Analysing the elements

Researchers from

’s

(CRC CPL) have designed and commercialised a new instrument.  Called the “Spectrolaser” , it can be used to analyse the atomic elements in virtually any material, quickly and cheaply.

“The Spectrolaser can determine the elemental makeup all kinds of materials. It produces a bright spark – or plasma – at the surface of the target substance and the composition of the light emitted is analysed by a unique spectrometer and detection system,” explained CRC CPL chief executive Dr. Peter Jackson.

“Every element gives off a characteristic spectral emission, enabling you to tell quickly and easily what elements comprise the material you are analysing.”

The Spectrolaser is a high tech offspring of the coal industry. The idea grew out of the CRC’s research into coal gasification and the instrument was initially designed to perform rapid analyses of coal quality, to help power stations operate more efficiently.

Coal varies in moisture, organic components, and trace elements. Some coals burn better than others, some cause greater corrosion of furnaces, others deposit more ash and char. If operators understand the composition of the coal before it is fed into a furnace, then combustion conditions can be tweaked to improve burning efficiency and reduce fouling.