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Q: What makes microwave ashing superior to my existing muffle furnace?
A: For one thing, the ashing process is significantly faster in the microwave. Ashing of polyester, for example, takes eight hours with conventional methods, but only fifteen minutes in the microwave. Not only does the microwave allow you to get on with your analytical work sooner, it also provides substantial cost savings by reducing your energy usage.
For another thing, conventional muffle furnaces generally have an adverse effect on the working conditions in a laboratory. Lab temperatures can rise to uncomfortable levels, and noxious odors from the ashing of samples can permeate the lab. With a microwave system, all fumes are eliminated from the lab; they travel through an exhaust hose to a fume hood or other outlet.
Q: Why is microwave ashing more reproducible than other methods?
A: The EasyWAVE software that controls the Pyro system allows the operator to develop and validate reproducible microwave ashing procedures. You can create and store multiple time-at-temperature programs, which the labstation will carry out automatically.
The homogeneity of the microwave field and the precision of the temperature control are also key elements in microwave ashing. A rotating stirrer on top of the microwave cavity optimizes microwave distribution in the cavity and ensures uniform temperatures. At 900 °C, a ± 5 °C temperature uniformity across the muffle cavity is attained.
Q: Can the Pyro labstation handle sulphate ashing?
A: Yes. The Pyro SA, which includes our unique Sulphate Ashing module, was designed specifically for this purpose. Most sulphate ashing procedures can be completed in 60–90 minutes. See our sulphate ashing page for details.
Ashing: Continue to overview or fundamentals of ashing, technical details, or our resource library.
General: Go to the Milestone front page, or send us an inquiry.