ICP Spectroscopy

ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) Spectroscopy is an analytical method used to detect and measure elements to analyze chemical samples. The process is based on the ionization of a sample by an extremely hot plasma, usually made from argon gas.

ICP Sample Preparation Technology 

The technology XRF Scientific provides allows users to prepare samples into a form that can be accurately analysed.  For this purpose our main expertise are in lithium borate fusion, whereby samples are dissolved into a lithium borate flux.

The process involves first crushing and pulverising a sample down into a fine dust with a controlled particle size.

The sample and flux are then weighed out accurately.  Once prepared the mixture is placed into a platinum crucible and fused together at over 1000 degrees Celsius inside a specialised fusion furnace.  After the fusion process has been performed, the machine will then automatically pour the mixture into a beaker and stir the liquid.  The liquid is then transferred into a flask and brought up to the correct volume with ultra pure water.

The final result is a solution ready for ICP analysis.

Products for Sample Preparation

	Process Task	Product Group
	Sample grinding	Laboratory crushers and pulverisers
	Sample drying	Laboratory drying ovens

Products for Lithium Borate Fusion

	Process Task	Product Group
	Chemical sample dissolution	Lithium borate flux chemical reagents
	Chemical sample dissolution	Chemical reagent weighing instruments
	Chemical sample dissolution	Sample and reagent processing vessels - platinum crucibles
	Chemical sample dissolution	Refining service - turn used platinum crucibles back into new
	Chemical sample dissolution	Sample and chemical reagent melting furnaces - electric and gas fusion machines
	Sample Preparation	Method development - custom design of the sample preparation process from start to finish

Products for ICP Instruments

	Process Task	Product Group
	ICP instrument maintenance	ICP torch shield replacements and repairs