Gamal A.

Hamid

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 To everyone who has helped us with support,

new books, hard/soft ware And over the internet

Special thanks for MILESTONE

http://www.milestonesrl.com/
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 • Introduction

• Hardware

• System initialization

• Software

• Analysis

• Applications

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4
 Direct Mercury Analyzer for analysis of liquid, solid and gaseous samples

• DMA which uses the principle of thermal

decomposition, amalgamation and atomic

absorption.

• The DMA-80 can analyze solid, liquid and gas

matrices with equal precision.

• All mercury is released from the sample through

thermal decomposition.

• This eliminates the need for any sample

preparation.

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 • Results in 5 minutes.

• Results are matrix independent.

• Small footprint ideal for laboratory and

field analysis.

• No sample digestion step.

• No chemical pretreatment step.

• Eliminates use of reagents and their disposal.

• Validated results for both solid and liquid

matrices.

• Autosampler allows unattended operation.

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 • Elemental mercury

• Most toxic in its vapor form, slowly vaporizes

at room temperature and more quickly when
heated.

• Organic mercury (methyl-mercury)

• Elemental and inorganic mercury salts are

transformed into organic mercury by
bacteria and it concentrates by bio-
accumulation.

• Readily absorbed in humans

• Exposure can result in long term damage to

the kidney, liver and central nervous system.

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 • Solid, liquid or gas samples are weighed and

introduced in the DMA-80.

• The sample is initially dried and then thermally

decomposed in a oxygen/air flow.

• Combustion products are carried off and further

decomposed in a hot catalyst bed.

• Mercury vapors are trapped on a gold amalgamator

and subsequently desorbed for quantitation.

• The mercury content is determined using atomic

absorption spectrophotometry at 254 nm.

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 The DMA-80 produces accurate results over a wide dynamic range and on a variety of different matrices.

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 • The DMA-80 produces matrix independent results.

• The instrument is calibrated with aqueous standards and analyzes organic and inorganic solid samples.

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 Front View

Back View

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 1. Sample dosing system.

2. Thermal process furnaces.

3. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

4. T660 or T1660 or PC controller.

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 • The DMA-80 has a built-in 40 positions

auto-sampler plate for high throughput

unattended operation, for solid and liquid
samples.

• This auto-sampler system is composed of a

pneumatic and an electrical section.

• Maximum sample weight 500 mg.

• Maximum sample volume 1,5 ml.

• Possibility of multiple sample dosing for Hg

pre-concentration on amalgamator.

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 • Purpose of the pneumatic section is to take

the sample boat from the auto-sampler

plate, to place it in the catalyst tube and, at
the end of the sample analysis, to locate it
back on the plate.

• The movement of the pneumatic cylinders

is activated by the opening and closing of

the corresponding electro-valve placed on
the valves block.

• The position of each pneumatic cylinder is

controlled by two electrical end-run

switches.

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 Auto-sampler motor

• Purpose of the electrical section of the

dosing system is to move, controlled by the

software, the auto-sampler plate in the

correct position for the loading and

analysis of each sample.

• It is based on a step motor with encoder

installed underneath the autosampler

plate.

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 • The samples are weighed and carried for

measurement in special sample boats be

made of Nickel or Quartz.

• To clean metal boats, it is possible to bake

out them in a muffle furnace or they can

be run without sample in the DMA-80 at
650°C (decomposition) for 180 seconds.

• Repeat this cleaning procedure until the

absorbance is stable and lower than 0.003

running blank analysis.

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 • After the loading and positioning steps the

sample is submitted to three different furnace

systems and a thermal process with four distinct
thermal phases: drying, decomposition,
catalyzing and amalgamating.

• Heating in the furnace is produced through an

electrical resistance under the control of power

values and thermocouple sensors.

• All thermal processes are performed under

oxygen flow or air compressed with the purpose

of carrying the sample and its residuals to all the
sections, as well as to aid decomposition.

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 • Moisture removal from solid samples, bulk

evaporation from liquid samples and final

decomposition.

• Temperature is controlled by a thermocouple

connected to the mother board.

• If a new catalyst or amalgamator tube is replaced,

conditioning procedure has to be followed and a

new calibration curve is required.

• This process is not necessary for new DMA80 it

already done during final quality control testing.

• After drying the sample is decomposed at high

temperature (burned in the oxygen flow).

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 • keep the temperature of the catalyst tube

stable at around 565°C, which is necessary

for its optimal functioning.

• Inside the catalyst tube, mercury coming

from the sample is converted in metallic

mercury and the reaction products
generated during the sample
decomposition are neutralized.

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 • Hg is trapped in the amalgamator and all the other
gases are flushed out of the system before Hg is
measured in the cuvette.
• The amalgamator coil has a double purpose: to keep the
amalgamator tube at the stand-by temperature of
around 170°C/150°C and then to quickly heat it up to
850°C.
• The temperature is measured with an infrared sensor.

• The first stand-by temperature is necessary to avoid

water condensation and retain of organic residues in
the amalgamator tube.
• The grove on the quartz must be placed close to the
cuvette.

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 • The spectrometer works with a single
beam system with sequential flow through
measurement cells.

• It is composed of:

 A low pressure Hg lamp with relative

power supplier,

 A cuvette system with quartz

window,

 A detector based on a Si-photodiode

sensor.

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 • Normal system: The spectrometer works

with a single beam system with sequential

flow through measurement cells.

• It is composed of a low pressure Hg lamp

with relative power supplier, a cuvette

system with quartz window and a detector
based on a Si-photodiode sensor.

• The cuvette block is also provided with an

heating system, controlled by thermocouple,

with the purpose of avoiding moisture
condensation.

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 • Tricell system: The spectrometer

works with a dual beam system

with sequential flow through
measurement cells.

• It is composed of an high power Hg

lamp with relative power supplier, a

cuvette system with quartz window
and two detectors based on a Si-
photodiode sensor.

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 • Light source is a low pressure mercury

vapor lamp.

• The lamp is not subjected to temperature

changes and its voltage is stable in the

time.

• The cooling fan and the temperature

sensor ensure a full control of the lamp

temperature.

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 • Cuvette system with quartz window.

• The cuvette block is provided with an heating system, controlled

by thermocouple, with the purpose of avoiding moisture

condensation.

• Clean the windows using a very soft tissue and some acetone.

• Dry them very well, in order not to left any mark on the quartz.

• Tricell DMA-80: The first and long one cuvette is used for

measuring low Hg content (up to approx. 10 ng),

• The second medium one (10-20ng), the third and short one for

measuring high Hg content (up to approx. 1200 ng).

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 • Detector is UV enhanced Si- photodiodes.

• Wavelength is 253.65 nm.

• Tricell system detectors.

• Normal system detector.

• Detection limit:

 0.005 ng of Hg (dual-cell)

 0.0015 ng of Hg (tri-cell)

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Terminals 660 ( 1660)

• Touch-screen 6.5” (12”)with 65.000 colors; VGA resolution

640x480 for sharp process graphic.

• 5 USB port, 1 LAN connection for network, 2 RS 232 ports for

external devices, 2 video port.

• Methods and runs saved on PC-compatible USB pen-drive.

Personal Computer (minimum requirements)

• CPU Pentium III 800, RAM 256 MB.

• 20 MB free space on hard disk.

• 1 USB port, 1 CD-ROM reader, operating system Windows 7, XP

or Vista.

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 Function Carrier and decomposition gas

Inlet pressure 4 bar (60 psig)

Flow rate 200 ml/minute

“Research” grade
Purity
(O2 > 99,95%)

Internal oxygen
3.1 bar
pressure

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 • The required Oxygen must have a flow rate

of approximately 160ml/minute (6-8 l/h)

and an inlet pressure of 4 bar (60 psig).

• To avoid damages to the pressure regulator

diaphragm, open the tank valve only when

the DMA-80 unit and the Terminal are
communicating, then adjust the pressure
from 0 to 4 bar.

• The internal Oxygen pressure must be set

at 3,1 bar.

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 • Oxygen/Air connection,

• The DMA can run using Oxygen or Air with

the same pressure.

• The Oxygen or Air required for DMA-80

working must be at “research” grade (O2

/Air purity > 99,95%).

• A flow rate must have of approximately

160ml/minute (6-8 l/h) and an inlet

pressure of 4 bar (60 psig).

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 • Mercury trap to be located at

DMA-80 outlet.

• Activated charcoal.

• Safe operation.

• Easy and ready to install.

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 • The DMA-80 system must be installed in a

well ventilated, dust free room, free from

acid vapors or highly corrosive chemical
atmosphere.

• Aggressive vapors can attack the system

through its ventilation openings and cause

heavy damage to the electronic boards,
plugs, etc.

• The optimal placement is in an air-

conditioned room with approx. 20 °C (± 3 °C).

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 System initialization steps:

1. Warm up of the unit.

2. Initialization of the Catalyst tube.

3. Calibration of the unit Load one of the original .

4. Conditioning the catalyst tube.

5. Stability of 100ul of aqueous standard solution.

6. Verification of stability test.

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 • Click on DMA-80 Measurement icon and wait

the complete warm up of the unit.

• After approx. 15 minutes the message

“START” of the software will indicate that the

DMA-80 is ready to work.

• At this point it would be possible to install

the amalgamator.

• If a trace of condensation on the tip of the

catalyst, switch ON the unit again, wait some

minutes to remove this condensation.

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 Create a new working method (sample path and temperatures) in according to the
information you can find in the table.

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 • In the calibration page load the

original calibration of the unit

performed during the QC of the
instrument.

• You can find the file saved in the

USB key or CD-ROM (calibration).

• If any calibration is not selected

the analysis can not start.

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 Proceed with this method:

• 2 times B/V amalgamator

• 3 boats without boats

• 1 boat flour 0,3g + water 50µl

• 2 boats without boats

• 1 boat flour 0,3g + water 50µl

• n° blanks without boats (it must give an

absorbance value, (height) < 0,0030 in

cell 1).

• If the conditions above are not verified it

is necessary to run further cleaning.

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 • The solution (100 µl of 100ppb) must be fresh • Go to Meas. Page and press the white paper to
and stabilized with 1-2% of HCL(ultrapure). create a new measurement file and save it as
• Create a new working method “stability”.
1) 00:00:10 200°C • Quartz sample boat required.

2) 00:01:00 200°C • In case of metal boats usage, they must be

3) 00:01:30 650°C deeply cleaned before to run a stability test.

4) 00:01:30 650°C

• Max start: 250°C

• Purge time P: 60 s

• Amalgamator heating time H: 12 s

• Signal recording time R: 30 s

• Use this method for the test that will follow

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 • Once the analyse has ended, you have to verify:

• The absorbance values (Height) are between 0,4200

and 0.5700.
• Select all samples (green circle) in order to verify the
correct value of RSD(% error between selected
readings). It must be <3%.
• If one of this conditions is not verified, try to run the
test again.
• If both conditions are verified, then the test is passed.

• Now, it is possible proceed with the calibration of the

unit if the customer needs or start to work with the
original calibration.

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 • Evolution of previous Windows™ based

DMA-80 software.

• Selectable calibration algorithm.

• Virtually unlimited memory for programs

and actual data storage.

• Built-in service and diagnosis functions

• CFR-21 part 11 compliant.

• All sample parameters, including furnace

temperatures, method profiles, absorbance

signals, results , and calibrations are saved.

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 Item Symbol Function

Dma-80 The actual control program

Measurements
Balance Set-up The communication settings for the balance.
These must be adjusted only when switching over to a new type
of balance.
History Trail All changes in the system are automatically documented, e.g.
login, logout, etc
Panel Administration This area is dedicated to the basic adjustments/settings and to
the user administration. The basic settings to a major extent are
reserved to Service.
Logout With Logout you go out of the system.
The Login window appears where the next user can log in with his
own password.

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 DMA-80 MEASUREMENTS

• The actual control program is opened.

• This is divided into four main registers.

1. Method

2. Calibration

3. Measurement

4. System

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 • To create a new method its Program

steps must be defined, as well as the

related parameters (temperature,
heating ramp, decomposition time,
amalgam heating time, purge time of
the process.

• Here methods can be created, stored,

changed, deleted and loaded.

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 Item Symbol Function

Create new file Provides a new, empty file

Go back Go back to the start screen, save any changes before quitting.

Break Terminated without saving and the input window is quitted.

Delete File is deleted.

Start If there is a sand clock on, this means that a Current procedure
must first be accomplished (e.g. Heating of furnace and cuvette).
Stop The current measurement is interrupted and the sample boats
are taken back to the auto sampler tray.
Restart The stop-button must then be re-set Touching the red-green stop-
button.

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 No. Function Meaning

1 Steps 1-2 Drying time 00:00:10 to 00:02:00

2 Steps 3-4 Decomposition time 00:0 0:10 to 00:04:00

3 Max. Start-T Measurement starts only when temperature T1 (drying- und

decomposition furnace) is under the maximum Start-
Temperature.
4 Purge time The time elapsing between the end of
drying/decomposition and the start of the Hg measurement.

5 Amalgam Heater Time The time required by the amalgam heater to completely
release the Hg collected in the absorption cell.

6 Recording Time Time for Noted and evaluated the measuring signal of the
spectrometer.

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 Temperature Typical
Step Time range Typical time
range temperature

Drying 20-300°C 200°C 0-300 s 60 s

Decomposition 500-1000°C 650°C 0-420 s 180 s

Catalyst 550-650°C 565°C 0-420 s 180 s

Amalgamator 850-950°C 850°C 0-30 s 12 s

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 • Purpose is to administer the calibration
files.
• From a calibration file you can select the
used measuring points and specify the
regression curves for each cuvette.
• Different calibration files can be opened,
created and saved.
• All cuvettes are always used for
measurement.
• If the maximum peek of the first signal is
over 1.0 A (standard setting), the maximum
of the second signal will be used to
calculate the result.

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 Item Symbol Function

ΔE or δ Hg Value by which the measured value deviates from the calibration

curve

The R² Is calculated from the deviations of the measured values that

have been calculated

Zero point The curve is placed across the zero point

setting
Ultratrace range The calibration curve can be adapted to measuring for ultratrace
analysis.
Calibration It is possible to determine the type of calibration curve. If
methods „undefined“ is selected, then only the measured points will be
shown and not curve.

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 Low value used for 1st cell
calibration 0 – 35 ng.

• The working standards solution

must be freshly prepared before

every calibration.
From 5
Standard HCl 36% Deionized
ppm
• Diluted liquid standard solution solution
in ml
in ml water in ml

can be stored for one month if Blank 0 1 Up to 100

maintained in its original tightly 0.05 ppm 1 1 Up to 100

sealed bottle away from sunlight
0.1 ppm 2 1 Up to 100
and intense sources of radiation,
0.2 ppm 4 1 Up to 100
in a refrigerator at 10°C.
0.3 ppm 6 1 Up to 100

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 High value used for 2nd cell of
calibration35 – 600 ng.

• Stock solution of 1000 ppm

(1mg/ml) of HgCl2 stabilized in

diluted HCl.

• Standard for atomic absorption.

• Stock solution of 1000 ppm can be Standard 1000 ppm HCl 36% Deionized
solution in ml in ml water in ml
stored for one year if maintained in
1 ppm 0.1 1 Up to 100
its original tightly sealed bottle away
from sunlight and intense sources of 2 ppm 0.2 1 Up to 100

radiation, in a refrigerator at 10°C. 5 ppm 0.3 1 Up to 100

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 • The extinction process can be monitored in

real time.

• Previously measured data can be recalled

and displayed at any time.

• Results and statistics (over selected data)

are calculated and can be printed out.

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 Item Symbol Function

Add data A new line is added to the table.

Simple mode Each sample is measured individually. Each measurement has to

be manually started.
Automatic mode Samples are automatically measured in sequence one after the
other.
Only one sample Only a defined maximum volume can be loaded into the sample
boat.
Concentrate over With the concentrate function a large sample can be distributed
several samples and measured in several sample boats.
The divided samples are thermally decomposed and the total Hg
of all subsamples is collected successively in the amalgamator.

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 • Sample name, The Name is taken over from the selected record and can be changed/modified.

• Pos, Consists of two numbers: If Simple sample processing is activated, and a sample is added,

the number over the selected record will be taken, alternatively the sample can be selected (from
pos. 1 to 40), as in this operating mode each sample can be measured individually.

• n, the number of samples.

• Amount , A weight must always be entered.

• Remarks, It is possible to enter comments on the corresponding samples.

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 In this Register you can select the calibration file (Cal-Date) and Methods to be used for the
process.

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 • On the left of the screen there is a

listing of the samples.

• If one sample is check-marked, its

curve is shown in the graphic on the

right.

• Each measurement is shown in real

time and can be observed during

process run.

• During a current measurement you

can also look at earlier runs.

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 • Check the signal for a typical good

peak:

• The shape of the peak is regular

• The distance between Peak Cell 1

and Peak Cell 2 is between 11 to 15

seconds.

• In this picture: T2 (21,85s) – T1

(6,85s) = 15 seconds

• Remember, Oxygen flow rate is

from 5 to 8 L/h.

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 • The average final result with the relative standard deviation is shown in the headline of the

multiple measurements. Individual values can be disabled removing the sigma sign.

• Hg [ng], Absolute quanty of Hg in the sample (calculated from active calibration) c[μg/kg] or

c[mg/kg],Concentration of Hg in the sample (calculated from active calibration and sample

weight).

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 Here the system is supervised (Autosampler, heating elements, spectrometer)

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 After the start of the system all Standby functions are activated:

• The Hg lamp of the spectrometer is switched on

• The catalyst tube is locked by the pneumatic cylinder.

• Oxygen flushes the catalyst, as long as there is gas pressure.

• Catalyst, amalgamator unit and absorption cells are heated up to Standby temperatures.

• After reaching these temperatures the Start button is released.

• HEATING 1: for drying and decomposition of the sample. Here also the oxygenation takes place.

• HEATING 2: Heating of the catalyst zone at constant temperature.

• HEATING 3: Heating of the amalgamator: at constant temperature to prevent separation of

condensation water. Heating to high temperature is then used to release very rapidly the
accumulated Hg.

• HEATING 4: Heating of the cuvette block at constant temperature, to avoid condensation.

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 • Working range: from 0.05 ng up to 600 ng absolute value of Hg.

• That means for 100 mg of sample, 0.5 ppb up to 6 ppm.

• Eliminate any source of contamination coming from environmental dust or from the

samples.

• Cleaning boats—in the DMA-80 or a muffle at 800°C for a few minutes.

• Clean the laboratory tools such as spatula, balance plate, tweezers, etc.

• The working standards solution must be freshly prepared before every calibration.

• Stock solution of 1000 ppm can be stored for one year if maintained in its original tightly

sealed bottle away from sunlight and intense sources of radiation, in a refrigerator at 10°C.

• Note: It is recommended to measure liquid samples only in Single mode using metal boat.

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 • Diluted liquid standard solution can be stored for one month.

• The curve comprises the entire range of interest, working range 0.5– 600 ng.

• The quality of the calibration curve can be also improved by using quartz boats,

because quartz is completely inert.

• A method blank is prepared by using a volume or weight of reagent water at the

volume or weight specified in the preparation method.

• For solids (special for inorganic matrix), it is extremely important to have

homogeneous distribution of mercury and uniform sample sizes with a maximum

particle size of 100 um.

• Quartz boat are completely inert; they have no memory effect, and do not interact

with the acid used for stabilizing the samples.

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 • Increase the decomposition time will reduce the memory effect.

• Increase the recovery from difficult inorganic sample matrices, such as metal oxide, by

increasing its decomposition temperature and time.

• Reduce the drying temperature and extend the time if strong exothermic reaction

persists.

• Use pre-concentration step to increase signal of low Hg amount.

• Longer drying step allows a pre-combustion of sample before rapid decomposition at

high temperature, reducing the exothermic reaction.

• With liquid samples, metal boats can be used only in single mode, to minimize the loss

of mercury due to chemical interaction between the acid matrix and the metal boat.

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 • Drying time (sec) = Sample Volume (μL) × 0.6 or

• Drying time (sec) = Sample weight (mg) × 0.6 x % H2O.

• For dry inorganic samples, Drying time =10 sec

• Drying temperature = 200°C for most samples.

• Reduce the drying temperature if you are working with flammable sample

• Decomposition time is 3 min. for most samples.

• Increase decomposition time if analysis resulted in high RSD (> 5 %)

• Add 30 sec and analyze samples determining RSD again.

• For Example, coal requires 300 sec(for others see application notes).

• Decomposition temperature = 650°C for most samples

• Purge time is 60 sec for most samples

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 Working standard (ppm) = Stock solution (ppm) x (Volume of the stock solution (mL)
Total volume (mL).

• To calibrate the instrument for its full

range, prepare 5 ppb up to 10 ppm Hg
working standards.
• Don’t leave the solution bottles open on
the bench and at the end store them
into a fridge at 5-10°C.
• The instrument does not have to be re-
calibrated every time, but the calibration
curve must be checked every morning
prior to analyze unknown samples.

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 Different volumes of same standard solution

• 1 ml of 1000 ppm in 100 ml measuring 10 ppm

• 1 ml of 10 ppm in 100 ml measuring 100 ppb

Different volume of this solution (100ppb) and put it in 100 ml

measuring flask will give different concentration:-

( 50 μL, 100 μL and 200 μL) give ( 5 ng, 10 ng and 20 ng mercury).

Same volume but different standards solutions (most used)

• 1 ml of 1000 ppm in 100 ml measuring 10 ppm

• 0.5 ml of 10 ppm in 100 ml measuring 50 ppb

• 1 ml of 10 ppm in 100 ml measuring 100 ppb

• 2 ml of 10 ppm in 100 ml measuring 200ppb

Same volume (100 μL) of above 3 solutions in three 100 ml measuring flask gives

different concentrations ( 5 ng, 10 ng and 20 ng mercury).

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 For solids and liquids Automatic switch-over.

Dual-cell:

Low range: 0 to 20 ng.

High range: 20 to 1500 ng.

Tri-cell:

Low range: 0 to 10 ng

Medium range: 10 to 20 ng.

High range: 20 to 1500 ng.

• Use 0.5 % - 5 % (1 % suggested) dilute

hydrochloric for the dilutions.

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 • The instrument is calibrated using aqueous

standards and then analyzes organic and

inorganic solid samples.

• One method is used to analyze a variety of

different matrices .

Up to 1,5 grams of solid,

1,5 mL of liquids

0.05-100 l. of gas can be analyzed.

• For solid sample, we need to reduce the

sample’s particle size to a powder form,

normally below 100 um.

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 • Simply sample the gas, through a dedicated

mass flow controller, using the Sorbent

Traps, and load them onto the DMA.

• Total mercury (elemental and oxidized

forms) is quantitatively measured in 5

minutes.

• Sorbent Traps are reusable and extremely

easy to operate.

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 • More adsorption tubes can be tied up,

according to requirement.

• With two adsorption tubes, the sample gas

is collected on the first tube, while the

second is used to control the blank value.

• Upgrading kit for direct mercury

determination at trace level in gases.

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 • Switch on the DMA-80 System it requires approx. 15 minutes of pre-heating time before run.

• Open the “Methods - parameter”, type a new method name, description and assign the working
parameters of the instrument, such as drying and decomposition time and save the new method
file.
• Open the “DMA-80 Measurement - sample ” click the button to obtain a new empty data file, type
a new data name, number of sample and weight, description and save new data file, Select the
operating mode, either automatic or simple.
• Open the “DMA-80 Calibration”, click the button for provide new empty calibration file, type a new
data name, description and save the new calibration file.
• Return to the “DMA-80 Measurement ”, and load the data file saved. Open “Sample” table of
“Data”. Click “magic wand” button to build a new line, fill the data.
• Open “ Measurement - Result” table and clicking the “Calibration” button appears under State “C”.
Enter with the concentration of your working standard solution.

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 • Carry on an blank (several empty boats) measurement to make sure that the system is free
from Hg contaminations, (this cleans the system and the boats).
• Then, follow the calibration procedure that has been described above, running one of the
clean empty boats. In the “Result” table, enter 0.0000 in the “C (μg/Kg)” column and 0.1 g in
the “Weight” column.
• Check calibration of the system measuring a reference sample. At the end also the signal
curve can be tested in the Measurement/Signal menu.
• Add the data necessary for the measurement. Be careful that measurement can be started
only when weight is indicated for all data records.
• Enter the sample weight, put the sample in the Autosampler and start measurement.

• Verify the results, If the samples show heavily different Hg values, it is recommended to carry
out blank measurements after samples with high values.

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 • An initial calibration verification standard is checked once per run after calibration.

• An initial calibration verification blank is checked once per run after calibration.

• Verification standard for instrument calibration and standardization:

• checked every 10 samples and at end of run.

• A method blank is analyzed with each sample batch, or one per

20 samples (5%), for each matrix.

• An external reference sample (laboratory control standard) is analyzed with

each batch, or one of 20 samples (5%) for each matrix.

• A matrix spike is analyzed with each sample batch, or one per 20 samples (5%)

for each matrix.

• A sample in replicates (spike in replicates) is analyzed with each sample batch,

or one per 20 samples (5%), for each matrix.

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 • Control standards for checking the stability of the instrument

calibration within ±10% of their true value.

• blank should be less than 10% of the lowest sample

concentration for each analyte.

• The acceptable criteria in absence of historical analysis is set at

±10%.

• Matrix Spike/Matrix Spike duplicated at ± 20% of the spiked for

precision and ≤ 20 relative percent difference.

• For samples processed, The acceptable criteria in absence of

historical analysis is set at ±10%.

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 • Biological
Blood, urine, hair, tissue, plankton
• Liquids
Waste water, crude oil, heavy oil, detergents, paints
• Solids
Coal, fly ash, soil, sediment, sludge, minerals, food, feed,
plastic, wood, vegetables, leaves, waxes
• Medicinal
Pharmaceuticals, gelatin capsules, lipstick, lotions
• Gas
natural gas, biogas, gases processing, safety and health
occupational hygiene, hazardous waste inspection

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 • Clinical, 6 applications . • Pharmaceutical , 11 applications .

• Chemicals, 8 applications . • Petroleum, 10 applications .

• Beverage, 4 applications . • Geochemistry, 25 applications .

• Cosmetic, 4 applications . • Industrial, 3 applications .

• Environment, 14 applications . • Energy, 1 applications .

• Foods, 29 applications. • Plastic, 20 applications .

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