A complete list of the analytical - characterization services available from the ASU is presented below:
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Analysis Description
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Instrument
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| Morphology observation, quantitative elemental analysis and surface mapping of solid samples by Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray EDS |
JEOL 6300 & Oxford ISIS 2000
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| Morphology, nanoparticles size measurement, structural properties, crystalline phase characterization, identification of chemically different species at magnifications up to 1.200.000 with High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) equipped with X-ray EDS |
JEOL JEM 2010 & Oxford INCA
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Identification of Crystalline Phases in Solids (XRD)
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Siemens D-500
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Unit Cell Size of Zeolites (XRD)
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Siemens D-500
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Surface Area (N 2 sorption)
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Autosorb-1, Quantachrome
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Micropore Surface Area and Volume (N 2 sorption, t-plot method)
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Autosorb-1, Quantachrome
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Pore Size Distribution (N 2 sorption)
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Autosorb-1, Quantachrome
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Particle Size Distribution by laser diffraction (wet dispersion, no dispersive)
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Mastersizer-S, Malvern
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Particle Size Distribution by laser diffraction (wet dispersion, with dispersive)
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Mastersizer-S, Malvern
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Particle Size Distribution by laser diffraction (dry dispersion)
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Mastersizer-S, Malvern
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Elemental Analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES)
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Optima 4300 DV, Perkin Elmer
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V and Ni in FCC catalysts- ICP-AES
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Optima 4300 DV, Perkin Elmer
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Rare Earths (La, Ce, Nd, Pr, Sm) in FCC catalysts- ICP-AES
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Optima 4300 DV, Perkin Elmer
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Cu, Fe in wine samples - ICP-AES
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Optima 4300 DV, Perkin Elmer
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Toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, As) in water and wastes - ICP-AES
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Optima 4300 DV, Perkin Elmer
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Metals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Ti, Na, K, P) in ashes - ICP-AES
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Optima 4300 DV, Perkin Elmer
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Fe, Mn and Zn in ferrites
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Optima 4300 DV, Perkin Elmer
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Study of solids with Temperature Programmed Methods and MS detector (TPD-H2, TPD-NH3, TPR, TPO)
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AMI-1, Altamira & Omnistar Balzers
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Thermal analysis, TGA, DSC, DTA
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SDT 2960, TA intruments
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To ensure the best results for our clients, the Analytical Services Unit has implemented a comprehensive Quality Control/Quality Assurance Program. Quality Assurance is a set of operating principles that, if strictly followed during the sample delivery and analysis, will produce accurate data of defensible quality. This program is designed to comply with ISO 9002 regulatory agencies and applies to all samples submitted to the laboratory. A comprehensive Quality Control/Quality Assurance Program is in place in the unit.
Elements of the QA/QC program include:
- Staff organization, responsibilities and training requirements
- Sample control and documentation procedures
- Standard operating procedures (SOP) and method audits
- Internal quality control activities and corrective action procedures
- Equipment calibration and preventive maintenance procedures
- Data quality assessment and reporting system
Quality assurance audits, such as inter-comparison studies, internal standards, quality control samples, and replication samples are used to maintain quality analytical results. Our QA/QC program has been established for our customers, to ensure them that their results are accurate and precise.
All instruments are validated on a regular basis, according to standard procedures. The instrument response must be within specified limits. Also, to ensure rapid turn around, the instruments are properly maintained.
It is essential to ensure sample integrity from sample collection to data reporting. This includes the ability to trace possession and handling of the samples from the time of collection through analysis and final disposition. This process is referred to as chain-of-custody. At ASU chain-of-custody is managed as follows:
- Sealed, labeled samples are delivered to the laboratory by the client.
- Upon receipt of the sample, a chain-of-custody form is completed and signed by both the client's field technician and the receiving Analytical Laboratory technician. The date, time, sample name and any particular preservation instructions are recorded .
- In the laboratory, the sample custodian inspects the sample condition, assigns a lab number and logs the sample into the laboratory log book.
- The sample custodian obtains the sample analysis requirements and schedules the sample for the various tests required.
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Services