Pros and Cons of EMIA/EMGA analyzers

EMIA and EMGA analyzers are unique as elemental analyzers as there is no technique able to provide analysis of C/S, O/N and H with such sensitivity and within few minutes. For example, ED-XRF cannot measured O, N and C and WD-XRF can measure C at % levels only. ICP-OES can determine about 70 elements of the periodic table but not C, O, N and H. Spark-OES instruments cannot measure H accurately and are not reaching the performance of EMIA and EMGA for both low and high levels of concentration.

EMIA and EMGA are flexible and can accept samples as powders, chips, small blocks or granulate and about 1g or less of sample is enough to perform the analysis. They provide high sensitivity and accuracy on a large dynamic range.

The EMIA Pro and Expert analyzers from HORIBA Scientific provides a unique design with a dustless furnace for improved MTBM (Mean Time Between Maintenance) allowing for up to 200 measurements without cleaning. The system provides also a higher throughput than standard instrument with a complete measurement cycle in 70 seconds and, thanks to a user-oriented design, a fast and easy maintenance, typically half of conventional models.

The EMIA Step is equipped with a newly designed dust filter providing easy maintenance, about 5 times faster than with conventional systems, as the dust doesn’t adhere to the piping after the furnace. In addition to facilitating maintenance, this system improves accuracy and sensitivity.

The EMGA Series is equipped with a dual sample/flux introduction mechanism allowing out-gassing of the flux at low temperature prior to the analysis. As a result, optimization of flux efficiency and blank reduction contribute to high accuracy measurements.

In addition, for both EMIA and EMGA, different levels of automation and accessories are available such as autosampler and so on.

A limitation of EMIA and EMGA is that they are not designed to handle liquid samples and cannot perform measurement of organic C, S, O, N and H.

Also, such instruments are not designed to perform measurements on the field or close to process and having them in transportable laboratory lead to an expensive solution due to the need of gases and high electrical current.
 

Comparison of major elemental analyzers

Gas Extraction method is the best method for Carbon/Sulfur/Oxygen/Nitrogen/Hydrogen analysis because of the sensitivity, wide concentration range, good repeatability and high-speed analysis.