brineFAST Saturated Brine Pre-Enrichment Sample Introduction System
| Brand | ESI |
|---|---|
| Origin | Imported |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Model | brineFAST |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The brineFAST Saturated Brine Pre-Enrichment Sample Introduction System is an engineered solution developed by Elemental Scientific Inc. (ESI) for high-sensitivity trace elemental analysis of highly saline matrices—specifically saturated brine (up to 30% w/w NaCl)—using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) or mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Unlike conventional sample introduction approaches that require offline dilution, matrix separation, or acid digestion, the brineFAST employs a robust, flow-based online pre-concentration architecture grounded in chelation-assisted solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with selective elution and nebulization optimization. This system enables direct introduction of undiluted saturated brine while suppressing polyatomic interferences, minimizing memory effects, and preserving analyte integrity—critical for maintaining electrolyzer membrane longevity in chlor-alkali production.
Key Features
- Automated, unattended online pre-concentration and matrix removal via programmable SPE cartridge cycling
- Direct-mode operation supports up to 50× online dilution with real-time flow control and pressure monitoring
- 400-fold improvement in method detection limits (MDLs) for alkaline earth and transition metals (e.g., Ca, Mg, Sr, Ni, Fe, Cr) compared to standard pneumatic nebulization
- Sub-part-per-trillion (sub-pg/mL) sensitivity for key impurities including Al, Ba, K, and heavy metals in 30% NaCl matrix
- Low-system blank performance achieved through fluoropolymer fluidic pathways, inert valve manifolds, and integrated rinse protocols
- No routine maintenance required: SPE cartridges are field-replaceable with calibrated lifetime tracking; no pump tubing replacement or alignment procedures
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The brineFAST is validated for use with saturated sodium chloride solutions (25–31% w/w), including industrial-grade brines containing suspended solids ≤5 µm and total dissolved solids (TDS) up to 320 g/L. It complies with ASTM D7260-22 (Standard Practice for ICP-MS Analysis of High-Salt Samples) and supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through audit-trail-enabled method logging and cartridge usage history. All wetted materials meet USP Class VI biocompatibility standards and are resistant to oxidative halogen environments. The system interfaces seamlessly with major ICP-OES/MS platforms—including Thermo Fisher iCAP, Agilent 5110/8900, and PerkinElmer Avio/NexION—via standardized analog/digital I/O and optional Ethernet communication.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via ESI’s brineFAST Control Suite (v3.2+), the system provides method-driven automation with configurable pre-concentration cycles, eluent gradient profiles, and multi-step rinsing sequences. Software enforces electronic signatures, user role-based access (admin/operator/auditor), and full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—including secure audit trails, data immutability, and electronic record retention. Export formats include CSV, XML, and .dxp for LIMS integration. Method validation reports automatically generate per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, documenting carryover, precision (RSD <3.2% at 10× MDL), and recovery (89–104%) across certified reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 1640a, ERM-CA651).
Applications
- Chlor-alkali manufacturing: Real-time monitoring of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Sr²⁺, and heavy metal impurities in saturated brine feed to prevent ion-exchange membrane fouling
- Electrolyzer health diagnostics: Trending of Ni, Fe, and Cr accumulation correlating with membrane degradation rates
- Brine purification process validation: Quantification of residual scale inhibitors (e.g., phosphonates, polymers) and their metal complexes
- Environmental brine discharge compliance: Regulatory reporting for EPA Method 200.8 and ISO 17294-2 elements in hypersaline effluents
- Research on saltwater corrosion mechanisms: Speciation-ready sample conditioning for subsequent HPLC-ICP-MS coupling
FAQ
Can the brineFAST handle brine with suspended particulates?
Yes—integrated 5-µm inline filtration and programmable backflush cycles maintain flow stability without clogging.
Is method transfer supported between different ICP instruments?
Yes—the system uses instrument-agnostic flow parameters and includes pre-configured method templates for Thermo, Agilent, and PerkinElmer platforms.
What is the typical cartridge lifetime under continuous operation?
Up to 200 injections per SPE cartridge when analyzing 30% NaCl at 0.5 mL/min loading flow; lifetime is tracked and reported in real time.
Does the system require external acid or chelating reagents?
Yes—standard operation uses dilute nitric acid (2% v/v) for elution and ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) for chelation; all reagent lines are pressure-compensated and leak-monitored.
How is cross-contamination mitigated during high-throughput runs?
Through a three-stage rinse protocol (water → dilute HNO₃ → water) with flow-rate ramping and dwell-time optimization, validated to achieve <0.05% carryover for Ni and Cr.
