STEROGLASS ION 3 POTENTIOMETRIC STRIPPING ANALYSER

GENERAL DESCRIPTION (Page 1 of 3)

ION 3 is a high-sensitivity analytical instrument able to detect metal traces in different simple or complex matrices (water, food, chemical, pharmaceutical and oil products).

The computer-assisted potentiometric stripping technique used by ION 3 is the result of the 'lucky' union between a reliable electro-chemical analytical technique and the power of a modern personal computer.

High speed measurements of the potential variations offer a user the ability to obtain high detectability levels (often below ppb).

Very small metal traces can be accurately and reproducibly detected and quantified.

Furthermore, the technique offers the SIMULTANEOUS analysis of DIFFERENT METALS in the same matrix.

This type of analysis can be run on an 'ORIGINAL' sample - the matrix does not need to be chemically or physically pre-treated. This makes ION 3 particularly suitable for routine analyses and for use by unskilled operators.

The consumables complies with the GLP / GMP directives, runs under Windows and is extremely user-friendly. Not only does it enable the user to control the unit and the analysis thoroughly, but it also offers detailed graphics, comprehensive reports and a complete statistical analysis on the measurements performed.

In order to determine the concentration of metal traces in a solution, the ION 3 analyser employs an electro-chemical technique using the reduction potential of an element to dose traces of it into a solution.

To detect the metal, the sample has to undergo a suitable treatment depending on the kind of matrix where the element is present. Moreover, the quantity of sample used depends upon the concentration of the metal. The element to be dosed is turned into the metal state by applying a well-defined negative potential.

The unit uses three electrodes to perform the analysis:

Glassy carbon graphite electrode
Ag/AgCl reference electrode
Platinum electrode

The cell where the electro-chemical reaction takes place must contain a support electrolyte allowing the migration of the charged species towards the graphite electrode. Normally this electrolyte is made of an acid solution. The ionic mobility is possible thanks to a stirrer run by a micro-processor.

The potentiometric stripping technique is very sensitive. In fact, metal traces can be detected up to ppb levels.

The following list shows the metals detectable by means of the potentiometric stripping technique: