Measurement and analysis instrument manufacturer SII NanoTechnology Inc. (SIINT), a 100% subsidiary of Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII), releases today “ActiveFlow” system, an option for ICP-OES/ ICP-AES*1, SPS3500 series which achieves world’s smallest Argon gas consumption.

ICP-OES measures the impurity in liquid samples in the order from ppm (parts per million) to ppb (parts per billion) order. This instrument is used for a variety of applications such as metal, ceramics, petrochemicals, medicine, agriculture, and environment. Since SII NanoTechnology Inc. released Japan’s first computer-controlled sequential type ICP-OES “JY-38PII” in 1980, we kept the top share in the market by releasing innovative products.

Argon gas*2 is used during ICP-OES analysis and this Ar is the source of plasma*3. The standard consumption is around 16 litter per minute. Special torch for “ActiveFlow” system is newly designed by fluid dynamics diagnosis of gas flow. As a result gas consumption decreases by eight litters per minute without compromising measurement accuracy and sensitivity. Thus the running cost of Argon gas can be decreased by about one million yen per year*4 and is very environmentally friendly.

ActiveFlow system can generate stable plasma even with small amount of Argon gas consumed, enabling the analysis of high salt concentration samples.*5

[Main Features of “ActiveFlow” system]

(1) Reduction of Argon gas consumption minimize the Cost of Ownership

Improvement of torch shape and RF generator control decreases plasma gas consumption by eight litters per minute which can cut the purchase cost of Argon gas by half.

(2) Available for high salt sample analysis

Decrease the gas flow rate causes unstable plasma by conventional instruments; however as “ActiveFlow” system can generate stable plasma, and high salt concentration samples can be analyzed.

(3) Compatible torch dimensions

The torch for ActiveFlow system has the same external dimensions with a standard Fassel torch. Additionally the new torch mounting mechanism provides easy and rapid exchange from standard system.