Spectro Analytical Instruments introduces the next generation of XRF spectrometry instruments - the Spectro iQ II - at the Pittcon conference in Chicago
Introduced in 2005, the Spectro iQ was specifically developed for demanding process control applications.
It uses polarized excitation to perform multi-elemental analysis of solid, powder and liquid samples primarily for process control, where rapid analysis, reliable analytical results and simplified operation are especially important.
The latest version of the Spectro iQ surpasses its predecessor by being easier to operate and incorporating a new detection system derived from the larger and more powerful Spectro Xepos XRF instrument.
Among the improvements is a new software control interface that allows the addition of an optional touch-screen computer.
With the touch screen and the clearly structured menus, it is no problem for non-technical personnel to start, monitor, evaluate and document the analytical processes with only a few commands.
In addition to its innovative control software, the Spectro iQ II is equipped with a new silicon drift detector unit that is technically derived from the detector in the larger and more powerful Spectro Xepos XRF spectrometer.
"The Spectro iQ was already at the head of the class with regards to measurement accuracy for the analysis of sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorous, sulfur and chlorine," comments product manager Dirk Wissmann.
"With the addition of the new detector, the Spectro iQ II offers higher spectral resolution and lower detection limits for numerous elements.
"Altogether, this leads to measurement results with higher accuracy and reproducibility - especially for difficult matrices," notes Wissmann.
"For example, the strong sulphur signal present when examining lubricating oils can obscure the lines of several trace elements.
"The new detector performs more precisely here, and the user receives more accurate results.
"This applies to other applications, and a number of application packages already are available for the Spectro iQ II, including analysis of additives in oil, cement, slag and ceramics," he adds.
