Multielement Quantitative Analyzer

User Guide
Rapid, Accurate, and Simple Element Concentration Measurement

By T U R B O S P E C LLC
 User Guide

Table of Contents
Overview of the TURBOSPEC e400 .................................................................................................. 2
The Instrument ..........................................................................................................................................3
Safety, Installation and Service ............................................................................................................4
Operation ................................................................................................................................................... 7
Data Reporting ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Operational Details ................................................................................................................................ 13
Element Concentration ......................................................................................................................... 14
The Science behind TURBOSPEC e400 ......................................................................................... 17
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Instrument Specifications ..................................................................................................................... 19
Contact TURBOSPEC LLC .................................................................................................................. 20

The TURBOSPEC e400 is designed to be a safe, easy-

to-use, portable, tabletop instrument.
This guide presents the features and
specifications of the TURBOSPEC e400 and explains
the instrument operation.

Contact Turbospec LLC if you have questions or

problems with your TURBOSPEC e400. Do not attempt
to open the instrument.
Overview of the TURBOSPEC e400
The TURBOSPEC e400 is a table-top quantitative elemental analyzer by TURBOSPEC LLC. The analyzer measures
the solute concentration (number of atoms per unit of volume) in a solution. It provides accurate and
precise concentration, typically from parts per million to limit of saturation for numerous elements such
as sodium, lithium, boron, phosphorus and many more.

Among the attributes of the instrument are ease of calibration, quick results, and high precision over an
extended range. Samples require minimal or no preparation, distinguishing the TURBOSPEC e400 from other
labor-intensive, consumable-rich methods such as Titration and Atomic Absorption.

This User Guide describes the TURBOSPEC e400 operation. The guide also includes the system specifications
and an explanation of the principles behind the analysis.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 2 of 20

The Instrument

The TURBOSPEC e400 is a tabletop Magnetic Resonance (MR) analyzer equipped with a touch screen and an
intuitive Graphical User Interface. Data reports are presented to the user on the screen and may be
transferred to an external USB device.

Front Side

Back Side Panel

The instrument requires minimal maintenance by the user. The enclosure should be periodically cleaned
with a cloth slightly dampened with water only; no solvents or cleansers should be used.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 3 of 20

Safety, Installation and Service
WARNING: If the TURBOSPEC e400 is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided
by the equipment may be impaired.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or injury when using the TURBOSPEC e400, follow
these basic precautions:

• Read and follow all instructions.

• Use only the included external power supply.

• Disconnect power before replacing the fuse.

• Disconnect power before cleaning.

• Do not remove the enclosure.

• Never attempt to service the equipment yourself.

• Place the analyzer on a table or platform that can safely support the weight of the unit.

Grounding
• Use only the external power supply included by the manufacturer.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the three-contact, grounding-type AC plug. If the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician to have a suitable outlet installed.
• Before performing any type of installation or cleaning, turn the unit OFF and then disconnect it from the
electrical source.

Water and Moisture

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the TURBOSPEC e400 to rain or excessive moisture.
• The TURBOSPEC e400 must not be exposed to spraying or splashing liquids of any kind.
• Do not use near water; for example, near a sink or wet basement.
• Condensation may occur inside the unit when it is moved from a cold place to a warmer one or after
heating in a cold room under conditions of high humidity. Allow at least one hour before operating unit to
dispel moisture.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 4 of 20

Safety, Installation and Service (cont.)

Ventilation and Air Circulation

• Keep the TURBOSPEC e400 at least 15 cm (6 inches) away from any wall to provide adequate ventilation.
• Keep the area below the unit free from obstructions – do not place papers or any other objects beneath
the device.

Cleaning
Before cleaning, turn the unit OFF and unplug the power cord.
• Wipe the screen gently with a soft cloth.
• Clean the exterior surfaces of the TURBOSPEC e400 using a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Never use solvent, thinner, benzene, alcohol or any other chemicals to clean the unit. Such chemicals may
discolor the surface or damage the unit.

Screen
• To avoid damaging the LCD screen, do not expose it to direct sunlight.
• Do not scratch the screen or place objects on top of it.
• Avoid using chemicals to clean the screen.
• If the surface of the screen is cracked or otherwise damaged, unplug the AC Power Cord and contact the
manufacturer. Do not attempt to repair.

Installation
• The TURBOSPEC e400 should be installed near an easily accessible AC power outlet.
• If multiple units are installed, they must be separated by a minimum of 4 feet.
• Do not allow anything to rest on or roll over the power cord.
• Never install the unit on unstable and/or uneven surfaces.
• Do not install the unit in places subject to extreme temperature variations, such as in direct sunlight, or
near a radiator or heating vent.
• Do not install the unit where it may be exposed to mechanical vibrations.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 5 of 20

Safety, Installation and Service (cont.)

Servicing
• Do not attempt to service the TURBOSPEC e400. Refer all servicing to the manufacturer’s qualified service
personnel only. Contact information is located on the last page of this User Guide.
• If replacement parts are required, contact the manufacturer. Improper substitution of parts may result in
a fire, electric shock or other hazards.
• Unauthorized repairs or part substitutions will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Disposal
For information about disposing of the TURBOSPEC e400, contact the manufacturer.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 6 of 20

Operation
Setting Up
1. Lifting: When moving the TURBOSPEC e400, grasp the handle firmly and support the other end of the
instrument with your other hand. The TURBOSPEC e400 is heavier on its handle side.

2. Positioning: Select a location that is convenient to your samples but is also free of rapid temperature
variations - away from direct sun exposure or drafty air if possible.

3. Power: Insert the power cord into the back of the TURBOSPEC e400 and secure it in place by screwing in the
nut. Plug the power cord into a standard 110-240 V outlet.

4. Starting up: Turn on the power switch on the back of the TURBOSPEC e400. The instrument will be ready
for use in about one minute.

Do not switch the instrument off during startup. Initializing the instrument takes about one minute
and the screen is dark during part of the process.

If your instrument is already plugged in and the switch is in the off position, but the monitor is off, turn
the power switch off and then back on in order to start the TURBOSPEC e400.

As initial step, select the desired element on the graphical user interface. The appearance of the screen
and the list of elements may differ, based on the elements you selected when acquiring the TURBOSPEC e400.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 7 of 20

Operation (cont.)
Measurements
1. Startup Calibration: It is recommended that
the instrument be calibrated each time it is
turned on in order to have a high accuracy
reading. However, you may proceed directly to
making measurements on samples when you
start the instrument.

2. Inserting a Sample: 5 mm diameter tubes

containing samples should be carefully inserted
into the sample holder. Slide the tube down
until it reaches the stop. About 8 cm (3 in) of the
tube should be inside the instrument.

3. Calibrating:

• Select a calibration reference and insert it into the TURBOSPEC e400.

• Press the CALIBRATION button on the right of the display.

• Use the numerical keyboard that appears on the screen (see picture, below) to enter the concentration
value you associate with this calibration standard. Molarity is the recommended unit to be used for
calibration. You may use other units of concentration, e.g. mg/ml or ppm. Note that the units are not
entered into the instrument. For additional information regarding unit conversion, see the Element
Concentration section below.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 8 of 20

Operation (cont.)

• Press OK to begin the calibration. When the calibration process completes, the TURBOSPEC e400 will indicate
that it is ready for measurements.

4. Measuring a Sample: Insert the sample tube into the TURBOSPEC e400 and press the SCAN button. The
element concentration value will be displayed as soon as the scan is complete. The units are the same
ones used during calibration. See a thorough explanation in the Operational Details section.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 9 of 20

Operation (cont.)

5. Stopping a Measurement: It is possible to stop a measurement by pressing the ABORT button (see
figure above).

6. Recording Data: Every measurement is stored in a log file on the TURBOSPEC e400. Pressing on the
Previous Results button displays the log file. See below for more information about this log file.

7. Shutting Down: If you are done with your measurements, you may leave the system on or shut it down.
In either case, it is a good idea to remove the sample. To shut down, press the OFF button at the upper
right and confirm by pressing the OFF button on the next screen. Once the screen goes dark, switch the
instrument power off using the switch on the back panel.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 10 of 20

Data Reporting
Viewing the Data Log File: Selecting the PREVIOUS RESULTS tab at the bottom of the screen displays
the stored list of previous results. The display shows the date and time of the measurement, the type of
entry (measurement result or calibration), the value, and any user-entered notes. Up/Down finger swipes
will scroll the display. To return to the main operational screen, press the BACK arrow at the lower right.

Adding user Notes: After a measurement, the user can add a short notation in the results file by
selecting the ADD NOTES tab at the bottom of the screen. The note may be up to 30 characters long.
Notes can only be added for a measurement immediately after that measurement is made.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 11 of 20

Data Reporting (cont.)

Deleting the Data Log File: The data log file may be deleted by pressing the DELETE button while
viewing the log file. Note: this operation deletes the entire data log file.

Exporting the Data Log File: The data file can be written to a USB memory stick. When a memory
stick is installed (see the back side panel diagram on p. 3), a SAVE TO FLASH button appears on the data
log file display (select PREVIOUS RESULTS to display the data log file). Pressing SAVE TO FLASH writes a
file to the main directory of the USB stick. A “Results Saved” message will pop up saying the data have
been written to the stick (see figure below). The file name begins with “ResultsLog” and contains the time
at which the file was written to the USB stick. The file is in comma separated value (CSV) format.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 12 of 20

Operational Details
Interpreting the Measurements: The measurement values reported by the TURBOSPEC e400 are sample
concentrations relative to the standard (reference’s) concentration. The values reported by the TURBOSPEC
e400 are always based on the most recent calibration. If you do not know how the instrument was last
calibrated, then you cannot determine the units associated with the reported values. In this case, the
values of the measurements will be consistent from run to run and sample to sample; however, the units
of the measurement will remain unknown.

Re-calibrating: For routine use, calibration needs to be performed only once after start if the TURBOSPEC
e400 is maintained in a stable environment. Over time, the instrument may drift slightly out of calibration,
so recalibration is recommended every hour or so for high precision and accuracy. Recalibration should
also be performed if the instrument is moved, if the operating temperature has changed, or if large metal
objects near the instrument have been moved.

Loading Sample Tubes: The TURBOSPEC e400 is designed to work with 5 mm (outside diameter) sample
tubes. The sample fluids should fill the tubes to a height of at least 3 cm and no more than 5 cm. For
commonly available tubes, this will require about 400 µL (0.4 mL) of sample fluid. Cap the tube tightly.
Remove any air bubbles in or below the fluid. Wipe off any fluid on the outside of the sample tube.

Achieving the Highest Accuracy: The TURBOSPEC e400 makes high precision concentration
measurements. In order to achieve the best possible accuracy, special care is required. This care includes:

• Maintaining a stable thermal and mechanical environment for the TURBOSPEC e400 and
giving the instrument time to equilibrate thermally (sitting on for 30 minutes or more).

• Ensuring that all tubes used for samples and standard have the same inner diameter –
High precision MR tubes are recommended.

• Using a well characterized fluid for the calibration standard and sealing the standard tube,
preferably by flame sealing, if the same standard is to be kept and reused.

• Using a fluid nearly identical to the samples for the calibration standard.

• Making the desired measurement immediately after the calibration is performed.

• Repeating the calibration and measurement a few (four recommended) times to confirm
that nothing is amiss.

The TURBOSPEC e400 measures concentration in terms of numbers of atoms of an element located in the
sensitive volume of the device. There are subtleties involved in comparing such concentration units to
other units, such as weight percent and volume percent. The relationship between unit systems may not
be linear, and the precision of the TURBOSPEC e400 measurements may be high enough to make this an issue.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 13 of 20

Element Concentration
The TURBOSPEC e400 is a linear analyzer, which means that a single-point calibration is sufficient; calibrating
the instrument is a simple procedure. The calibration is needed only for the interpretation of the displayed
numbers; regardless of the calibration, the numbers reported by the TURBOSPEC e400 will be proportional to
the elemental concentration of the sample. However, with an accurate calibration in place, the numbers
reported will be the concentration of the samples in the same units as were used in the calibration.

For instruments configured for Lithium measurements, the unit measures a signal that is proportional to
the number of 7Li nuclei that are in solution. It does not detect the nuclei of Li atoms that are in solid
particles or precipitates. It detects twice as much signal from a molecule containing 2 Li atoms than from
a molecule containing only one Li atom. Hence, it will report the concentration of Li, which may differ
from the concentration of the Li-bearing molecule or compound. 7Li accounts for 92.5% of naturally
occurring lithium atoms. The rest are 6Li. In the unlikely event you are working with isotopically enriched
samples, you will need to consider this enrichment to accurately calibrate your samples.

Calibration of the TURBOSPEC e400 is essentially the determination of a proportionality constant. This means
that any errors in the calibration process will directly and systematically affect the accuracy of all
subsequent measurements, until a new calibration is performed. Care should be taken to prepare the
calibration sample fluids so that their concentrations are known to a precision higher than the precision
desired in the subsequent measurements. For example, be aware that the final volumes of mixtures of
fluids may differ from the sum of the starting volumes, and that dissolving a solid into a liquid can cause
the total volume to increase. The TURBOSPEC e400 is accurate enough to detect these effects.

Like any high precision analysis device, the TURBOSPEC e400 will drift slowly out of calibration over time. For
measurements at the 5% accuracy level, this drift probably does not matter at all. If 1% accuracy is desired,
then the instrument should be re-calibrated every hour or so. If the lab environment of the instrument
changes (the device is moved, the room temperature changes, metal objects near the instrument are
moved, etc.) then the device should be allowed to re-equilibrate for 30 minutes or longer and then it
should be recalibrated. To achieve high accuracy, the device should be calibrated before each
measurement. If the device is in a very stable environment, the requirements for re-calibration are
relaxed.

The TURBOSPEC e400 is designed to be equally sensitive to all species of – for example - 7Li. That is, it should
not matter whether the solution contains lithium ions or organo-lithium molecules. Hence, for routine
measurements, the device is calibrated on one type of fluid and used to measure a different type of fluid.
However, it is always best to use calibration fluids that are similar to the fluids in the samples to be
measured. This is a requirement if the highest possible accuracy is needed.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 14 of 20

Element Concentration (cont.)

Unit Conversion

Common solute concentration units used for elemental analysis are Molarity and parts per million.
Molarity is the preferred unit to be used when operating the TURBOSPEC e400.

Molarity (M) = number of moles of solute/liter of solution

The Molarity is proportional to the number of atoms per unit of volume.

Parts per million (ppm) = (mass of solute/mass of solution) x 106

As the concentration in ppm is the number of grams of solute per grams of solution times 106, a density
correction is necessary when converting units from ppm to M. This correction is not needed for dilute
solutions but is relevant when the density of the solution differs significantly from 1 gr/mL.

To convert from concentration in ppm (C[ppm]) to Molarity (C[M]) use the following formula:

C[ppm] = C[M] x (atomic weight/density of solvent) x 1000

For example, in an 8 M solution of LiCl with density of 1.15 gr/mL, the Lithium concentration in ppm is:

C[ppm] = 8 M x (6.941 gr/M /1.15 gr/mL) x 1000 = 48,285 (mg of Lithium per kg of solvent).

Example Dilution

If one adds 8.36 gr of LiCl to 39.9 gr H20, the result is a 4.48 M Lithium Chloride solution. The formula
weight of LiCl is 42.39 gr/mole, so there are 0.197 moles of LiCl in the water. Because each LiCl formula
unit contains one Li atom, there are also 0.197 moles of Li in the water. The volume of the water starts at
39.9 mL, but the total volume after adding the LiCl is 44.0 mL. Hence the molar concentration of Li is 0.197
mole/0.0440 L = 4.48 M. Note that the precision of the calibration standard is limited here by the precision
in the measurement of the final volume.

If this value (4.48) is entered into the analyzer during calibration, then the subsequent measurements will
give results in units of molar concentration of Li.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 15 of 20

Element Concentration (cont.)

One might also choose to calibrate in terms of weight percent. The 0.197 moles of Li weigh 1.37 gr. Hence
the weight percent is 1.37 gr/(8.36 gr + 39.87 gr) = 2.84%. If 2.84 was entered into the analyzer during
calibration with this fluid, then the subsequent measurements would report results in units of weight
percent Li.

Note that as the TURBOSPEC e400 measures the element concentration in Moles, the percent weight or ppm
calibration will be slightly off for samples whose concentration differs substantially from the
concentration of the calibration standard. See previous section.

With the calibration entered in molar units, a measurement on a 1.00 M LiCl solution should yield a value
close to 1.00. However, if instead we take a measurement on 0.150 M Li2CO3 solution, we would read a
value close to 0.300. There are 0.300 M of Li ions in a 0.150 M Li2CO3 solution, because there are two
Lithium atoms in each formula unit.

It is always important to remember that the instrument measures the concentration of the element, not
the concentration of molecules that contain that element.

Presence of Solid Particles

The TURBOSPEC e400 determines the number of atoms per unit of volume in solution; therefore, the
measurement is affected by the presence of solid particles. As the particles displace the liquid, the
measured concentration level is systematically lower when solids are present. A simple filtration process
reduces or eliminates the discrepancies.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 16 of 20

The Science behind TURBOSPEC e400
While it is not necessary to understand the detailed scientific operation of the TURBOSPEC e400 in order to
use it, in this section we give a very basic introduction to the physics of MR that is the key to the
functioning of the TURBOSPEC e400.

Counting Atoms
At the core of every atom is the nucleus, consisting of a dense assembly of protons and neutrons. The
number of protons is the atomic number and determines what element it is; the sum of the number of
protons and neutrons is the mass number and determines the particular isotope of the element under
consideration.

Protons and neutrons are particles that have a quantum mechanical property called “spin” and an
associated magnetic moment. When protons and neutrons combine to make a nucleus, their individual
spins combine to form a net spin associated with this nucleus. The corresponding magnetic moment
makes the nucleus act like a small magnet.

In a liquid solution, all those small magnets are randomly oriented and therefore the sample has a zero
net magnetic moment. If the solution is placed in the field of a permanent magnet, however, nuclei tend
to align so that they are pointing in the direction of the external magnetic field generated by the magnet.
This orientation is their lowest energy state, so they are in equilibrium.

Randomly oriented nuclei in the absence of a magnetic field - left. Nuclear spins effectively oriented in the direction
of the strong magnetic field – right.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 17 of 20

The Science behind TURBOSPEC e400 (cont.)

MR Measurement
If the right amount of energy is supplied to the sample, the nuclei can temporarily move from the low
energy state. This means they are out of equilibrium, rotated away from the magnetic field’s direction. In
the TURBOSPEC e400, the energy is supplied by applying a burst of oscillating magnetic field whose frequency
is tuned precisely to the resonance frequency of the element being measured. It is actually more specific
than that—it is tuned to one particular isotope of that element. The frequencies needed are similar to
those used to broadcast analog radio signals.

After the radio-frequency field has been applied to tip the nuclei away from their equilibrium orientation,
it is switched off rapidly, and the nuclei rotate around the magnetic field produced by the permanent
magnet in a process called “precession”. Eventually, the nuclei re-align with the magnetic field and
precession stops. However, while precession is occurring, the nuclei act like a rotating magnet, which can
be detected in a coil of wire wrapped around the sample. The signal detected is much smaller than the
radio-frequency pulse that was used to excite the nuclei, but it is highly amplified using low noise
electronics in order to be measured in the receiver. The more nuclei present in the sample, the larger the
signal detected, which is the fundamental measurement made by the TURBOSPEC e400.

The signal decreases with time as the nuclei return to equilibrium. The speed of this decrease depends on
the efficiency with which the nuclei can exchange energy amongst themselves and give up their excess
energy to their surroundings. Measuring the rates of decay of the signal provides further information
about the chemical and physical environment of the detected nuclei, enabling further characterization of
the material and its properties.

A radio-frequency pulse of the right length and frequency can rotate the orientation of the nuclei. Nuclei in the figure on the
left are oriented in the direction of the static field. After an RF pulse is applied, the nuclei are rotated – see the figure on the
right.

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 18 of 20

Troubleshooting
• If the TURBOSPEC e400 is turned on but the monitor is not, you will need to shut off the power switch in
the back and turn it back on again. The instrument will then turn on.

• If a sample is broken inside the TURBOSPEC e400, carefully clean the inside with a water-damp swab. Be
careful of glass fragments. After cleaning, run a scan with no sample. If the concentration the system
returns is not close to zero, the sample holder is contaminated. If this occurs or if there is any glass
visible in the sample holder, contact Turbospec LLC.

• If, after calibrating a reference sample, the results obtained are not precise or return unexpected
values, perform the following steps:

1. Rerun the calibration sample, and check that the results are consistent.

2. Make sure that there are no water drops on the sides of the tubes; if droplets are visible, make
sure to gently shake the sample or calibration standard so all solution is in the bottom of the tube.

3. Make sure there are no bubbles in the samples or standards.

4. Check sample tubes. If the inner diameter of the MR sample tubes being used is not very precise,
the sample volume may vary from tube to tube giving poor reproducibility in measurements. The
TURBOSPEC e400 is more precise than the ID tolerance for standard MR tubes.

Instrument Specifications
• Size: 48 cm width, 25 cm height, • Magnet: ultra-compact high
25 cm depth homogeneity permanent
magnet with passive shielding
• Weight: 8.3 Kg for stray fields

• Power: input 10 to 28 V DC at 5 • Touch screen configuration

A. 110-240 V AC transformer
and power cord included • Touch Screen: 8" TFT Full VGA
high-brightness LCD
• Temperature of Operation: 10 C
– 50 C • Cooling: fan in back panel

• Exchangeable fuse • User Interface: Graphical User

Interface with intuitive operation
• RFB Radio-Frequency
Controller: single channel • Sample Vial: glass test tube, 5
broadband ADC mm outside diameter, 100 mm
reprogrammable system length or longer

• Connectivity: USB and Ethernet

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 19 of 20

Contact TURBOSPEC LLC

Web: turbospecllc.com

E-mail: info@turbospecllc.com

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 20 of 20

TURBOSPEC e400 User Guide Page 21 of 20