Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 8th December 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies, LECO, and Shimadzu!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Measurement of Opaque Liquids with UV-Vis and ATR</h3>Combining the Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer with an ATR fiber-optic probe<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_cary_60_atr_opaque_liquids_5994_8652en_agilent_e7b9efab4d.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Today, ATR is considered synonymous with FTIR spectroscopy, being the most widely used sampling technique. However, ATR can also be applied to UV-Vis spectroscopy, offering particular benefits for measuring opaque liquids with a fiber-optic probe.&nbsp;Samples such as paints, inks, food colorings, sunscreens, and liquid medications are often highly pigmented, rendering them optically opaque. In some cases, measurement of these types of samples using a standard 10 mm path length cuvette may be possible, but only after several hundred‑fold dilution, requiring significant solvent consumption and introducing the possibility of large dilution errors. In the case of emulsion samples such as paints and sunscreens, dilution is often not possible without the sample "splitting" and separating into its component parts.&nbsp;ATR spectroscopy is an innovative sampling technique that overcomes these challenges. In ATR, incident light from the spectrometer is directed into a measurement crystal at an angle. Internal reflections within the crystal generate an evanescent wave at the crystal surface, allowing samples in direct contact with the crystal to interact with the standing wave and absorb some of the light energy.&nbsp;In a UV-Vis fiber-optic ATR probe, a commonly used crystal is sapphire, with the incident light directed into the crystal to form an angle of 60° at the crystal surface. The crystal is designed to create three bounces at the surfaces (Figure&nbsp;1). The "effective height" of the wave above the surface is a function of the relative refractive indices of the crystal and the sample medium, the angle of incidence, and the wavelength. The multiple bounces extend the effective path length. For this probe, the effective pathlength at 250&nbsp;nm is approximately 3 μm and increases to approximately 13 μm at 1,000&nbsp;nm.<h4>Experimental&nbsp;</h4>Example data were collected using a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+60+UV-Vis">Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer </a>equipped with a fiber-optic interface and Hellma Katana XP 6, 3-bounce ATR probe (Hellma part number PK1KSSZUEASM210N). Spectra were collected by first measuring a baseline using the clean crystal, followed by sample measurement with the crystal immersed in the sample. The Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+WinUV">Cary WinUV software</a> was used to collect the spectra as well as to process the measured spectra. All spectra were collected using the measurement conditions shown in Table 1.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>This application note demonstrates how an Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer, when combined with a Hellma Katana XP 6 ATR probe, provides a practical and easy-to-use solution for measuring optically opaque liquids that would otherwise require extensive dilution, and for monitoring reactions with absorbance changes too large for conventional methods. The Cary 60 UV-Vis with the ATR probe combination is a powerful tool for a wide range of applications, including routine quality control, R&amp;D studies, and research and teaching laboratories.<h3>2. LECO: Determination of Nitrogen/Protein in Meat and Plant-Based Meat Alternatives</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/FP_828_NITROGEN_PROTEIN_MEAT_PLANT_BASED_MEAT_ALTERNATIVES_203_821_680_266d8d12f8.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Protein is one of the most significant nutrient components in food products. The accurate and precise determination of protein not only plays a role in the characterization of nutritional or dietary value in food materials but is also the key to the economic value of these materials. Protein in meat products is most commonly calculated using the measured nitrogen content in the sample and a multiplier or conversion factor (commonly 6.25). Nitrogen determination is performed using either the classical wet chemical method (Kjeldahl) or a combustion method (Dumas). The Kjeldahl method involves sample digestion, distillation, and ammonia determination typically by titration. This method involves time-consuming sample preparation and the use of hazardous materials. The LECO FP828 is a nitrogen determinator that utilizes an automated combustion (Dumas) method and provides accurate and precise results in approximately three minutes. This eliminates involved sample preparation and the use of hazardous materials resulting in a rapid, cost-effective method for the quality control of the production of meat and plant-based protein products.<h4>Instrument Model and Configuration&nbsp;</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=24&amp;search=FP828">LECO FP828</a> is a combustion Nitrogen/Protein determinator that utilizes a pure Oxygen environment in a vertical quartz furnace, ensuring complete combustion and superior analyte recovery. A thermoelectric cooler removes moisture from the combustion gases before they are collected in a ballast. The combustion gases equilibrate and mix in the ballast before a representative aliquot (3 cm3 or 10 cm3 volume) of the gas is extracted and introduced into a flowing stream of inert gas (Helium or Argon) for analysis. The aliquot gas is carried to a thermal conductivity cell (TC) for the detection of Nitrogen (N2).Thermal conductivity detectors work by detecting changes in the thermal conductivity of the analyte gas compared to a reference/carrier gas. The greater the difference between the thermal conductivity of the carrier gas and the analyte gas, the greater sensitivity of the detector.&nbsp;The FP828 supports either the use of Helium or Argon as the instrument's carrier gas. When used as a carrier gas, Helium provides the highest sensitivity, and the best performance at the lower limit of the Nitrogen range.&nbsp;The thermal conductivity difference between Argon and Nitrogen is not as great as the thermal conductivity difference between Helium and Nitrogen, therefore the detector is inherently less sensitive when using Argon as a carrier gas.<h4>TYPICAL RESULTS&nbsp;</h4>Data was generated utilizing a linear, force through origin calibration using ~0.25 g of LECO 502-896 (Lot 1007) LCRM EDTA (9.59% N). The calibration † was verified using ~0.1 g of LECO 502-642 (Lot 1020) LCRM Phenylalanine (8.46% N). A protein factor of 6.25 was used for all samples to calculate the protein content.<h3>3. Shimadzu: Analysis of Combustion Ash from Biomass Power Generation by EDXRF</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00716_en_9995b70230.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits</h4><ul><li>EDXRF enables analysis of Na and K, which cause fluidization problems (agglomeration) in circulating fluidized bed boilers in biomass power generation.</li><li>Simple qualitative/quantitative analysis of elements is possible with minimal sample preparation.</li><li>Comparative analysis of heterogeneous samples in the as-received condition and in the homogenized condition after crushing is possible.</li></ul>In biomass power generation, electricity is generated by using bioresources (biomass) derived from animal and plant sources as a carbon neutral fuel. Biomass power is expected to contribute to reducing total CO2 emissions, and in recent years, the number of woody biomass power plants using wood chips, pellets, and palm kernelshells(PKS) hasincreased. Circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers used in woody biomass power generation generate power by circulating and burning biomass fuel together with silica sand, which is as a fluidized bed medium. However, alkali metal elements (Na, K) contained in the fuel adhere to the surface of the silica sand and combustion ash, causing the particles to stick together and form agglomerates (lumps, coarse particles), which are considered to cause boiler damage and fluidization problems (agglomeration) in the fluidized bed 1) .&nbsp;In this article, a Qual-Quant analysis of PKS combustion ash and its coarse particles was conducted using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=EDX-8100">EDX-8100</a> energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (EDXRF). Since adhesion of alkali metal elements was detected on the surface of agglomerated lumps, which are considered to cause the problem of agglomeration, analysis of combustion ash by EDXRF can contribute to operational management of combustion furnaces by monitoring the conditionsin the combustion furnace.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>Based on the results of a qualitative analysis of lumps (coarse particles of bottom ash), which are thought to cause agglomeration (defluidization) of the fluidized bed, in the combustion ash of PKS, it was found that alkali metal elements (Na and K) had adhered to the surface of the particles. Since EDXRF enables Qual-Quant analysis of elements with only simple sample preparation, it is considered a useful technique for monitoring the progress of agglomeration and deterioration of the silica sand in the power generation using PKS or woody biomass. Periodic measurements by EDXRF can also be expected to prevent damage and deterioration in combustion furnaces and equipmentstops due to defluidization.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 50, 2025

Labs&nbsp;that rely on helium gas are&nbsp;facing a major crisis…unless they have LECO instruments.&nbsp;Due to the military conflict in the Middle East, Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City,&nbsp;the world’s largest helium production hub, providing one-third of the world’s helium,&nbsp;has&nbsp;shut down operations.&nbsp;To make matters worse,&nbsp;the Strait of Hormuz,&nbsp;the shipping lane used to&nbsp;export helium, has also been closed,&nbsp;meaning&nbsp;even pre-filled helium containers are stuck&nbsp;with&nbsp;no&nbsp;viable&nbsp;route to customers.&nbsp;Naturally,&nbsp;the price&nbsp;of helium has now risen&nbsp;dramatically;&nbsp;most spot prices have doubled.&nbsp;A&nbsp;critical&nbsp;scarcity&nbsp;issue&nbsp;is looming as&nbsp;the world must now&nbsp;operate&nbsp;on&nbsp;roughly 5.2&nbsp;million cubic meters&nbsp;per&nbsp;month&nbsp;less of helium.&nbsp;<h3>Why Helium&nbsp;Cost and Supply&nbsp;Matters&nbsp;to Labs&nbsp;</h3>Although many people may recognize helium&nbsp;as the gas that fills party balloons,&nbsp;it&nbsp;plays a&nbsp;critical&nbsp;role in much&nbsp;more serious&nbsp;matters.&nbsp;Helium&nbsp;has&nbsp;unique properties, like an extremely low boiling point, inertness, and high thermal conductivity, which&nbsp;makes&nbsp;it indispensable in several high-tech applications.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, research labs&nbsp;may use helium as a&nbsp;carrier&nbsp;gas&nbsp;when performing&nbsp;elemental analyses or&nbsp;gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which is used&nbsp;to&nbsp;separate and&nbsp;identify&nbsp;chemical compounds in samples.&nbsp;But research labs&nbsp;are&nbsp;often&nbsp;government-funded and run under strict budgets,&nbsp;so&nbsp;the price hike&nbsp;on&nbsp;helium could&nbsp;mean labs have to&nbsp;pause&nbsp;their research until everything falls back&nbsp;under control,&nbsp;which could be months or longer.&nbsp;Even well-funded labs could suffer if the supply is simply too stretched to&nbsp;equip&nbsp;the lab with&nbsp;what&nbsp;they need, as medical uses are given top priority.&nbsp;This could have a serious impact on accuracy and compliance with regulated methods.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>The Consequences&nbsp;Reach Farther&nbsp;</h3>When helium becomes unavailable or prohibitively expensive, the ripple effects are immediate and far-reaching. It affects more than&nbsp;just&nbsp;balloons and research labs:&nbsp;<ul><li>Delayed Medical Diagnostics: MRI machines, which rely on helium to cool their superconducting magnets, may be taken offline, delaying critical scans.&nbsp;</li><li>Semiconductor Bottlenecks: Chip shortages could worsen,&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and AI infrastructure.&nbsp;</li><li>Industrial Disruption: Welding, aerospace, and fiber optics manufacturing&nbsp;face rising costs and potential production halts.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>LECO’s Solution: Instruments That&nbsp;Don’t&nbsp;Rely on Helium&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>Amidst this pending&nbsp;crisis, LECO offers a practical and forward-thinking solution.&nbsp;This marks the 5th&nbsp;major helium supply crisis since 2006,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;likely there will be more after this. Helium&nbsp;supply is concentrated&nbsp;to&nbsp;just a few regions, meaning that any time there is a disruption to one of these, it can create a large effect on the industry.&nbsp;That’s&nbsp;why we designed our innovative analytical instruments&nbsp;to&nbsp;operate&nbsp;using alternative carrier gases.&nbsp;&nbsp;Depending on the instrument, alternative gases&nbsp;such as nitrogen,&nbsp;argon,&nbsp;or hydrogen may be used in place of helium. These gases are&nbsp;abundant, cost-effective, and&nbsp;less prone&nbsp;to the geopolitical volatility that plagues helium supply chains.&nbsp;&nbsp;LECO’s helium-free&nbsp;options&nbsp;ensure that operations stay online, efficient, and future-proof&nbsp;in a world where helium is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive.&nbsp;This flexibility is no longer a luxury—it’s&nbsp;a necessity.&nbsp;If your lab or facility is feeling the pressure of helium scarcity, now is the time to explore alternatives.&nbsp;This&nbsp;isn’t&nbsp;the first helium shortage, and it&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;be the last.&nbsp;Is your lab prepared?<h3>LECO Instruments Supporting Non-Helium Carrier Gases&nbsp;</h3><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/36">Pegasus BT</a> (Bench-Top GC–TOFMS, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/37">incl. BT 4D</a>)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Hydrogen</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: Supports H₂ as GC carrier with a retrofit kit for safety. Performance on hydrogen is on par with helium – the Pegasus BT series meets its full sensitivity specs with either gas.</li><li>App Note: “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/PEGBT_TEA_TREE_ESSENTIAL_OIL_HYDROGEN_CARRIER_GAS_203_821_651_95c7a05807/PEGBT_TEA_TREE_ESSENTIAL_OIL_HYDROGEN_CARRIER_GAS_203-821-651.pdf">A Rapid, Robust and Sensitive Analysis of Tea Tree Essential Oil Quality by GC-TOFMS with Hydrogen as Carrier Gas</a>”</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Pegasus_BT_2_bc8a8d0505.jpg" alt="LECO: Pegasus BT" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Pegasus_BT_2_bc8a8d0505.jpg 238w," sizes="100vw" width="932" height="612"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1097">Pegasus BTX</a> (Next-gen BT, incl. BTX 4D)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Hydrogen</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: Designed for seamless helium-to-hydrogen use. The Pegasus BTX series maintains trace-level sensitivity with either helium or hydrogen carrier gas, a rare capability in GC–MS. No hardware changes needed beyond standard setup.&nbsp;</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/PEGBTX_GINGER_OIL_HYDROGEN_CARRIER_GAS_203_821_694_1685d36546.pdf">“Ginger Oil Analysis and Grade Differentiation with Pegasus BTX Using Hydrogen Carrier Gas”</a></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_LECO_PEGASUS_BTX_GC_TOFMS_cover_image_34704e689d.jpg" alt="LECO: Pegasus BTX" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_LECO_PEGASUS_BTX_GC_TOFMS_cover_image_34704e689d.jpg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="416" height="276"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/38">Pegasus&nbsp;HRT</a>&nbsp;(High-Resolution TOF-MS,<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/39"> incl. 4D</a>)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Hydrogen</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: High-resolution GC–TOFMS systems support H₂ as a carrier gas as well as He.&nbsp;Note:&nbsp;Strict safety protocols apply due to&nbsp;hydrogen’s&nbsp;flammability. Hydrogen use is not recommended in instruments/configurations where gas could accumulate (e.g.&nbsp;very long, vertical&nbsp;flight tubes), but LECO’s HRT instruments&nbsp;utilize&nbsp;Folded Flight Path technology, which&nbsp;eliminates&nbsp;this concern.&nbsp;</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/GC_MS_Analysis_Hydrogen_Carrier_Gas_MMS_Ion_Source_HRT_G_Cx_GC_TOFMS_SA_ASMS_23_LPSS_310_6247a1baaf/GC-MS_Analysis_Hydrogen_Carrier_Gas_MMS_Ion_Source_HRT-GCxGC-TOFMS_SA_ASMS23_LPSS-310.pdf">“GC–MS Analysis with Hydrogen Carrier Gas on GC×GC-HRTOFMS (MMS Ion Source)”</a></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Pegasus_GC_HRT_831fcb6d1e.jpg" alt="LECO: Pegasus&nbsp;HRT" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Pegasus_GC_HRT_831fcb6d1e.jpg 226w," sizes="100vw" width="3600" height="2487"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1884">LECO 828 Series</a> (Nitrogen/Protein/Carbon/Hydrogen)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Argon&nbsp;</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: The LECO 828 Series&nbsp;supports&nbsp;argon as an alternative&nbsp;carrier gas&nbsp;to helium. Helium provides higher TCD sensitivity (important for low-N samples),&nbsp;whereas&nbsp;argon operation raises the nitrogen detection limit and slightly reduces low-range precision. Switching gas type simply requires updating the method and flow settings (no hardware change&nbsp;required).</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/documents/203-821-665/?_gl=1*1d6stb6*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTMwMjg4MTUxNC4xNzc2MTAzOTU0*_ga_K8NYKVEKHY*czE3NzYxMDM5NTQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzYxMDM5NTQkajYwJGwwJGg0NTY2NjUwNjk.*_ga_KRDSR1XM7X*czE3NzYxMDM5NTQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzYxMDM5NTQkajYwJGwwJGgw">“Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen in Biomass using CHN828”</a>&nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_rada_828_Makroanalyza_spalovanim_pro_analyzator_uhliku_vodiku_dusiku_a_bilkovin_e86acd897e.jpg" alt="LECO 828 Series" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_rada_828_Makroanalyza_spalovanim_pro_analyzator_uhliku_vodiku_dusiku_a_bilkovin_e86acd897e.jpg 137w," sizes="100vw" width="454" height="516"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1885">LECO 928 Series</a> (Nitrogen/Protein/Carbon/Sulfur)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Argon&nbsp;</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: The LECO&nbsp;928 Series&nbsp;also&nbsp;supports&nbsp;argon carrier gas as an alternative to helium. Helium use gives the best sensitivity and lowest detection limits for nitrogen, while argon use increases analysis time slightly and raises the nitrogen detection limit (due to the smaller thermal conductivity difference). The 928-series instruments have built-in&nbsp;settings for either gas; when switching, users adjust flow&nbsp;and select&nbsp;the appropriate carrier gas&nbsp;in the system settings. Users also have the option to select&nbsp;a larger aliquot loop&nbsp;in the analysis method&nbsp;to improve&nbsp;precision.&nbsp;</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CN_928_CN_CARBON_BLACK_GRAPHITE_203_821_684_c2224fa8be.pdf">“Determination of Carbon and Nitrogen in Carbon Black and Graphite”</a></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_rada_928_Stanoveni_makrohodnot_pomoci_spalovani_3_74de99f8e5.jpg" alt="LECO 928 Series" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_rada_928_Stanoveni_makrohodnot_pomoci_spalovani_3_74de99f8e5.jpg 216w," sizes="100vw" width="711" height="513"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1880">736</a>/<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1882">836</a> Series&nbsp;(Inert Gas Fusion O2/N2&nbsp;/H2&nbsp;&nbsp;analyzers)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Argon&nbsp;</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: LECO’s inert gas fusion analyzers for oxygen and nitrogen in inorganic materials (e.g.&nbsp;models ON736, ON836) traditionally use helium as the carrier for the TCD measuring N2. These systems can run on argon as well, provided the appropriate He/Ar&nbsp;dual-purpose TCD is installed. Switching from He to&nbsp;Ar&nbsp;in these instruments is a one-time setup change;&nbsp;both gases are supported in the software (selectable “Gas Type” setting).&nbsp;When using argon, the furnace runs hotter&nbsp;and produces more soot, so maintenance (filter changes, cleaning)&nbsp;becomes more frequent.&nbsp;Low-level nitrogen precision is also slightly&nbsp;lessened&nbsp;with argon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ONH_836_O_N_H_IRON_STEEL_NICKEL_COBALT_ALLOYS_COMPARISON_203_821_601_3c9836f4b4.pdf">“Determination of Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen in Iron, Steel, Nickel-base, and Cobalt-base Alloys: Comparison of Analytical Performance Between Argon and Helium Carrier”&nbsp;</a></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_rada_736_Analyza_kysliku_a_dusiku_roztavenim_vzorku_v_inertnim_plynu_3_0ec033bbbb.jpg" alt="LECO 736 Series" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_rada_736_Analyza_kysliku_a_dusiku_roztavenim_vzorku_v_inertnim_plynu_3_0ec033bbbb.jpg 151w," sizes="100vw" width="825" height="852"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_rada_836_Analyza_prvku_pro_detekci_kysliku_dusiku_a_vodiku_5_8011397ce6.jpg" alt="LECO 836 Series" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_rada_836_Analyza_prvku_pro_detekci_kysliku_dusiku_a_vodiku_5_8011397ce6.jpg 134w," sizes="100vw" width="657" height="764"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1850">DH603&nbsp;Hydrogen Determinator</a></h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Nitrogen (carrier), Helium (calibration gas)&nbsp;</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: The DH603 measures diffusible and residual hydrogen in metals by hot extraction. It does&nbsp;not use helium as a carrier&nbsp;during analysis—instead&nbsp;it uses nitrogen as the purge/carrier gas in the TCD system. A small helium dose is used only for calibration and system checks (to introduce a known H2&nbsp;quantity via He-H2&nbsp;mix). In routine operation, the furnace is purged with N2&nbsp;and any hydrogen released from the sample is carried to a TCD that&nbsp;references against&nbsp;the nitrogen background. This design avoids flammable gas in the instrument entirely.&nbsp;</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/DH_603_H_STEEL_SAMPLES_203_821_376_68e63cfea2.pdf">“Hydrogen Determination in Steel Samples Using DH603”&nbsp;</a></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_DH_603_Stanoveni_zbytkoveho_a_difuzniho_vodiku_horkou_extrakci_d968c7c42b.jpg" alt="LECO: DH603&nbsp;Hydrogen Determinator" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_DH_603_Stanoveni_zbytkoveho_a_difuzniho_vodiku_horkou_extrakci_d968c7c42b.jpg 237w," sizes="100vw" width="1325" height="875">

As Helium Prices Rise and Supply Shrinks, LECO Customers Have Reliable Alternatives

TOC, short for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/documents/203-821-679/?_gl=1*1gfpag2*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTA1NDA5NTg5OC4xNzc5NjQwNTM1*_ga_KRDSR1XM7X*czE3Nzk2NDA1MzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk2NDA1MzQkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_K8NYKVEKHY*czE3Nzk2NDA1MzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk2NDA1MzQkajYwJGwwJGgxOTI5MTg0MDYz">Total Organic Carbon</a>, is an important metric when analyzing soil health. Soils with high TOC content indicate high levels of biodiversity, as organic carbon fuels microbial activity. This enhanced biodiversity is incredibly beneficial to the soil. It boosts nutrient cycling and natural disease suppression, while also contributing to overall soil fertility and plant productivity.Soil biodiversity also leads to better water retention. Organic carbon binds soil particles together to make stable aggregates, which improves the overall soil structure and allows it to retain more water. This feat encourages overall plant health and the sequestration of carbon. Soils with low TOC content, however, experience limited biodiversity, leading to poor soil structure, greater amounts of erosion, and reduced crop yields.<h3>The Challenges of Determining TOC</h3>It’s important for stakeholders in the agriculture industry to pay special attention to the TOC levels in their soils if they want to get the most out of their crops. Knowing TOC levels helps to avoid blind addition of nutrients to soil, potentially cutting out unnecessary labor and costs. However, analyzing soil for TOC does come with its own set of challenges.For example, accurately distinguishing between organic and inorganic carbon requires effective separation of carbon species during analysis.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1845"> LECO’s RC612 </a>addresses this challenge through its temperature differentiation method, precisely controlling oxidation and decomposition conditions to selectively quantify carbon fractions. Alternatively, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1883">C832</a>’s acid pretreatment method ensures reliable removal of inorganic carbon prior to combustion for accurate measurement of organic carbon.These approaches help mitigate common challenges such as incomplete carbonate removal, sample heterogeneity, or incomplete oxidation. While careful sample preparation remains important, leveraging instruments specifically designed to manage these variables is key to achieving precise, repeatable TOC results.<h3>Trust LECO with Your TOC</h3>Researchers and engineers at LECO have worked hard to continuously provide instrumentation that meets or exceeds expected performance. With a line of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=352&amp;manufacturerItems=24">carbon analyzers</a> that are suitable for TOC and more, you can trust LECO with your results, and you can count on our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/support/?_gl=1*13d4rug*_up*MQ..*_ga*MzkzNTEwNzk1LjE3Nzk2NDA0NzQ.*_ga_K8NYKVEKHY*czE3Nzk2NDA0NzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk2NDA0NzQkajYwJGwwJGgzMzYyNzIxMzU.*_ga_KRDSR1XM7X*czE3Nzk2NDA0NzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk2NDA0NzQkajYwJGwwJGgw#">superior service</a> when your lab needs it. But don’t take our word for it—read and then click on the quotes below to discover what three different labs in countries across Europe had to say about their LECO instruments for TOC analysis:<blockquote>“We have been using these instruments since 2009, and every time they release a new version, we are impressed. They are very robust instruments, with very simple daily maintenance; they are built to work. Analysis times are very short, and their robustness, accuracy, repeatability, and precision are excellent. In short, they are instruments designed to work—the more we use them, the better they perform.”Paco San Nicolás, Head of the Ionomics Service at The Center for Soil Science and Applied Biology of Segura (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain</blockquote>CEBAS-CSIC is a leading research center in Spain, critical for advancing sustainable soil and water management.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/leco_interview_with_paco_san_nicolas_csic_cebas_7c53cbb753.pdf">Read the entire interview with Paco.</a><blockquote>“…This allows us to determine the organic carbon content. In this way, we obtain both mineral and organic carbon values (TC/TOC/TIC).”“What was less common was applying a similar approach to sulfur. Existing standards dealing with sulfur mainly focus on coal but not soils. So, we combined and adapted different standards to develop a methodology suitable for soils and other geomaterials containing sulfur/sulfate species, and we now transferred this method to professional applications.”Myriam Duc, Researcher, and François Lansac, Engineering Assistant Université Gustave Eiffel, France</blockquote>Myriam Duc is known for her work regarding clay behavior, soil stabilization, and sustainable construction materials. Université Gustave Eiffel is both a university and a major research organization with a primary focus on sustainable urban development.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/leco_interview_with_universite_gustave_eiffel_ee64b83ece.pdf">Read their entire interview.</a><blockquote>“They (LECO instruments, including the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1843">RC612</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1884">CHN828</a>, and AC600) are an essential part of our analysis work. We don’t use them every day, but we rely on them regularly and they are very important for our daily work. Reliability is an important feature here.”Maria Lehtinen, Lab Manager Kuusakoski’s Research Center, Lahti, Finland</blockquote>Kuusakoski’s Research Centre focuses on advancing recycling technology and material recovery. Their mission is to restore value to waste and recover precious metals from waste more efficiently.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/leco_interview_with_kuusakoski_research_centre_dca94b5485.pdf">Read the entire interview with Maria.</a>

Gain Confidence in Your Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Data

Amongst consumers, protein is currently all the rage. In fact, it is in such high demand that the supply can no longer keep up. Supplementary protein is being added to all kinds of consumer goods, like coffee, chips, cereal, sports drinks, and more. Most of these protein boosts are made possible thanks to a by-product of cheese-making known as whey. Since it cannot be produced on its own, cheese and dairy product manufacturers are unable to keep up with the growing demand for what was once considered disposable.<h3>Growing Concern Over 2026 Whey Protein Shortage</h3>While retailers have yet to see stock shortages of whey protein products, shoppers should expect prices to begin to trend upward. According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-06-01/no-whey-theres-shortage-of-popular-protein-as-food-companies-put-it-in-everything">LA Times</a>, some suppliers are already sold out of their whey for the remainder of 2026, and wholesale costs have escalated by an average of 40%. This cost is sure to be reflected onto consumers soon. For companies that can no longer afford whey protein due to the astronomical price hike, they are forced to either stop production or find an alternative.<h3>Evaluating Whey Protein Alternatives for Food Reformulation</h3>Whey is a complete protein that is naturally found in milk. It contains essential amino acids that support skeletal muscle protein synthesis and accumulation of lean body mass. It is one of the fastest-acting protein sources due to its readily digestible nature and is added to food or beverages easily in its powdered state. All of these elements combined make whey protein one of the most popular sports supplements in the world.There are several alternatives to whey protein that can help keep protein-supplemented products on the shelves, such as plant-based protein or milk protein concentrate. However, since these proteins are formulated differently, change is not often one-to-one. Producers will have to reformulate their products to give customers the closest taste, mouthfeel, and protein content as before—not an easy or quick process.<h3>Ensuring Accurate Protein Content</h3>An important part of reformulation is ensuring that new products will still meet the protein demands of consumers. Testing for protein content can be time-consuming and messy —unless you automate it.With LECO’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1884">FP828 </a>and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1885">FP928</a> protein analysis instruments, determining protein content is a swift and easy task. Users get results within 5 minutes with macro sample sizes. Up to 100 samples can be loaded at a time with an autoloader, making these instruments impeccable tools for high-throughput labs that need to reformulate quickly.You can see how both of these instruments provided rapid and accurate data when analyzing whey protein by reading the following application notes:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/FP_928_NITROGEN_PROTEIN_WHEY_POWDERED_DAIRY_203_821_671_1ecb5b0d95.pdf">Determination of Nitrogen/Protein in Whey and Powdered Dairy Products using the FP928</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/FP_828_NITROGEN_PROTEIN_WHEY_POWDERED_DAIRY_203_821_670_d13e6d3d92.pdf">Nitrogen and Protein in Whey and Powdered Dairy Products with the FP828</a></li></ul>Beyond reformulation, this shortage of whey protein highlights an important turning point for the food industry.&nbsp;Consumers aren’t going to stop demanding protein-boosted snacks; they will instead buy from the brands that successfully pivot first. High-throughput labs that can quickly validate new plant-based or blended formulations will be the ones that keep products on shelves and maintain consumer loyalty. Is your lab equipped to lead the transition?<blockquote><h4>Upgrade Your Protein Testing Capabilities</h4><ul><li>Explore all the advantages of having a LECO FP828 or FP928 Macro Determinator in your protein lab by visiting the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.leco.com/products/828-series/">FP828 instrument page</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.leco.com/products/928-series/">FP928 instrument overview</a>.</li><li>You can also find helpful resources—like application notes and webinars—in our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/applications/protein-analysis/">Protein Analysis Resource Hub</a>.</li><li>If you have a specific question about our protein analysis instruments, feel free to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/contact/">contact an expert today</a>.</li></ul></blockquote>

 From Trash to Treasure: Testing Alternatives to Whey Protein Amidst Shortage

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In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

From Trash to Treasure: Testing Alternatives to Whey Protein Amidst Shortage

Gain Confidence in Your Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Data

As Helium Prices Rise and Supply Shrinks, LECO Customers Have Reliable Alternatives

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