Abstract

The development of a concentric capillary nebulizer (CCN), which is constructed from concentric quartz capillaries, mounted in a stainless-steel block, is described. The nebulizer generates a narrow range of particle size droplets in combination with a cyclonic spray chamber. Detection limits, at flow rates of 50 µl min⁻¹, range from 20 µg l⁻¹ for arsenic (188.979 nm) to 1 µg l⁻¹ for magnesium (279.553 nm). At flow rates of 250–500 µl min⁻¹, detection limits are comparable to those of Meinhard and conespray nebulizers for most elements. In common with other concentric nebulizers, performance suffers when the nebulizer operates with solutions containing high dissolved solids. A practical advantage of the device is the ease with which capillaries can be replaced, which makes maintenance straightforward and extends nebulizer lifetime.