SPECTRO Introduces SPECTROPORT LIBS PXL01 Portable OES Metals Analyzer

Accurate measurements of carbon are critical to identifying many low-alloy steels. And while handheld LIBS analyzers can extend elemental coverage beyond XRF limits in some cases, their ability to measure light elements remains restricted — handling carbon only partially, and phosphorus and sulfur typically not at all.

The SPECTROPORT LIBS PXL01 portable OES metals analyzer has no such limitations. It delivers reliable, on-site identification and concentration of these three light elements, and more.
Based on LIBS technology, a type of optical emission spectroscopy (OES), the analyzer bridges the gap between handheld and mobile devices.

Portable Metals Analysis

Its split-body design enables it to surpass the performance of handheld XRF analyzers, and even most newer LIBS handheld instruments. So it provides accurate identification, verification, and determination of concentrations of most alloys, rapidly and reliably, right on the spot.

The analyzer boosts productivity via broad elemental coverage plus fast measurements within just 2-6 seconds. It also consumes a fraction of the argon that traditional mobile or portable arc/spark systems require.

For transportability, the system can be configured with two replaceable batteries, an ultra-light argon cartridge – all loaded into the instrument body, and a wheeled carrying case. The long-lasting quick-change batteries enable up to 120 measurements per hour (at ta 6-second measurement time) for up to 4.5 hours of operation when two batteries are installed.

Software and Standardization

The latest generation of SPECTRO Spark Analyzer Pro software – known from SPECTRO’s stationary metal analyzers – is now also available on the SPECTROPORT LIBS. It empowers users to define testing modes and sample identification fields quickly and intuitively.

Clear, predefined views omit unnecessary selections and guide users directly to the task at hand. Operators get straightforward options for applications such as grade identification, grade control and pass/fail sorting.

Predefined calibration packages and a SPECTRO-exclusive iCAL 2.0 diagnostics software eliminate repeated standardizations and delays. Perform a single-sample standardization at the start of testing, and the instrument is set for the day. iCAL diagnostics ensure stable performance throughout a typical day regardless of most temperature shifts.

Optics, Data Management, and Probe Options

The split-body design incorporates two optical systems, so it can optimize for both shorter vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and non-VUV element wavelengths. Results: higher resolution, a greater range of elemental wavelengths, and often lower limits of detection (LODs).

SPECTROPORT LIBS PXL01 provides flexible, comprehensive control of metals data management. Its advanced tools accurately and definitively verify, record, and document complete testing results for every field check, every incoming shipment, and every outgoing product. Via WebApp plus PC connections from WLAN/LAN to USB, it offers wide options for data availability on devices throughout the worksite.

The SPECTROPORT LIBS system is available with two probes. The standard probe offers fast, flexible, laser-based performance for routine alloy identification in the field. A second probe option integrates ultraviolet (UV) optics for applications that require reliable measurement of carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus. Both probes also feature a built-in display, so users can run the instrument from the probe and view fast results at the point of measurement. Both probes can be operated with or without argon. Generating an argon-assisted measurement atmosphere supports more stable and sensitive analysis – and with the UV probe, analysis of more elements, such as carbon, phosphorus and sulfur.

Global Service and Support for Elemental Analysis Laboratories

AMECARE Performance Services support SPECTRO analytical reliability and uptime through a global network of hundreds of experienced service engineers operating in more than 50 countries.

For more information about the SPECTROPORT LIBS PXL01 portable OES metals analyzer, visit www.spectro.com or email spectro.info@ametek.com.