Third generation Spectrotest promises higher measurement accuracy with the new Fingerprint method for analyses with arc excitation, new readout system, and Ical logic system
Spectro introduces the third generation of its Spectrotest mobile metal analyzer.
Several new technologies and applications supplement the current version of the Spectrotest, creating a flexible instrument for all types of metal identification and metal analysis on site.
"It was our goal to make the classic Spectrotest more precise and quicker," explains Marcus Freit, product manager for mobile metal analysers at Spectro.
"To do this, we equipped the instrument with a new readout system, which is a duplicate of that used in our stationary laboratory instruments.
"Together with the proven optic, covering the entire relevant wavelength range, it makes an unbeatable team".
These advances have markedly improved the accuracy and reduced the duration of an analysis, says the company.
Marcus Freit: "The sample throughput will be noticeably increased - consequently boosting productivity".
A further important addition in the third generation instrument: when analysing with arc excitation, the Fingerprint method, based on the Ical logic system, supports the Spectrotest.
At the beginning of the measurement, this procedure compares the measured spectrum with spectra stored for reference samples.
The comparison can be selected for Fe, Al, Cu, Ni, Co and Ti matrices.
With the automatically selected reference method, very exact measurement parameters are available to the Spectrotest for the duration of the measurement.
The concentrations of the unknown sample are calculated with the stored calibration data.
Common errors, resulting from incorrect evaluation of the material can be avoided using the Fingerprint method.
Simultaneously, the accuracy of the analysis is improved and operation of the instrument simplified.
Ical eliminates the need for time consuming recalibration of the Spectrotest required by changes in location and temperature.
Analogous to the Fingerprint method for arc excitation is automatic program finding (APF Plus) for spark excitation; well known from the preceding model of the Spectrotest.
At the beginning of the analysis, APF Plus determines the basic contents of the sample and then automatically sets the Spectrotest to the best suited analytical program.
Many details on the third generation Spectrotest have been improved.
A new ergonomic design ensures straightforward handling and fatigue-free operation.
A software assistant now conducts the user through the development of individual sorting programs, including the setting of tolerance values.
A data manager has also been integrated for support of the laboratory with the organisation and documentation of stored measurement results.
"The Spectrotest has become even more flexible in the third generation," reports Freit.
"The range of operation includes everything from battery operation in hard to reach places to the examination of small pieces or curved surfaces.
"The Spectrotest proves itself on top platforms in steel mills just as well as it does for the end control of industrial goods or during sorting in scrap yards.
"It is suited to just about every task in the metal industry".
The first generation of the Spectrotest mobile metal analyser was introduced to the market in 1979.
At that time, the instrument set new standards for metal analysis on-site and even managed an entry in the specialised analytical reference books.
Even today, the term 'spectrotesting' stands around the world for the on-site testing of metals.
Up-to-date technology replaced all of the components in the second generation Spectrotest developed in 2002.
The newer models presented themselves as being much lighter and more manoeuverable than their predecessors - they were no less successful says Spectro.
Since their introduction onto the market, more than 500 units of the second generation Spectrotest have been sold.
Now, in the third generation, the analytical instrument has become even more versatile and user friendly.
Spectro expects an additional increase in sales.
Spectro designs, manufactures, and services a broad array of atomic spectroscopic instrumentation used to analyse the elemental composition of solids and liquids.
Using optical emission or energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) measurement techniques, Spectro's instruments address the analysis requirements of a variety of end markets, including, metal production and processing, environmental testing, hydrocarbon processing, aerospace, food processing, and pharmaceutical.
