Thermo Scientific ARL iSpark

Optical Emission Spectrometers

Iron and steel • Non-ferrous metals and alloys •

Fine precious metals • Micro-inclusions
ARL OES
iSpark
Spectrometers
Combining experience and innovation
to meet the highest quality standards
For over 80 years, our company has set the standard of quality for spectrochemical
analysis of metals. Throughout these years, performance, stability, reliability and
longevity have been the key attributes of our optical emission spectrometers. The
Thermo Scientific™ ARL iSpark™ metals analyzers combine these guiding principles
with our experience and technical innovation to bring our customers the complete
value based solution they have come to expect from our company.

The ARL iSpark spectrometer can analyze all the elements necessary in your
current and future applications. It is the answer to your analytical needs, whether for
incoming material or metal quality control and production analysis. Working 24/7, the
ARL iSpark metals analyzers deliver reliable performance year after year.

Spark optical emission spectrometry (OES) The ARL iSpark

is the most widely used technique for elemental is a high performance OES spectrometer platform based
concentration analysis of solid metallic samples. With on the best PMT (photomultiplier tube) optics. It features
industry leading quality and performance, Thermo enhanced functionality and other innovative technologies,
Scientific OES spectrometers excel in every aspect of this including:
process with:
• Unique PMT optics
• Very fast elemental analysis of most metals and alloys
• Revolutionary digital spark generator
• Analysis of all necessary elements from trace to percent
• Innovative spark stand design
• Outstanding accuracy, precision and stability
• Advanced signal acquisition technologies and
• Simple instrument operation and maintenance processing algorithms

• Low capital investment and operating costs • Single Spark Acquisition with diffuse spark intensity
removal algorithm to improve accuracy on PMTs

• Most advanced OES analysis of micro-inclusions

• Smart argon management with argon saving modes

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Made-to-measure spectrometers
to answer a variety of needs
The ARL iSpark OES spectrometers include several models meeting the needs of
the industries and processes

Precious
metals

Full Small
automation samples

Metals
and alloys
Non metallic
micro-inclusions

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 Ultimate optical design offering
the best solution to all your needs
The ARL iSpark OES spectrometer is designed around the world’s most famous
one-meter focal length PMT optics of the ARL 3460 and ARL 4460 OES
spectrometers. The ARL iSpark addresses the requirements of all market and
application segments. Its unique optical design concept offers an optimum solution
for everyone looking for analytical excellence.

unmatched
technology

Photomutiplier tubes

PMT spectrometer

Excitation stand

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PMT optics
The one-meter spectrometer in Paschen-Runge mounting with PMT detectors has the
best resolving power on the market. Direct view ensures highest possible sensitivity.
The spectrometer body is made of cast iron and operates under vacuum for ultimate
stability. PMTs with the most advanced signal acquisition and processing technologies
offer the best possible performance available on the market.

Spectrometer
body

Vacuum region

Grating Secondary optics

including slits and mirrors

Horizontal cross-section Primary slit Argon flushed Excitation

through the PMT optics light path stand

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 Technological breakthroughs
to your benefit
The main modules of the spectrometer have been newly designed, leading to
improved instrument performance, reliability, ease of use, as well as a reduction in
maintenance and argon consumption.

outstanding
design

Smart Argon Management (SAM) interface allowing

starting or programming argon saving modes Quick table changeover

IntelliSource Argon management Spark stand

The Thermo Scientific intelliSource is Thanks to an innovative computer The design of the spark stand of the
a double current controlled source controlled argon circuit design, ARL iSpark spectrometers brings
(CCS) and the most innovative spark the argon consumption has been several important benefits:
source on the market. More flexible significantly reduced.
• Optimized spark chamber design
and precise than the other digital to achieve efficient sample ablation
• The argon flows are optimized for
sources, it allows discharge shapes to and repeatable spark plasma with
each phase of the analytical sequence
be tailored for most efficient sample reduced argon consumption
(flush, pre-burn, integration), allowing
surface preparation, material ablation
best performance while requiring the • Efficient air-cooling for high
and light emission in any metallic
minimum argon consumption analytical throughput
matrix.
• Argon saving modes are user • Robust, wear-resistant analysis
Other innovative features contribute to definable with the software tool table
the performance of this spark source. SAM (Smart Argon Management)
• Tool-free system for simple and fast
For example, superior trace element that allows significant savings
maintenance
analysis is obtained thanks to DISC when the instrument is idle. With
(Discharge Interrupt by Short-Circuit) ECOmode the standby flow in the • Optimum design and post-analysis
technology which improves the spark stand is stopped or reduced to a argon pulses ensuring less frequent
repeatability at low current values. minimum level (e.g. 0.1 L/min). stand maintenance operations.

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High degree of functionality
delivering many advantages
The ARL iSpark was designed for increased safety, vacuum pump, argon filter and electronics) facilitates
convenience and ease of use in daily operations: maintenance and service

• The stand cover allows simple operation with maximal • Space saving: the housing cover requires very little
operator security. A hydraulic cylinder makes the clearance behind when opened
opening easy and acts as a braking system that allows a
• Furthermore, all components being accessible from the
smooth and unassisted closing
front, the instrument can be installed against a wall or
• Samples to be analyzed, among other things, can be even in a corner
placed on the worktop located next to the stand
• The sample clamp with ergonomic design
• The setting-up samples and other accessories can be accommodates right- or left-handed operation
placed in the storage compartment
• Quick analytical table changeover and maintenance:
• Front access to all modules of the instrument (e.g. no tools are needed

Easy opening/smooth closing

Worktop

Storage
compartment

Front access for

easy maintenance

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Space saving
 Innovative signal acquisition and
processing for unequalled performance
The ARL iSpark has several innovative signal acquisition and processing features
that contribute to the superb performance and stability of the instrument, and make
it a totally unique OES spectrometer.

unique attributes
Signal acquisition and processing
The PMT signal is integrated during TGA (Time Gated
Acquisition) windows, i.e. time windows synchronized The following features also contribute to the quality and
with the single sparks. TGA is an ultra-high precision the reliability of the analysis:
version of TRS (Time Resolved Spectroscopy) that allows
• The FAST (Flexible Acquisition STart and stop) algorithm
improving sensitivity and accuracy by collecting the signal
allows acquiring an optimal subset of single spark
with minimal noise, background emission and spectral
intensities – the most stable and steady part of the
interference.
signal data – on each channel for improved accuracy

In addition, PMT acquisition features include Single Spark • DISIRE (DIffuse Spark Intensities REmoval) is an
Acquisition (SSA) and low noise integrator to suppress algorithm that improves precision by discarding
dark current and offset. abnormally low intensity signals detected with the
internal standard channel response

• Spark-DAT (Spark Data Acquisition and Treatment)

algorithms enable the determination of the soluble/
insoluble fraction of an element (e.g. Al, B, Ca and Ti in
low alloy steel) or the characterization of micro-inclusions

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Our quality system
your best guarantee
The quality of our instruments is recognized by thousands of customers around the
world. This quality is ensured by our many comprehensive protocols and tools that
compose our manufacturing process, some of which are outlined below.

Applications Quality Assurance

The ARL iSpark spectrometers are delivered as turn-key Every ARL iSpark instrument undergoes rigorous quality
systems with ready-to-use applications, pre-configured tests before and after calibration:
and calibrated in our factory. Analytical conditions,
• Key figures of the instrument modules and components
parameters and calibrations optimized by our specialists
are checked to assure that the functions work according
provide the best accuracy and performance at the highest
to specifications
speed with the lowest argon consumption. Element
coverage and calibration ranges can be extended upon • Performance figures are monitored in order to make
request. Comprehensive application notes for various sure that the instrument performs according to analytical
metal matrices are available. specification

• Calibration accuracy is validated with CRMs and RMs

Calibration
Accuracy, which depends on the calibration of the These steps are documented in the Quality Assurance
instrument, is the most important figure of merit required Report delivered with the instrument.
for a spectrometer. The ARL iSpark metal analyzers are
individually calibrated in our factory. The calibrations are Installation Qualification and Operational
performed using certified reference materials (CRMs) and Qualification (IQ/OQ)
reference materials (RMs) validated in the factory. The Installation Qualification (IQ) performed by our service
The calibration curves are established with CARL engineer demonstrates that the spectrometer is properly
(Calibration ARL), a highly sophisticated multi-variable installed in a suitable environment.
regression (MVR) software tool that corrects for matrix
effects and spectral interferences, all this ensuring the The Operational Qualification (OQ) certifies that the
highest possible accuracy. instrument is working as specified. This comprehensive
automated procedure based on instrument information
is performed during the Quality Assurance process at
the factory and on-site by our service engineer after the
installation. It can be repeated anytime by the user who
wants to check the state of his instrument.

Comprehensive software procedures allow performing and

documenting these two important steps of the instrument
validation.

Calibration curve established with CARL

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 Analysis of micro-inclusions
a rapid analysis for a quick return
Optional methods using the Spark-DAT algorithms allow ultra-fast analysis of micro-
inclusions, such as Al2O3, CaO, Al2O3-CaO, MnS and CaS in steel, or TiB2, oxides,
carbides, nitrides and chlorides in aluminum. The inclusion information can be
obtained simultaneously without any change in operation or maintenance compared
to standard OES analysis. The Spark-DAT methods offer powerful tools for quality
improvement, ideally complementing the OES analysis when metal cleanness is a
concern. The Spark-DAT methods offer the quickest return on investment.

unrivaled
Main attributes and benefits of the Spark-DAT methods:
features
• As fast as a standard OES analysis
• Standard spectrometer operations
• Routine characterization of inclusions during metal
production • Evaluation of number and size of different inclusion types
(Standard Inclusion Analysis)
• Simultaneous inclusion and elemental concentration
analyzes • Quantitative inclusion size determination in steel
(Advanced Inclusion Analysis)
• Easy sample surface preparation and maintenance, no
need for polishing • Quantitative determination of total oxygen content down
to a few ppm in killed
steels (Advanced Inclusion Analysis)

See the dedicated application notes for more details.

Detail of OXSAS display showing the result of simultaneous elemental concentration

and inclusion analysis of a low alloy steel sample. The top results in % are from
elemental analysis. All other results are from Spark-DAT methods. They include Al Single Spark Analysis charts allowing visualization of the
sol, Al insol and total oxygen (TO), peaks and coincidental peaks, and inclusion size. inclusion signals of the two elements Al and Ca in steel

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 Typical OXSAS display showing the result of a two-run analysis in Display of a calibration curve using OXSAS MVR tool
concentration in terms of average, standard deviation, measurement
uncertainty and the two individual runs

OXSAS analytical software

simple, flexible and powerful
Thermo Scientific OXSAS analytical software provides OXSAS offers important features (e.g. measurement
virtually unlimited analytical capacity and flexibility, and uncertainty and full traceability) for companies looking for
includes all the features allowing data management, accreditation of their analytical methods. It also includes
instrument control, calibration, instrument set-up and a comprehensive set of tools for quality and maintenance
diagnostic. management. The Maintenance Management module
assists the operator in the management of routine and
OXSAS gives the ability to work at various functional levels preventive maintenance. This simple and efficient tool helps
from simple operations for routine analysis to a wider to guarantee the performance all through the life of the
access for managers or users performing more critical instrument.
operations (e.g. calibration or user account management).
Thanks to regular free Internet software updates, OXSAS
will continue to meet your requirements throughout
the lifetime of your instrument. All features and details
can be found in the separate OXSAS software product
specification sheet.

Maintenance Management tool showing status of the maintenance

tasks programmed in function of the instrument usage. The image
on the right illustrates the operation to be performed.

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 A choice of automation solutions
for unmatched productivity
The ARL iSpark OES spectrometers are not limited to manual operation: if you
wish to achieve more, meet tighter and tighter product specifications and time
schedules without increasing overhead costs, then our automation solutions
will help you bringing your quality control operations a step ahead with fully
automated sample preparation and analysis.

Thermo Scientific series of SMS automation solutions meet the range of

industry requirements, from large aluminum smelters to modern steel works,
including foundries and metals processors with varied capacities and needs.

Worldwide customer support

Excelling in optical emission spectrometry since 1934, we provide you the support of a major international corporation:

• A comprehensive worldwide after-sales service network assists with resolution of day to day queries and ensures that
the ARL iSpark spectrometer achieves the very high standards of reliability and durability it is designed for

• Operational performance validation and possible online support with diagnostic help

• Application product teams can advise on analytical tasks from sample preparation to delivering the accurate result

• Dedicated training allows you to exploit the full capabilities of your ARL iSpark spectrometer

Find out more at thermofisher.com/ispark

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. © 2017 Thermo Fisher Scientific
Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its Thermo Fisher Scientific
(Ecublens) SARL, Switzerland is
subsidiaries unless otherwise specified. BR41279 1117 ISO certified.

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