SPECTROSCOPY CAN HELP SOLVE YOUR WASTE DISPOSAL NIGHTMARE

We recently bought an atomic absorbent spectroscopy to help optimise our own production levels. In a stroke of serendipity, the machine has arrived at a time when many of our clients need to analyse their waste – another function the spectroscopy can fulfil.

Analysing your waste would allow it to be treated sufficiently for it to reach a rating that is acceptable for disposal under the stringent new waste regulations. The waste would then not be rejected by Vissershok as too concentrated. Please read the story that follows for more information about the regulations and the implications for your business.

“The spectroscopy is going to be a great help with our customers who need to dispose of their waste.”
Navi Moodley, Dolphin Bay Laboratory Manager

We have been considering buying the spectroscopy for some time, to help optimise our own production levels and reduce wastage in the manufacturing process. While the “wet chemistry” process we previously used for analysing our CCA took a whole day, the spectroscopy will allow us to complete this analysis in just half an hour.

The extreme accuracy of the spectroscopy’s readings will enable us to determine the concentrations of raw ingredients in our end product with great precision, and cut down on any wastage.

A spectroscopy contains a hollow cathode lamp that generates the various wavelengths constituting light, many of which are invisible to the human eye. Atoms of various elements, including the raw materials constituting CCA, absorb the energy of different wavelengths of light.

To determine the concentration of each of these raw materials, we “atomise” a sample of CCA, then see how much light of the relevant wavelengths has been absorbed. We are currently finalising the set-up of the spectroscopy, and are working on the procedures for analysing waste.

“The spectroscopy is going to be a great help with our customers who need to dispose of their waste,” said our Laboratory Manager, Navi Moodley. “The waste analysis process will be relatively inexpensive and simple, and results will be available quickly.”

Atomic absorbent spectroscopies have been in use since the 1950s, and are largely used for the analysis of elements including metals, especially by mining, petro-chemical and pharmaceutical companies.

“Analysing your waste will enable you to determine whether it will be accepted or not at Vissershok before you send it,” said Bertus. “If the concentrations of the elements in question are too high, you will be able to treat your waste to the degree that Vissershok does accept it, and be sure of this beforehand.

“This process of analysis and prior treatment will save you time, effort and money, and we believe it will be of great benefit to our clients. Please contact Dolphin Bay to find out more.”