Elemental Analysis: ICP-OES, AAS and Sample Digestion
Instruments for determining metals and other elements in solutions, from single-element routine checks to simultaneous multi-element analysis at trace level. The group also covers closed-vessel microwave digestion, which turns solid samples into clear solutions before measurement. Select by technique below, then compare models in the catalogue.
Flame photometers
Flame emission for fast measurement of alkali and alkaline-earth elements (Na, K, Li, Ca, Ba) in clinical, agricultural, food and cement laboratories.
Atomic absorption (AAS)
Element-by-element determination with hollow cathode lamps, using flame atomisation for routine work and a graphite furnace for lower detection limits. A cost-effective choice when only a few elements are measured per sample.
ICP-OES spectrometers
Inductively coupled plasma optical emission for simultaneous multi-element analysis, from µg/L traces to major components. Suited to metals and alloys, environmental waters, soils, food, and chemical and geological samples.
Microwave digestion
Closed-vessel acid digestion under controlled temperature and pressure. It prepares metals, soils, food and plant material for ICP-OES and AAS, with lower acid consumption and less contamination than open-vessel methods.
| ICP-OES | AAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Elements per run | Many elements simultaneously | One element at a time |
| Linear range | Wide: traces and major components in one method | Narrower; high concentrations need dilution |
| Sample throughput | High | Moderate |
| Running costs | Argon plasma gas | Acetylene/air, one lamp per element |
| Best fit | Production QC, alloys, environmental and contract labs | Few elements, lower budget, occasional use |
Not sure whether ICP-OES or AAS fits your laboratory?
Tell us the elements, concentration ranges, matrix and throughput, and we will propose the matching instrument together with the sample-preparation setup.