TCNJ Chemistry Instrumentation

Operating Instructions

Perkin Elmer 3300AA

General Use

1) Turn on the instrument if it is not already on. Allow it to warm up for 1-2 minutes.

2) Turn on the computer if it is not already on.

3) Check to see whether the instrument software is open. (You will see a screen entitled 'Atomic Absorption Laboratory Benchtop' if the software is open.)

4) If the software is open, click on the first icon in the bottom row labeled '1100'. A blue icon labeled '3300' should appear.

5) If the instrument software is not open, click the AA_INST.EXE icon. When the software opens, you should see a screen entitled 'Atomic Absorption Laboratory Benchtop'. If you see a white panel with error codes, the software has not loaded correctly. Restart the computer and try clicking on the AA_INST.EXE icon again.

6) Turn on the air supply and make sure the delivery pressure is about 60psi.

7) Turn on the acetylene supply and make sure the delivery pressure is about 15psi.

8) On the toolbar, move the mouse over the Window tab and choose Element Parameter. Type in the desired element and close the window.

9) On the toolbar, move the mouse over the Window tab and choose Align Lamp. Click on the number that indicates the desired lamp. The lamp will move into position, and then a blue bar will appear at the top at the top of the window that displays the lamp's energy. Close the window.

10) Make sure the suction tube is immersed in solution. (The suction tube should always be immersed in a solution!)

11) On the toolbar, move the mouse over the Window tab and choose Flame Control. Click the Flame icon. You should hear a "pop" and then see the flame light. Close the window.

12) On the toolbar, move the mouse over the Window tab and choose Continuous Graphics.

13) Place the suction tube in 'blank' solution (deionized water). Wait a few seconds, and then press the F3 key to zero the spectrometer.

14) Place the suction tube in a sample solution and record the absorbance value.

15) Repeat steps 13 & 14 for each sample or standard analyzed.

Printing Absorbance Values

1) On the toolbar, move the mouse over the Window tab and choose Manual Control.

2) Make sure the 'Printer On/Off' button is pressed. (The button will have a black background when it is pressed.)

3) Place the suction tube in 'blank' solution (deionized water). Wait a few seconds, and then press the F3 key to zero the spectrometer. Information will be sent to the printer.

4) Place the suction tube in a sample solution. Wait a few seconds, and click the 'Read' button. (The button will turn black. If it does not turn black, click the button again.) The absorbance reading will be sent to the printer.

Performing a Wavelength Scan

1) On the toolbar, move the mouse over the Window tab and choose Align Lamp. Click Wave Scan.

2) Enter the desired wavelength range and scan interval in the appropriate fields.

3) Click Start/Stop Scan.

4) When the scan is finished, click Print to print a copy of the spectrum.

Turning off the Instrument

1) Make sure the suction tube is immersed in 'blank' solution (deionized water).

2) On the toolbar, move the mouse over the Window tab and choose Flame Control. Click the Flame icon. The flame should go out.

3) Shut off the acetylene supply. Click Bleed Gases, then OK.

4) Shut off the air supply. Click Bleed Gases, then OK. Close the window.

5) Turn off the instrument.