Sherwood Scientific has launched the Model 360 flame photometer for applications including the analysis of sodium in food, drinking water, waste water and cement manufacture.
The five-element instrument is also ideal for use in the education sector, the company said.
The Model 360 is a single-channel unit built around the same mixing chamber, burner stem and burner head found in Sherwood's Model 410.
It also incorporates advanced automatic flame optimisation technology from the dual-channel 420 series.
As a result, according to Sherwood Scientific, the Model 360 is more stable, less noisy and with lower limits of detection that would be expected in such a cost-effective instrument.
Ease of operation is ensured by the ergonomic design, which places all the controls, the pressure gauge, air regulator and sample introduction on the front of the instrument.
The large unobstructed sample work area features a spill containment tray that is easy to remove and clean.
LEDs on the front panel indicate the filter selected - sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium or barium - and flame status.
A display 'hold' button ensures that readings are not lost before they have been recorded and the peak picker function presents unambiguous results.
Jon Copsey, marketing manager at Sherwood Scientific, said the Model 360 incorporates the company's stable flame technology, which eliminates the need for constant recalibration during use while providing precision, reliability and ease of use.
The instrument has a footprint of 20 x 30cm and is easy to maintain.
The mixing chamber, burner head and burner stem come apart for cleaning without tools and the five-element filter stick is easy to remove.
Electronics and pneumatics are housed in separate 'pods', which are easily detached from the main instrument chassis.
This reduces shipping costs in the event that a return-to-base repair or replacement becomes necessary.
Similarly, the Model 360 is shipped with the chimney removed as the smaller volume reduces air freight costs.
