Flow Meters and Controllers for Elemental Analysis

January 30, 2024 Rob ten Haaft

Trace Elemental Analysis (TEA) encompasses a set of techniques that play a vital role in fields like environmental monitoring, metallurgy, food production, and pharmaceuticals. It involves analyzing all the elements present in the periodic table, often focusing on detecting trace amounts of substances. Bronkhorst specializes in creating highly precise and reproducible flow meters and controllers, enhancing the performance of analysis devices across industries.

In this article, Rob, our industry expert specializing in the analytical market, shares his insights into the evolving landscape of elemental analysis and how Bronkhorst supports these advancements. This piece is inspired by an insightful interview conducted by Strategic Marketing Manager Carolien Meijer and Online Marketeer Lynn Woerts.

Feature image: A typical setup involving flow controllers and detectors in trace elemental analysis.

Why Measure Traces of Elements?

Trace elements are measured for numerous reasons. For instance, in environmental studies, high concentrations of harmful elements like mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic pose risks to human health and ecosystems. Monitoring soil, plant, and water quality is essential to ensure safety. Even ordinary elements such as carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur may warrant measurement due to their potential implications for climate change.

Pharmaceutical companies increasingly rely on these techniques to ensure the purity of their final products. The list of applications is vast, and most of them demand flow meters and controllers that are both precise and reproducible. Customers often turn to us for advice on optimizing their equipment. We assess the accuracy, reproducibility, and speed of their systems and tailor our solutions accordingly. With our extensive product range, we can meet the unique demands of any analysis device.

"I enjoy knowing that I contribute to a cleaner and safer world by helping collect more reliable data on pollution levels."

The Role of Flow Controllers in Analysis

During the analysis process, elements are first separated and then detected. Carrier gases transport the separated components, while additional gases may be used to trigger chemical or physical reactions to enhance detection. Purity is critical here since the target elements exist in minuscule concentrations. Therefore, the flow controllers and meters must not only be highly accurate but also consistently reproducible. Whether conducting the analysis in a lab or on a mountaintop, the results must remain consistent.

Accuracy and reproducibility are the two most crucial attributes of flow meters and controllers in elemental analysis. While these concepts might seem broad, the challenge lies in tailoring them precisely to the specific needs of each analysis device and adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines. This alignment is what makes my job so rewarding.

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Tailoring Solutions to Specific Needs

The requirements of analysis device manufacturers can vary significantly. The design of the instrument plays a key role, as it must fit within the device. Customers also consider factors such as signal processing methods, control systems, and power supplies. Naturally, cost is always a consideration. Working closely with our engineering teams, we collaborate to deliver exceptional results.

Latest Trends in Trace Elemental Analysis

Current trends in elemental analysis focus on miniaturization (both in labs and at point-of-care settings), device purity, and cost efficiency. Consequently, flow meters and controllers are becoming smaller and smarter. Laboratories are expected to detect increasingly lower concentration limits, making purity a top priority. Additionally, we're exploring predictive maintenance capabilities, such as analyzing valve tension to anticipate maintenance needs.

Trace Elemental Analysis laboratories developments

At Bronkhorst, we're not just focused on improving existing technologies; we're also looking ahead. For instance, we're investigating ways to enhance device intelligence and predictive maintenance. If you have insights or feedback regarding pharmaceutical applications, please feel free to reach out!

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