2/11/2010 : MORE $$ FOR USED PT CONES, INJECTORS AND CRUCIBLES Yup it is that time again... Pt values have risen.  Spectron has therefore increased the value we will return to you for your used Pt cones.  After extended use and repeated refurbishing (FREE) your platinum cones will eventually become unusable. Rather than stick them in a drawer in your lab, send them to us and we will give you credit based on the Pt market value.   We will accept both Spectron and non-Spectron platinum cones, shields, injectors and crucibles.  If you have platinum consumables and are unsure of their credit value see the attached document below, or give us a call 800.238.8940

5/29/2009 : CONE CLEANING GUIDE All sample and skimmer cones, regardless of ICP-MS manufacturer or design serve the same function.  They are the differential apertures separating the sample, at atmosphere from the mass filter and detector(s), at high vacuum.  Though the fundamental dimensions are all essentially the same (sample cone with shallow angle, skimmer cone with acute angle), each manufacturer has designed the cone’s critical dimensions to their own unique specifications (orifice diameter, hole depth, material composition, etc.).  The actual cone design may vary significantly from one instrument manufacturer to another.  The analytical zone, the area most in need of maintenance displays the most significant differences.  These differences, together with sample type (ground water, soil digests, sea water, etc) contribute to the rate at which oxides and salts accumulate in and around the cone orifice.  They also affect the rate of cone degradation and influence the cleaning methodology. For a detailed guide to cleaning your cones please see attached document.

5/1/2009 : SPECTRON RECYCLES We are all aware of the environmental issues prevalent into today’s high technology world.  In an effort to reduce our environmental footprint, Spectron Inc will now accept the return of all nickel cones and Spectron plastic cone containers.  The nickel will be recycled, as scrap and the plastic containers will be cleaned and reused.   Once a container can no longer be reused it will be recycled in the normal manner for these materials.  Each customer will have the option of choosing product shipped in a new container or a previously used container.  All reused containers will display the Spectron (green) logo.  As an incentive Spectron will return a credit to each of you for all materials recycled.  Nickel will be reclaimed at $5/lb, copper at $1/lb and the plastic containers at $0.10 each.  Additionally we will hold a lottery.  Twice each year we will pick a name from all the contributors and the winner be able to choose between an Apple iTouch (right) or a $500 of credit on the future purchase of Spectron cones.  I hope you will help us do our small part in making this a better world.

3/27/2009 : STUDENT SPONSORSHIP Spectron Inc. will sponsor one (1) graduate student each year to an international conference on Atomic Spectroscopy.  We are looking for published, peer reviewed original work to highlight in our newsletter.  If you are a graduate or post-doctoral student hoping to present your work, contact us (email below).  We will include two abstracts in each of three information-only newsletters.  All abstracts will be clearly cited and linked to an appropriate site for download.  The final six students whose papers are chosen for each of the three newsletters will be eligible for sponsorship to a major international, scientific conference of their choice. Three judges from the academic community will choose one of the six students for sponsorship. If you are a Professor willing to volunteer for one of the three reviewer positions please contact me directly. Lawrence Neufeld lawrence@SpectronUS.com

3/27/2009 : FREE SHIPPING, WORLD WIDE: Spectron Inc. will now ship your order anywhere in the world for free.  Give us a call.  Let us help you with your consumables needs.  We will then ship all orders above $500 to you - no charge. Whether across the street or around the world take advantage of this offer when placing your next order.

3/25/2009 : CROSS REFERENCE CHARTS: Agilent, PerkinElmer, Thermo Fisher Handy charts to help you locate the best replacement for your Agilent, PerkinElmer and Thermo Fisher consumbable needs.  Search by OEM part number to locate your sample and skimmer cones, ICP torches, spray chambers, nebulizers, RF coils and ETP electron multlipliers.  To download chart(s) visit our Library and Resources section of our website.