The analysis of major elements is a key factor in the nickel matrix, as their precise and accurate determination allows considerable savings on this very expensive matrix element
Thermo Electron has added nickel applications to its state-of-the-art, second generation charge coupled device (CCD)-based spectrometer.
Primarily targeted at foundries, warehouse and manufacturing facilities, and QA departments, the ARL Quantris has been designed to provide customers with quantitative as well as qualitative analysis.
The analysis of major elements is a key factor in the nickel matrix, as their precise and accurate determination allows considerable savings on this very expensive matrix element.
The ARL Quantris is said to be the first CCD-based instrument for analytical performance at the level of photo-multiplier tube (PMT) spectrometers.
The reproducibility and accuracy achieved on all major elements - cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W) - are even superior to those of equivalent conventional PMT-based instruments, says Thermo.
Excellent detection limits and reproducibility are also achieved on traces and on undesirable elements such as aluminium (Al), carbon (C), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si) and titanium (Ti) present in alloys.
Not only does this mean that the ARL Quantris is extremely accurate, but the instrument also enjoys excellent stability and autonomy, it claims.
Drift corrections and other maintenance operations are only required once a week ensuring operation costs are fully maximised.
The number of ARL Quantris installations is growing, particularly in the USA, Japan, and Germany.
Thermo says feedback received from customers is very positive as they experience analytical results far superior to their expectations.
To date, it reports that no instruments have incurred any operational defaults since their installation, and many have already been in use for more than a year.
The ARL Quantris was originally launched in spring 2003 and, in addition to the new nickel matrix, it also supports the iron, aluminum and copper matrices.
