990 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
Fully Automated Atomic Absorption System for Flame & Furnace Analysis
The PG Instruments 990 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer is a comprehensive, fully automated analytical instrument designed for precise elemental analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Combining flame and graphite furnace technologies into a single integrated platform, the 990 model delivers robust performance across a wide range of applications including environmental, pharmaceutical, food safety, clinical, geological, metal, mining, and petrochemical laboratories.
Key Features & Capabilities
Fully Integrated Flame & Graphite Furnace
• Built-in air/acetylene flame and graphite furnace for flexible analysis.
• Automatic software-controlled switching between flame and furnace modes.
• Ideal for both routine analysis and ultra-trace measurements.
Automatic 8-Lamp Hollow Cathode Turret
• Motorised 8-position lamp turret with automatic alignment and optimisation.
• Two lamps can be pre-heated and ready simultaneously.
• Automatic wavelength selection and peak alignment via software.
Background Correction Methods
• Deuterium lamp correction for baseline stability.
• Self-Reversal background correction for highly accurate interference compensation.
Software Control & Data Management
• Full control via AAWin software on Windows platform.
• Automatic optimisation of gas flows, burner height, wavelength setting, and detector parameters.
• Comprehensive reporting with spectra, calibration curves, statistical analysis, and QC output.
Safety & Operational Features
The 990 system includes multiple safety interlocks and sensors:
• Flame safety monitoring — flow rate variation alarm, flame detector, and automatic shut-off.
• Support gas pressure monitoring with automatic flame extinguishment if unsafe.
• Drain trap liquid level sensor to prevent ignition without sufficient drain protection.
• Graphite furnace safety sensors — argon pressure, water flow, over-temperature shutdown, and broken tube protection.
Analytical Performance & Options
The instrument performs a range of analytical methods:
• Flame atomic absorption analysis
• Graphite furnace atomic absorption analysis
• Hydride generation analysis (optional accessory)
• Cold vapor analysis for mercury (optional accessory)
Optical and Spectral Specifications
Wavelength Range: 190 – 900 nm
Monochromator: Computer-controlled Czerny-Turner
Spectral Bandwidth: 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 1.0, 2.0 nm (auto-select)
Wavelength Accuracy: ±0.25 nm
Wavelength Repeatability: ≤0.15 nm
Baseline Stability: ≤0.005 A (30 min)
8-Lamp Hollow Cathode: Automatic positioning & optimisation
Flame Analysis Specifications
Sensitivity (Copper Cu): <0.03 µg/mL for 1% absorption
Burner Head: Titanium alloy
Nebuliser: High-efficiency glass type
Atomisation Chamber: Corrosion-resistant
Automatic Adjustment: Flame/furnace switchover and optimal burner height
Safety: Automated ignition & controlled fuel/air mixture shutdown on fault.
Graphite Furnace Analysis Specification
Characteristic Concentration: (Cd) ~0.5 pg
Temperature Range: Ambient → 2650 °C
Heating Program: Up to 9 programmable steps
Heating Control: Voltage feedback (drying/ashing), Optical temp control (atomising)
Data Processing & Reporting
Analytical methods: Flame, graphite furnace, hydride
Calibration curve fitting: 1st, 2nd, 3rd order
Standard addition method supported
Repetitions: 1–20 with Average, SD & RSD output
Full printout of analytical parameters, spectra, calibration curves, and statistics
Physical & Electrical Specifications
Light Source: 8-lamp hollow cathode turret (2 simultaneously)
Power Supply: 110 V/60 Hz or 220 V/50 Hz AC
Mainframe Power: ~200 W
Graphite Furnace Power: ~5000 W
Dimensions (Mainframe): 110 cm × 50 cm × 45 cm
Graphite Furnace Unit: 50 cm × 50 cm × 45 cm
Optional Accessories & Extensions
• Hydride Generation System – for ultra-low level analysis of As, Se, Sb, Te, Hg.
• AAS Flame Autosampler – sequential sample handling (50+ samples).
• Graphite Furnace Autosampler – automatic calibration updates, matrix correction & dilution control.
Applications
Suitable for elemental analysis in:
• Environmental testing
• Clinical & pharmaceutical quality control
• Food safety & agriculture
• Metals, mining & minerals
• Petrochemical analysis
• Research & development laboratories
