Thermo Electron Introduces the VP100 Hydride Generator Accessory for Cost Effective Hydride Analyses
CAMBRIDGE, England (March 18, 2005) – Thermo Electron Corporation (NYSE: TMO) announces the introduction of its new hydride generator accessory, the VP100. Based on the continuous flow vapor principle, the VP100 enhances the capabilities of Thermo’s M and S series Atomic Absorption (AA) spectrometers, allowing high sensitivity vapor analyses to be performed. The new VP100 is particularly targeted at AA spectrometer users as a cost-effective alternative to expensive graphite furnace instruments for some environmentally significant elements.
Parts per billion sensitivities for these elements are not attainable by conventional flame atomic absorption spectrometry and therefore alternative techniques are needed. The VP100 allows AA spectrometers to determine elements that can form gaseous hydrides or, in the case of mercury, a mono-atomic vapor. These include arsenic (As), selenium (Se), bismuth (Bi), tellurium (Te), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg).
The continuous flow design of the VP100 provides several significant benefits. It produces a steady state signal, which is integrated to provide excellent measurement precision. In addition, the continuous flow of samples and reagents produces a self-cleaning action that reduces memory effects and improves sample throughput. The efficient design of the gas liquid separator and ‘T’ shaped silica atomization cell provides outstanding sensitivity for the hydride elements while a long path length mercury absorption cell ensures even lower detection limits for this important element.
The needle valves and flow tubes used in older systems are difficult to set and are a common source of gas leaks. This can seriously compromise the reliability and accuracy of the results since the carrier gas flow rate used to transport the hydrides to the measurement cell determines the ultimate precision of the measurement. The VP100’s electronic Mass Flow Control unit operating under software control not only ensures optimum precision but also allows the flow rate to be saved as a method parameter, thus ensuring excellent long-term repeatability.
For more information about the VP100, please call +1 800-532-4752, e-mail analyze@thermo.com or visit www.thermo.com/elemental
