When and why do traces of elements need to be measured?

Measuring trace elements is essential in many fields. For instance, in environmental analysis, high levels of heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic can pose serious risks to human health and ecosystems. Monitoring soil, water, and plant samples helps ensure safety and compliance. Even common elements such as carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur are sometimes analyzed, as changes in their concentrations can indicate broader environmental shifts.

Pharmaceutical companies also rely on TEA to ensure product purity and safety. The demand for precision in these analyses is growing, and this is where Bronkhorst’s flow solutions come into play. Our products help optimize the accuracy and repeatability of analytical devices, supporting a wide range of applications.

I like that I can make a small contribution to a clean and safe world by enabling more data to be collected on pollution levels, in combination with analysis devices manufactured by others.

Our team works closely with customers to understand their specific needs and tailor our flow control solutions accordingly. Whether it's for lab-scale or field-use equipment, we aim to provide the right tools for reliable and consistent results.

What is the specific function of a flow controller during analysis?

In elemental analysis, flow controllers play a vital role in managing gas flows used for sample transport and chemical reactions. These gases must be extremely pure, as even minor impurities can interfere with the detection of trace elements. Flow meters and controllers ensure precise and repeatable delivery of gases, which is crucial for accurate and reproducible results.

Whether it's a carrier gas moving the sample through the system or a reactant gas facilitating a chemical reaction, the quality of the flow solution directly impacts the reliability of the analysis. That's why we focus on providing instruments that deliver both high accuracy and long-term stability—ensuring that results remain consistent, no matter when or where the analysis is performed.

Can you tell us a bit more about these specific needs and requirements?

Each analysis device has unique requirements, from physical size and signal processing methods to power supply and control systems. We take all of these factors into account when recommending flow solutions. Price is also an important consideration for many of our customers.

Collaboration between our engineers and those of our clients leads to better outcomes. By working together, we can develop custom solutions that meet the demands of modern analytical systems.

Bronkhorst flow controllers already feature self-diagnosis capabilities to monitor instrument condition. We're also exploring ways to integrate predictive maintenance features, such as analyzing valve tension to anticipate potential issues before they occur.

Currently, I'm focusing on understanding the specific requirements of pharmaceutical companies in trace element analysis. I'd love to hear from readers who have insights or questions on this topic!