Filtration Membranes / Water Treatment
Water filtration applications cover a wide range of industrial systems, from treatment of waste water for effluent cleaning, to recycling water in an industrial setting, to reclamation of water for a municipal source, there are multitudes of circumstances where filtration applications may require customized analysis. Microscopic analysis is extremely well suited to the examination of filtration systems, as ultra-filtration, micro-filtration, and reverse osmosis or bio-filtration membranes have complicated pore structures, multiple layers and materials – all of which may fail or become fouled. Our experience and ability to customize and target analysis to meet the needs of engineers and facility managers allows for unparalleled support.
Elemental Mapping
By overlaying the EDS elemental data on the corresponding SEM image, our new EDS detectors can rapidly produce vivid color elemental maps. The colors on the map represent the elemental make-up of the imaged area. This allows one to quickly and easily interpret the components present in the sample. Save a thousand words and use one of these pictures in your next project.
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
The EDS detector identifies the elements within a sample while it is being examined with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). This ability allows an analyst to determine the elemental make-up of minute particles in a matter or seconds. EDS has an almost unlimited number of applications and makes the SEM the most powerful and versatile analytical tool around today. When you need to know what’s in your sample, give us a call.
Membrane Autopsy
Our membrane autopsy service uses a combination of microscopy techniques to examine filtration membranes and identify the elemental and chemical composition of any foulant materials present. This analysis also categorizes the degree of fouling and notes any other causes for poor performance, such as physical damage to the membrane surface. MicroVision Labs has extensive experience examining a wide variety of RO, UF and MF membranes, including hollow fibers, cartridge, spiral wound, and tubular membranes.
Micro-Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy
FTIR is used to identify organic compounds (polymers, biological materials, oils, waxes, etc.) and provides structural information about the manner in which they are assembled. Our Micro-FTIR combines a light microscope with an automated stage which allows us to obtain spectra from very small samples (~10um) as well as producing 3D organic compositional maps. Let us help with all your IR needs.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
SEM allows for high magnification surface examinations of a wide variety of samples. Providing brilliant resolution as well as incredible depth of field, the SEM, especially when combined with EDS, is often considered the most powerful analytical tool of our time. Let us show you why.