Metals analysis | high perfomance | OES

Our aim with the OE series of spark spectrometers was to vastly increase the capability of the instruments while keeping the price within the mid-range mark. And we certainly achieved that with very low detection limits of all main elements within metals. We did this by developing revolutionary new technology for the OE series and this post explains why going right back to basics helps keep your costs down.

LightWing Optics
The design of the optics layout inside the analyzer has been completely changed. We’ve included several detectors and placed them along a single focal plane. This vastly improves the resolution, and the redesigned optics also reduces the overall volume of the housing. This in turn reduces argon consumption during operation, helping to keep costs down. Another benefit is that start-up times are shorter, helping to improve productivity.

CMOS detector technology
We mentioned above that we’ve included several detectors configured in a certain way. But that’s not all, we’ve actually redesigned the detectors too and used state-of-the-art CMOS technology. This gives higher resolution and dynamic range per detector, meaning that we need fewer of them when compared with older-style CCD sensors. The modern CMOS technology is also more stable at very low detection limits and is one factor in the ppm range detection capability with the OE Series.

Redesigned spark source to lower power costs
As users of spark spectrometers will know, the spark itself generates a lot of heat and takes a lot of power. We’ve cut down the waste heat and the power needed in the OE series, increasing wall plug efficiency and reducing running costs. This also means we can include a DC supply that isolates the instrument for the mains supply – this is important if the mains supply is likely to fluctuate, as this can affect the performance.

Optimized environment for stability with reduced maintenance
The opportunity to change everything within the design of the OE series allowed us to look at every aspect of the technology, including how the argon atmosphere affects the results over time. We know that light intensity gradually degrades for very short wavelengths (less than 200 nm), making results difficult to obtain for some elements. The OE750 overcomes this by using a mid-pressure argon purge environment that gives much better stability and intensity over time. This means the system can operate with an oil-free pump, reducing power consumption and cutting down the need for recalibration.

The spark stand is a single, sealed unit
Any leaks or incomplete contact from the spark stand affects the performance of the instrument. If air gets in the spark stand it will affect the results, and dirt ingress will increase the need for cleaning. The solution to this is to seal the optics and spark stand in a single unit, making it impossible for air or dirt to enter. This also leads to better light coupling from the plasma source to the detector, improving the resolution. The design of the sealed unit has been optimized for argon flow, and this also helps to reduce argon consumption.

These technical innovations to the OE series mean you get ppm performance across the board for metals analysis in an affordable instrument, and operating costs are kept down too.

OE series: Two analyzers to choose from
Both instruments in the OE series benefit from the same high level of performance and supreme cost effectiveness. The OE720 is ideal for low detection limits or choose the OE750 for even lower detection limits and to add nitrogen, oxygen or hydrogen analysis capability to your toolkit.