Laboratory Equipment & Services Information System by Centralized Laboratory Management Office (CeLMO)

A flame photometer (also known as a flame photometer or flame emission spectrometer) is an analytical instrument used to measure the concentration of certain metal ions in a sample by analyzing the light emitted when the sample is heated in a flame. It is commonly used in laboratories to determine the levels of alkali and alkaline earth metals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and lithium.

How It Works:

1. Sample Introduction: The sample, usually in liquid form, is aspirated into a flame.
2. Atomization: The heat from the flame causes the sample to atomize, breaking the molecules into individual atoms.
3. Excitation: The atoms absorb energy from the flame and become excited.
4. Emission of Light: When the atoms return to a lower energy state, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic to each metal.
5. Detection: A photodetector measures the intensity of the emitted light at specific wavelengths. The intensity is directly proportional to the concentration of the metal ion in the sample.

A flame photometer is used to measure the concentration of certain metal ions (like sodium, potassium, calcium, and lithium) in a sample by detecting the light emitted when the sample is burned in a flame. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a flame photometer:

1. Preparation

• Ensure the flame photometer is clean and properly calibrated.
• Prepare standard solutions of known concentrations for calibration.
• Dilute the sample to match the working range of the instrument.

2. Calibration

• Turn on the flame photometer and allow it to warm up.
• Set the wavelength for the element you want to measure.
• Aspirate distilled water to set a baseline (zero reading).
• Run standard solutions and create a calibration curve.

3. Sample Analysis

• Aspirate the sample solution into the flame.
• Record the emission intensity.
• Compare the reading to the calibration curve to determine the concentration of the ion in the sample.

4. Cleaning & Maintenance

• Flush the system with distilled water after each sample.
• Regularly clean the burner and nebulizer to prevent clogging.
• Store the instrument properly after use.