Compared to other elemental analysis techniques, ICP-OES instruments excel because of their high sensitivity and capacity for the simultaneous detection of several elements. They are also used by labs that process large numbers of samples because of their simplicity of use and low level of sample preparation.
As technology has progressed, so too have ICP-OES instruments, which boast detection limits in the parts per billion areas today. That's why they're useful for everything from checking product quality to testing the environment. Continue reading to learn more about ICP OES instruments.
ICP OES Instruments: What Are They?
Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is a very effective analytical method with applications in several fields. Using a high-temperature plasma that ionizes the sample's atoms and molecules, ICP-OES instruments can determine the sample's elemental composition. It is by monitoring the light the ions emit as they return to their ground state.
These are high-tech analytical techniques for determining a sample's elemental makeup. Light from each element is broken down into wavelength components using a spectrometer, enabling the relative strength of each emission line to be determined. Emission line intensities are compared to a reference standard to establish the elemental makeup of the sample.
The Use of ICP-OES Instruments
The elemental analysis capabilities of ICP-OES instruments have led to their widespread use across a broad range of sectors and end-uses. This technique can evaluate numerous elements simultaneously and has more sensitivity and dynamic range than other techniques currently used for elemental analysis.
ICP-OES instruments are often used in the following areas:
Metallurgical Industry
Quality assurance in the metal and alloy manufacturing industry relies on ICP-OES instruments. Metals and alloys are tested for conformity to standards by analyzing their elemental makeup using these devices. The technique is also used to search for contaminants in metals and alloys.
Examining The Environment
Water, soil, and air samples may be analyzed for trace elements using ICP-OES instruments. These tools are useful for determining the origins of air pollution. And also tracking down the sources of contaminated water and monitoring drinking water safety. Due to its extreme sensitivity and capacity to identify minute quantities of components, the method finds special use in environmental testing.
Mining Industry
Mineral exploration, quality control, and procedure optimization all benefit from using ICP-OES instruments to analyze minerals, rocks, and ores. The ability of the technique to identify minute concentrations of components in samples makes it ideal for application in the mining field.
Industry of Pharmaceuticals
ICP-OES instruments, which detect and quantify elemental contaminants, may guarantee drug and raw material quality. The technique excels in detecting and quantifying trace components that may be present in pharmaceutical goods and impact the drug's effectiveness and safety.
Benefits of Using ICP-OES Instruments
ICP-OES instruments are very sensitive, allowing for detecting trace amounts of elements. The technique is particularly well-suited to trace element analysis because of its ability to identify elements at concentrations as low as one part per billion. Since ICP-OES instruments need so little in the way of sample preparation, they are often used in labs that process large numbers of samples.
The technology saves time and lowers the danger of contamination since it does not need considerable sample preparation, including digestion or extraction. These instruments may detect and quantify various elements because of the high dynamic ranges. This makes it applicable to studying a wide range of samples, from those in the natural world to those in the pharmaceutical industry.
Learn More About ICP-OES Instruments
Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) equipment is non-destructive, allowing materials to be reused or examined further following elemental analysis. This makes it a viable option for uses that call for parallel analysis of the same material. The benefits of ICP-OES instruments make them useful in various industries, from environmental evaluation to medical quality control.
Source:
https://www.agilent.com/en/support/atomic-spectroscopy/inductively-coupled-plasma-optical-emission-spectroscopy-icp-oes/icp-oes-faq
https://www.technologynetworks.com/analysis/articles/icp-oes-icp-chemistry-icp-oes-analysis-strengths-and-limitations-342265