Automated Trace Metals Analyzer.

摘要

In industrial process control and environmental compliance monitoring, graphite furnace atomic absorption (GFAA) spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectroscopy have been traditionally used to measure trace metals. These instruments are large, expensive, and require a high level of infrastructure support. Because of this, trace metal measurement usually involves sampling, preservation, and transport to a centralized laboratory for later analysis. Current field tests for metals are difficult to use under industrial conditions, usually lack simultaneous multianalyte capability, and require significant operator intervention. The Automated Trace Metals Analyzer (ATMA) enables near real-time (one sample/5 min), unattended on-site measurement of trace metals, such as lead, copper, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium in aqueous media. It will reduce analytical costs over conventional monitoring, and enable near real-time industrial process monitoring. This automated instrument is designed for unattended collection and analysis of trace levels of heavy metals in water. The ATMA measures metal contamination using Potentiometric Stripping Analysis (PSA). PSA is capable of measuring multiple metals simultaneously at environmentally relevant concentrations. This instrument will allow users to make on the spot or continuos long-term measurements of metal contamination in an unattended automated mode. The ATMA can be set up to take measurements at timed intervals or in response to an eternal trigger.