Agilent MP Expert Software

Technical Overview

Introduction
Today, busy laboratories are expected to be centers of analytical excellence,
as well as profitable. The Agilent 4210 MP-AES provides a low-cost, multi-
element analysis technique based on a microwave-generated plasma that
runs using only nitrogen as opposed to flammable gases such as acetylene.
This improves laboratory safety, while reducing the difficulties associated
with sourcing and replacing flame AA gases — especially in remote
areas. With excellent long-term stability, improved linear dynamic range,
superior detection limits, and faster measurement compared with flame
AA, the Agilent 4210 MP-AES is the perfect analysis tool for achieving your
productivity and profitability goals, with the lowest cost of analysis. Part of
what makes the Agilent 4210 MP-AES such an easy system to work with
is the Agilent MP Expert software that controls the instrument. With a
familiar worksheet interface, automated method development, dashboard
diagnostics, and software applets that automatically load pre-set method
templates, the Agilent MP Expert software dramatically simplifies analysis.
Easy to use
Agilent MP Expert software uses application-specific
software applets that ensure users of all skill levels can
be confident running the Agilent 4210 MP-AES. The
administrator can choose which application methods
are available to the novice user, who can then simply
walk up and click the applet icon (Figure 1, top).
The software applet automatically loads the method
(Figure 1, middle) so you can immediately start analysis
by igniting the plasma and clicking the ‘Run’ button
(Figure 1, bottom). Prompts are displayed to guide you
to introduce the standards in the correct order, and
then present the appropriate sample for measurement.
This ensures that even novice users can take accurate
Figure 2. Easily track analysis progress, even at a distance, by viewing the
and reproducible measurements without method result summary for the current solution
development or alignment, and with minimal training.
Applets can easily be imported and exchanged with The administrator can use the Options dialog box
other users by using the Applet Management tool. (Figure 3) to choose the software components that
are displayed for users of different levels. For example,
a user performing routine analysis of samples might
only need access to the software applets; whereas
an experienced user might require access to method
development and optimization tools.

Figure 1. Application-specific software applets can guide you through the

analysis, to ensure proper technique and accurate results

During analysis, you can easily track the progress and

monitor results on a sample-by-sample basis using the Figure 3. The administrator can tailor the Agilent MP Expert software
summary panel display. When running an automated interface so that each user sees only those features they need
multi-element analysis, progress can easily be tracked
even across a busy laboratory, by maximizing the
summary panel.
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Simplified method development
The Agilent MP Expert software makes method
development simple, so you can spend less time setting
up methods, and more time running samples.

When you select the element to be determined, the

software displays the selection of emission lines
ranked in order of preference. The available wavelength
selections give you complete versatility, ensuring you
can avoid spectral interferences and cover the required
concentration range for your sample types.

When you select a wavelength from the list, the

potential interferences are graphically displayed, with Figure 5. Quick Read diagnostic tool that allows analysis of specific element
peak shapes and intensities.
the other elements that have been selected for analysis
highlighted in red. This enables you to visually assess
Automated optimization
the potential for interferences from the other analytes.
If there are lines that are very close together, you can
Determining the optimum conditions for a suite of
view details.
elements can be a daunting task for any user — even
an experienced user. The optimum conditions for one
element and its associated emission lines do not
necessarily suit those of another. Even the optimum
conditions for different emission lines of the same
element can significantly vary.

In Agilent MP Expert, each line has its own default

nebulizer flow rate that will be adequate for many
applications. For optimum performance, you can
optimize the method settings by simply clicking the
Figure 4. View potential interferences at a glance during method
development. Interferences are both color-coded and displayed graphically. Optimize button, eliminating time-consuming manual
method development. The optimization routine provides
The Quick Read function in the Instrument window fast, automated optimization of the nebulizer flow
allows analysis of specific element peak shapes and rate and the viewing position. Once optimization is
intensities without the need to develop a method completed, the optimum parameters are automatically
(Figure 5). The analysts can quickly check whether updated in the method conditions. This routine is ideally
certain elements are present in their samples, without suited to the MP-AES technique, where the optimum
having to prepare multi-elemental standards, which can parameters for multiple elements need to be determined
be extremely useful for method development. quickly and efficiently.

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 The software features a clear, logical workflow
procedure that helps to simplify analyses, even for
experienced users. To set up and perform an analysis,
you simply follow the sequence of pages in the
displayed order. The current page is highlighted to
provide full visibility of your progress in the workflow.

Figure 6. With auto-optimization, you don’t need to be an expert to achieve

fast and accurate optimization of instrument parameters

Accessory control
Optional accessories, such as the Advanced Valve
System (AVS 4) four port switching valve and IsoMist
programmable temperature controlled spray chamber,
are fully integrated into the MP Expert Software. Figure 8. The Agilent MP Expert software provides a clear workflow to guide
you through method development and analysis
Accessory controls are included in the software for
simplifying setup and method development.
Customize your analysis
The Exclude measurement option allows the analysts
to select which elements to measure for each sample.
This saves on analysis time, if elements are not of
interest for particular samples, rather than measuring
the entire element suite selected for the method.

Figure 7. Accessory control of AVS 4 and IsoMist in MP Expert software

Logical workflow
The intuitive interface of the Agilent MP Expert software
is logically organized for easy navigation and use, and
comprehensive video help is included — so you can
get the assistance you need on demand. The video
help shows you how to change and use accessories
for different applications, through to how to complete
routine maintenance tasks.
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 can be used when multiple, partly overlapping spectral
components are present in the spectral window, or if
there is only a single component present. FLIC also
provides you with the flexibility to correct for complex
backgrounds. To apply correction using FLIC, models
are constructed using pure solutions for the blank,
analyte and the expected interferences in the sample.
The Agilent MP Expert software estimates the amount
of each model required to minimize the sum of squared
differences between the unknown spectrum and
the scaled sum of the models for the blank, analyte
and expected interferences. The algorithms used
compensate for any wavelength drift in the instrument,
which means that a correction model developed
previously will continue to work without loss of
accuracy.

FLIC improves analytical accuracy by solving your

spectral interference problems in challenging samples.
Best of all, if you suspect an unknown spectral
Figure 9. Use Exclude measurement to select elements of interest for
particular samples when measurement of the entire element suite for the
interference in your analysis, you can retrospectively
method is not required apply FLIC after your analysis is complete.
For overlapping interferences that cannot be resolved
Versatile correction options using Auto background correction or FLIC, you can use
the ultimate interference correction, IEC (Inter-element
The Agilent MP Expert software provides a choice of correction).
correction options to enable efficient and accurate
correction for background or spectral interferences.

For simple, exceptional correction capability,

choose Agilent’s ‘Auto’ correction. Auto correction
automatically develops models of the blank and the
analyte, and applies these models during sample
measurement to provide correction for background.
Using auto correction, there is no need specify the
correction points to use. In addition, by providing
better correction for the background contribution, auto
correction can help you achieve better detection limits.

Off-peak correction is available if you prefer to use this

traditional correction technique. Achieving accurate Figure 10. Agilent’s unique FLIC correction provides real time spectral
interference correction, without any time penalties
correction with off-peak correction requires manual
selection of the correction points — choose from left,
right or both sides of the analytical peak.

For dealing with analytical interferences, you can rely

on Agilent’s Fast Linear Interference Correction (FLIC). It

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Extended dynamic range Reporting versatility
The MultiCal feature of the MP Expert software provides The Agilent MP Expert software provides you with all
the versatility to take advantage of the wavelength the reporting versatility you need.
coverage of the MP-AES. If you use just one calibration
for your analysis, you may limit the range over which
you can accurately determine the amount of an element
present. Elements generally have more than one
wavelength at which they can be measured. These
wavelengths have different sensitivities. By using a
combination of wavelengths of different sensitivity, you
can extend the dynamic range of your determination.
This means selecting the most sensitive line to give
the best detection limits and accurate determinations
of low-level analytes; and in the same determination,
selecting lines that are not as sensitive so that you
can measure the higher analyte concentrations. Only
Figure 12. Agilent MP Expert contains a variety of options to meet all your
a few standards are required to define the calibration reporting needs
range for each wavelength. MultiCal enables you to
use more than one calibration graph for the same The Report Designer enables you to configure reports to
element in your analysis, so that you can accurately include only the required data, and to customize report
measure analytes over a wider concentration range. layout with your company logo. Once designed, reports
Based on the measured signal intensity, MultiCal can also be saved as templates, so setup need only be
automatically reports the result based on the calibration done once.
for that wavelength. This enables you to extend the
dynamic range of your determination from parts per
billion to percentage levels. If desired, you can overlap
the concentration ranges, giving you a simple way
to verify your sample results. Using this approach,
MultiCal provides automatic online results confirmation
throughout the analysis. MultiCal provides an extra level
of data quality control, giving you confidence in the
accuracy of your results and confirmation of freedom
from interferences.

Figure 11. Use MultiCal to extend dynamic range and achieve accurate
results from a single sample measurement. In this example, Fe is being
measured over the range 0 to 250 ppm by using the 238.204 nm line and
the 259.940 nm line covers the range 0 to 500 ppm, and the 248.327 nm line Figure 13. Example of the report format that can be created using the Agilent
covers higher concentrations up to 1000 ppm. MP Expert Report Designer

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Data transfer and export details on the instrument status and causes of possible
error. For more detailed guidance, the instrument
Easily transfer results to a LIMS or other application Dashboard provides live information on various
using the versatile data exporting options. Upload data instrument parameters, making it easy to find and
to a LIMS, or export data into CSV format for direct correct problems. The current status is automatically
transfer to a spreadsheet program for data manipulation, updated when the system changes.
trend analysis, or process monitoring. Take advantage
of the multi-tasking capabilities of the MP Expert
software by reviewing, processing and generating
reports on analyses that have just been completed,
while simultaneously using the Agilent 4210 MP-AES to
collect data for the current batch of samples.

Base and Pro MP Expert Software

The Base Software pack features all the necessary
functionality for the everyday operation of a routine lab.
The Pro Software pack offers additional feature sets to
enhance productivity and functionality including:
Figure 14. View the interactive Instrument Status page to check the current
• Inter Element Correction (IEC) status of the instrument and identify causes of problems

• Rate driven Quality Control

• Export to Excel
• Control of selected 3rd party autosamplers
• Custom units

Remote control with the Automation

Software Pack
The Automation Software Pack is a programming toolkit
(SDK) that enables third party client software control
of the MP-AES instrument— sending commands and
receiving real time data and instrument status updates
via an Internet connection. This is true remote control
and offers the ultimate in flexibility.

Easy troubleshooting
If you ever need to check the instrument status or Figure 15. Instrument Dashboard displays diagnostic gauges to monitor
troubleshoot the system in the unlikely event of an instrument parameters

instrument problem, the virtual LEDs displayed on the

Instrument Status page provide an immediate overview
of the current status of the system. The interactive
diagram of the Agilent 4210 MP-AES system, gives

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Checking instrument performance Summary
To enable periodic performance testing of the With features such as application-specific software
instrument, you can select a suite of tests that are applets, an intuitive interface, and simple method
automatically run to verify instrument performance. At development with automated optimization, the Agilent
the completion of the test cycle, a report in PDF format MP Expert software greatly enhances workflow in busy
can be exported. laboratories.

Figure 16. Periodically run instrument tests to confirm the instrument is

working to specification. A report can be exported to PDF format www.agilent.com/chem
Agilent shall not be liable for errors contained herein or
GLP/GMP compliance for incidental or consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
Agilent MP Expert software provides an easy-to-use
interface that is adaptable from novice to power users, Information, descriptions, and specifications in this
all the while assisting you to meet the requirements publication are subject to change without notice.
within your lab for GLP/GMP compliance. The Agilent
MP Expert software provides password protection
within the software, simplifying analysis, and restricting
access to more advanced capabilities, such as method © Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2016
development. The software applets also allow the
administrator to determine which methods the novice Published September 1, 2016
user can access. Publication number: 5990-8975EN