Latest Generation of Spectrotest Metal Analyzers Introduced

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments has introduced the latest generation of SPECTROTEST mobile metal analyzers. In addition to the instrument’s excellent analytical performance, the SPECTROTEST offers an ergonomic design and user friendly operation. In addition, the latest generation is equipped with an efficient plasma generator and a newly designed UV probe, and its field-proven ICAL (Intelligent Calibration Logic) logic system monitors the correct state of the measuring system independently from external influences, eliminating the need for time-consuming recalibration of the spectrometer. Instead, a single control sample is measured.

Suited to Spark and Arc Operation
In addition to improvements to the plasma generator, SPECTRO’s engineers have designed a new pluggable probe with integrated UV optic for special measurement applications. For the first time this probe can be used for both spark and arc excitation. Changing of the probes is no longer necessary.

By incorporating a lightweight and robust transport trolley, SPECTRO’s design engineers were able to cut the instrument’s weight in half. The instrument’s new design affords the operator a more fatigue-free and comfortable on site experience. This latest generation metal analyzer additionally features a large 15-inch display that allows measurement results to be easily read, even from relatively long distances.

Ease of use is further supported by new instrument software that even inexperienced users can quickly grasp. The software only shows the user the context-dependent functions required for the current operation. A factory-installed materials library can be optionally extended with the SPECTRO Metal Database, in which nearly all standardized grades of metal in the world have been compiled.

Material Identification as a Standard Application
Among its many applications, the SPECTROTEST metals analyzer is especially suited for the identification of low-alloy steels using the carbon content in the rapid arc excitation mode. Possible applications in the spark excitation mode include the analysis of carbon, phosphorous, and sulfur as well as the identification of duplex steels using the nitrogen content.

The identification of metal materials is a standard component of quality control in the metal producing, processing, and recycling industries. Whether its onsite for incoming materials or used during production or transport, a mobile metal analyzer helps prevent material mix ups from occurring and proves valuable during the sorting and classifying of recycling of metals.

Spectro Analytical Instruments
www.spectro.com

Spectro Releases Handheld EDXRF Spectrometer xSORT

Spectro's high throughput handheld xSORT spectrometer.

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, a leading supplier of analytical instruments for optical emission and XRF spectrometry, has introduced the next-generation SPECTRO xSORT handheld energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. The new instrument comes in a smaller, lightweight package that offers better analytical performance, and incorporates many exclusive new features.

The new xSORT is designed for high-throughput elemental testing and spectrochemical analysis of a wide range of metals and other materials in the field. Its speed, accuracy and ease of use set new benchmarks for handheld spectrometric performance. SPECTRO xSORT is ideal for applications, including positive material identification (PMI) and environmental screening, recycling of alloys, precious metals, and aluminum, plus mining and compliance screening.

“Users were requesting more speed, higher accuracy and greater operating simplicity in the field,” notes Dirk Wissmann, Senior Product Manager. “For many jobs, such as material verification, our new instrument delivers highly reliable analyses in two seconds! And, for more complex matrices such as in environmental screening, xSORT achieves very low detection limits without the need for complex sample preparation.”

The new xSORT also is available with time and cost-saving features, such as an integrated video camera for precise spot testing and visual memory storage. Also available is an integrated global positioning system (GPS) that allows users to quickly return to previously checked locations without time-wasting resurveys.

Two-second Analysis
For metals and most alloys, xSORT delivers grade identification and material verification within two seconds of clicking its trigger. Pre-installed grade libraries cover common alloys used in industry and its exclusive high-resolution SDD detector provides signal throughput up to 10 times faster than other handheld spectrometers. Even light-metal alloys require only 12 seconds to process.

“High-volume users, such as service companies doing PMI, may use SPECTRO xSORT to complete hundreds of inspections per shift with greatly enhanced productivity and profitability,” adds Wissmann.

Exceptionally Low Detection Limits
The xSORT offers exceptionally low detection limits – down to the parts-per-million (ppm) range – for analyses of heavy metals. This allows the instrument to deliver accuracy that rivals laboratory analysis results. In addition, the system includes an optional docking unit for stationary operation, adding stability for very small samples along with extended analysis with ultra-low detection limits.

Lightweight, Compact Design
With SPECTRO xSORT, operators don’t need to switch methods between metals or use complicated flushes or vacuum systems. The instrument’s light weight (1.64 kg or 3.62 lb)  and compact, one-piece design make it optimal for easy use in the field, even in areas that are less accessible.

The instrument incorporates an exclusive SPECTRO ICAL system for convenient one-sample, one-time calibration. Its simplified software features an intuitive touchscreen interface with two menu levels.

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, GmbH
www.spectro.com/xsort