Mercury Analyzer

---

AMI uses a LECO AMA254 for mercury analysis.

This instrument is a unique atomic absorption spectrometer that can determine total mercury content in various solids and certain liquids, without sample pre-treatment or sample pre-concentration. A sample is decomposed in the combustion tube, then the evolved gases are then transported to an area to remove interfering impurities (ash, moisture, halogens, etc.). After this, the clean evolved gas is transported to the amalgamator. This collects all of the mercury in the vapor and traps it for subsequent detection. After all mercury is collected, the amalgamator is heated to release the mercury vapor to the detection system. The detection system is equipped with a mercury-specific lamp that emits light at a wavelength of 253.7nm. The detector measures the absorption of light by the mercury vapor and then converts to concentration.

Samples can be difficult matrices like coal, combustion residues, soils, fish scales, and bat fur.

Typical methods include:

• ASTM D6722