Heavy Metals Analyzer
Abstract
In industrial process control and environmental compliance monitoring, Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption (GF-AA) spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) have been traditionally used to measure trace metals. These instruments are large, expensive and require a high level of infrastructure support. Because of this, trace metal measurement usually involves sampling, preservation and transport to a centralized laboratory for later analysis. Current field tests for metals are difficult to use under industrial conditions, usually lack simultaneous multianalyte capability, and require significant operator intervention. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR) developed an Automated Trace Metals Analyzer (ATMA), which is based on Potentiometric Stripping Analysis (PSA). This automated instrument is designed for unattended collection and analysis of trace levels of heavy metals in water. PSA is capable of measuring multiple metals simultaneously at environmentally relevant concentrations. This instrument will allow users to make on-the-spot or continuous long-term measurements of metal contamination in an unattended automated mode. The ATMA can be set up to take measurements at timed intervals or in response to an external trigger. The ATMA enables near real-time (one sample/5 min), unattended on-site measurement of trace metals, such as lead, copper, mercury, arsenic and cadmium in aqueous media. It will reduce analytical costs over conventional monitoring and enable near real-time industrial process monitoring. The ATMA s Windows-based interface enabled non-technical personnel to set up the instrument and collect data with minimal training. The instrument continually monitors performance and will automatically notify the operator and log any problems that it cannot correct. While in operation, the instrument is sealed from the external environment excluding the possibility of sample contamination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA607339
Entities
People
- Mike Putnam
- Pilar Umnuss
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command