Ashing test procedures performed on pharmaceutical, polymer, and food samples frequently involve the use of H2SO4.
Hot acid vapour released during these procedures is both hazardous to analysts and corrosive to equipment. In addition to these complications, sulphate ashing procedures are typically labour-intensive and time
consuming, requiring manual fuming of acid from crucibles and 8-12 hours to complete. The Pyro-SA is a highly efficient alternative to conventional methods and dramatically reduces sulphate ashing times, from hours
to minutes
High sample throughput - 12 simultaneous samples
Odours eliminated through built-in exhaust system
Optimum temperature homogeneity through microwave stirrer
Lightweight ceramic material allows extremely rapid ramping/heating cycles
Highest standards of safety with long operating life
Easy to program with touch screen user interface
Acid scrubbing module The PYRO SA sulphate ashing system enables analysts to add H2SO4 to samples and
place crucibles directly into the microwave muffle furnace without a preliminary charring step. Tedious handling/monitoring of samples and operator exposure to acid fumes are eliminated. The labstation
is designed for complete operator safety and long life, and performs the complete procedure in only 60-90 minutes. Sulphuric acid fumes released from crucibles inside the muffle furnace are continuously
removed, through a quartz tube connected to an air-cooled quartz collection vessel outside the unit, and to the VAC-1000 acid scrubber module
High sample throughput The PYRO SA has an extremely large working cavity area. You can easily
accommodate up to twelve standard 40 mm wide crucibles at a time
Fast heating rates A special Al2O3 vacuum-formed, lightweight ceramic material allows extremely rapid
ramping/heating cycles without any damage to the muffle
Typical sulphate ashing times
More comfortable working conditions No heat added to the laboratory. The special microwave-transparent ceramic muffle
furnace is an outstanding insulator, minimizing heat loss and transfer to the surrounding area
No odours The combustion of samples containing organic matter often generates noxious odors. The built-in exhaust
system of the PYRO SA removes fumes from the interior of the furnace and directs them through an exhaust hose to a fume hood or other outlet
Sample
Microwave Ashing Temp.(°C)
Microwave Ashing Time(min.)
Traditional Ashing Time(min.)
Lactose
600
60
480
NFT
800
50
480
Cellulose
800
80
500
Heavy oil
550
230
960
Antibiotics
850
65
480
Tartaric acid
800
80
5000
User Interface The PYRO SA is controlled through a compact terminal with bright, full-colour, touch-screen display.
The terminal runs the Milestone's unique EasyCONTROL software, to provide simple, user-friendly control of the microwave sample preparation process
