Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis

Stable isotope ratio analysis is the precise measurement of the abundance ratio of two stable isotopes of a particular element. Many elements have two or more naturally occurring stable isotopes. Since the isotopes of a particular element have identical chemical properties but slightly different masses, they may enter into chemical reactions at different rates which can induce local variations in isotopic composition.

The measurement of these variations can reveal information about the origin and/or the processes that have affected the material analyzed.Stable isotope data can be relevant to a range of research areas in geology, hydrology, food authentication, forensics, medicine and environmental sciences.

In collaboration with our subsidiary Isoprime Ltd, a comprehensive range of inlet systems suitable for the IsoPrime100 mass spectrometer has been developed. They allow a broad range of sample types to be analyzed to a level of precision to suit your requirements. Naturally, both Dual Inlet (DI) and Continuous Flow (CF) needs are catered for in our product line. Please visit Isoprime’s Website.

Elemental Analyzers for IRMS

The mass spectrometrical measurement of isotope relations (IRMS) of stable isotopes ¹⁵N, ¹³C, ³⁴S, ¹⁸O or ²H in connection with elemental analysis (E/A) for sample decomposition and accurate concentration determination of these elements has developed to an important method for the general soil and plant research, but also for the investigation of origin, quality or falsification of food such as meat, dairy products or wine. These natural samples require sample quantities from the micro (milligram) to the macro range (gram). In collaboration with Isoprime Ltd and based on the vario elemental analyzer series, Elementar has introduced a new product gamma of dedicated elemental analyzers for stable isotope ratio analysis of C, H, N, O and S.

IsoPrime gas source stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer

Isoprime Ltd has a comprehensive range of inlet systems suitable for the IsoPrime100 mass spectrometer. They allow a broad range of sample types to be analysed to a level of precision to suit your requirements. Naturally, both Dual Inlet (DI) and Continuous Flow (CF) needs are catered for in our product line.
 
Whenever you need a Continuous Flow (CF) sample preparation and management system, IsoPrime100 is the ideal choice, with an extensive range of CF inlets incorporating class-leading technologies. With an electrostatic filter fitted as standard, the IsoPrime100 is fully equipped for C, H, N, O and S isotope measurements.
 
Constructed to high specifications, Isoprime Ltd’s Dual Inlet ensures high precision measurements for small sample sizes, or gases such as SO₂, without memory effects. The Dual Inlet contains two stepper-motor driven high compression ratio bellows and fourteen low dead volume valves. The inter-valve connections are machined from a single block of
metal and the complete inlet may be baked to 90°C. The bellows on the reference side measures 100mL to allow long automated runs and the Dual Inlet design allows for minimum possible dead volume.