WA-5

The WA-5 measures elemental mercury, chemically known as Hg.

Thanks to the selectable detectors, the system offers optimum results for a wide range of companies. The main area of application for the AAS is primarily air and natural gas analysis. If the WA-5 is installed with an AFS detector, it is suitable for contract laboratories and natural gas producers, for example.

AAS stands for atomic absorption spectrometry, AFS stands for atomic fluorescence spectrometry. These are different measurement methods.

The main difference between the two methods is the measuring range used. AAS can be used to measure in the normal range (0.001 ng to 1,000 ng Hg). With AFS, you can measure in the ultra-trace range (detection limit of less than 0.1 pg Hg).

The terms AAS and AFS refer to two different atomic spectroscopy methods that are used to analyze chemical elements. The principle of AAS is based on the absorption of light by free atoms in the gas phase. Each element absorbs light at specific wavelengths, which is used to identify and quantify the elements. The principle of AFS is based on the emission of light by excited atoms. When atoms are excited by an external energy source, they emit light at characteristic wavelengths, which is used for analysis.

LPG stands for Liquified Petroleum Gas.

The WA-5 is a unique system on the market, with which mercury can be determined directly in gases by means of double amalgamation.

Specific for AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry):

Detector: The WA-5A is equipped with the state-of-the-art dual-cell tri-beam CVAAS detector with auto-range function, which detects all unknown concentrations in a single measurement. Two measuring cells are used, each of which has its own detector (patented three-beam dual-cell CVAAS detector (JP 5596995)). This allows signals to be recorded in parallel. This unique, patented technology is only available in our mercury analyzers, as the measuring cells are connected in series in comparable products on the market. However, parallel signal recording is an enormous advantage, as the measurement is much easier to evaluate because you always have an evaluable peak.

Detection limit and measuring range: The WA-5A has a detection limit of just 0.001 ng Hg and a linear measuring range up to 1,000 ng Hg.

Optical system: By using the special optical system, the WA-5A enables a wide range of applications.

Operating costs: The AAS system WA-5A requires no carrier gas and has an integrated room air filter that generates the clean carrier gas, which reduces operating costs.

Specific for AFS (atomic fluorescence spectrometry)

Detector: The WA-5 is equipped with a highly sensitive CVAFS detector and can achieve a detection limit of less than 0.1 pg Hg.

Measuring range: measures 10 times lower than WA-5A

Detection limit: 0.1pg

Carrier gas: Purified argon is used as the carrier gas for this measurement.

Operating costs: Purified argon is essential for the operation of the AFS. However, the WA-5F uses its own purified room air as a carrier gas source for purging and internal mercury transfer. Argon is only used during the detection sequence, significantly reducing consumption and operating costs compared to other commercial AFS systems.

The following steps are carried out during a measurement: Sample presentation as gas in the Tedlar bag, as liquid gas in the pressure bomb or adsorbed on collection tubes

• Automatic sample transfer / mercury mobilization
• Intermediate focusing through amalgamation
• Measurement using AAS or AFS

Samples are either applied directly (TedlarBag, pressurized gas cylinders) or via pre-loaded gold sand tubes. An autosampler with 30 slots is available for this purpose.

Gaseous samples can be analyzed with the WA-5.

Yes, the autosampler has 30 positions.

Yes, all NIC mercury adsorption tubes are reusable after measurement. The gold-coated sands that are used are synthesized and manufactured in-house using technology that has been proprietary for over 40 years. They have proven to be robust and durable. The right gold compound and coating enables high affinity and selectivity to mercury and high resistance to acid gases and heat.

For operation with AFS detector you need purified argon as carrier gas.

The WA-5 has the compact dimensions W 230 × D 460 × H 390 mm

The appliance weighs 13 kg.

The devices in the WA-5 series are controlled by specific control software that enables intuitive use. Fast commissioning, simple setup of measurement sequences including calibration, easy visualization of results, standby functions, comprehensive reporting, numerous diagnostic and service tools. The software offers everything required for simple and robust operation.

Yes, the device is light and small and is designed for mobile use.

The WA-5 is fully compliant with the following methods, among others (optional accessories may be required): ASTM D5954, ASTM D6350, ISO 6978, ISO 20552, USEPA IO-5, JLPGA-S-07