Nutrient imbalances caused by industrial pollution were not affected by extreme climate events 

<p><strong>In the week from November 2, the following webinars await you in the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and spectrometry</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>6 000 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><div><div><div><div><h5><span><strong>1. Technology Networks: When Good Analytical Methods Become a Problem</strong></span></h5><ul><li><div><div><span>Tu, 3.11.2026 18:00 CET</span></div></div></li><li><div><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/6678"><span>Registration</span></a></div></div></li></ul><p>Join our webinar on analytical method lifecycle management in biopharmaceuticals. Learn when and why to reassess established methods for QC and transfer.</p></div><div><h5><span><strong>2. C&amp;EN: From Reaction to Release: Raman and NIR Analysis for Fertilizer Production</strong></span></h5><ul><li><div><div><span>We, 4.11.2026 19:00 CET</span></div></div></li><li><div><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/6698"><span>Registration</span></a></div></div></li></ul><p>Learn how Raman and NIR spectroscopy can accelerate fertilizer production analysis, reduce reagent use, and support reliable quantitative measurements for phosphate, urea, and ammonium nitrate.</p></div><div><h5><span><strong>3. Metrohm: Bring Your Work to Kids: Test, Don't Guess</strong></span></h5><ul><li><div><div><span>Th, 5.11.2026 10:00 CET</span></div></div></li><li><div><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/6699"><span>Registration</span></a></div></div></li></ul><p>Join Metrohm and RI Analytical for a fun 30-minute science experience where kids become science detectives and discover how analytical testing helps keep water, toys, and everyday products safe.</p></div><div><h5><span><strong>4. AZoM: Gas Analysis Across Semiconductor Manufacturing: From Bulk Gas Quality to Process Emissions</strong></span></h5><ul><li><div><div><span>Th, 5.11.2026 17:00 CET</span></div></div></li><li><div><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/6682"><span>Registration</span></a></div></div></li></ul><p>Join the Thermo Fisher Scientific webinar on semiconductor gas analysis. Discover APIX UHP and MAX-iR FTIR for high-purity gas and emissions control.</p></div></div></div></div>

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 45/2026

<p><strong>Sample dilution is a routine part of elemental analysis—but it can also become a significant source of manual work, variability, and laboratory bottlenecks. When samples fall outside the calibration range, contain high particulate loads, or require different dilution factors, analysts may need to stop a sequence, prepare new dilutions, and repeat measurements.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Reducing_Errors_and_Increasing_Throughput_in_ICP_MS_and_ICP_OES_with_Automated_Dilution_61d41669d9.webp" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Reducing Errors and Increasing Throughput in ICP-MS and ICP-OES with Automated Dilution" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Reducing_Errors_and_Increasing_Throughput_in_ICP_MS_and_ICP_OES_with_Automated_Dilution_61d41669d9.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512"></p><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/2637"><strong>prepFAST 3 autodilution system</strong></a> is designed to bring dilution directly into the analytical workflow, combining high-throughput sample introduction with automated dilution for<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms/products?category=232&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=icap"><strong>ICP-MS</strong></a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms/products?category=227&amp;manufacturerItems=3"><strong>ICP-OES</strong></a> analysis. The system supports both undiluted FAST analysis and diluted sample analysis, allowing laboratories to handle different sample requirements within a single automated workflow.</p><h3><strong>From manual dilution to an automated workflow</strong></h3><p>With prepFAST 3, samples can either be introduced undiluted or diluted automatically before analysis. For undiluted samples, the system loads the sample and injects it for analysis using the FAST workflow. When a dilution factor greater than one is required, the sample is loaded into the dilution line, diluted by syringe into the sample line, and then injected for analysis.</p><p>Integration with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/1489"><strong>Thermo Scientific Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution Software</strong></a> extends this automation into the analytical method itself. Users can prescribe dilution factors for standards and samples directly in the sample list.</p><p>More importantly, dilution can respond to analytical results. If an analyte exceeds method-defined quality-control levels, the sample can be automatically returned to the sample list and reanalyzed at a higher dilution factor until its concentration falls within the specified range.</p><p>This turns dilution from a separate sample-preparation step into part of the analytical decision-making process.</p><h3><strong>Intelligent QC-driven dilution</strong></h3><p>Automation becomes particularly valuable when unexpected samples enter a sequence. Instead of requiring an analyst to identify an over-range result, prepare another dilution, and restart the analysis, Qtegra and prepFAST 3 can trigger reanalysis based on user-defined criteria.</p><p>The workflow can also respond to internal-standard recovery. If internal-standard recovery fails, prepFAST can rerun the sample using a prescribed dilution and continue doing so up to a user-defined maximum. Likewise, when an elemental concentration exceeds the calibration range, the system can trigger reanalysis through the Intelligent Dilution functionality, with the reanalysis limits and target range defined by the user.</p><p>The result is an analytical workflow designed to reduce manual intervention while keeping dilution decisions tied to predefined method and QC criteria.</p><h3><strong>Keeping challenging samples moving</strong></h3><p>Automation is only useful if the sample introduction system can keep running. High-particulate, unfiltered, and fiber-containing samples can present a particular challenge because particles may clog valves or nebulizers.</p><p>The prepFAST 3 <strong>FilterProbe</strong> addresses this at the autosampler probe. An inline CTFE filter traps larger particles and fibers before they reach downstream components. While the sample is being analyzed, the filter is rapidly backflushed at the waste station using a syringe-driven process, preparing the system for the next sample. As illustrated by the brine pipeline sludge example on page 12, the concept is intended to extend automation even to highly challenging, particulate-rich samples. The presentation notes that this approach can help minimize valve and nebulizer maintenance while maintaining high throughput.</p><h3><strong>Knowing whether the sample actually loaded</strong></h3><p>Another potential source of analytical problems is incomplete sample loading. <strong>SampleSense3</strong> adds sensor-based monitoring to the workflow. It detects samples, accounts for viscosity by adjusting loading timing, and can detect and log incomplete loading caused by conditions such as a clogged filter, capped vial, or empty vial.</p><p>That capability helps shift the workflow from simply automating physical sample movement toward monitoring whether the automated process is functioning as intended.</p><h3><strong>Designed around uptime and usability</strong></h3><p>prepFAST 3 also introduces hardware features intended to simplify routine operation and maintenance. Multiposition Magnetic SnapValves can be removed without tools and use a two-valve sampling architecture for FAST and prepFAST operations.</p><p>High-purity quartz syringes are used for dilution and sample carrier delivery, with 6 mL and 3 mL syringe configurations respectively. The system also incorporates a hinged, single-screw mounting design intended to simplify syringe maintenance and replacement.</p><p>Together with features such as FilterProbe, SampleSense3 and a shortened probe configuration, these elements are designed around a practical laboratory objective: keeping automated analytical sequences running with less intervention.</p><h3><strong>More analysis, less sample handling</strong></h3><p>For laboratories processing large numbers of samples by ICP-MS or ICP-OES, improving productivity does not necessarily mean making the measurement itself faster. Significant gains can come from reducing the manual steps surrounding each measurement.</p><p>By combining <strong>high-throughput sample introduction, prescribed and QC-driven autodilution, automated reanalysis, particulate management, and sample-loading monitoring</strong>, prepFAST 3 moves several traditionally manual activities into the analytical sequence itself. The objective is straightforward: rapidly analyze both diluted and undiluted samples while improving the user experience and maintaining a compact laboratory footprint.</p><p>For elemental-analysis laboratories looking to reduce repetitive sample preparation and increase unattended operation, automated dilution offers a way to make the workflow—not just the instrument—more efficient.</p><h5><strong>Acknowledgement</strong></h5><p>I would like to thank <strong>Torben Stichel, Joerg Axthelm and Sebastian Voelker </strong>Field Applications Scientist, Germany, Trace Elemental Analysis and for the support on this blog and the webinars</p><h3><strong>References:</strong></h3><ul><li>Watch this webinar on demand in German language: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179292/AE4C576B6A54D1AC182F7F77573D380F"><strong>Fehler reduzieren, Durchsatz steigern: Autoverdünnung mit PrepFast am ICP-MS</strong></a></li><li>Product Spotlight:<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/sl_004425_intelligent_autodilution_esi_prepfast3_sl004425_en_0d3490e91e.pdf"><strong>Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution Software</strong></a></li><li>Sign up for our webinars live and on demand</li></ul><h5><strong>English</strong></h5><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/5795"><strong>Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 1</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/5976"><strong>Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/5977"><strong>Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Trace Elemental Analysis (ICP-OES &amp; ICP-MS)</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/webinar/5978"><strong>Trace Elemental Analysis: Ask the Expert</strong></a></li></ul><h5><strong>Deutsch</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>19. März 2026</strong><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179134/393E071E3B501943730958BA6203F477"><strong>Interne Standards in der ICP-OES: Ein Praxisguide für zuverlässige Qualitätssicherung im Labor</strong></a></li><li><strong>18. Juni 2026</strong><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179292/AE4C576B6A54D1AC182F7F77573D380F"><strong>Fehler reduzieren, Durchsatz steigern: Autoverdünnung mit PrepFast am ICP-MS</strong></a></li><li><strong>17. September 2026</strong><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179423/B5019C560431BADCA2A76E54E4EFE56F"><strong>ICP-OES smarter nutzen: Probendurchsatz erhöhen, Ressourcen sparen</strong></a></li><li><strong>17. Dezember 2026</strong><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179530/94EEDD1F56138F5EEE2AF24E29E6C12A"><strong>Qtegra ISDS Software Unlocked – Live im Expertengespräch</strong></a></li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Visit us on&nbsp;</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/chromatography-&amp;-mass-spectrometry/posts/?feedView=all"><strong><u>LinkedIn:</u></strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>#ICPMS #ICPOES #AutomatedDilution #LabAutomation</p></blockquote>

Reducing Errors and Increasing Throughput in ICP-MS and ICP-OES with Automated Dilution

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LECO Tube Furnaces

LECO Cornerstone TF Tube Furnaces deliver high-temperature crucible baking up to 1350 °C, reducing contamination, improving carbon and sulfur accuracy, and cutting energy costs by up to 60%.

<p><strong>The LECO Cornerstone TF Tube Furnaces are versatile, energy-efficient resistance furnaces designed to bake crucibles and significantly reduce contaminants that can interfere with carbon and sulfur analytical results. Engineered for both high- and lower-volume laboratories, the TF series improves data accuracy, repeatability, and operating efficiency while reducing overall energy consumption.</strong></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><ul><li>Long-life <strong>molybdenum disilicide heating elements</strong> with an operating temperature range from <strong>800 °C to 1350 °C</strong></li><li><strong>Integrated digital furnace controller</strong> displaying set point or actual temperature with built-in overtemperature protection</li><li><strong>TF4 Quad Tube Furnace</strong><ul><li>Six heating elements</li><li>Enables simultaneous baking of crucibles in <strong>four combustion tubes</strong></li><li>Ideal for demanding, high-volume installations supporting <strong>two to four analytical units</strong></li></ul></li><li><strong>TF2 Dual Tube Furnace</strong><ul><li>Four heating elements</li><li>Efficient solution for lower-volume laboratories supporting <strong>one to two systems</strong></li></ul></li><li>Increased crucible capacity and optimized furnace design deliver up to <strong>60% lower energy consumption</strong> compared to previous models, significantly reducing operating costs</li></ul><h4><strong>Impact of Crucible Preheating on Analytical Results</strong></h4><p>Preheating crucibles in the TF furnaces has a pronounced effect on carbon and sulfur accuracy. When 528-018 crucibles were baked at <strong>1250 °C for 15 minutes</strong>, results for a high-purity iron reference material (certified at 5 ppm carbon and 2 ppm sulfur) showed dramatically improved accuracy and reduced variability.</p><ul><li><strong>Baked crucibles</strong> produced results close to certified values with low standard deviation</li><li><strong>Unbaked crucibles</strong> showed elevated carbon and sulfur levels</li><li><strong>Baked but touched crucibles</strong> demonstrated significant contamination, highlighting the importance of proper handling after baking</li></ul><p>These results confirm that controlled crucible baking is essential for achieving low-level carbon and sulfur determinations with confidence.</p><h4><strong>Energy Efficiency</strong></h4><p>The redesigned TF furnaces use approximately <strong>60% less energy</strong> than previous models. At continuous operation with a full crucible load and a furnace temperature of <strong>1350 °C</strong>, operating cost comparisons clearly demonstrate substantial savings in power consumption, making the TF series both an analytical and economic advantage for modern laboratories.</p><h4><strong>Models</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>TF4</strong> – Quad Tube Furnace</li><li><strong>TF2</strong> – Dual Tube Furnace</li></ul>

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Reducing Errors and Increasing Throughput in ICP-MS and ICP-OES with Automated Dilution

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 45/2026

Nutrient imbalances caused by industrial pollution were not affected by extreme climate events