On-line continuous batch monitoring of environmentally significant heavy metals can be used in the field, in the laboratory, or for process control
Environmental and healthcare diagnostics company Lab21 has announced an extended range of applications for its OVA 5000 analysis system, part of its MTI product range.
Importantly, the ASV (anodic stripping voltametry) technique used in MTI systems can identify the oxidation state of certain metals.
For environmentally significant metals such as arsenic and chrome, this is particularly valuable.
The OVA 5000 process system now offers improved performance for arsenic 5 and 3, and chrome 6.
The systems will also routinely monitor metals such as Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu.
The OVA 5000 can be installed in current plant or control rooms, or at remote sites in a simple enclosure.
The system provides on-line continuous batch monitoring.
Throughput is up to 288 samples in 24 hours, with fully flexible programming allowing samples to be taken at specified times, or when triggered by an external event.
Typical detection limits are better than 10 micrograms per litre (10ppb) for most metals; accuracy and reproducibility compare well to AAS or ICP laboratory analysers.
The OVA 5000 is unaffected by Na, Ca, Cl or Mg in the sample, metals that are often present in industrial samples.
A simple user interface allows set up of normal working parameters and monitoring of results.
Data can be stored on CD, transmitted via a local area network connection (Lan) or via a 4-20mA interface.
Alarm relay interfaces can also be provided to trigger external events.
The OVA 5000 is designed to be robust, with minimal running costs and straightforward servicing.
Routine maintenance typically takes just 30 minutes per week.
Intelligent software monitors the instrument and can be set to alarm or indicate if any parameter is out of specification.
Most new parts are plug and play, and usually do not require a service engineer call-out.
MTI systems are sold and supported by Lab21 and its network of accredited MTI distributors.
Lab21 says it has a vision of how monitoring pollutants and toxins in the environment helps minimise their damaging impact on health - and how technically advanced clinical testing services support the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare providers in the move towards personalised medicine.
MTI instrumentation and software, together with newly launched reagents and consumables, provide Lab21 customers with complete systems that can be used in the field, in the laboratory, or for process control.
Value-added contract testing of customers samples at the company's laboratories in Cambridge (UK) is also available.
Lab21 says it has assembled best-in-class tests and technology platforms from specialist partners around the world.
It adds a high level of expertise and know-how to deliver antiviral drug discovery services plus a portfolio of cutting-edge molecular diagnostics, viral characterisation, pharmacogenetic tests, and patient profiling.
