Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometers

The method of choice for Hg ultra trace analysis

mercur combines atomic fluorescence with cold vapor technology so you can take advantage of both technologies. Thanks to its excellent detection limits and wide linear measuring range over 5 decades, atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) is the method of choice. With these advantages, the working range of the AFS can be extended by about a decade towards lower and higher concentrations.

 

The atomic fluorescence spectrophotometer for the determination of mercury to the sub ppt level

mercur is a compact system specially optimized for the complete, cost-efficient determination of mercury traces.

 

At a glance:

  • Highly automated – in combination with an autosampler and easy to operate, it meets all expected requirements from a modern routine analysis system with highest sample throughput
  • Fast – thanks to continuous flow operation with or without autosampler plus the unique FBR routine (Fast Baseline Return)
  • Safe – through the use of a bubble sensor, a specially optimized drying membrane, and cascade enrichment
  • Efficient – due to automated, intelligent gas-liquid control, ensuring minimum reagent consumption and short measurement times in various operating modes
  • Best detection limits – through simple or cascade enrichment
  • Compliant to EN/DIN and EPA regulations


Clever dosage

Pump systems separately meter sample and reagents and transport them to the reactor. The reductant is fed directly into the reactor. There the two solutions meet at an acute angle. The resulting chemical reaction immediately releases atomic mercury vapor. This mode of separating sample and acid ensures fast cleaning of the pump tubing after aspiration of the sample solution. This helps to save time and reduces the amount of reagents needed. It additionally prevents contamination in the case of large concentration gradients within a sequence of measurements.

Intelligent control

The automatic system-flushing feature and the intelligent gas/liquid control system are responsible for a smooth reaction process and operating whenever the calibrated concentration range is exceeded. These features are needed in order to take advantage of the wide linear range of the atomic fluorescence spectrometer in everyday routine analysis.

Optimum enrichment

To adapt the mercur to varied analytical tasks, you can choose between two enrichment modes: simple enrichment and cascade enrichment. The cascade enrichment feature, compliant to EPA 1631 requirements, comprises two coupled gold collectors, which ensure clean separation of the matrix and prevents quenching effects – thus providing maximum dependability even with complex samples. Enrichment times can be varied to match the sample matrix or the expected mercury concentration range.

Efficient protection

The mercur displays its true strength when handling complicated samples such as foaming solutions. These occur frequently in everyday laboratory practice and involve a high risk of contamination and carry-over. The mercur features an important detail that helps avoid unnecessary cleaning: the Bubble Sensor. If a liquid threatens to spill into the system, this sensor causes the valves to close, and the liquid is automatically conducted to the waste container. Positioned between the gas-liquid separator and the drying membrane, it protects the gold collector and the fluorescence cell against contamination.

 

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