Electricity + Control October 2019

ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTATION

this technique and introduced it in the new SPECTROGREEN midrange ICP-OES analyser. DSOI uses a vertical plasma torch, observed via a unique direct-light-path radial-view technology. Two optical interfaces capture emitted light from both sides of the plasma, using only a single extra reflection. This significantly boosts sensitivity. Hence SPECTROGREEN yields twice the sensitivity of conventional radial systems – and matches that of the newer vertical-torch dual-view models. However, DSOI avoids several troublesome issues related to the latter. It avoids placing an axial interface just above the ultra-hot plasma, so it eliminates high levels of contamination and thermal stress. Additionally, it provides high stability and freedom from matrix effects, as it ‘blanks out’ interference-prone sections of the plasma. It also delivers high matrix tolerance and high linear dynamic range. With its advanced DSOI functionality, this new spectrometer delivers good performance at parts per billion (ppb) to parts per million (ppm) elemental concentration levels. Speed of analysis is also optimised. There’s no need to decide on a viewing mode, or to have to make multiple analyses of one sample; the system provides the entire relevant wavelength range with a single analysis. The readout system and on-board signal processing enable full spectrum transport in less than 100 milliseconds and boost overall processing speeds. The resulting short sample-to-sample times are particularly valuable for high-throughput labs,

enabling users to process a larger number of samples per hour. Costs may be an especially critical point for a number of laboratories in this industry sector. An instrument like SPECTROGREEN begins with a competitive price/performance ratio. More importantly, it answers users’ needs with perhaps the lowest operating expenses in its class. Where the optical systems of other analysers may require three to six litres of argon per minute, its low-purge design needs only 0.5 litres a minute. (An optional no-purge design can offer further savings per year.) The SPECTROGREEN ICP-OES model is constructed to maximise ease of use and durability. Its next-generation software aims for an intuitive experience, streamlined workflows, ultrafast processing speeds, and advanced audit trail functionality. It also includes protocols such as US EPA 200.7, CLP ILM 5.3, and CLP ISM 2.3. Air-cooled technology eliminates the need for an external chiller. And the avoidance of thermal stress and contamination via the placement of the optical interface ensures significantly less need for maintenance or repair. The design is optimised to provide simple, high-throughput use for a wide range of routine environmental sample testing applications, such as testing of soils and sludges, water and wastewater.

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments SPECTRO, a unit of the Materials Analysis Division of AMETEK, Inc., manufactures advanced instruments and develops solutions for elemental analysis in a broad range of applications. Its products are recognised for their technical capabilities that deliver measurable benefits to customers. From its foundation in 1979 until today, Spectro has delivered more than 50 000 analytical instruments to customers around the world. AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.

For the full white paper visit: https://www.spectro.com/landingpages/ environmental-testing-icp-oes All images: Spectro Analytical Instruments.

Figure 4. Plasma observation with DSOI.

The SPECTROGREEN spectrometer uses DSOI technology to deliver a single ICP-OES solution.

36 Electricity + Control

OCTOBER 2019