Enables to concentrate a tiny sample of 600µL,
achieving high-sensitive total reflection fluorescent X-ray analysis!
We had an interview with Mr. Yoshii who is working on total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis of uranium in contaminated water.
Interviewee：
Mr. Hiroshi Yoshii, Senior chief engineer in Radiation Measurement Research Team,
Department of Radiation Measurement and Dose Assessment,
Radiological Science Research and Development Directorate,
National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology
*Cold run in his laboratory
- BioChromato
- What type of research are you in charge of?
- Mr.Yoshii
- We are trying to develop a fast and convenient method to analyze uranium-contaminated water.
- BioChromato
- Uranium should be a material used for nuclear fuel. How do you use Smart Evaporator in your research?
Mr.Yoshii
- I use Smart Evaporator to improve the analysis sensitivity. We create simulated uranium-contaminated water, and the sample solution is condensed to 10 times. Then it is put under the total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis.
- BioChromato
- What exactly do you do in the total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis?
Mr.Yoshii
- X-rays have a characteristic of being totally reflected when they are incident on a substance with a very small glancing angle from the air layer, and Total reflection fluorescent X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) is a measurement method utilizing such a property that can observe only fluorescent X-rays emitted from a target. Total reflection fluorescent X-ray analysis performs to the sample dripped and dried on the glass substrate.
- BioChromato
- What is the evaporation condition?
Mr.Yoshii
- 600 μL of simulated uranium-contaminated wastewater is placed in a 1.5mL or 2.0mL Eppendorf tube and concentrated at 100°C. We do this about once a week on a daily basis or every day when we have many. The operation time is approximately 40 minutes.
- BioChromato
- 600µL is such a tiny sample volume. How do you concentrate before you have Smart Evaporator?
Mr.Yoshii
- Previously we did not concentrate samples. Under that condition, uranium up to 1/10 of the waste water standard was detectable, but now we dry 600μL completely and dissolve with 60μL of diluted nitric acid etc. It became possible to concentrate to 10 times, and the detection limit reaches to 1/100 of the waste water standard. At that time I did not come up with any ideas to dry 600μL sample in a short time.
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- BioChromato
- How did you get to know Smart Evaporator?
Mr.Yoshii
- A distributor who often came to our laboratory brought a catalog of Smart Evaporator and asked us for a demonstration. The demonstration convinced that this would be a useful device so we got one. Since it is inexpensive compared to a general evaporator, we now have two units and that improves our work efficiency.
BioChromato
- Depending on experimental use, you use both units. What’s good about Smart Evaporator?
Mr.Yoshii
- It is possible to concentrate even a very small amount of 600μL, and it’s still fast and convenient. The unique vacuum vortex concentration lets us use non-pressure-resistant containers, so this is very useful for those like us who want to concentrate directly with an Eppendorf tube.
BioChromato
- If you feel anything needs to be improved, can you share us your ideas?
Mr.Yoshii
- I hope I can concentrate acid solution (4M nitric acid etc.), but this is not perfectly compatible. The part where you can place a sample is not very deep, so it is difficult to concentrate with a long length container.
BioChromato
- We are appreciated to have your idea. Thank you for your time today.
Mr.Yoshii
- Thank you too.
Summary
Mr. Yoshii is developing Total reflection fluorescent X-ray fluorescence that is higher sensitive than conventional fluorescent X-ray analysis and that can measure uranium-contaminated water with detection criteria far below the waste water standards.
It was confirmed from this interview that Smart Evaporator which can concentrate even a small amount of 600μL contributes to the development of a new analytical method and their time efficiency of daily experimental work.
Also, we are pleased that they introduce another one.
The vacuum vortex concentration enables customers to select their preferred containers and its space-saving design is helpful to improve their work efficiency.
(Interviewer: Kikuchi)
■Interested in what Smart Evaporator is? You can learn from here!