PerkinElmer SIMAA 6000 Simultaneous Multi-Element Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Overview

The PerkinElmer SIMAA 6000 is a high-performance, simultaneous multi-element atomic absorption spectrometer engineered for trace elemental analysis in demanding laboratory environments. Unlike conventional sequential AAS systems, the SIMAA 6000 employs a tetrahedral echelle grating (TEP) optical architecture—featuring a 500 mm focal length, 79 grooves/mm echelle grating with 63.4° blaze angle—to disperse light across a two-dimensional detector plane. This design enables true simultaneous detection of up to six elements within a single atomization cycle, significantly improving analytical throughput while maintaining sub-part-per-trillion (ppt) detection limits. The system integrates a transversely heated graphite atomizer (THGA) with True Temperature Control (TTC), wherein furnace temperature is monitored every 10 ms via differential thermocouple feedback and dynamically corrected against reference thermal profiles. Coupled with AC Zeeman background correction (≥0.8 T field strength applied parallel to the optical path during atomization), the instrument delivers robust interference-free quantification across complex matrices—including environmental digests, biological fluids, and geological extracts.

Key Features

• Simultaneous multi-element detection using a 61-element Zeeman-corrected photodiode array, eliminating spectral scanning delays and inter-element drift
• Transversely heated graphite atomizer (THGA) with True Temperature Control (TTC) for precise, reproducible thermal programming from ambient to 2600 °C in 10 °C increments
• AC Zeeman background correction with automatic magnetic field activation during atomization; optimized for high-salt and organic-rich samples
• PerkinElmer AS-72 autosampler with 80-position capacity: supports 75 × 1.2 mL sample vials, 15 × 1.2 mL standard/reference vials, and 5 × 25 mL reagent vials; injection volume range 0.1–198 µL
• Integrated argon gas management system: three programmable flow rates (0, 50, 250 mL/min), pressure monitoring, and automatic switching between purge and atomization modes
• Full software control of furnace ramping, hold times (0–99 s per step), internal gas flow, Zeeman magnet activation, and data acquisition timing

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SIMAA 6000 is validated for use with aqueous, acid-digested, and chelated samples across regulatory frameworks including EPA Method 200.9, ISO 11885, ASTM D5673, and USP . Its THGA platform accommodates viscous or particulate-laden samples when paired with matrix modifiers (e.g., Pd-Mg nitrate, NH₄H₂PO₄) and platform-assisted pyrolysis. The system meets GLP/GMP documentation requirements through WinLab32’s audit-trail-enabled data handling, user access controls, electronic signatures, and full compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for raw data integrity and metadata retention. All hardware components—including the AS-72 autosampler, furnace cooling unit, and TEP optical bench—have undergone functional verification per PerkinElmer service protocols prior to resale.

Software & Data Management

WinLab32 for AA provides comprehensive instrument control, method development, and quantitative reporting. It supports linear and non-linear calibration (up to 8-point curves), peak area/height integration, and dynamic baseline correction. Integration time is adjustable from 0.1–120 s in 0.1 s increments; absorbance scaling ranges continuously from 0.01× to 99.99×. Raw signal files (.RAW) and processed results (.RES) are stored with full metadata (operator ID, timestamp, lamp settings, furnace program, gas flow log). Data export is compatible with LIMS via ASCII, CSV, or direct ODBC connectivity. The embedded Intel 80486DX-33 MHz controller (8 MB RAM, 200 MB HDD, VGA display) ensures deterministic real-time execution of multi-step furnace programs without latency-induced thermal deviation.

Applications

The SIMAA 6000 is routinely deployed in environmental laboratories for simultaneous quantification of Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Ni, and Cu in drinking water and wastewater per EPA 200.9. In clinical toxicology, it supports rapid Pb/Bi/Al screening in whole blood using stabilized THGA platforms. Geochemical labs leverage its multi-element capability for rapid analysis of REEs and transition metals in HF-HNO₃ digests of silicate rocks. Food safety applications include monitoring Cd and Pb migration from packaging into acidic simulants (EU Regulation 10/2011). Its robust Zeeman correction and TTC stability make it suitable for high-precision analysis of ultra-trace elements in semiconductor-grade reagents (SEMI F57).

FAQ

Is this unit fully refurbished and performance-verified?
Yes. Each SIMAA 6000 undergoes complete optical alignment, wavelength calibration, Zeeman field validation, furnace thermal profiling, and AS-72 positional accuracy testing at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited facility.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
A full test report, as-shipped configuration sheet, WinLab32 license transfer documentation, and 6-month limited warranty certificate are provided.
Can the system be upgraded to support newer software versions?
WinLab32 is backward-compatible with all SIMAA 6000 hardware revisions; optional migration paths to PerkinElmer’s Syngistix software are available upon request and subject to hardware compatibility assessment.
Are spare parts and consumables available?
All OEM graphite tubes, cuvettes, lamps (HCL and EDL), and AS-72 syringe assemblies remain in active production and are stocked for immediate dispatch.
Does the warranty cover on-site service?
Standard warranty includes remote diagnostics and labor coverage; on-site technician dispatch is available under extended service agreements.