Product
Review
ICP-AES remains competitive isICPresponsible for the declining market forflameAA instruments?
For routine "wet" elemental analyses, the method of choice has traditionally been eitherflameatomic absorption (AA) or inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). When lower detection limits are required, graphite furnace AA or ICPMS are commonly used instead. The AA market is clearly declining, manufacturers told Analytical Chemistry. Does this trend imply a booss tor rhe ICP market? Where else would elemental analyses go? State of the ICP market
According to the manufacturers, more people are currently using ICP-AES than ICPMS. The edge that ICP-AES has over the ICPMS market, however, is probably not here to stay. Estimates show that the
ICPMS market is growing at a substantially greater rate than ICP-AES. Howard Taylor of the U.S. Geological Survey has taught several short courses on ICP-AES and ICPMS. He believes that competition between the two techniques will increase as the price of ICPMS continues to fall. Complete ICP-AES systems start around $50,000, whereas an ICPMS system is tiiree or four times that amount. Taylor expects to see the prices of ICPMS systems continue to decrease over the next few years. Price, however, is not the only issue involved in the competition between ICP-AES and ICPMS. Many industry standards are based on ICP-AES, said one manufacturer. "ICPMS is a relatively new technique. Even though it probably has greater potential [than ICP-
Analytical Chemistry News & Features, March 1, 1998 211 A
Product Review
Table 1 . Summary of selected ICP-AES instruments* Model
Integra X L
JY Ultima
Direct-Reading Echelle
Optima 3 0 0 0 series
Manufacturer
GBC Scientific Equipment 3930 Ventura Dr., Suite 350 Arlington Heights, IL 60004 800-445-1902
JY Emission Horiba Group 3880 Park Ave. Edison, NJ 08820 800-533-5946
Leeman Labs 6 VVentworth Dr. Hudson, NH 03051 603-886-8400
Perkin-Elmer 761 Main Ave. Norwalk, CT 06859 800-762-4000
URL
www.gbcsci.com
www.isainc.com
www.leemanlabs.com
www.perkin-elmer.com
Type
Sequential
Sequential
Sequential, simultaneous, or combination
Segmented-array CCD simultaneous
Dimensions W x D x H (cm)
124x116x160
1 8 0 x 7 4 x 61 (Benchtop)
133x53x66
1 3 5 x 7 6 x 155
Weight (kg)
500
275
104
454
Nebulizer (standard)
Concentric
Concentric
Hildebrand grid
Corrosion-resistant cross flow and GemCone (both with axial and dual view)
Grating
Ruled (standard); holographic Original holographic, ion(optional) etched
Echelle
Echelle
Plasma view
Radial
Radial
Axial, radial, or dual view
Axial, radial, or dual view
RF generator
Free running; 40.68 MHz; up to 1.5 kW
Solid state; 40.68 MHz; up to 2.6 kW
Free runnning; 40.68 MHz; up to 2 kW
Free running; 40.68 MHz; up to 1.5 kW
Wavelength range
160-800 nm
120-800 nm
177-800 nm
165-782 nm
Detector
Dual PMTs
Dual PMTs
Dual PMTs (sequential); up to 45 PMTs (simultaneous)
Segmented-array CCD; dual detectors (Model 3300)
Options
Second monochromator; autosampler; hydride generator; mass-flow control on plasma and auxiliary gas; ultrasonic and other specialty nebulizers
Autosampler; ultrasonic and other specialty nebulizers; hydride generator; transient signal; and flow injection
Autosampler; ultrasonic and other specialty nebulizers
Autosampler; hydride generator; flow-injection capabilities; ultrasonic and other specialty nebulizers; laser capabilities
Special features
High-efficiency/air-cooled rf; mass-flow gas regulation; argon humidification; highresolution/on-peak quantitation; trace spray chamber; complete methods auto-optimization
Resolution of
