Mercury Instruments Lab Analyzer LA 254

• Firmly adjusted optical system not requiring any additional adjustment
• Short analysis times
• Low reagent consumption
• Automatic zero adjustment
• Measuring range 0.01 ppb to 10 ppb
• Peak method: mercury vapors cannot escape into the lab
• For EPA 7470A and EPA 7471A
• Upgradable to VM-3000 Mercury Vapor Monitor
• No gases or fume hood required
• Small foot print

Compact and fast: LabAnalyzer 254 with reaction unit (left) and photometer unit (right)

To know mercury concentrations is of great importance because of the toxicity of mercury and its compounds. Mercury analysis has gained an increased importance for the analyst in order to fulfill the actual requirements demanded by legal regulations. Whether samples should be analyzed only occasionally or if there are large quantities of samples to be done every day, the LabAnalyzer 254 is the right instrument. It is ready to go without time consuming preparations. A complete analysis cycle time is in a minute range. Operation of the LabAnalyzer 254 is very simple. The user is guided through his work step by step. The accuracy of the measurement results in the range of 10 ppt up to 10 ppb is outstanding.

Mercury Instruments Lab Analyzer LA 254

The Mercury Lab Analyzer 254 is used for quantitative determination of mercury in aqueous samples and digested samples

Applications include:

• Water samples: drinking water, waste water, ground water, surface water, sea water
• Soil and sludge samples
• Geological sample material
• Waste samples: glass, construction rumble, contaminated liquids, wood
• Incineration plant monitoring: smoke gas scrubber water, smoke gas analysis (e.g. to VDI 3868-2 VE)
• Monitoring of food
• Clinical samples: urine, saliva
• Chemical industry: environmental protection and quality control
• Petrochemical industry Research

Proven & Reliable Method for Mercury Analysis

First the mercury contained in the sample is stripped with an air stream and sucked into an optical cell made of fused silica. There the quantitative determination of mercury is obtained by measuring UV absorption at a wavelength of 254 nm. This method is commonly known as cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAAS)

Figure: Schematic flow diagram of LabAnalyzer LA-254

Optimization of AAS Technology for Mercury Analysis

In contrast to a typical multi element AAS as often used in laboratories the Lab Analyzer 254 is specially designed for mercury determination. This allows top performance in analytical applications. The use of a specially developed highly stable mercury lamp in connection with thermostat-controlled UV sensors results in a detection limit of a few ppt of mercury. Memory effects are minimized and a high sample throughput is possible thanks to specially selected materials for sample gas conducting components and heating of the optical bench.

LA 254 Operation and maintenance

The LabAnalyzer 254 is operated with a water proof membrane keypad and a graphic LC display. Handling is very easy. The Lab Analyzer 254 features a small footprint. No auxiliary gases are required for operation. The carrier gas flow required for the analysis is generated by a built-in diaphragm pump which is maintenance-free and has a long service life.

Measurement of a water sample for Mercury

The sample is transferred into a reaction bottle and 0.5 ml of reducing reagent, for example tin-II chloride solution, is added. The bottle is then connected to the reaction unit of the Lab Analyzer 254 and measurement is started by just pressing a key. The mercury is quickly stripped from the reaction flask. After 60 to 80 seconds the end of the analysis is acoustically announced and the measurement result is displayed on the screen. Now the device is ready for the next analysis.

Using the LabAnalyzer-254 is easy:

1. Fill sample into reaction flask and add 0.5 ml of reagent

2. Attach reaction flask to reaction unit bubbler tube

3. Close securing bracket of reaction unit

4. Press key to start measurement

Storage of analytical results and quality assurance

Together with all the data necessary for quality assurance the results of the analyses are stored in the RAM of the built-in computer. They can be recalled at any time, and a print-out of this data is also possible. The transfer of all data to a PC can be done easily with the included connecting cable.

Calibration

Commonly available mercury standard solution are used for calibration. Up to three calibrations can be stored and activated for analysis. At the end of a calibration a linear calibration graph is automatically calculated and displayed. Up to 10 calibration points can be used for a calibration. Outliers are marked automatically and the corresponding calibration points may be rejected or accepted.

Display of mercury test results

During the measurement the measuring signal is continuously displayed on the screen. An acoustic alarm is activated to indicate the end of the measurement. In addition to the measurement signal graph, the peak value and the mercury concentration in µg/l are indicated. For samples which are diluted prior to analysis a dilution factor can be entered.

Fast mercury analyses

Even with high concentrations no lengthy purging time is required. After every measurement a zero adjustment is carried out automatically (auto zero).The typical duration of a measurement including purging the system free from mercury is 60 to 80 seconds.

Safety for the user

The mercury cannot escape into the working environment, as any free mercury is collected in a sulfurized activated carbon cartridge. If the cartridge needs replacement, a message appears on the control panel. The analyzed sample no longer contains any mercury.

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LabAnalyzer 254 Technical Specifications

• Measuring Principal: UV-Absorption, cold vapor technique (CVAAS) peak method
• Wavelength: 253.7 nm
• UV Source: electrodeless low-pressure mercury lamp (EDL) temp. controlled
• Measuring Cell: approx. 23 cm, made entirely of fused silica (Suprasil), heated
• Pump: long-life diaphragm pump
• Air Flow: 30 l/h, adjustable
• Measuring range: 0.01 µg/l ...10 µg/l (10 ppt ... 10 ppb) for 10 ml sample volume
• Sensitivity: 5 ng/l or 0.05 ng absolute
• Reproducibility: < 1.5 % RSD at 1 ppb
• Analysis duration: < 80 sec
• Sample volume: 0.1 ... 10 ml
• Reducing reagent: tin-II-chloride or sodium tetrahydroborate
• Display: graphic LCD with background illumination
• Signal outputs: analogue 4-20 mA, RS232 serial output, parallel (Centronics) printer output
• Power supply: 115V or 230 V 50/60 Hz
• Power rating: 35 VA
• Dimensions: Reaction unit: 9.5" wide x 18.9" High x 10.6" deep
• Dimensions: Photometer unit: 17.7" wide x 5.9" High x 13.7" deep
• Required bench space: 27.5" x 19.7"
• Weight: 22 Lbs.