Why Measure Trace Elements?

There are numerous reasons why elements need to be measured. For instance, environmental analyses focus on heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic, which pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems. Monitoring soil, plants, and water quality helps ensure safety. Even common elements such as carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur are monitored because changes in their concentrations can signal ongoing climate shifts.

Increasingly, pharmaceutical companies are adopting these techniques to ensure the purity of their products. However, the applications span far beyond this. All these uses demand precise and reproducible flow meters and controllers, prompting many inquiries for our recommendations and optimizations. Our goal is to align the accuracy, reproducibility, and speed of the analysis device with the right flow solution. With our extensive product range, we can tailor solutions to meet specific requirements.

The Role of Flow Controllers in Analysis

First, the elements in the sample are separated and detected. A carrier gas is then used to transport the separated sample components. Sometimes, additional gases are needed to induce chemical or physical reactions, ensuring the elements are clearly identifiable. The carrier and reactant gases must be extremely pure, given the low concentrations of the elements being measured. The flow controllers and meters used to measure or administer these gases must not only be highly accurate but also consistently reproducible. In essence, the analysis results must be reliable and consistent, whether performed today or months later, anywhere in the world.

Understanding Specific Needs

When it comes to flow meters and controllers, the requirements of analysis device manufacturers can vary significantly. The size and shape of the instrument are critical, as they must fit within the device. Customers also consider signal processing methods, control systems, and power supplies. Price is always a factor too. Working closely with our engineers and those of our clients allows us to deliver outstanding results.

Bronkhorst flow controllers already perform self-diagnosis to check the instrument’s condition. We’re exploring ways to offer predictive maintenance, such as analyzing valve tension to regulate flow. Right now, I’m focusing on the diverse needs and requirements of pharmaceutical companies when measuring trace elements—so I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic!