Sample preparation
Conventional ovens and muffle furnaces are used daily in hundreds of laboratories for many different applications including ashing, loss on ignition, residue on ignition, and fusion. Traditional approaches involve a lengthy, time consuming, manual intense process that can also risk exposure of analysts to potentially dangerous vapours.
A different approach is to use a microwave furnace system such as the Milestone PYRO ashing system from Analytix that can be used for the same applications but with significant advantages over conventional systems. With a choice of three muffle types, ashing times can be reduced by up to 95% from hours to minutes using standard cruciblesand the same methodology currently used.
Additional benefits include an integral exhaust system with no loss of heat to the laboratory plus odours are removed thereby eliminating exposure to the operator to fumes. In addition, the operating cost of running a microwave enhanced system is much lower compared to a conventional system. Even temperature distribution across the muffle eliminates cold spots and ensures reproducible ashing across all crucibles.
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ILM Guide 2026/27
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