Thermo Electron’s AA spectrometers

Archiv – Thermo Electron’s new AA spectrometers help detect heavy metal elements in compliance with new EU directives.Thermo Electron’s new AA spectrometers help detect heavy metal elements in compliance with new EU directives.
Atomic Absorption (AA) spectrometry is an analytical technique proven to achieve exceptional levels of performance in the analysis and detection of hazardous elements. With the imminent introduction of stringent EU Directives on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), the electrical and electronics industry will require more effective methods to control the quality of materials used and to eliminate any hazardous substances.
The stricter EU regulations require electronic and electrical equipment to contain reduced levels of hazardous substances. Companies wishing to trade in EU countries will also have to comply with this legislation. The amount of waste going to landfill and the hazardous substance content of electronic and electrical equipment will have to be dramatically reduced. The new provisions make the producers of such waste fully accountable and the onus will be on these companies to meet published standards. Levels of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury and chromium in various electrical and electronic components will need to be stringently controlled.
To help users ensure that their products comply with the new regulations and to avoid fines, Thermo Electron’s AA spectrometers offer versatile and sensitive analysis of trace metals in a wide range of samples. With the M and S series AA spectrometers – ranging from entry-level single/multi-element flame or furnace to multi-element dual atomiser flame and furnace instruments – Thermo claims to have a solution adapted to different needs.
Both the M and S series AA spectrometers feature the VP100 Continuous Flow Vapor System, which allows high sensitivity vapour analyses to be performed. Of specific relevance to WEEE/RoHS compliance, a long path length Mercury Absorption Cell is also included which provides even lower detection limits of mercury formed as a mono-atomic vapour.