Where speed makes the difference in short distances, the typical discipline of trace elemental analysis in a busy laboratory is stamina to keep running for the long distance. So, even more important than a great start or a strong finish is the endurance and robustness to keep going over the long term.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) is a technique widely recognized for its ability to return consistent information on the concentration of potentially toxic elements, such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury or lead at low levels in almost any matrix. Regardless of whether the sample analyzed is a wastewater sample, fracking flow back solution, sewage sludge, or lubricating oil, an ICP-OES will help you to get the answers to the questions asked. However, key for many laboratories is to be able to return results quickly, therefore, systems need to be outstandingly robust to achieve consistent results without extensive maintenance, causing downtime and limiting throughput. Even an hour of unexpected downtime can easily cause a missed revenue opportunity of up to several hundreds of dollars, not to mention the time that a lab technician can’t spend on other tasks.
Vertical torches for so-called duo instruments have become popular in ICP-OES over the last years, improving the handling of most challenging matrices. However, because of the high temperature of the plasma and the corrosive nature of most samples, the design of the light-capturing device for axial observation of the plasma is critical. The Thermo ScientificTM iCAPTM PRO Series ICP-OES was designed to consistently overcome these challenges. Using the proven design of the POP (purged optical path) nozzle made from ceramics and an easy-to-remove POP window, not only is the optical chamber sealed to save valuable purge gas and assure optimal performance for elements emitting in the UV range of the spectrum, but it also withstands the typical operating conditions. At the same time, all components are easy to remove and clean if needed. With optimized airflow through the system and an inner torch box, which can be easily removed and cleaned when needed, any model of the iCAP PRO Series ICP-OES will look brand new even after thousands and thousands of the most challenging of samples.
Robustness is also essential when looking at samples consisting of organic solvents. The iCAP PRO Series ICP-OES offers the opportunity to look at the plasma in real-time using the brand new plasma TV camera to react to any incidents immediately as they occur. This is especially useful when analyzing different types of solvents with different boiling points, such as lubricating oils and fuels. These sample matrices, such as brines, caustics or solvents are often measured in radial view only, although axial observation of the plasma can improve thedetection limits significantly.
In order to assure performance on the long term, the all models of the iCAP PRO Series ICP-OES come with a beam blocking system and an all-new design of the optical tank so that service intervals can be extended and the instrument will help you to tackle your challenges and respond to your customers at any time.
All this technology is inside the box, but the result is that you can be the first to cross the finish line! And not just on day one, but every day.