Thermo Fisher Scientific webinar shows complementary capabilities
of XRF and ICP for rapid elemental screening without sample preparation

A new educational webinar entitled "Rapid Screening: Analyzing 75 Elements in 10 Minutes without Sample Preparation" ,from Thermo Fisher, is an informative presentation discussing the complimentary capabilities of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technologies and how the two methods can be combined to produce faster and more economical elemental analysis results.The webinar is available for viewing on-demand at: www.spectroscopynow.com/thermowebinars

Modern elemental analysis laboratories demand precise results, but now, more than ever, speed and efficiency are important too. While ICP offers accurate and repeatable multi-element analysis capabilities, sample preparation procedures can be lengthy and tedious, especially when analyzing non-aqueous and solid matrices. Recently, however, XRF emerged as a complementary technique to facilitate rapid and non-destructive screening for elemental characterization of difficult, unknown and/or limited samples. When used in conjunction with ICP, XRF can perform rapid quantification of the entire periodic table, from beryllium to uranium, in totally unknown samples requiring no calibration standards. The webinar shows how to combine these powerful techniques.

Eric Tusseau, Thermo Fisher Scientific, begins the webinar with a thorough overview of XRF and ICP techniques, comparing and contrasting them on criteria such as solid sample preparation procedures, standardization, interferences and cost of ownership. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of each method, the main application areas of XRF and ICP are also outlined.

"Rapid Screening: Analyzing 75 Elements in 10 Minutes without sample preparation."

Dr. Pascal Lemberge, ED-XRF applications scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific, illustrates the benefits of using XRF and ICP together in applications such as rapid determination of nutrients in milk powders using WDXRF, analysis of sewage sludge, petroleum and polymers analysis, drug and food screening and filter media analysis. Dr. Lemberge's examples show how the two techniques combine to provide dependable, rapid and cost-effective detection of elemental concentrations.

To view the free, on-demand webinar, view website: www.spectroscopynow.com/thermowebinars

For further information, email: analyze@thermofisher.com or view website: www.thermo.com/elemental   Refer to page 222

Thermo Fisher Scientific increases process control
laboratory efficiencies in the metals and mining industries

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. offer a powerful addition to its range of automated optical emission and X-ray fluorescence spectrometers. As an alternative to single spectrometer automation, the new Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-3500 integrates multiple standalone laboratory instruments, including sample preparation, in a fully automated cell to optimize the entire analytical workflow and enhance process control efficiencies in the mining and metals industries.

Thermo Scientific robotized spectrometers have established a high standard of excellence in the most demanding environments, and the new ARL SMS-3500 represents a step forward for users requiring more comprehensive and integrated workflow automation solutions. At the heart of the system is a FANUC industrial robot, driven by intelligent Thermo Scientific SMS software, which allows for the preparation and analysis of samples using two sample preparation machines and two optical emission and/or X-ray fluorescence spectrometers.

The Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-3500 uses highly reliable components to ensure higher instrument uptime. The FANUC robot is designed to handle heavy loads of up to 7kg in industrial environments with great precision. The large floor-standing robot has six axes of movement to optimize sample handling speed, eliminate unnecessary hardware and increase overall system reliability. All system components operate simultaneously for greater efficiency, while sample priority management, temporary sample storage and rapid transfer between system components allows for high sample throughput that cannot be matched by traditional manual systems.

Complex procedures such as instrument control and standardization are scheduled and executed systematically to avoid delaying production sample analysis. Optimizing sample handling and laboratory response times allows for real-time production decision-making that maximizes yield and grows the bottom line.

The system provides easy and direct access to the various components for maintenance purposes or manual work. Each instrument can be quickly disconnected without interruption of the automatic operation and the spectrometers can be easily moved to a separate park position for servicing. 

The integration of separate sample preparation and analysis systems in one or more compact ARL SMS-3500 cells streamlines large laboratory automation. Samples received via automated air tubes can be immediately processed, avoiding a separate sample preparation stage and leading to significant cost and response time savings.

For further information, email: analyze@thermofisher.com or view website: www.thermo.com/oes   Refer to page 222

Thermo Fisher Scientific flame and furnace
atomic absorption spectrometers facilitate accurate,
optimized analyses of trace elements in rice products

A new application note from Thermo Fisher illustrates the superior analytical capabilities of the Thermo Scientific iCE 3000 Series range of atomic absorption (AA) spectrometers for monitoring multiple trace metals in rice products. This powerful range of AA instruments allows quick and easy optimization for precise flame and furnace analyses of nutritional and toxic elements in rice products at parts per million and parts per billion levels. The application note, entitled "Food Safety Series - Determination of Trace Elements in Rice Products by Flame and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry," is available to download via the literature library at www.thermo.com/ice

iCE 3000 Series flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrometers facilitate accurate, optimized analyses of trace elements in rice products.

Rice is the second-most prevalent cereal crop in the world, with an annual global production of approximately 600 million tons. Consequently, trace elemental analysis of rice and related products is important on a nutritional and toxicological level, and the analysis of heavy metals is of particular importance to human health. Global legislation now exists to regulate the permissible levels of cadmium in foodstuffs, with both China and the EU setting an upper limit of 0.2 mg/kg of cadmium in rice. Such legislation creates a requirement to monitor rice and rice products for trace metal content. The iCE 3000 Series is the ideal tool for accurate and rapid determination of multiple trace elements in rice products, ensuring optimal product quality in compliance with global legislation.

The new application note provides a detailed overview of sample and standard preparation with optimized methods for the analysis of copper, zinc, manganese, cadmium and lead in rice products using flame and furnace AA. Copper, manganese and zinc were analyzed using flame atomic absorption, as these elements can be found as natural constituents in soils and water, which requires detection within the low mg/kg (ppm) range. The research also looked for cadmium and lead, as these are toxic elements with no nutritional benefit. Since it was necessary to analyze these elements at trace levels, graphite furnace atomic absorption was used.

Experimental results demonstrate how easily the iCE 3000 Series AA spectrometers can be used for the multi-element analysis of rice products. Wizards in Thermo Scientific Solaar software were used to facilitate both flame and furnace optimization. Flame and graphite furnace analyses generated excellent detection limits. Results were below 5 ug/kg for copper and zinc, below 40 ug/kg for manganese, 0.03 ug/kg for cadmium and 0.2 ug/kg for lead, easily ensuring regulatory compliance. A certified reference material was used to verify both the flame and furnace methods, obtaining excellent recoveries.

For further information about the Thermo Scientific iCE 3000 Series of AA spectrometers or to obtain a copy of the application note, Tel: +49-6103-408-0, or alternatively, e-mail: analyze@thermofisher.com or view website: www.thermo.com/ice    Refer to page 222

Entry-level spectrophotometers
narrow the bandwidth - and the footprint!

Jenway's new 73 series spectrophotometer range provides entry-level instruments with a narrower spectral bandwidth of 5nm and an improved absorbance range of -0.3 to 2.5A, all within an innovative space-saving design.

The patent pending design of the 73 series cleverly minimises the overall footprint of the instrument by incorporating the large graphical display into the instrument's lid. The easy-to-read display is ideal for demonstrations and enables live spectrum and kinetics scans to be clearly viewed. The instruments have the additional option of an integral printer, for further space saving - an important benefit in situations, such as teaching laboratories, where bench space is at a premium.

The 73 series spectrophotometer.

All four models are supplied with free bi-directional PC software. The advanced models, 7310 and 7315, also have the additional feature of an easy access USB port on the front of the instrument which enables results and methods to be saved directly to a USB memory stick.

The new range includes four spectrophotometers; models 7300 and 7310 cover the visible region of the spectrum; models 7305 and 7315 use a flash xenon lamp to extend the wavelength range into the UV region of the spectrum.

The 73 series has been designed to enhance productivity by offering an extensive range of accessories, including an automated 8 cell turret, sipper and peltier pumps, adjustable path length holders, test tube holders and micro-cuvette holders.

The 73 series spectrophotometers are all covered by a three year warranty which includes the xenon lamp. Other benefits from this new range include icon-driven software, autologging capabilities and an easy, intuitive navigation system. The 73 series spectrophotometers are ideal for use in education and routine quality control applications.

For further information, e-mail: info@bibby-scientific.com or view website: www.bibby-scientific.com   Refer to page 221