PerkinElmer AAnalyst 800 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The PerkinElmer AAnalyst 800 is a dual-mode atomic absorption spectrometer engineered for high-precision elemental analysis in regulated and research laboratory environments. It operates on the fundamental principle of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), where ground-state atoms in a gaseous state absorb light at element-specific wavelengths—typically generated by hollow cathode or electrodeless discharge lamps. The instrument supports both flame (FAAS) and graphite furnace (GFAAS) atomization, enabling quantitative determination across concentration ranges from sub-ppb to ppm levels. Its optical design incorporates a double-beam, simultaneous sample/reference detection architecture using a full-spectrum CCD array detector, eliminating time-based drift errors and ensuring robust photometric stability. The system was originally manufactured in the United States and has undergone comprehensive functional validation—including wavelength accuracy verification, photometric linearity assessment, and furnace temperature calibration—by SpectraLab Scientific’s certified technical team prior to refurbishment.

Key Features

• Automated slit width and height control optimized for spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio per analytical method.
• High-sensitivity CCD detector with integrated CMOS charge amplification, delivering simultaneous acquisition of sample and reference beams for real-time baseline correction.
• Dual-lamp power supply supporting up to two HCLs or EDLs; lamp identification, current optimization, and alignment are fully automated via WinLab32 software.
• Flame system featuring a corrosion-resistant titanium burner head, inert pre-mix chamber, and adjustable concentric nebulizer—capable of direct suspension analysis (e.g., infant formula, soil digests).
• Graphite furnace with independent inner/outer gas flow control: outer argon prevents oxidation of the graphite tube during heating; inner flow purges volatile matrix components during drying and ashing stages.
• Integrated furnace power supply with real-time infrared temperature monitoring, dynamic voltage compensation, and resistance-based thermal feedback for precise thermal program execution.
• STPF (Stabilized Temperature Platform Furnace) graphite tubes included as standard—enabling integrated platform atomization for improved analyte transport efficiency and reduced interferences.
• Direct suspension introduction capability for both flame and furnace modes, validated for complex matrices including fruit juices, edible oils, and dairy powders.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AAnalyst 800 accommodates aqueous solutions, organic solvents (with appropriate safety protocols), and heterogeneous suspensions without mandatory centrifugation or filtration. It demonstrates proven compatibility with third-party hydride generation (HG) systems—particularly for As, Sb, Se, and Hg—achieving detection limits in the low-ppt range when coupled with optimized chemical vapor generation. The instrument’s mechanical and electrical architecture conforms to IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment. While the base configuration does not include FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trail functionality, it supports installation of validated software modules required for GLP and GMP-regulated environments. Method validation documentation—including precision (RSD < 2% for triplicate injections), linearity (r² ≥ 0.9999 over 2–10 ppb As), and recovery testing (92–105% for spiked biological matrices)—is available upon request.

Software & Data Management

WinLab32 v3.50 or later serves as the native control and data processing platform. It provides method-driven operation, automated lamp selection, multi-element sequential analysis, and customizable quantitation algorithms (peak area, peak height, or integrated absorbance). All acquisition parameters—including lamp current, slit width, integration time, and furnace temperature ramp profiles—are stored within method files for full traceability. Raw spectral data are saved in proprietary .WLS format but exportable to CSV or ASCII for external statistical analysis. The software supports user-level access control (administrator/operator roles), electronic signature logging (when configured with Part 11 add-on), and secure data archiving. Instrument diagnostics—including lamp energy output, detector dark current, and graphite furnace resistance trends—are logged automatically and accessible via the maintenance console.

Applications

This refurbished AAnalyst 800 is routinely deployed in environmental testing laboratories for heavy metal analysis in wastewater and soil extracts (EPA Methods 7000B, 7110); in food safety labs for Cd, Pb, and As quantification in cereals, seafood, and beverages (AOAC 999.10, ISO 11170); and in pharmaceutical QC for catalyst residue testing (ICH Q2(R2)-aligned validation). Its FIAS-GF coupling enables ultra-trace speciation work—for example, distinguishing As(III) from As(V) in rice samples via selective hydride generation. The system also interfaces with HPLC and GC for hyphenated elemental detection (e.g., arsenobetaine separation), and with thermogravimetric analyzers for volatilization kinetics studies.

FAQ

Is this unit factory-certified or independently verified?
Yes—the instrument underwent full functional verification by SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-aligned technical staff, including wavelength calibration, photometric accuracy checks, and graphite furnace thermal profiling.
Does it include original PerkinElmer documentation?
Yes—electronic copies of the AAnalyst 800 Operator’s Manual, Maintenance Guide, and WinLab32 User Manual are provided in English.
Can it be upgraded to meet current regulatory requirements?
Yes—hardware-compatible firmware updates and 21 CFR Part 11 software modules are available through authorized PerkinElmer service partners.
What consumables are included with purchase?
Standard shipment includes one set of STPF graphite tubes, five HCLs (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn), and a complete toolkit for routine maintenance.
Is remote support available post-installation?
Yes—SpectraLab Scientific offers tiered technical support packages, including remote diagnostics, application troubleshooting, and method development consultation.