The gold standard in elemental analyzer isotope ratio analysis

Experience the gold standard in elemental analyzer isotope ratio analysis (EA-IRMS): the vario ISOTOPE cube. This elemental analyzer for EA-IRMS combines market-leading accuracy and precision with outstanding flexibility and superior ease of use. vario ISOTOPE cube is designed for simultaneous carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratio analysis in samples with sample weights up to 1 g. The analyzer can determine even the most challenging C:N and C:S elemental ratios of up to 7,000:1 and 5,000:1, respectively, and offers additional options for oxygen and hydrogen isotope measurements. Designed for unattended 24/7 operation, the vario ISOTOPE cube stands for highest system uptime. In combination with one of our state-of-the-art IRMS systems, you will always get the best out of your analyses.

Highlights of the vario ISOTOPE cube

Outstanding sample flexibility

for a wide range of sample weights, from solid to liquid samples, with options for δ¹⁸O and δ²H determination

Excellent peak shapes and separation with simultaneous NCS isotope analysis

even for analysis of very low sulfur contents in high carbon samples (e.g. tree rings)

Precise oxygen isotope analysis

thanks to unrivalled baseline separation of CO and N₂ during δ¹⁸O analysis

High operating comfort

thanks to a high level of automation and low maintenance

Elemental analyzer vario ISOTOPE cube for EA-IRMS

Elemental analyzer vario ISOTOPE cube for EA-IRMS with monitor

Elemental analyzer vario ISOTOPE cube as part of the BiovisION IRMS system

Features

Outstanding sample flexibility thanks to Advanced Purge and Trap Technology

The vario ISOTOPE cube enables the analysis of samples with weights in the low microgram as well as in the gram range, offering outstanding flexibility in your application. This is possible thanks to our Advanced Purge and Trap (APT) technology which creates a large dynamic measurement range. In addition, the analyzer can be easily retrofitted with an optional liquid autosampler for high-throughput liquid sample analysis. For even more flexibility in your analyses, optional conversion kits for δ¹⁸O and δ²H determination allow upgrading the instrument at any time. For the analysis of hydrogen isotope ratios in water, we recommend adding the optional Chrome HD kit for best results.

Excellent peak shapes and separation thanks to Advanced Purge and Trap Technology

The vario ISOTOPE cube elemental analyzer inlet delivers excellent peak shapes and full peak separation in simultaneous NCS analysis mode in less than nine minutes. This is achieved thanks to our Advanced Purge and Trap (APT) technology which provides market-leading precision and accuracy across a broad range of applications. This enables the detection of very low sulfur contents in a high carbon sample matrix, making it the ideal instrument for applications like tree ring analysis.

Precise oxygen analysis thanks to full baseline separation

Oxygen determination is one of the optional features which the vario ISOTOPE cube offers. δ¹⁸O analysis of samples which contain nitrogen can be difficult, since N₂ isobarically interferes with CO₂. With the vario ISOTOPE cube, you can be sure to always receive reliable results thanks to the unrivalled baseline separation of CO₂ and N₂ during δ¹⁸O analysis. This is achieved through the APT technology with column backflushing, which completely removes the N₂ interferences and gives superior analytical precision in δ¹⁸O analysis.

High operating comfort through design

Equipped with an 80 position autosampler, which is reloadable at any time, the vario ISOTOPE cube is designed for unattended 24/7 analysis and high sample throughput. Its big ash finger and separate combustion and reduction tubes result in extremely low maintenance, ensuring highest system uptime. Whenever maintenance is necessary though, our user-friendly clamp connections ensure a tool-free experience, while the slide-out furnace guarantees easy accessibility and a comfortable working posture.

Future-proof thanks to 10 years guarantee

Thanks to the outstanding robustness and longevity of our vario ISOTOPE cube, we grant a 10-year guarantee on the high-temperature combustion furnace and the thermal conductivity detector cell of the thermal conductivity detector (TCD). With our long-term oriented dedication to technical support, we provide spare parts for a minimum of 10 years. This results in outstanding low total cost of ownership, giving you confidence in return of investment.

Product details

The vario ISOTOPE cube is optimized for the analysis of:

δ¹³C
δ¹⁵N
δ³⁴S
δ¹⁸O*
δ²H*

* optionally available

Weighing range

Largest weighing range:
from micro (20 µg) to macro (1 g soil) sample weight

Element concentration range

Largest dynamic range of element concentrations and ratios:

C: up to 20 mg abs.
N: up to 15 mg abs.
S: up to 3 mg abs.
O*: up to 6 mg abs.
H*: up to 3 mg abs.

Precision

Elemental performance (external precision, 1σ):
< 0.1 % for C, N, S and O

Isotope ratio performance (external precision, 1σ):
δ¹³C: 0.1 ‰
δ¹⁵N: 0.15 ‰
δ³⁴S: 0.2 ‰
δ¹⁸O: 0.3 ‰
δ²H*: 3 ‰
δ²H* (HDChrome): 0.5 ‰

Analysis time

~ 3 - 4 min per element, self-optimizing according to element content and sample weight. Depending on sample type, analysis mode, and configuration.

* optionally available

High-temperature combustion unit:
Complete sample digestion at up to 1,200 °C (or 1,800 °C at the point of combustion when tin foil is used) with a ten-year furnace warranty. A jet injection of oxygen directly to the sample leads to the highest oxygen concentrations at the point of combustion, as well as low gas consumption. This gurantees 100 % recovery even for samples, that are traditionally hard to combust.

Purge and trap chromatography:
Separation of gaseous components on up to three gas-selective columns. These columns trap the gases until they are heated up. The release of a gas is only initiated when the prior gas peak has reached baseline. This results in perfect peak separation without overlap, and automatic optimization of the analysis time.

Detector

Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD)

Sample introduction

Integrated 60*, 80, or 120* positions autosampler (for solids and liquids in capsules), reloadable during analysis
Integrated 2 ml vial, 50 positions liquid autosampler with rinse and waste vial*, reloadable during analysis

Maximum furnace temperature

1,200 ° C (whereby 1,800 °C is briefly reached at the combustion point when using tin foil)

Instrument control

Windows® based lyticOS® Software Suite with LIMS integration and auto sleep and wake-up function for automated and unattended overnight operation.

Required gases

Helium and oxygen

Dimensions

48 x 55 x 57 cm (W x D x H)

* optionally available

Electronic balance:

Balance and elemental analyzer form a system. We offer analytical balances from the leading manufacturers with our instruments. Please contact us for further information.

Sample former and pressing tools:

For simplified sample preparation, we offer a manual tool for compressing samples in tin foil or cups, and a mechanical press for the preparation of pellets with paper wrapping.

Capsule sealing press:

Tool for the exact dosing and gas-tight sealing of tin or silver capsules, for liquid and sensitive samples.