SciAps Z-903 0
SciAps Z-903 1
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SciAps Z-903

Analyze every element in the periodic table, in seconds, in a handheld

  • Analyze every element in the periodic table
  • Elemental micro-analysis capabilities in the field
  • 190-950 nm analysis with triple resolution spectrometer
  • Intuitive Android software package

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A powerful combination: SciAps is a Malvern Panalytical company

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One analyzer, every element

The SciAps Z-903 handheld LIBS analyzer accomplishes what no other portable analyzer has done. It’s a handheld that measures every element in the periodic table of elements – from H to U.

It uses the same powerful laser as SciAps Z-901 and Z-902 models, but with an extended spectrometer range from 190 nm to 950 nm.

  • Extended range allows measurement of emission lines from H, F, N, O, Br, Cl, Rb, Cs and S
  • Measures more sensitive line for lithium near 675 nm to achieve 2-5 ppm limits of detection
  • Measures more sensitive, interference-free line for potassium (K), free of heavy iron interference - a classic issue with traditional K lines

Z-903 features

  • Triple spectrometer: 190-950 nm with 3x resolution

  • Argon cartridge: an inert argon environment improves spectral signal-to-noise ratio

  • Internal camera: precise targeting of analysis location

  • Macro-camera: photo documentation of samples, reading barcodes and QR codes

  • Report generation: full featured, with available cloud data management and reporting

  • Narrow snout: tapered for wields or difficult to access test locations

  • Laser safety sensor: patented sample sensor allows Class 1 operation subject to LSO approval

  • Intuitive Android operating system with app based software

  • High resolution display: rear-facing display for easy viewing

  • Rugged metal body: maximum durability and minimal service costs

Bulk samples and micro-analysis

The Z-903 is the world’s only handheld offering elemental micro-analysis in the field. Users may set up the raster to a grid pattern, using the 100 um laser spot size for elemental heat mapping point-by-point. 

For bulk samples, the Z can be set to average results from every raster location for a bulk sample result, just like handheld XRF analysis.

Image: An X-ray fluorescence map (XFM) for Fe. SciAps handheld LIBS now allows targeted microanalysis of geological samples in the field. The corresponding LIBS element distribution map for Fe shows excellent correlation with the XFM map. ‍Australian Synchrotron’s X-ray fluorescence microprobe (XFM) data courtesy of Shaun Barker (University of Waikato) and Jeremy Vaughan (Barrick).

Complete user control

The laser strike pattern, cleaning shots, spectrometer settings are all under user control. 

The analyzer includes advanced software for modifying all settings, comparing spectral data, and for generating quantitative calibration curves. 

The Z-903 features the same Android OS and intuitive App-driven software as all other SciAps models.

In use globally

The Z-903 is most widely used for mineral exploration, including lithium in both hard rock and brines. 

It is also used in forensics, authentication, archeology and oil/gas exploration due to the wide elemental range.

Specification

Weight
4.35 lbs. (1.97 kg) with battery
Dimensions
10.75 x 2.875 x 8.625 inches
Power
On board rechargeable Li-ion battery, rechargeable inside device or with external charger, AC power
Spectral bandwidth
190-950 nm
Display
3.5-inch high-brightness color touchscreen, readable in all conditions
Rear-facing display for easy results viewing
Sample Interface
Integrated camera and laser target indicator before and during analysis provide proper sample alignment
Includes 2nd macro camera for scanning QR or bar codes and for photo-documentation and report generation
Data storage
Results Storage: 32 GB SD
Processing electronics and host processor
ARM Quad Cortex -A53 1.2GHz
Memory: 2 GB LPDDR3, 16 GB eMMC
Drift
On-board automated drift correction software with factory or user-provided reference materials
Regulatory testing
CE, RoHS, USFDA registered. Class 3b laser
Sample sensor on board, allows for operation under Class 1 conditions subject to local LSO approval
Laser raster
On-board Y stage for rastering laser to discrete locations for targeted analysis or averaging
Data Transfer
Built on Google’s Android platform for real-time data exporting, including built-in WiFi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth (BR/EDR+BLE), GPS and USB-C to connect to virtually any information management system
Security
Password protected
Multi-user support with configurable access
Environment
SciAps proprietary Opti-Purge inert argon environment improves spectral signal-to-noise ratio; improves performance in UV range
Calibration check
Internal 316 stainless check standard for calibration verification and wavelength scale validation
Grade library
500+ grades, multi-library support, libraries may be added or edited
Analysis range
One or more lines from all elements in the periodic table

Accessories

Enhance your analysis

OneBox

Pair any Z Series with our industry-leading XRF unit and get optimal analysis across every element in the periodic table and every sample type. Same batteries, cables, chargers and other accessories.

  • ‍LIBS: Analyze elements XRF can’t test: Li, Be, B, C, F, Na and more. Improved performance on Mg, Ca, K compared to XRF. Microanalysis with 100 um laser spot size.  
  • ‍XRF: Great for transition and heavy metals. Easy to use, especially on bulk, soil, and ore type materials.
More information
OneBox

Z-903 Carbon: Extend the range

The key to rock-solid, in-field carbon analysis for alloys.

  • Identification of stainless steels and low alloy steels, including carbon analysis down to 70 ppm and instant CE (carbon equivalents) calculations
  • Powerful laser, on-board argon purge, and high-resolution spectrometer built for carbon
  • Narrow profile for accessing the tightest spaces, aerospace-grade aluminum body for improved performance in high ambient temperatures, and a redesigned user interface
  • The most usable platform on the market, at only 4.35 lbs. (1.97 kg)
  • Spectrometer range 190-625 nm, with a third, dedicated spectrometer for superior resolution

Z-903 Carbon features

High-purity Argon and purge

Argon purge is essential for quantitative analysis with LIBS and OES, and for carbon it’s critical. 

SciAps patented Opti-Purge technique is a key component for measuring carbon accurately. Opti-Purge delivers argon exactly where it’s needed and uses about 1,000 times less argon than a spark OES, allowing for a user-replaceable canister. 

Operators can analyze up to 600 samples with the argon canister for most alloy testing, and 125-200 samples for carbon analysis.

High laser pulse energy and frequency

The SciAps laser delivers 5-6 mJ/pulse on the sample, with a 50 Hz repetition rate. 

As any user of spark OES knows, sample prep is critical for carbon analysis - a good grind and a good pre-burn are as critical for LIBS as for spark OES. The Z-903 high-energy and high-rep rate laser (50 Hz) rapidly burns off surface contamination in order to provide a good analysis.

Laser raster

Rastering is critical for accurate carbon tests with LIBS. The Z-903 moves the laser to 6 distinct locations and analyzes each spot for 0.5 seconds for every 3-second test. The laser is typically 50 um diameter beam. 

On that scale, micro inclusions in the alloys and the grain structure of the alloy can impact the analysis. By averaging across six unique locations, the system collects data that is representative of the alloy, not just an individual location.

Analysis averaging

Multi-shot averaging and data rejection are critical to getting the best carbon tests.

The combination of these two features, known as analysis averaging, allows the operator to (optionally) reject test data with significant point-by-point discrepancies then automatically create a final result.

Micro-camera and LED spotlight

Proper alignment is critical to getting good analysis. Take out the guess work with a micro-camera and LED Spotlight.

The camera shows the sample in high resolution and ensures that the instrument is positioned correctly; the LED Spotlight shows exactly where the laser will burn the sample.

Get a good burn every time.

Argon: cost of operation

Argon costs just pennies per test, far less expensive than spark OES and much more convenient. 

What does that mean in real terms? It depends if you are doing carbon tests or general alloy tests. You can expect to get about 100 tests per canister for carbon, and 600 tests for general alloy; if you buy your argon canisters in the 10 pack, it will cost you $65 ($6.50 each), which means 6 cents, or 1 cent per test, respectively.

Don’t always need carbon? Then add on the Dual Burn capability for non-carbon tests in air.

In use globally

PMI and NDT

  • Confirm alloy type and grade 300 series stainless steels into L, H, and S series
  • Carbon equivalent for welding
  • Material verification pre- and post-fabrication
  • Validating mill test reports
  • Material verification in chemical plants and refineries
  • Re-rating vessels
Pipeline integrity management
  • Grading
  • Determining carbon equivalents
  • Validating MTRs

‍Steel production

  • Screen incoming scrap material
  • In-process quality control
  • Resolving material mix-ups
  • Rapid screening of material at EAF for heat compliance

User manuals

Please contact support for the latest user manuals.

Software downloads

Please contact support for the latest software version.

Every element in the periodic table, in seconds.

Every element in the periodic table, in seconds.

Find out more about the only handheld analyzer to offer elemental micro-analysis.

Contact sales Request a quote Request a demo