Thermo Fisher Scientific Enables Reliable Biodiesel Analysis Using the Radial Plasma View iCAP 6000 Series ICP Emission Spectrometers

Released on: September 22, 2008, 7:53 am

Press Release Author: The Scott Partnership

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Press Release Summary: CAMBRIDGE, UK (September 22, 2008) - Thermo Fisher Scientific
Inc., the world leader in serving science, has incorporated unique capabilities in
the iCAP 6000 Series of ICP emission spectrometers to achieve dependable monitoring
of elemental contaminants in biodiesel. The dedicated radial plasma view
configuration of the system provides enhanced analytical capabilities for important
elements such as sulfur and phosphorus while the enhanced matrix tolerance (EMT)
torch and swing frequency RF generator easily handle organic matrix samples and
ensures improved stability.

Press Release Body: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elemental Analysis
Media Contact Information:
Name: Celine Callender/Charlotte Culley
Phone: +44 1477 539 539
Email: thermo@scottpr.com
Website: www.scottpr.com

Secondary Contact Information:
Jenny Rowland
+44 1606 548779
Jenny.rowland@thermofisher.com

Thermo Fisher Scientific Enables Reliable Biodiesel Analysis Using the Radial Plasma
View iCAP 6000 Series ICP Emission Spectrometers

CAMBRIDGE, UK (September 22, 2008) - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader
in serving science, has incorporated unique capabilities in the iCAP 6000 Series of
ICP emission spectrometers to achieve dependable monitoring of elemental
contaminants in biodiesel. The dedicated radial plasma view configuration of the
system provides enhanced analytical capabilities for important elements such as
sulfur and phosphorus while the enhanced matrix tolerance (EMT) torch and swing
frequency RF generator easily handle organic matrix samples and ensures improved
stability.

The vast majority of biodiesel production plants currently use plant oils as a
starting material for production. However, these plants usually have relatively high
phosphorous content which is undesirable in fuels as it can lead to the corrosion of
mechanical components of engines. Sulfur also affects engine wear if present in
excess concentrations in the starting materials and causes environmentally harmful
sulfur dioxide emissions. EN
14214 and ASTM D6751 standards have been introduced specifying the requirements for
biodiesel and its analysis. These documents require that the concentrations of
elemental contaminants in biodiesel are regularly monitored and specify the method
for its analysis, to ensure optimum engine performance and reduce environmental
impact. This is especially important in the aviation industry- one of the predicted
growth areas of biodiesel, where the first commercial airline flight using biofuel
took place in February 2008.

Traditionally, axial view ICPs have been the configuration of choice for ICP
emission spectrometers used to perform biodiesel analyses because of their perceived
lower detection limits. Owing to the robust nature of its dedicated radial view
plasma and the elimination of carbon-based emission interferences associated with
the axial view configuration, the Thermo Scientific iCAP 6000 Series radial view is
the powerful alternative, considerably increasing analytical sensitivity for
important elements like phosphorus and sulfur. This configuration demonstrates
improved detection limits for lower concentrations of samples, being capable of
providing accurate, dependable analysis of phosphorus, sulfur and potassium. This is
a crucial benefit as, according to the regulations, detection limits must be ten
times below the regulated concentration levels to provide sufficient margin to
ensure a sensitive measurement.

Additionally, the iCAP 6000 Series ICP emission spectrometers have full wavelength
coverage from 166 to 847 nm with full frame capability, offering full spectrum trend
analysis and contamination identification between batches of biodiesel produced.
Their advanced optical design enables improved resolution and detection limits. The
systems are fitted with a 4th generation CID detector, which offers a wide dynamic
range, resistance to saturation and greater detection capability. The iCAP 6000
Series incorporates fully automated wavelength calibration and offset correction
capabilities for excellent long term stability. The instrument's distributed purge
system offers reduced gas consumption and improved performance for elements such as
sulfur and phosphorus which emit light in the UV region of the spectrum. The
ergonomic design of the spectrometers with a large, wide-opening door enables easy
access to the sample compartment and peristaltic pump, making routine maintenance
simpler and quicker.

For more information about the Thermo Scientific iCAP 6000 Series of ICP emission
spectrometers, please call +1 800-532-4752, email analyze@thermofisher.com or
alternatively please visit www.thermo.com/icap

###

Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving
science.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science,
enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With annual
revenues of $10 billion, we have more than 30,000 employees and serve over 350,000
customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical
diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as
well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers
through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve
analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo
Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as
well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable
integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete
portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in
healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most
convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies
to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel
growth for shareholders and employees alike. Visit www.thermofisher.com.

For further press information please contact: Celine Callender, The Scott
Partnership, 1 Whiteside, Station Road, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 8AA, United
Kingdom Tel: + 44 1477 539 539 Fax: +44 1477 539 540 E-mail:
thermo@scottpr.com



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Contact Details: Elemental Analysis
Media Contact Information:
Name: Celine Callender/Charlotte Culley
Phone: +44 1477 539 539
Email: thermo@scottpr.com
Website: www.scottpr.com

Secondary Contact Information:
Jenny Rowland
+44 1606 548779
Jenny.rowland@thermofisher.com

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