Products

IsoPrime100 IRMS

The IsoPrime100 is the next generation of the world renowned IsoPrime gas source stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Building on a legacy of almost 40 years, the IsoPrime100 is the most compact, high performance IRMS on the market and is the latest development from IsoPrime Ltd. At the heart of the new IsoPrime100 is a completely redesigned 100V head amplifier which offers unrivalled dynamic range as well as automatic gain-switching. Enhancements to the ionisation source have resulted in higher instrument performance with exceptional sensitivity, precision and accuracy as well as a market leading low H₃⁺ correction factor of ≤ 8.0ppm/nA.

 

The IsoPrime100 offers standard analysis of δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ³⁴S δD and δ¹⁸O across a diverse range of samples but it also offers a suite of special “multi-collector” applications. With capacity for detecting and measuring up to 10 ion beams simultaneously, the IsoPrime100 can be used for analysis of chlorine and bromine isotopes, N₂O isotopomers, SO₂ – SO fractions and CO₂ clumped isotopes as well as other bespoke configurations.

 

As part of the IsoPrime100 product portfolio, Isoprime Ltd offer a range on sample introduction systems that work in dual inlet and continuous flow modes. These systems are designed to give the user the highest degree of flexibility whilst offering the ability to analyse practically any sample matrix to the very best level of performance. All introduction systems are fully automated through Isoprime Ltds dedicated IonVantage software to give the user excellent control of sample analysis and switching between inlet systems and gas species is very quick and easy.

 

Download the mini brochure here

 

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Reference gas injector box

For the injection of reference gas for calibration and tuning purposes.
Selected features include:

• Isoprime Ltd’s patented precision gas injection system
• Identical performance on reference gas injection in continuous flow mode between reference gas boxes
  and dual inlet
• Precise mixture of reference gas and helium for use as an internal standard
• Continuously variable adjustment of gas mixture
• Easy access to the needle valves for maintenance work

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Elemental analysis

Bulk Isotopic analysis of organic and inorganic materials forms the staple analysis of many IRMS laboratories. Based on our 30 years experience of EA-IRMS associated with 100 years of experience from Elementar, Isoprime Ltd is proud to supply a unique range of three vario series EAs specially adapted to all possible EA-IRMS applications.

 

All vario EAs are designed and built to the highest quality which translates to the simplest operation and maintenance for even the most inexperienced of users. The following key components form the core of the vario EAs:

• Purge & Trap separation of analyte gas mixtures controlled by Thermal Programmed Desorption (TPD) which has been pioneered by Elementar. Purge & Trap separation offers unparalleled multi-elemental “isotopic fingerprinting” performance with guaranteed baseline resolution
• Absolutely zero-blank ball-valve for sample introduction. Each sample is individually purged before analysis resulting in reliable analysis of extremely low nitrogen concentrations
• 80 or 120 position sample carousel which can be added to in real-time with no need for stacking, purging or evacuation
• Vario EAs can be used as standalone elemental analysers with no need for reconfiguration
• Large range TCD detector which is impervious to oxygen intrusion and capable of detecting elemental concentrations and ratios from p.p.m. to 100%
• No tools are needed for daily maintenance due to ball and clamp fittings. Ash fingers can be replaced in minutes and furnace tube exchange can be done equally as fast. Active software alerts fore-warn users of impending maintenance requirements
• Intuitive and intelligent software control which is integrated into IonVantage giving “run-once” sample lists and consolidated elemental and isotopic concentration data in a single report
• Automated, software controlled leak diagnostics programme makes problem solving simple and fast
• Easy to configure, optional Vario Liquid Sampler (VLS) for introduction of liquid samples into the EA through a septum-free micro seal injection port. Makes incredibly high precision analysis of δ¹⁸O and δD of waters with patented ChromeHD technology possible. Full software control gives full flexibility of injection routine on a sample-to-sample basis
• Compatible with a diluter to dilute high concentration sample gasses as they elute from the elemental analyser. Offers a standby function to preserve sample carrier He when EA is not in analysis mode which lowers EA running costs

vario MICRO cube

The vario MICRO cube is optimised for micro sample analysis and is the universal elemental analyser for IRMS. The vario MICRO cube comes with a 120 position sample carousel as standard. It uses dual furnace technology for separate combustion and reduction steps for better efficiency and shorter down-time. Software controlled, precise oxygen injection provides unique flexibility and ensures highly efficient oxidation of sample. With a single purge & trap separation device the vario MICRO cube has an unrivalled ability to analysing sequential NCS isotopes in under 12 minutes which means that sulphur does not have to be analysed separately as is common with other EAs.

• Catalytic combustion of sample in pure oxygen at a temperature of up to 1200°C
• Separate reduction of combustion gasses with hot copper in a second furnace
• Gas mixture is separated by a single Temperature Programmable Desorption (TPD) device giving sequential NCS elemental and isotopic ratio analysis
• 10 year furnace warranty
• Analysis modes – Combustion: CNS / CN / N / S Reduction: ChromeHD
• The vario MICRO cube is suitable for standard analysis of small amounts of organic materials (<10mg organic matter)

For more information about the vario MICRO cube, click here.

 

vario ISOTOPE cube

The vario ISOTOPE cube is the only elemental analyser which has been specifically geared for stable isotope studies and so makes it the ideal choice for most IRMS laboratories. When the vario ISOTOPE cube is coupled to the IsoPrime100 it is the only EA-IRMS system to offer sequential NCHS isotopic analysis from a single aliquot of sample which is an Elementar patented technique. This means that multi-elemental isotopic “fingerprinting” of samples is now incredibly efficient since four isotopes can be analysed from a single sample in under 20 minutes. Sequential NCHS analysis improves throughput, sample consumption is reduced and it is simple to do due to the IsoPrime100’s practically limitless dynamic range. An 80 position sample carousel is supplied as standard or a 120 position carousel as an option.

• Triple furnace tube system for combustion, reduction and pyrolisis
• Gas mixtures separated using three purge & trap columns
• Specially designed for large sample analysis. Up to 50mg of organic sample or 1g of soil can be analysed
• Unique backflushing of separation column means that even δ¹⁸O analysis of nitrogen containing samples (hair, caffeine...)is made incredibly efficient
• 10 year furnace warranty
• Analysis modes – Combustion: CHNS / CNS / CHN /CN / N / S Pyrolisis: O Reduction: ChromeHD
• The vario ISOTOPE cube is ideally suited for organic samples, in particular the analysis of large samples such as soils & sediments and other samples with a large degree of isotopic heterogeneity where large aliquots are needed for analysis

For more information about the vario ISOTOPE cube, click here.

 

vario PYRO cube

The vario PYRO cube is the complete solution for all your EA-IRMS needs. The vario PYRO cube is the first elemental analyser to combine traditional low temperature (1200°C) Dumas combustion for NCS with very high temperature (1500°C) thermal conversion for OH isotopic analysis. This means that a single instrument can be used to analyse organic samples for sequential NCS isotopic analysis as well as the analysis of inorganic samples such as phosphates, nitrates and sulphates for δ¹⁸O analysis for the first time. This gives the user unbeatable flexibility whilst saving on cost and valuable bench space. The vario PYRO cube is also capable of analysing OH isotopes sequentially from a single sample/injection.

• Catalytic combustion of sample in pure oxygen at a temperature of up to 1200°C for NCS
• Reduction of NCS combustion gasses with hot copper is carried out in a second furnace, enhancing sample capacity
• High temperature conversion of samples for OH using the same furnace as for the NCS low temperature combustion
• Gas mixture is separated by purge & trap device giving sequential NCS and OH elemental and isotopic ratio analysis
• Unique backflushing of separation column means that even δ¹⁸O analysis of nitrogen containing samples (hair, caffeine...) is made incredibly efficient
• Large range TCD is used for checking that 100% recovery is achieved for high temperature conversion
• Analysis modes – Pyrolisis: OH / O / H Combustion: CNS / CN / N / S Reduction: ChromeHD
• The vario PYRO cube is the EA of choice for standard analysis of organic materials as well as inorganic materials such as phosphates

For more information about the vario PYRO cube, click here.

 

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MultiFlow

Features of all MultiFlow configurations include:

• Automated head space injection system
• Injection / sampling double needle
• Manual injection facility
• Automated 6-port valve system to inject the sample from the vial to the GC flow
• Regulated sample vial pressure, reference flow and column flow
• Isothermal gas chromatograph with a thermal conductivity detector (TCD)
• ‘Heart Cut’ valve mechanism for reliable selection of sample gas to inject in the analyser
• Multiple injections available from the same vial

MultiFlow–Breath
MultiFlow for analysis of δ¹³C in breath gas

 

MultiFlow–Bio
MultiFlow for the measurement of δD and δ¹⁸O in aqueous samples
Selected features include:

• Automated sample equilibration and analysis - up to 60 sample vials
• Sample sizes – 200µl of aqueous sample
• Precise control of equilibration temperature (+/- 0.1°C)
• δ¹⁸O analysis by equilibration with 5% CO₂ in He
• δD analysis by equilibration with 10% H₂ in He
• Analysis time 90 seconds per sample
• Includes Hokko bead platinum catalyst for H/D equilibration
• High precision D/H determinations in continuous flow mode due to the electrostatic filter technology
• Kits for analysis of CO₂ from breath and air available as options

MultiFlow–Geo
For the continuous flow measurement of δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O in solid carbonates
Selected features include:

• Up to 60 carbonate samples
• Automated acid delivery system including acid pump
• Small sample sizes – down to 100 micrograms of carbonate
• Precise control of reaction temperature (+/- 0.1°C)
• Typical analysis time less than 2 minutes per sample
• Kits for analysis of CO₂ from breath and air available as options
• Kit for analysis of δD and δ¹⁸O in aqueous samples available as option
• Kit for analysis of δ¹³C in dissolved inorganic carbon available as an option

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GC-combustion / pyrolysis system

Compound specific isotope analysis has become a very well applied technique to many application areas and is considered to be one of the mainstays of IRMS technology. The Isoprime Ltd GC5 offers exceptional sensitivity for low concentration compounds whilst maintaining isotopic integrity as well as zero dead volume to ensure there is zero peak broadening.

• On-line measurement of δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δD and δ¹⁸O in compounds separated by capillary chromatography
• δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N analysis performed using the same furnace tube which means there is no re-configuration for switching analysis
• No need for O₂ recharge for δ¹³C analysis giving exceptional furnace tube longevity
• Automated O₂ recharge for δ¹⁵N analysis to guarantee 100% quantative conversion to N₂
• Agilent 7890 gas chromatograph with split/splitless, PTV or on-column injectors
• Optional Agilent 7693 autosampler with 150 sample vial positions
• Optional Agilent 5975 MSD for simultaneous identification and isotope analysis from a single injection
• Unique heart split mechanism allowing eluent to be switched between FID and the mass spectrometer
• No need for back-flush mechanism in the interface
• Minimum down time for GC-column and reaction tube exchange
• Components of interest combusted in a quartz micro-bore furnace which is rugged and inexpensive
• Maximum furnace temperature of 1450°C
• Water removed from combustion products by a cryogenic or Nafion trap
• Pressure regulators for control of gas flow throughout the interface
• 30m DB-5 fused silica capillary column as standard for analysing standard Isoprime Ltd test mixture
• Heated GC-furnace interface to a micro-bore oxidation / pyrolysis furnace

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TraceGas pre-concentrator

For on-line pre-concentration of trace gases N₂O and CH₄ as well as CO₂ from air.
Selected features include:

• Accepts ¼" tube ended sample containers
• Can be interfaced to a Gilson 271 autosampler
• Reliable Cajon^® fittings
• Fully automated pre-concentration protocols
• Chemical traps to remove H₂O and CO₂
• Hydrophilic Nafion membrane water removal
• Cryogenic focusing of sample gas with elimination of O₂ and N₂
• Built in capillary GC column for separation of residual CO₂
• Automated valve between cryogenic trap and GC column helium flow
• Temperature-controlled combustion furnace
• Complete removal of CO and CO₂ from the sample prior to methane combustion furnace

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LiquiFace aqueous LC interface system

The Liquiface is an interface to couple any standard liquid chromatograph or pumping system to an IRMS for the determination of δ¹³C isotopic values of either organic or inorganic compounds. Alternatively in flow injection mode the system can be used without an additional chromatograph to provide the high throughput determination of water soluble δ¹³C isotopic values.

 

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Dual Inlet

The Isoprime Ltd’s dual inlet delivers balanced viscous flows of sample and reference gases into the IsoPrime100 mass spectrometer. Selected features include:

• Two stepper-motor driven high compression ratio bellows
• Balanced viscous flow of the sample and reference into the IsoPrime
• Fourteen low dead volume valves
• Inter-valve connections machined from a common block of metal
• Minimum dead volume for optimum performance with very small samples
• 100 mL bellows on the reference side to permit long automated runs without the need for refilling
• Waste line evacuated by a 70 L/s turbo-molecular pump
• Complete inlet may be baked at 90°C
• Pressure transducer measures sample size - software decides most appropriate sample inlet strategy
• Patented micro-volume automatic cold finger for very small samples

Aquaprep

Automated sample preparation and presentation module for high precision dual inlet based determinations of d18O and dD in aqueous samples.
Selected features include:

• Typical sample volume 200 µl
• Samples in individual vials (up to 60)
• Precise control of equilibration temperature (+/- 0.1°C)
• Gilson GX-271 autosampler for full automation
• Automatic valves and pump lines
• Equilibration with CO₂ for δ¹⁸O determinations
• Equilibration with H₂ for δD determinations
• User-definable equilibration period
• Sealed on-line cryogenic probe / water trap
• Hokko bead platinum catalyst for D/H equilibration

Multicarb

Automated sample preparation and presentation module for high precision determinations of δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C in carbonates.
Selected features include:

• Samples in individual sample vials (up to 60)
• Precise control of reaction temperature (+/- 0.1°C)
• Auto-dispensing of ~100µl phosphoric acid
• CO₂ cryogenically transferred via a water trap to a cold finger
• Low liquid nitrogen consumption for cold finger analyses
• Gilson GX-271 autosampler for full automation
• Sealed on-line cryogenic probe / water trap
• User definable reaction period

MultiPrep

Combines the capabilities of the MultiCarb and AquaPrep sample preparation and presentation modules.

 

ManiFold

Automated presentation module for high precision determination of pure gas samples prepared off-line.

Includes Gilson GX-271 autosampler.

 

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