Product category:
Testing, analysing and monitoring equipment
News Release from: Niton UK | Subject: MiniSort
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 03 October 2003
Radical metals sorter is bright spark
Metals analysis instrumentation specialist Niton UK has a radically new and low cost handheld optical emission metals instrument for positive metal identification, verification and sorting.
Metals analysis instrumentation specialist Niton UK has a radically new and low cost handheld optical emission metals instrument for positive metal identification, verification and sorting Called MiniSort, it uses arc technology to identify metals including Fe, Ni, Cu, Ti and Zn together with a range of aluminium alloys
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 21 Aug 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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It complements Niton UK's unique range of X-ray analysis instruments, opening up metals identification to a far wider range of industries than previously possible.
With MiniSort, confirming metals composition becomes a simple and economical process that can be justified by almost any company.
Typical uses are goods-in inspection, scrap metal identification and on site inspection.
Advantages include very low cost of ownership.
It requires no cumbersome trolley and has no wires, probe, cables, gas bottles or lines.
It is not governed by any licensing regulation.
MiniSort uses a two-button interface for control via simple menus covering all local operations.
A serial port connection is provided for linking MiniSort to a PC, to download stored results.
The MiniSort is an optical emission spectroscope weighing about 2kg and measuring just 300 x 200 x 100mm.
It is believed to be the smallest instrument of its kind in the world.
Priced below GBP 15,000 it makes metals analysis extremely easy and cost-effective.
MiniSort uses an arc innovative technique.
A silver electrode generates a DC arc plasma from the metal surface and a CCD (charged coupled device) mini-optic converts the spectrum into an electrical charge.
PMI is achieved with an in-built alloy library.
Results are displayed in only 3s, and these can be stored for later reference or downloaded to a PC.
Repeatability is typically better than +/-25% of key elements, at concentrations above 0.5%.
The MiniSort is battery-powered for on-site use.
The battery pack permits 200 to 300 analyses per full charge.
The MiniSort may also be operated from a mains supply through the charger.
The charger recharges the battery pack in about 12 to 16h.
The MiniSort comes with a locking shielded case carry case, 110/120V AC battery charger and PC connection cable.
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