When and Why Are Trace Elements Measured?

Measuring trace elements is essential in many fields. For instance, in environmental analysis, heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic can be harmful to both humans and ecosystems. Monitoring their presence in soil, water, and plants helps ensure public health and environmental safety. Even common elements like carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur are measured when their levels change, as this can indicate climate shifts or industrial impacts.

I enjoy knowing that I contribute to a cleaner and safer world by enabling more accurate data collection on pollution levels, especially when combined with other analytical devices.

Pharmaceutical companies increasingly use TEA to verify the purity of their products. However, there are countless other applications where precision is key. That’s why we often assist in selecting and optimizing equipment, ensuring it meets the specific requirements of each device.

What Is the Role of a Flow Controller in Elemental Analysis?

In elemental analysis, samples are separated and then detected. A carrier gas transports the components, and other gases may be used for chemical reactions to help identify the elements. These gases must be pure, and the flow controllers and meters used must be extremely accurate and reproducible. This ensures that results are not only correct but also consistent over time and across different locations.

What Are the Specific Needs in Elemental Analysis?

Each analysis device has unique requirements. The size of the instrument matters, as does the signal processing method, control system, and power supply. Price is also a factor. Our collaboration with customers’ engineers leads to better outcomes and custom solutions that fit their devices perfectly.

Bronkhorst flow controllers already have self-diagnostic capabilities. We're also exploring predictive maintenance based on valve tension and other parameters. Currently, I'm focusing on the specific needs of pharmaceutical companies in trace element analysis. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!