The spectrometer operating costs mainly comprise:

Electricity: about 40w on standby

                about 700w during sparking

Ar:            5L/min during analysis

The operating costs for spectrometer with SDAR ARE basically determined by Ar consumption, and Ar consumption is determined by the number of samples. For a foundry with 100 samples in 8 h over 2 shifts without weekend work on the one hand, and a test room with 20 samples in 8 h over 1 shift without weekend work the operating costs are calculated as under:

a) Foundry

For 100 samples plus recalibration and control samples, the spectrometer will spark for min in 8 h.

Analytical flow   5h*200L/h=1000L

If the Ar is supplied from individual bottles, the cost are 250 DM /week or 1000DM/month or 12000DM/year.

For electricity, electrodes, recalibration and control samples the costs are ≤10% of the above.

b) Test room

For 20 samples plus recalibration and control samples the spectrometer will spark for 60min in 8 h.

Analytical flow:    1h*200L/h=200L

Approximately equivalent to 400L in 8 h or 2000L 1/5 days or 40 DM/week or 160 DM/month or 2000 DM/year.