CETAC ASX-112FR-NEPTUNE Plus PFA Sample Introduction Tubing for Multi-Collector ICP-MS

Overview

The CETAC ASX-112FR-NEPTUNE Plus PFA Sample Introduction Tubing is a precision-engineered consumable component designed exclusively for high-sensitivity multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) systems. Engineered to meet the stringent chemical inertness and ultra-low background requirements of isotopic ratio analysis, this tubing serves as the critical interface between the sample introduction system and the nebulizer or desolvation module. Constructed from high-purity perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA), it delivers exceptional resistance to aggressive acids—including hydrofluoric acid (HF), aqua regia, and hot concentrated HNO₃—while maintaining dimensional stability across wide temperature ranges (–200 °C to +260 °C). Its seamless extrusion process eliminates internal weld lines or surface defects that could induce memory effects or analyte adsorption—key failure modes in trace-level isotope measurements where reproducibility at sub-ppt levels is mandatory.

Key Features

• Ultra-high purity PFA resin certified to ASTM D4894 and ISO 1043-1 specifications, with trace metal content <0.1 ng/g for U, Th, Pb, and rare earth elements
• Chemically identical to original CETAC ASX-112FR and NEPTUNE Plus OEM tubing—ensuring full mechanical and functional compatibility with ASX autosampler manifolds and peristaltic pump heads
• Controlled inner diameter tolerance (±0.02 mm) and wall thickness uniformity (<±3% variation) to guarantee consistent flow dynamics and minimize pulsation-induced signal noise
• Autoclavable and gamma-sterilizable without degradation—supporting GLP-compliant cleaning protocols for inter-sample carryover mitigation
• Available in standard lengths (1.5 m, 3.0 m) with pre-cut, chemically polished ends compatible with Swagelok®-type ferrule fittings and CETAC-specific quick-connect interfaces

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This PFA tubing is validated for use with aqueous, organic, and mixed-phase samples across all major MC-ICP-MS applications, including geological age-dating (U–Pb, Lu–Hf), environmental tracer studies (Sr, Nd, Hf isotopes), and nuclear safeguards (U, Pu isotopic fingerprinting). It complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements for reference material handling and meets the material eligibility criteria outlined in ASTM D5673 (Standard Practice for Sampling and Handling of Isotopic Reference Materials) and EPA Method 6020B (ICP-MS for Elemental Analysis). Its non-leaching profile has been verified under USP extractables testing protocols using LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS detection, confirming absence of fluorinated oligomers or metal contaminants above method detection limits.

Software & Data Management

While the tubing itself is a passive hardware component, its performance directly impacts data integrity in instrument control software environments such as Thermo Fisher’s Neptune Plus TuneLab, Nu Instruments’ NuScript, and Element²’s MassHunter ICP-MS. Consistent tubing geometry ensures stable dwell times, repeatable washout kinetics, and predictable signal decay profiles—parameters routinely logged in audit trails for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant laboratories. Batch traceability is maintained via laser-engraved lot numbers on each tube reel, linking raw material certification (CoA), thermal history logs, and QC test reports to individual instrument runs in LIMS-integrated workflows.

Applications

• High-precision isotope ratio measurements requiring <0.005% external reproducibility (2SD) over multi-hour sequences
• Analysis of HF-dissolved silicate rocks, zircon digests, and uranium ore concentrates where chloride/bromide interference suppression is critical
• Low-blank seawater and ice core analyses where tubing-derived boron or silicon contamination must remain below 0.5 pg/g
• Method development for hydride-forming elements (As, Se, Sb) using cold vapor generation coupled to MC-ICP-MS
• Long-term stability testing of isotopic reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 981, ETH Zürich JMC Ca standards)

FAQ

Is this tubing compatible with CETAC’s ASX-500 series autosamplers?
Yes—mechanical dimensions and connector geometry match ASX-500, ASX-112FR, and NEPTUNE Plus platforms; however, pressure rating verification is recommended for high-flow desolvation systems.
Can these tubes be reused after acid cleaning?
Reuse is not recommended for isotopic work; single-use protocol ensures elimination of cross-contamination risk—validated per ASTM D5673 Annex A3.
Do you provide certificates of conformance for each batch?
Yes—each shipment includes CoC referencing ASTM D4894, elemental impurity testing (ICP-MS), and dimensional inspection reports traceable to NIM (China National Institute of Metrology).
What is the maximum operating pressure for 1.6 mm ID tubing?
Rated for continuous operation up to 200 psi at 25 °C; derate linearly to 120 psi at 150 °C per ISO 15111-2 burst pressure testing.
Are custom diameters or lengths available beyond 10 mL and 35 mL vial configurations?
Yes—custom extrusions from 0.5 mm to 3.2 mm ID, lengths up to 10 m, and tapered sections are available under OEM agreement with full QC documentation.