Using the principle of cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry, this system can detect mercury in a variety of samples down to one part per trillion
Atomic and molecular spectroscopy specialist Lambda Advanced Technology has announced the launch of the Hydra AA system in the UK.
Using the principle of cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry, the Hydra AA can detect mercury in a variety of samples from high parts per billion (ppb) levels down to one part per trillion (ppt).
The Hydra AA, manufactured by Leeman Labs, is designed to handle a wide variety of samples.
These include water, wastewater, soil, sludge, sediment, food stuff, tissue and difficult 'foamy' samples such as blood and urine.
The system is compliant with European standards EN-1483 and EN-13806 for water quality and foodstuffs respectively.
A number of factors contribute to the high sensitivity of the instrument. These include the use of a dual beam detection system with a 30cm optical cell, with a feedback-stabilised emission source and an innovative gas/liquid separator.
This provides excellent sensitivity and recoveries even for samples that foam during the reduction step.
In addition, a continuous flow-through rinse minimises sample carry-over, even at ultra low levels.
The Hydra AA is equipped with an autosampler for fully automated analysis. This can process up to ten standards, seven check standards and 88 samples in a single unattended run.
Further sample handling benefits come from an automatic high concentration protection system designed to prevent the cleanup that can be necessary after an analyser has been exposed to a sample containing high levels of mercury.
The WinHg control software is extremely easy to use and features compatibility with Windows software such as Excel, Word and Access.
The system allows custom report generation and is compatible with many Lims systems.
Instrument maintenance is aided by on-line facilities such as predictive maintenance to ensure the instrument operates at peak performance and audio/visual help to guide users through routine operation and maintenance.
The Hydra AA system is also fully compatible with the the Hydra Prep automated mercury sample preparation system.
