Sample Preparation Matters
Welcome to Datech Scientific Ltd, your trusted Laboratory Partner since 1989 for premium sample preparation equipment and laboratory automation solutions. We specialize in equipping laboratories with state-of-the-art instruments to support X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), Induced Coupled Plasma (ICP) analyses, and more, through our esteemed partnerships with Herzog Maschinenfabrik, PD Instruments, Nucomat, and other innovators in the Laboratory environment.
http://www.datech-scientific.co.uk/analysis/
Test for Contamination
Process automation including pulverising, dosing and pelletising require an efficient cleaning of all components. HERZOG equipment offers different cleaning options including pressed air, wet cleaning, sand cleaning, and blind samples. We use XRF analysis to minimise potential contamination of sample material. This allows an optimal tuning of cleaning parameters according to the specific requirements of each customer.
Test for Homogeneity
A representative surface of the sample is essential for obtaining reliable analysis results. Pelletising of material into rings may lead to material decomposition or particle clustering potentially interfering with correct analysis. HERZOG equipment uses various XRF methods for avoiding heterogeneity within the pellets.
Influence of Parameters
The results of sample preparation are influenced by various effects like, e.g., particle size effects, matrix effects, particle orientation effects, surface roughness, or fusion bead shape. During the sample preparation process the following parameters are of particular interest:
Grinding time and grinding vessel
Grinding aids
Pressure level and time
Timing of fusion
Crucible handling during fusion
Type of flux and sample for the fusion process
HERZOG provide a facility to examine the influence of these effects on the outcome of sample analysis to setup the optimal preparation parameters according to the needs of each customer.
Implication for Laboratory Automation
Laboratory automation should obtain the optimum balance between high sample throughput and best analysis quality. During the process of automation planning we do not only rely on our outstanding expertise but also on tools such as simulation software. Before delivery, the performance of all automation components is extensively tested by using test procedures like XRF analysis and grain size analysis. All parameters are perfectly adjusted and coordinated to obtain best possible analysis results, based on a close cooperation with our customers.
Spark / Arc Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)
Sample Excitation Source
H-Voltage Electric Spark or Arc
Sample Material & Preparation Method
Electrically Conductive Solid Sample with Remelting, Milling or Grinding Preparation Method
Form of Prepared Sample
Flat Ground or Milled Surface with level surface for Analysis
Typical Industry
Metals & Alloys Production, Education and Environmental Testing
Advantages
Fast Speed of Analysis and Low Running Costs, Low Cost Per Sample.
Disadvantages
Sample has to be Conductive, and requires a Homogeneous sample surface
Inductively Coupled Plasma OES (Simultaneous & Sequential Detection)
Sample Excitation Source
R.F. Induced Plasma
Sample Material & Preparation Method
Metallic & Non-Metallic Solids, Liquids and Powders with Crushing, Drilling, or Dissolution via acid, alkali or solvent
Form of Prepared Sample
Solution, Solid or Aerosols
Typical Industry
Metals & Alloys Production, Non-Metallic Materials Production, Education and Environmental Testing
Advantages
Sample Type and Quality Versatility. Sample Dissolution solves Sample Heterogeneity Challanges
Disadvantages
Lengthy Sample Preparation Time and Sequential Analysis. Slower & Increases Running Costs / Higher Cost Per Sample
Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) Simultaneous & Sequential Detection)
Sample Excitation Source
Primary X-Rays
Sample Material & Preparation Method
Metallic & Non-Metallic Solids, Liquids and Powders with Crushing, Remelting, Milling, Grinding, Pressing, Fusion or Dissolution via acid or solvent
Form of Prepared Sample
Solution, Solid Pressed Powder Sample, or Fused Borate Silicate Bead
Typical Industry
Metals & Alloys Production, Non-Metallic Materials Production, Education and Environmental Testing
Advantages
Fast Speed of Analysis, Sample Type and Quality Versatility. Documented Sample Preparation Methods
Disadvantages
Sequential Analysis. Slower & Increases Running Costs / Higher Cost Per Sample
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF)
Sample Excitation Source
Primary X-Rays
Sample Material & Preparation Method
Metallic & Non-Metallic Solids, Liquids and Powders with Crushing, Remelting, Milling, Grinding, Pressing, Fusion or Dissolution via acid or solvent
Form of Prepared Sample
Solution, Solid Pressed Powder Sample, or Fused Borate Silicate Bead
Typical Industry
Metals & Alloys Production, Non-Metallic Materials Production, Education and Environmental Testing
Advantages
Portable, Low Cost, Fast Speed of Analysis, Sample Type and Quality Versatility. Documented Sample Preparation Methods
Disadvantages
Sequential Analysis. Slower & Increases Running Costs. Lower Precision compared to wavelength dispersive x-ray fluoresence (WD-XRF)
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
Note: X-Ray Diffraction is used to determine crystallographic structure, chemical composition, and physical properties of materials and thin films. The techniques above are used for qualitative or quantitative elemental analysis.
Sample Excitation Source
Primary X-Rays
Sample Material & Preparation Method
Metallic & Non-Metallic Solids, Liquids and Powders. Little careful preparation since sample material is used to identify crystalline structure.
Form of Prepared Sample
Powders & Films
Typical Industry
Metals & Alloys Production, Non-Metallic Materials Production, Education and Environmental Testing
Advantages
Sample Type and Quality Versatility. Documented Sample Preparation Methods. Analyse Crystalline Structure
Disadvantages
N/A - No other immediately comparable technique
Sample Preparation Equipment
Crushing
Course Crushing and Pre-Crushing of Sample Material
Fusion
Ideal for Preparation of Samples with Inconsistent Matrices for Fused Bead XRF, ICP, AA and Other Analyses
Benchtop Preparation
Perfect for laboratories with space constraints seeking high quality, cost effective equipment with low maintenance requirements.
Pulverising / Grinding
Fine Grinding / Pulverising of Sample Material to Guarantee Homogeneity
Milling / Grinding
Ideal for Solid Alloy Samples to Prevent Contamination and Remove Defects for OES, XRF and Other Analyses
Pressing
Pressing of Sample Material for X-ray Fluorescence, X-ray Diffraction and Other Analyses
Wet Chemistry
Requires a variety of liquid handling, dosing, digestion, inspection and analyses techniques
Standalone Semi-Automatic Preparation
Purpose Built for Industrial Laboratories with rapid cycle times, reduced operator interaction and dwell time maximising throughput and precision.
Standard & Bespoke Automatic Laboratory
Designed to tackle the most repetitive and challenging laboratory applications 24-7-365, fully automatic preparation is the future for process laboratories.
Why Choose Datech Scientific Limited?
At Datech Scientific Limited, we're not just about providing equipment; we're about delivering solutions that drive success. With our cutting-edge technology, tailored solutions, and a commitment to excellence, we ensure your laboratory or industrial processes are efficient, reliable, and above all, accurate and precise.
Why settle for less when you can partner with a leader in scientific innovation?
Expertise in Sample Handling and Preparation: Our deep understanding ensures you get accurate results every time.
Tailored Solutions: From industrial to laboratory scale, we have standard and customisable solutions to meet your specific needs.
Quality Equipment: Embrace reliability with our selection of effective sample preparation equipment.
Ongoing Support: Enjoy comprehensive support from our team. We are dedicated to your success as you will become a customer for life.
Don't let your analysis be anything less than exceptional. Choose Datech Scientific Limited for sample preparation solutions. Contact us today to elevate your operations to the next level.
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