ICP-OES: How new spectrometer technologies substantially cut operating costs

Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is routinely used for elemental analysis by professionals in environmental, industrial, and academic laboratories worldwide. This fundamental spectroscopy technology analyses everything from soil and sludge to water and wastewater, plus various industrial process materials. It helps ensure that governmental regulations are met, assists in environmental cleanup efforts, and supports industrial research and processes. In evaluating which ICP-OES instrument to select for a given set of tasks, two differing emphases emerge. Many independent laboratories - especially those specialising in environmental contract work - naturally require an adequate level of performance, but in addition prioritise sensitivity and speed. Their prime concern: choosing an instrument that can maintain the highest possible number of tests per shift. By contrast, other operations - including many industrial research laboratories - prioritise stability and analytical precision. However, both groups agree on the importance of a common concern: controlling costs. This can be difficult, since most ICP-OES instruments presently on the market incur a variety of operational and maintenance expenses, both obvious and hidden, that dramatically increase their total cost of ownership.

Fortunately, some newer enhancements to traditional spectrometer technologies reduce or eliminate these expenses. This report explores how engineering innovations can significantly reduce costs - enabling substantial savings while improving performance.

Certain systems can surpass conventional designs to deliver consistent, rapid - and considerably
less expensive - results, day in and day out. Example: the SPECTROBLUE ICP-OES analyser from SPECTRO Analytical Instruments. This powerful spectrometer continually sets new benchmarks for simplified operation, low maintenance, and assured affordability. Users report that its innovative
engineering overcomes the problems detailed above, enabling the achievement of high throughput - yet with drastically lower costs of operation.