ICP Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES/ICP-OES)
What is Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer(ICP-AES/ICP-OES)?
Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), also referred to as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), is an analytical technique used for the detection of chemical elements. It is a type of emission spectroscopy that uses inductively coupled plasma to produce excited atoms and ions that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths characteristic of a particular element. The plasma is a high-temperature source of ionized source gas (often argon). The plasma is sustained and maintained by inductive coupling from electrical coils at megahertz frequencies. The source temperature is in the range of 6000 to 10,000 K. The intensity of the emissions from various wavelengths of light is proportional to the concentrations of the elements within the sample.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is an analytical technique used to determine how much of certain elements are in a sample. The ICP-OES principle uses the fact that atoms and ions can absorb energy to move electrons from the ground state to an excited state.
The difference between ICP-AES and ICP-OES is that ICP-AES tests each element one by one, while ICP-OES tests all elements at once.
Features of ICP-AES/ICP-OES
ICP-AES is often used for the analysis of trace elements in soil, and it is for that reason it is often used in forensics to ascertain the origin of soil samples found at crime scenes or on victims, etc. Taking one sample from a control and determining the metal composition and taking the sample obtained from evidence and determining that metal composition allows a comparison to be made. While soil evidence may not stand alone in court it certainly strengthens other evidence.
ICP-OES can even detect a variety of non-metals, which is a limitation of other similar techniques, including AAS and AFS. In addition, ICP-OES can be used to identify multiple elements simultaneously. This is another major advantage compared to AAS and AFS, both of which can only detect one element at a time.
Applications of ICP-AES/ICP-OES
ICP-AES is well-suited for a wide range of sample types, including liquids, solids, and gases. It is often preferred for the analysis of complex matrices. For example:
- Geological and Mining Analysis: ICP-AES can handle geological, mining, and rare earth elements. Analysis of geological samples, including rocks, ores, and minerals, to determine the elemental composition and identify valuable or economically significant elements. Many mines use ICP-OES to check for the purity of the extracted ores of manganese, nickel, or precious metals.
- Metallurgy and Material Science: Quality control and analysis of metals and alloys in industries like metallurgy, manufacturing, and aerospace for alloy composition and impurity detection.
- Environmental Analysis: Determination of trace metals and non-metals in environmental samples such as soil, water, and air for pollution monitoring and compliance with environmental regulations.
ICP-OES is commonly used for liquid samples, making it an excellent choice for routine analyses in applications such as environmental testing, metallurgy, and quality control. For example:
- Routine Elemental Analysis: Widely used for routine analysis of various liquid samples in quality control, manufacturing, and industrial applications.
- Metallurgical Analysis: Analysis of metals and alloys in metallurgy, foundries, and manufacturing processes for quality control and material characterization.
- Environmental Monitoring: Monitoring and analyzing environmental samples, including water and soil, to detect and quantify trace elements and contaminants.
- Petrochemical Analysis: Analysis of petrochemical products, including fuels, lubricants, and chemicals, for quality control and compliance. Petrochemistry uses also ICP-OES, for petroleum refining and lubricant oil production, but also for some applications such as wear metals in oil analysis that allow preventive maintenance to be done for engines (mining trucks, airplanes, etc.).
Different Applications of Spectrophotometer
| Application | Spectrophotometer Type | Picture | Model |
| Gold in Ore, Metallurgy. Geology, Mining, Petroleum. Cement, Soil, Medicine, etc. |
AAS |  |
DW-AA320N |
| Alloy, Mineral, Precious Metal, RoHS, Catalyst etc. | XRF |  |
DW-NP-5010 |
 |
EDX3600H | ||
 |
TrueX 900 | ||
 |
EDX800 | ||
| MaterialsAnalysis, Geology, Petrochemicals, Biology, Cement, Soil, Cosmetics, Food, etc. |
ICP-AES |  |
DW-TY-9900 |
| Foundry, Steel, Metal Recovery, Smelting, MilitaryAerospace, etc. | Full Spectrum Direct Reading Spectrometer |  |
DW-TY9000 |
How to Choose the Model?
The user needs to provide the application field used, what is the sample to be tested, what elements need to be detected, what is the detection level, ppm or ppb, and so on. Then we will recommend the appropriate product model.
Order Process of ICP-AES/ICP-OES
Why Choose Us for ICP-AES/ICP-OES?
“Multiple suppliers” have always been an issue in the procurement process. Drawell as a one-stop laboratory equipment and scientific instruments supplier, can perfectly solve this problem. In addition to manufacturing our own equipment, we also represent other laboratory equipment. Our product lines are rich and diverse at competitive prices. Provide one-stop service to customers.
User Training – Training by Drawell skilled engineers about installation, debug tests, technical services, etc. It can happen in our factory in China, or at the site in the customers’ country. Cost depends on where and when the training happens.
To discuss the problem and get it resolved, online chats, real-time video calls, and remote guidance. For the after-sales stage, our online technical guidance is free and ready forever.
1 year free official warranty, including repairing quality-damaged parts, and offering replacements of selected parts (shipping cost is extra). 5% of the product price is charged for extending the warranty before the end of the official warranty.
