and verify that the Load and Inject
lights are switching. If you do not hear the valve
toggling, contact Technical Support. If you hear
a valve toggle but one or both of the Load and
Inject lights near the valve are not turning green
as you toggle between Load1 and Inject1,
unplug the valve cable from the autosampler,
toggle between Load1 and Inject1 5 times,
plug the cable back in to the autosampler, and
toggle between Load1 and Inject1 10 times. If
both the Load and Inject lights are not turning
on after this procedure, contact Technical
Support.
There is an obstruction in Perform the valve cleaning procedure found in
the valve. the Maintenance section in the ESI software
Help file (About → Help).
The valve is damaged or Determine if the rotor and/or stator are
beyond its useful life. damaged, and replace as needed.
(About → Help)

Failed Step Description Possible Causes Possible Solution

1f Washout is not fast The peristaltic pump Set the peristaltic pump to black/black in the
enough. tubing or rate in the Syngistix software. Set the rate to 2.0 mL/min.
Syngistix software is set Set the rate on the Method → Sampler →
incorrectly. Peristaltic Pump and Method → Sampler →
Autosampler tabs to 2.0 mL/min.
The peristaltic pump Check all tubing quality and connections,
tubing is worn out, especially the carrier line (black/black). Refer to
disconnected, or is not the FAST diagram to verify the correct
connected properly. configuration.
The element that is Increase wash time or add a suitable
showing carryover is more chemical modifier to the carrier solution to
prone to carryover than increase washout for that element.
typical elements, e.g., B,
Sb, Au, Hg
There is an obstruction in Perform the valve cleaning procedure found in
the valve. the Maintenance section in the ESI software
Help file (About → Help).
The valve is damaged or Determine if the rotor and/or stator are
beyond its useful life. damaged and replace as needed.

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Failed Step Description Possible Causes Possible Solution

1g When running The peristaltic pump Set the peristaltic pump to black/black in the
samples or tubing or rate in the Syngistix software. Set the rate to 2.0 mL/min.
standards, RSDs are Syngistix software is set Set the rate on the Method → Sampler →
always too high. incorrectly. Peristaltic Pump and Method → Sampler →
Autosampler tabs to 2.0 mL/min.
The peristaltic pump Check all tubing quality and connections. Refer
tubing is worn out, to the FAST diagram to verify the correct
disconnected, or is not configuration.
connected properly.
The Delay Time is too Use Table 1 to verify all the settings for the loop
short. size chosen for the Syngistix method. If correct,
open the Syngistix method and go to Method ->
Options. Check the “Replicate Data” box. With
this method, reprocess some samples with high
RSD’s. View the replicate data in Results. If the
first replicate is consistently lower than other
replicates, the Delay Time is too short. If neces-
sary, increase the Delay Time in the
Syngistix method appropriately.
The loop is too small for Look at the replicate data reprocessed in the
the method. previous step. If the last replicate is consistently
lower than the rest, the sample loop is run-
ning out of sample before the measurement is
completed. Repeat the calculation described in
Section 2, Step 1. Verify that the correct loop
size is installed, and use Table 1 to verify all
other parameters. If necessary, increase the
loop size and update all other settings accord-
ing to Table 1.
The integration time is Increase the min auto integration value to
too short for the desired improve statistics. If necessary, increase the
RSDs. max auto integration value, and repeat the
calculation from Section II, Step 1. Install the
proper loop and update all settings accordingly.
Failed Step Description Possible Causes Possible Solution
1g RSD’s are usually The “Max Vacuum Time” In the upper right-hand corner of the FAST
good but occasion- is too short. window, set the “Max Vacuum Time” to 300 s.
ally very bad.
The wash time in the Set the wash time to at least 5 s.
Syngistix method is set to
0 s.
The sample read time is Set the “Max Vacuum Time” to be 30 s longer
more than 300 s than the total sample-to-sample time.
A “Vacuum1 Off” Remove the line with “Vacuum1 Off” from the
command has been FAST method.
added to the FAST
method.
The autosampler was Ensure all vials have an adequate amount of
sent to a location without sample.
a sample, or the sample
ran out during the sample
loading step.
The autosampler is miss- Verify that the correct racks are configured in
ing vials. the autosampler software. Verify the
autosampler calibration and rack calibrations.
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Failed Step Description Possible Causes Possible Solution

1g Carryover is always There is an obstruction in Perform the valve cleaning procedure found in
too high. the valve. the Maintenance section in the ESI software
Help file (About → Help).
The valve is damaged or Determine if the rotor and/or stator are
beyond its useful life. damaged and replace as needed.
The wash time is too Verify that the washout time is at least 5 s. The
short. FAST system provides > 2000x washout under
standard conditions. If this level of washout is
insufficient or if memory-prone elements are
present, increase wash time in the Syngistix
method. If using the QC wash option, increase
the value of Timer B so that it is 2 s greater
than the normal wash time in the Syngistix
method.
The samples or standards Implement the LoopRinseExample.txt FAST
are very concentrated and method as described in the FAST Method
there is carryover in the Design section in the ESI software Help file
loop or valve. (About → Help).

Elemental Scientific Phone: 1.402.991.7800 Email: esi@icpms.com

7277 World Communications Drive Fax: 1.402.991.7799 Web: www.icpms.com
Omaha, NE 68122 USA
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