The hybrid optic in the new Spectrolab directly and simultaneously processes the light from the spark stand with photomultiplier tubes (PMT) and CCD detectors
Spectro's next generation Spectrolab has been equipped with a new hybrid optic, a new readout system and an advanced plasma generator.
The instrument now achieves extremely low detection limits and is especially suited for all metal analysis applications, says the company.
"This latest generation of the Spectrolab spectrometer is the most flexible and most accurate OES instrument using spark excitation available.
"It is suitable for all common matrices that can be combined as needed.
"In addition, detection limits of a few mg/kg have been obtained", reports Kay Toedter, product manager for stationary metal analysers at Spectro.
The most important technological advance achieved in this version of the Spectrolab is its hybrid optic that directly processes the light from the spark stand with up to 108 PMT detectors and 22 CCD sensors.
Parallel utilisation of the two detector technologies achieves detection limits with a previously impossible flexibility.
The Spectrolab, for example, achieves detection limits below 1mg/kg for typical applications like the determination of trace elements (eg, Al, B, Ca, Cu, Mg) in iron alloys.
In the CCD segment, the instrument operates with a focal length of 750mm, enabling much higher resolution measurements.
The repeatability of results is 'extraordinarily high' in the argon atmosphere thanks to the instrument's pressure control and temperature stabilisation.
This advanced arrangement ensures a maximum in measurement reproducibility.
In order to fully take advantage of the potential in the hybrid optic, the Spectrolab was outfitted with a new readout system.
In the PMT segment, instead of integrating the total light over a fixed measurement time, the light output for each individual spark is measured with integration times in the microsecond range.
"This leads to more reliable results with greater statistical certainty," clarifies Toedter.
New technologies not only have made the Spectrolab a better performing instrument, but also reduced operating costs.
With the modified spark stand and the efficient interaction between plasma generator and readout system, measuring cycles have been shortened by about 20 percent.
This results in a higher sample throughput and ensures greater efficiency in the laboratory.
Another cost-saving advantage is a reduction in required maintenance work that previously was performed daily that is now coupled to the sample volume and, depending on the sample material, permits up to 3000 analyses to be conducted before the instrument needs service.
As a high-end OES, the new Spectrolab is designed for metal producers and processors as well as the automobile and aviation industries.
The instrument is suited to comprehensive quality management and for the demanding material analysis of incoming and outgoing materials.
This sophisticated and versatile instrument offers an attractive and practical solution for companies, which work with many different metals that previously had multiple analysers on-site.
Because Spectrolab can be configured for all ten standard matrices, it covers virtually all of the requirements of daily laboratory operation, making secondary instruments unnecessary.
For its market introduction, Spectro is offering several additional Spectrolab configurations, for which the matrix is tested in view of later precious metal plating.
With these configurations, metal manufacturers can test whether or not a carrier alloy is suitable for gilding, for example.
