PCA2 analyzer
The new Portable Coulometric Analyser PCA is designed for laboratory and field analysis of heavy metals, semi-metals and numerous non-metals in aquatic solutions for a broad concentration range addressing contents from sub-μg/L up to several g/L. In battery operation mode it is well suited for field applications. The analysis is full automatic, the sample solution is transported to the electrochemical measuring cell by means of a small but robust peristaltic pump and on completing the analysis the result is displayed and stored in the memory. The human interface is a simple touch screen.
Analysis principle:
The analysis is based on automatic flow-through coulometry and voltammetry making use of a unique robust electrochemical measuring cell with a maintenance-free built-in reference and auxiliary electrodes and a long-life disposable working electrode. The sample solution is pumped into the cell where the determined species (analyte) is measured through its electrochemical conversion, i.e. it is electrochemically oxidised or reduced at the electrode surface. Low concentrations are determined after a preliminary electrochemical deposition of the measured species at the electrode surface (enrichment step), then the deposit is stripped by constant current while the signal is recorded and evaluated. In such a way, concentrations in the sub- μg/L level can be easily measured.
Typical applications include:
Arsenic, antimony, tin and selenium in various water samples
Heavy metals such as mercury, thallium, cadmium, indium, lead, bismuth, silver, gold
Manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, gallium in various water samples
Chromium(VI) and total chromium
Iron(II), iron(III), total iron
Arsenic(III) and total arsenic
C-vitamin in vegetables, fruits, beverages, foods
Fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide in waters and biological samples
Disinfection reagents such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hypochlorite in drinking water
Disinfection by-products such as chlorite, bromate in drinking water Sulphite in foods, wines and beer
Sulphides in waste waters
Ammonia, hydrazine, nitrite, nitrate, cyanide in aquatic samples
Phosphate in waste waters
Ethanol in beverages
Methanol in waste water
Acids and bases in aquatic solutions, wines Samples with suspended particles and solid samples can
be analysed after an appropriate sample digestion, e.g. thermal, UV sample digestion.
Unique features:
Metals, semi-metals, non-metals
Robust portable design
Full automatic analysis
At least 12 hours on battery operation ideal for field applications
Simple and fast operation
Ready to use applications
Broad concentration range, starting at sub-μg/L
Also suitable for coloured and turbid samples
Control and communication:
User interface: Powerful 4.3” Intelligent LCD-TFT display module. 480 x 272 Resolution, RGB 65K
true to life colours, TFT Screen with integrated 4-wire Resistive Touch Panel. On-board micro-SD
memory card connector for data logging purposes.
User interface for uploading new measuring parameters, downloading results and curves
User interface with administrator access, firmware upgrading and calibration of electronic circuits
Data logging and security:
Log files with over 1000 results and corresponding curves are stored
Easy export to spreadsheet files