Towards the commercialization of an infrared-heated sample introduction system and development of an argon recycling system for inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)

Numerous industries and government agencies carry out analyses every day using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) instruments that typically waste 95% of the sample and consume large amounts of argon. A greener approach would not generate any sample waste and reduce expensive argon consumption. The first year will be devoted to making a viable commercial product from an infrared-heated sample introduction system for inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). If the prototype can be developed as a financially feasible product, the company would patent it. The second year will focus on developing a new system for recycling argon from ICP instruments, whereby the ICP exhaust will be trapped, purified and recirculated for analytical use. Both of these research projects would not only allow Telegistics Inc. to expand its commercial line, promoting company growth, but they would also significantly advance the analytical performance and cost-effectiveness of ICP spectrometry in general.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Diane Beauchemin

Student:

Yoseif Makonnen

Partner:

Telegistics Inc.

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

Chemicals

University:

Queen's University