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Q: What are the principal advantages of microwave sample prep over my current hot plate or hot block method?
A: There are usually two areas that drive chemists to investigate microwave technology: speed and performance. Closed-vessel microwave methods allow for elemental decomposition above the boiling point of the reagents, resulting in quicker digestion times. Digestions that would take hours with conventional means can be completed in minutes in the microwave. Additionally, samples that do not digest well by traditional means (metals, polymers, geochemical, etc.) can often be digested effectively by microwave techniques.
Q: I used a microwave digestor 10 years ago. How has the technology changed?
A: Older generation lab microwaves were limited in their vessel design, and temperature & pressure monitoring features. Milestone has pioneered many of today's leading edge technologies for robust vessels with higher pressure limits and safer, simpler pressure relief mechanisms. The user's control of the digestion process has become more precise as well, thanks to sophisticated, yet rugged sensors and newer features such as infrared temperature monitoring, magnetic stirring, and specialized sampling accessories.
Q: Safety is a priority when evaluating any new equipment in my lab. How does Milestone address this issue for microwave digestion?
A: Safety Officers worldwide encourage their chemists to choose Milestone equipment. There are 4 areas where Milestone technology excels at ensuring operator safety:
- The solid stainless steel chassis design with patented, heavy duty door.
- Vessel technology for controlled pressure relief.
- Integrated software for controlled application of microwave power.
- Unique sensors for pressure control of all vessels and microwave leak protection.
Q: I have an ICP and an ICP-MS in my lab. How does today's microwave technology meet my trace-level metals requirements?
A: Milestone is sensitive to the requirements of modern laboratories and the ever-rigorous standards for cleaner analytical blanks. Closed-vessel digestion lends itself well to low-level metals analysis because it limits acid usage and cross-vessel contamination. Milestone also pays particular attention to the purity of the Teflon and Quartz vessel materials used in our manufacturing process to keep the leaching of metals from the vessel materials to a minimum.
For additional help controlling and lowering your analytical blank, see our book Clean Chemistry: Techniques for the Modern Laboratory, as well as our Clean Chemistry product line.
Q: How do Milestone's Ethos Series microwaves compare to other microwave digestors?
A: Milestone has the highest quality technology for any application to fit any budget. Whether you are comparing vessel design, software, engineering, safety or support, Milestone always comes out on top. Just ask our customers.
If you have a question that has not been answered, feel free to send us an inquiry.
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