Py-Screener Ver.3 - Features

This screening system consists of a sampling toolkit, special standards, and special software and can be easily operated even by novices.

The Py-Screener Ver. 3 supports simultaneous analysis of phthalate esters in accordance with the international analytical standard IEC 62321-8, and simultaneous analysis of phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants in accordance with IEC 62321-3-3. In addition, by using a high-durability column (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation), high-speed simultaneous analysis of phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants is enabled.

The system can perform batch inspections for phthalate esters and a total of 20 PBBs and PBDEs with between 1 and 10 bromine atoms. Using the correction factor database, the software can automatically create calibration curves for substances not included in the standard sample, based on the calibration curve information for substances contained in the measured standard sample, and calculate the concentrations of all of the above substances. It is possible to perform detailed RoHS inspections, by comprehensively testing for phthalate esters, PBBs, and PBDEs, which are regulated under the RoHS Directive.

The testing time for phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants can be greatly reduced by the high-speed simultaneous testing method. Both productivity and reliability can be achieved for testing of a wide range of regulated compounds.

Note: This edition also includes the conventional (35 minute) simultaneous inspection method for phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants, and an inspection method compatible with high-speed screening exclusively for phthalate esters.

*1 Pyrolyzer operation time
*2 For UA-PBDE column. 19 min for SH-1MS column.

A high-durability column (with SH-1MS guard column) (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) extends the column’s life, and reduces maintenance and running costs. This is ideal for customers with high inspection frequency.

Integrated Guard Column

The analysis column and guard column are integrated. The analysis column is shipped with a guard column attached, eliminating the risk of leaks at the connections and preventing adsorption or decomposition of target substances.

Results of a durability test using the high-durability column (SH-1MS with integrated guard column)

Since 2020, under the European REACH Regulation, the same 4 phthalate esters (DIBP, DBP, BBP, and DEHP) regulated under the RoHS Directive have become regulated in a wide range of molded items including toys and childcare articles. Under the REACH Regulation, regulatory concentration values are established with respect to individual concentration values and total calculated concentration values, which means that this regulation must be managed differently than the RoHS Directive. This system is capable of automatic screening determinations with respect to the total calculated concentration of these 4 phthalate esters. Py-Screener Ver. 3 can also be used for phthalate ester inspections to support compliance with the REACH Regulation.

In addition to phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants, the Py-Screener Ver. 3 enables simultaneous analysis of various regulated compounds. The system can screen for PIP (3:1) and Deca-BDE, which are regulated under the US TSCA, as well as UV-328, Dechlorane Plus (DP), and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), which are regulated under the POPs Convention.

Support for PIP (3:1) Regulated under the US TSCA

PIP (3:1), which is regulated under the US TSCA, is defined as a phosphate compound containing 3 phenyl groups, at least one of which is isopropylated, with numerous isomers and congeners. Using Py-Screener Ver. 3, complex PIP (3:1) tests can be screened simply and with high accuracy using patented technology. For quantitation of PIP (3:1), the concentration can be calculated from the relative sensitivity coefficient with DEHP in a phthalate ester standard sample, so preparation of a standard sample is not required.

Support for UV-328 and DP Regulated under the POPs Convention

UV-328 and DP are highly persistent and bioaccumulative, so there are concerns regarding their effect on the environment. They are listed in Annex A (Elimination) of the POPs Convention.

In the case of DP, peaks are detected for their syn- and anti-stereoisomers. Py-Screener Ver. 3 can easily screen for such compounds by combining the peaks of stereoisomers. Also, the concentrations of UV-328 and DP can be easily calculated using the relative sensitivity coefficient with DEHP in the phthalate ester standard sample. This method improves the efficiency of the analytical process by eliminating the need for preparation of UV-328 and DP standard samples.

Support for SCCPs/MCCPs Regulated under the POPs Convention

SCCPs/MCCPs are designated as substances subject to elimination under Annex A of the POPs Convention due to their persistent, highly bioaccumulative, and toxic properties. SCCPs/MCCPs are normally analyzed by negative ion chemical ionization (NCI), because they have many isomers. However, with the Py-Screener Ver. 3, analysis can be performed by the electron ionization (EI) method, enabling simultaneous analysis with other regulated compounds. Also, flammable gas is not required. Similarly, the concentration can be calculated from the relative sensitivity coefficient with DEHP in a phthalate ester standard sample, allowing quantitation without preparing an additional standard sample^*1.

*1 Py-Screener Ver.3 detects and quantitates SCCPs and MCCPs. It does not differentiate between individual compounds and quantifies them as a sum (SCCPs/MCCPs ). However, long-chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) may be detected as SCCPs/MCCPs if present.

Enables Simultaneous Analysis of Regulated Compounds in Accordance with the
RoHS Directive, US TSCA, and POPs Convention

PIP (3:1), UV-328, DP, and SCCPs/MCCPs can be analyzed together with phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants*². The efficiency of analysis operations can be improved by testing multiple compounds simultaneously.

*2 This is not compatible with the high-speed simultaneous testing method.

Simultaneous Analysis Results for Phthalate Esters, Brominated Flame Retardants, PIP (3:1), UV-328, DP, and SCCPs/MCCPs

Support for Detection of Regulated Compounds in Actual Test Samples