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Journal of Automatic Chemistry, Volume 5, Number 4 (October-December 1983), pages 213-220

Productcontinuous testing without a build-up ofcondensation within the unit. A low-costconversion service is available for existingAnagas users wishing to upgrade theirinstruments.

Details from Colwick Instruments Ltd,Anagas House, Station Road, Carlton,Nottingham NG4 3AU, UK. Tel.: 0602616272.

Circle No. Reader Enquiry Card

Characterizing clay minerals

A new report from Perkin-Elmer detailsthe use of the company’s microcomputer-based DTA 1700 differential thermalanalysis system for characterizing clayminerals. These characterizations are im-portant to the ceramics, pulp and paper,minerals, fossil fuel, catalysts and polymerindustries. The DTA 1700 is compatiblewith Perkin-Elmer’s Thermal AnalysisData Station.

For further information contact Perkin-Elmer Ltd, Post Office Lane, Beaconsfield,Buckinghamshire HP9 1QA, UK. Tel.:04946 6161.


The Model 2400 Identafacer System: a data-entry terminal for clinical labora-tories. The 2400 au(omatically provides test result ta99ingfor a variety ofscales,counters, measuring devices and analysers; it accepts serial, parallel and analogueinputs in ASCH, BCD or Binary data stream formats. Full information fromEDMAC Corporation, 7500 Main Street, PO Box 750, Fishers, New York 14453,USA; tel.: 716 924 4000.Circle No. Reader Enquiry Card

UV/vis spectrophotometerThe new double-beam DMS 100 UV-visible spectrophotometer offers a numberof advanced features, together with aflexible repertoire of visual displays via avideo monitor. Spectra can be drawn in’real time’ and simultaneously stored inmemory; they can then be reformatted onthe screen, viewed in a different photo-metric mode, or overlaid for additionalclarity (such as combining the absorbanceand second derivative scans). The operatorcan zoom in on an area of interest, expandthe amplitude of the trace, or change thephotometric scale by varying both ex-pansion and offset. The results of any ofthis work can be fed to a video printerand/or a digital printer/plotter.

Varian’s DMS 100 also includes a’Safe Memory’ option which storesmethods for quick start-ups. This modulestores 15 complete set-ups including

keyboard status, parameter values and a

programmed base-line.A wide range of further options

becomes available if the Yarian DS 15Command Station is substituted for thevi’deo monitor: scans can be stored onpermanent floppy disc memory and fedback to the spectrophotometer at anytime, and manipulated in the same way asa freshly generated trace.

Forfull details ofthe DMS 100 and the DS15 write to Varian AG, Steinhauserstrasse,CH 6300 Zug, Switzerland,


Flue gas

A new model of the Anagas Electronicflue-gas analyser has been announced.The new model is equipped with a self-draining facility so it can be used for

24 h solvent alarm

A monitor to warn of the potentiallydangerous build-up of industrial andcommercial solvent vapour is beingmarketed in the UK by Detectawl(Gastec) of Milton Keynes. The mains-operated ’Gaztell’ equipment, manu-factured by Autoclimate of Birmingham,will detect vapours from all thechlorinated and fluorinated solvents usedas degreasers and dry-cleaning agents (forexample perchloroethylene, 111 trichl-oroethane and trichlorotrifluoroethane).

The wall-mounted Gaztell (which isabout the size of a telephone) samples theatmosphere every 2min. Dual flashinglights and an alarm operate when thevapour concentration exceeds a pre-setthreshold. If the master sensing unit islocated in a normally unoccupied area itcan be linked to a remote alarm, alsooperated from mains electricity, withidentical visual and audible warnings.The power-supply is 240V/110V,50/60Hz.

Detectawl (Gastec) is at Unit 61,Garamonde Drive, Wymbush, MiltonKeynes MK8 8DE, UK. Tel.: 0908568076.


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Product news

Auto-injector luminescence system

In luminescent assays, rapid andthorough mixing of reagents such asluciferase or luminol with the sample iscritical to achieving low variability.Turner Designs’ motorized auto-injectorsystem for luminometers has reducedCYs to 1o or less, determined with ATPstandards. The injector volume can beadjusted from 50 to 500 #1, and optionalsyringes permit volumes of 25/A or less.The typical injection speed is less than0.5 s; up to three different reagents can beinjected into one cuvette. With a counttime of 15 s, more than 100 samples can beprocessed per hour.

Detailsfrom Techmation Ltd, 58 EdgwareWay, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 8JP, UK.Tel.: O1 958 3111.Circle No. Reader Enquiry Card

Vacuum heating technology

Following demands for improved per-formance by users of vacuum ovens,Faircrest Engineering Ltd has developeda method of internal electric heatingwhich overcomes the problem of coronadischarge. The new technology, whichshould be of interest to those usingvacuum equipment, is being used by thecompany for all their deliveries of heatedvacuum chambers and replaces thecommonly used and complex methods ofsuperheated steam, hot oil or externalheating. Temperatures range fromambient to 700C and vacuum fromatmospheric to 10 -6 torr.

Further detailsfrom Faircrest EngineeringLtd, 4 Union Road, Croydon, SurreyCRO 2XX, UK. Tel.: O1 684 1422.Circle No. Reader Enquiry Card

Luminometry automation

New modular developments have beenannounced by Techmation in TurnerDesigns Model 20 photometer/lumino-meter systems. All of the systems are

designed to be compatible with existingcomponents for increased versatilityand automation of clinical and quality-control luminescence applications. Anews-sheet from Turner Designsdescribes an auto-injector system forconsistent repeat injections, a continu-ous-flow cuvette, and a three-reagentinjector tube assembly. Also shown aredata-reduction systems involving acomputer interface.

Copiesfrom Techmation Ltd, 58 EdgwareWay, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 8JP, UK.Tel.: 01 958 3111.


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The Model 20-031 injector system which can be adapted to the existing Turnerphotometer. The exclusive British Isles distributor is Techrnation Ltd.

Chlorophyll ’in vivo’ and ’in situ’

Accessory kits from Techmation Ltdconvert the Turner Field Fluorometerinto a portable chlorophyll-measuringinstrument, capable of detection down tofive parts per billion. The Model 10fluorometer can be used on land or from a

boat. Algae, phytoplankton, diatoms etc.can be measured directly on site withoutchemical extraction procedures. Thewater is pumped through the fieldfluorometer and data can then be read orrecorded continuously.

The fluorometer can also be used foroil-in-water and water flow measure-ments using fluorescent dyes.

An illustrated brochure is available fromTechmation Ltd, 58 Edgware Way,Ed,qware, Middlesex HA8 8JP. Tel.:O1 9583111.Circle No. Reader Enquiry Card

Science Exchange Service

The Walton-based Science ExchangeService buys and sells a range of instru-ments for research and routine labora-tories. The idea is simply that originalowners can get rid of unwantedmachines--the sale gives them funds fornew purchases, and second-hand equip-ment is available to scientists who cannotafford new instruments. The Servicehandles over 80 types of machine to fullmanufacturer’s specification and with awarranty--amino-acid analysers, Umonitors, gas chromatographs and so on.

Detailsfrom the Science Exchange Serviceat Rutherford House, 43 Terrace Road,Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 2SP,UK.Circle No. 10 Reader Enquiry Card

Instruments for clinicalchemistry labs

Beckman has put together a folder on’stat’, or emergency, uses for eight of theirinstruments. The folder covers machinesfor use during night calls, as back-ups toa main analyser, and those which willcope with early morning or out-of-runsamples. Each instrument is describedwith an illustrated information sheet;Beckman list the Model 42 clinicalchemistry system; glucose, blood ureaand creatinine stat analysers, analysersfor electrolyte determination; and theirAirfuge ultracentrifuge and Microfugecentrifuge.

Folders are availablefrom Beckman-RIICLtd, Progress Road, Sands IndustrialEstate, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire,UK. Tel.: 0494 41181.Circle No. I1 Reader Enquiry Card

Moisture determination

Baird & Tatlock are now offering aunique instrument for fast and accuratemeasurement of moisture in solid sam-ples. It incorporates a high-speed blend-ing system which homogenizes thesample first, then an automatic KarlFischer titration takes place. The blend-ing can be timed from 0 to 15 rain, copingwith almost any kind of sample whichnormally has to be manually ground.

For further information contact Baird &Tatlock, PO Box 1, Romford RM1 HA,UK. Tel.: 01 590 7700.Circle No. 12 Reader Enquiry Card

Product news

Honeywell Control Systems have launched a newfamily ofBritish-made and designed oscillograph recorders. The smallest unitis a portable 1 O-channel instrumentforfield or laboratory use; and at the top ofthe range is a 30 cm chart width instrument withup to 30 channels and a very wide chart speed range, which should meet the exacting requirements oflaboratory engineers andtechnicians in providing high-quality hard-copy records. A uniquefeature ofthe range is the wide selection ofon-board signalconditioning modules which give unprecedentedflexibilityfor matching directly to almost any type ofsignal source. Includedare modules to interface directly with virtually any transducer, active.filters, transient capture and alphanumeric printing withkeypad or remote-entry facilities. (Contact Honeywell Control Systems Ltd at Charles Square, Bracknell, Berkshire RG121FB, UK, for more information.)Circle No. 13 Reader Enquiry Card

Mettler DL 40

Several applications of the Mettler DL 40Memotitrator have been described toJAC by MSE Scientific Instruments.Firstly, the company suggests using theDL40 in conjunction with a platinumredox electrode to determine chemicaloxygen demand (COD)--results are pre-sented calculated in COD units. Secondly,they draw attention to a paper inAnalytical Chemistry which describes theMemotitrator and an Orion fluoroborateelectrode to automate determinations ofanionic and cationic detergents. Finally,the titrator is proposed as a method foranalysing the purity of silver.

Full details .from MSE ScientificInstruments, Manor Royal, Crawley, WestSussex RH10 2QQ, UK. Tel.: 0293 31100.Circle No. 14 Reader Enquiry Card

Moisture determination

A variety of products (food powders,fruits, cereals, pharmaceuticals, adhesivesetc.) have to be tested during processing,packaging or storage for moisture con-tact. Dynatech are marketing an accuratealternative to conventional drying meth-ods which can cut the time taken by 75%or more.

The Artek ’Accudry’ uses a digitallycontrolled infra-red radiation dryingoven and cooling chamber with a systemtemperature range from 5C above roomtemperature to 150C; the Accudry’smethod of heating enables products to bedried completely at temperatures whichare often lower than those needed withconventional ovens. And up to 12samples can be dried, with accuracies ofup to 0.1%, or better, when comparedwith conventional drying ovens.

Full information from Dynatech Lab-oratories Ltd, Daux Road, Billinoshurst,Sussex RH14 9SJ, UK. Tel.: 0403813381.

Circle No. 15 Reader Enquiry Card

Laboratory ImpexThere is now an ’intelligent’ printeravailable for Laboratory Impex’s CCVImodular haematology system. The prin-ter can calculate MCH and MCHC; it’converses’ with the CCVI through a16-position keyboard. All calculated andmeasured parameters are printed-out onstandard 40-column printer paper.Results from up to 100 patients can bememorized and then displayed in one ofthree formats: print-out during oper-

ation, print-out in a condensed form as adaily report or a complete haematologyprofile of each patient with date, identifi-cation number ahad ward. The CCVIprinter is simple to operate.

Further details are available fromLaboratory Impex Ltd, Lion RoadTwickenham, Middlesex TW1 4JF, UK.Tel.: 01 891 4881.

Cell sorting

Laboratory Impex is marketing theBecton Dickinson cell sorters and ana-lysers in the UK. Current applications ofthe FACS series include routine immuno-fluorescence, cell cycle analysis and celltype differentiation.Circle No. 16 Reader Enquiry Card

PV 8350 extras

A series of new features has been an-nounced for Philips’s modular PV 8350vacuum spectrometer system. For ex-ample the spectrometer optics can nowinclude certain analytical lines at longerwavelengths than the normal limit of thespectrometer: with the standard 2160line/ram grating, besides covering therange 177 to 410nm at a dispersion of0.46 nm/mm in the first order, the lines Na

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Product news

588.9nm and Li 610"3nm can bemeasured in the first order. Exit slits forthese lines are mounted on the Rowlandcircle on the opposite side of the entranceslit to the normal exit slit block.Compromises associated with expandingthe wavelength range by measuring linesin higher orders of the grating are thusavoided.

For metal analysis, a new 50Hzsource (P 8560) combines the advan-tages of monoalternance excitation withcomputer-controlled high-energy pre-burn for installations where the highspeed of the Philips PV 8530 500Hzsource is not required. By localizingpre-melting, the pre-burn minimizesproblems caused by sampleinhomogeneity.

For systems which include an induc-tively coupled plasma source unit, a largenumber of accessories are nowavailable--for instance automaticbackground correction and a choice ofautomatic systems for handling batchesof solutions, dilution of samples ormeasurement by multi-element standardadditions.

Advanced interface electronics extendthe dynamic range of measurement to300 000: 1; this is particularly valuable inICP analyses and also allows full ad-vantage to be taken of the measurementcapabilities of lines used for sparkanalyses.

Two comprehensive software pack-ages are offered: Cespec 7 for the Philips P851 computer with fixed and flexible discstorage and Cespec 8 for the HP 9825desk-top computer. Software functionsinclude spectrometer control, resultcalculation, calibration and inter-elementcorrection by regression and tolerancechecks of analyses and materialcompositions.

Detailsfrom Pye Unicam Ltd, York Street,Cambridge CB1 2PX, UK. Tel.: 0223358866.Circle No. 17 Reader Enquiry Card

Flexibility, reliability,economySRA-2000

The SRA-2000 system is now ready fordelivery. It is built around two analyticalsubsystems: a Technicon SMAC II and aTechnicon RA-1000, linked by a commoncomputer command module. Techniconclaim the following advantages for theirnew product:

efficient sample and data handling;efficient and cost-effective reagentusage;

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efficient sample utilization;discretionary analysis and reporting;in-built analytical support;simple handling of paediatrics;in-built quality-control procedure;composite result reporting;flexible data storage and retrieval.

Details from Technicon InstrumentsCompany Ltd, Evans House, HamiltonClose, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG212YE, UK. Tel.: 0256 29181.Circle No. 18 Reader Enquiry Card

PRTsThe 6800 and 6900 platinum resistancethermometers incorporate ComarkElectronics’ proven microprocessor-controlled A-D system, auto-zeroing,auto-calibrating and exceptional scalelength. They are described as accurate,stable, versatile, easy to operate and com-petitively priced.

The 6800 will accept DIN plug inputsfrom up to five A or B type PRT probes,any one of which can be selected by arotary switch on the front panel to give aread-out on the 14mm LED display.Push-button selected scales allow thedisplay to be shown in degrees absolute,Celsius or Fahrenheit and directly inOhms. The range of the Model 6800 isfrom -200 Celsius up to + 700 Celsiusat an overall accuracy of 0" Celsius andresolution down to 0.01 of a degree. Anarray of push-buttons on the front panelcontrols all functions and modes andallows the entry of high/low alarm limitsand refinements such as a factor to scaleand offset the readings. The alarms alsoprovide an output for control purposes.Parallel BCD or two-range analogue out-puts are provided.

The 6900 accepts inputs from eitherone A or B type PRT probe or onethermocouple. Ofthe latter, types K, J, T,R or S can be accommodated, beingselected by using the front-panel push-buttons; these controls also allow theentry ofalarms and factors as in the 6800.The LED will display in degrees absolute,Celsius or Fahrenheit, microvolts orOhms. Depending upon the type of ther-mocouple in use, the range of the 6900 isfrom 200 Celsius up to + 1760 Celsiusand, on the microvolts scale, from 10 to+ 75 millivolts. Resolution is to 0.1 of adegree in the thermocouple mode and0.1/0.01 of a degree for the PRT mode. Athree-range analogue output is provided.

The PRT section of these instrumentsis characterized to DIN 43760 (1980);thermocouples should be constructed ofmaterials to BS 4937.

The instruments are housed in com-pact and robust cabinets which incor-porate integral carrying handles thatdouble as tilt stands. They measure 254x 325 mm, the longest dimension beingwith the handle in the-extended position.Supply voltage requirements are eitherll0V or 220V.

Comprehensive leaflets includingfull speci-

fications are available from ComarkElectronics Ltd, Rustington, Little-hampton, West Sussex BN16 3QZ, UK.Tel.: 09062 71911.


Interfaces/samplerThe Varex Corporation of Rockville,USA recently launched two interfacesand an automatic sampling system. Oneinterface, the ’Simple’, is designed for fastdata acquisition with microcomputers;the other, the ’Universal’, can acquire,digitize and store data from mostanalytical instruments and can be easilyconnected to the majority of computers.

Varex’s Automatic Sampling Systemis under microprocessor control and givesvirtually contamination-free injections ofsamples. Up to 90 samples can be injectedin any selected sequence, at any volume,for any number of times. It can be pro-grammed to mix different volumes ofdifferent samples for the same injection,and rinse the sampling valve betweeninjections. Samples are injected directlyinto the injection valve, reducing sampleloss and band broadening to a minimum.The syringe is automatically washedbefore drawing a sample. Ten injectionprograms, with up to 100 sequences canbe stored in permanent memory for futureuse.

More information from VarexCorporation, 12221 Parklawn Drive,Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA. Tel.:301 984 7760.


Emission spectrometer

Th ICP/6000 system is a high perform-ance, inductively coupled plasma emis-sion spectrometer. It is described byPerkin-Elmer as offering high speed, pre-cision, flexibility and operating simplicityfor multi-element trace metal analysis.Controlled by a new laboratory computerand dedicated ICP software, the system iscapable ofanalysing samples sequentiallyat a rate of more than 20 elements/min.

The spectrometer was designed tohandle the widest possible range ofsample matrices. Each element is ana-lysed under optimum spectral conditions:a dual-grating monochromator ensureshigh resolution over the entire wave-length range (175-900 nm); each grating isused only in the first order for high energythroughput; and computer control ofwavelength selection ensures accurateand stable calibration. Furthermore, theoptical system can be purged with an inertgas, so analyses in the far UV region canbe performed.

The complete sample-introductionassembly is extremely resistant to cor-rosion so that the system can be used toaspirate any laboratory acid, as well ashigh levels of dissolved solids. The cross-flow nebulizer and spray chamber aredesigned to give high analytical precisionwithout adjustment. The plasma torch isdemountable for low running costs andeasy maintenance, with a choice ofquartzor alumina sample aerosol tubes.

The software is resident on the harddisc of the computer. At the start of ananalysis, the operator simply types ’ICP’and is then guided by prompts. Soft keyssimplify parameter entry for methoddevelopment and up to 108 individualelement files can be stored in a singlemethod file.

High-resolution colour graphics allowthe analyst to easily evaluate and comparespectra, since blanks, standards andsamples are displayed and printed in theirown designated colours. Each of theseven modes of operation is colour-coded.

The data generated during an analysisare stored automatically on hard disc andcan be reported in a chosen format ashard copy or transmitted to a floppy discor data-bank for archiving. When theICP/6000 is not in use the computer canbe used as a stand-alone unit.

Contact Perkin-Elmer Ltd, Post OfficeLane, Beaconsfield, BuckinghamshireHP9 1QA, UK; tel.: 04946 6161 for more

information.Circle No. 21 Reader Enquiry Card

Gas chromatographs/massspectrometers

The NERMAG gas chromatographs,mass spectrometers and accessorie arediscussed in a brochure which is availablefrom the UK distributor: DorandElectronics.

Requests to Dorand Electronics Ltd,Allens Lane, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset

BH16 5DA, UK. Tel.: 0202 622006.Enquiries outside the UK to SNG,NERMAG, 49 Quai du Halage, 92500Reuil, Paris, France.Circle No. 22 Reader Enquiry Card

Electronic counter

Rather that simply counting input pulses,a Trumeter counter can be programmedon site to convert pulses into units ofmeasurement. Four external thumbwheelswitches on the recently launched unitallow a four-figure multiplication factorto be programmed in; the counter displayis then the product ofthe input pulses andthe multiplication factor.

The multiplication factor is deter-mined simply by a trial run; for examplecomparing the previously measuredlength of. a piece of continuous sheetmaterial to the number of pulses pro-duced by a transducer attached to theproduction machine roller. Where con-tinuously produced materials are then cutinto units, a multiplication factor couldbe programmed to enable the counter todisplay the number of separate sheets.Other applications include compensationfor known errors or deviations,metric/Imperial conversions etc.

This new, Trumeter counter is theirProgammmable Add and SubtractCounter, which will count up or downand is coded LCD4 Xn. It has a four-digit12 mm high LCD display, a count speedof up to 500/s and a DIN-sized panelmounting case. Rear screw connectionsare provided for 12 V d.c. supply, inputdevices and external resetting. Either elec-tronic or contact-closure input devicesmay be used. The counter has an internalrechargeable battery back-up of 1000 h.

Technical literature is available fromTrumeter Company Ltd, Radcliffe,Manchester M26 9NX, UK. Tel.: 061 7246311.


U-VUltra-violet units with a large exposurearea have tended to be expensive; DeconLaboratories have launched a unit withan exposure area of 45 x 24 cm, which ispriced at 97.00. The light source is four15W actinic blue fluorescent tubesbacked up by a highly effective reflectorand controlled by a 6 min electromech-anical timer. This is housed in a cabinetwhich has a foam pad attached to itsspring-loaded lid to ensure even distri-bution of pressure over the glass plate.

Product news

To complement this unit DeconLaboratories are also offering a range ofspray-coated photo-sensitive copperboards. These are available in four stan-dard sizes, as single sided or double sidedwith fibre-glass or pertinax bases. Thedeveloper for these boards is granular andis packed in small sachets which make upa 0.51 solution.

Details from Decon Laboratories Ltd,Conway Street, Hove, Sussex BN3 3LY,UK. Tel.: 0273 739241.


Change of address

Busch (UK) Ltd, suppliers of vacuumpumps and compressors, have moved toVulcan Way, New Addington, Croydon,Surrey CR0 9UG, UK.Circle No. 25 Reader Enquiry Card

Analytical Data ManagerLetter from Alan Gow (President andCEO: Interface Design Inc.) to PeterStockwell (Ed.)Enclosed is some information on our newcomputer-based spectrometer controlsystem. It was introduced at thePittsburgh Conference; hopefully you canuse it in your Product News Section.

Ironically, our An[lytical DataManager--ADaM--addresses a numberofthe issues you raised in your editorial inJournal ofAutomatic Chemistry’s January-March 1983 issue. Until our ADaM wasavailable, all prior attempts to automatethe Beckman/SpectraMetrics (Beckman/SpectraMetrics, Inc., 204 Andover Street,Andover, Massachusetts 01810, USA)spectraspan have been with passivemicrocomputers. First with the Tektronix4052 and then with their own DataSpanboth in the passive mode (just handlingthe data).

The ADaM takes a different approach,one we believe will become the dominantmethod. We have developed an inter-active interface between the spectrometerand microcomputer. The interface in-cludes its own microprocessor, RAM andI/O capabilities, and controls the acquis-ition of raw data as well as the micro-computer and peripherals.

Thus, the specific microcomputer thatis used becomes less important. In fact thesystem can be adapted to use the latestmicrocomputer available and avoid be-coming obsolete. The initial ADaM in-cluded the Commodore 8096. We nowoffer the IBM-PC as an option. We are

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Product news

ADAM. Productivity can be increased at least five times by, for example,fast and accurate peaking on the exact wavelengthusing CRT display; simultaneous 20-channel dynamic background correction; 20 profiled channels instantly availablefor anysample; fewer dilutions required because the electronic dynamic range is increased 200X; easy retrieval of profiles andcalculated data. Results are better because ADaM’s advanced electronics makeJull use ofthe SpectraSpan optics. Operation isuser oriented. (Interface Design Inc., 6116 Skyline Drive, Suite 106, Houston, Texas 77057, USA" tel.." 713 783 3607.)


evaluating others and may offer anotheroption before the end of this year.

Another important feature is theaccess to the software we give the cus-tomer. Regardless of how thorough we

are, we cannot possibly design the soft-ware to meet all laboratory needs. Withthe ADAM, the chemist can customize theprogramming (to the extent of his pro-gramming ability or resources) to fit hisown needs.

Of course, not all analytical instru-ments are as complex as a spectrometer,but the concept is the same: a versatile,interactive, intelligent interface. More ex-

pensive initially perhaps, but much morecost effective in both the short and longterm. Our increased productivity claim offive to 10 times is not a casual advertistingstatement.

We now offer other options includinga graphics plotter (HP7470A), (Hewlett-Packard, Dept. 299A, Corvallis, Oregon97330, USA), an X-Y-Z autosamplechanger, and a FiAtron (F’iAtron Systems,Inc., 6651 N. Sidney Place, Milwaukee,Wisconsin 53209, USA) SHS-300 flow-injection system.

The points made by several people inyour Comments Section (of the sameJanuary-March 1983 issue), with regardto just beginning to learn the potential ofFIA, are quite true in our estimation. Thecombination of the echelle grating, mul-tichannel, plasma spectrometer with theADaM and a full FIA system should openthe opportunity to develop applicationsat a fast rate.

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Hydrogen safety

The use of hydrogen as a carrier gas inchromatography has the advantage offast analysis times---it is twice as fast ashelium and four times faster thannitrogen. The optimum linear velocity(giving the highest plate count) is muchbigger for hydrogen than for the othergases. There is only one serious dis-advantage: the danger of explosion ifhydrogen leaks into the ambient air. Evenwith a small leak the explosive limit of4%can easily be reached in the oven com-

partment of a gas chromatograph.Chrompack developed the Hydrogen

Safety System to monitor the actual

hydrogen concentration in gas chromato-graphs and to take the required pre-cautions if the hydrogen concentrationbecomes a fraction of the explosive limit.The concentration at which gas flow andoven heating are switched offcan be set bythe operator. The main parts in the safetysystem (the detector, the sampling pumpand the electromagnetic valve) are con-

tinuously checked for faults by an

electronic circuit.

Further information .from ChrompackNederland B.V., PO Box 3, 4300 AAMiddelburg, The Netherlands. Tel.: O118011251.


Chrompack’s Hydrogen Safety System which is described as making working withhydrogen as safe as with common carrier gases.

Product news

Linseis’s L8500 Data Acquisition System. It will accept one to six signals and consists ofa basic housin9 plus plug-in modules(the measurin9 input modules from the company’s upright recorder series L2005). Sifnals are taken up by the modules,standardized, digitized and passed to the computer via an interface (V24) or an IEC bus. Before the L8500 one digitalinstrument had to be usedfor each signal. To adapt the instrument to different signals it is not necessary to buy a new digitalinstrument, rather all that is needed is a new input module. Full explanationfrom Linseis GmbH, Werk Selb, Vielitzer Strasse43, D 8672 Selb, FR Germax. Circle No. 28 Reader Enquiry Card

Thermal data

A cost-efficient approach to thermalanalysis, Mettler’s I=PS00 Thermosystemconsists of a central control unit and fivedifferent measuring cells. The system willsupply all the data needed for thermalanalysis: melting, boiling and cloudingtemperatures, and dropping and soften-ing points. The system also enables theheat of transformation to be determined,and samples can be investigated underthermal microscopy conditions. Themeasuring cells of the FPS00 offer theuser several system-design options; it isnot necessary to buy all the modules atonce so a thermal analysis system can beput together as needs dictate. Peripheralinstruments such as a printer, a recorderand a computer can all be connected--thenecessary data interfaces are built into thecontrol unit.

To operate the FPS00, the user simplyproceeds by following a dialogue with thecontrol unit: this can be done in English,French, German, Italian or Spanish.

Details from Mettler Instrumente AG,CH 8606 Greifensee, Switzerland.

Thermal analysis has now become es-sential in production and quality con-trol, also in research anddevelopment--Mettler’s FPSO0 provi-des cost-effective, user-oriented inform-ation. (Mettler Instrumente AG,Greifensee, Switzerland.)Circle No. 29 Reader Enquiry Card

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Product news

Platelet aggregation

A computerized platelet aggregationsystem is available from Payton throughtheir sole UK distributor, Centronic SalesLtd. Using an Apple II microcomputer.,Payton have produced a system whichcan be linked not only to their own rangeof aggregation modules, but also to anyother make or model of instrument. Thesoftware package allows inducer concent-rations to be automatically computed forprecise final concentrations, and providesaudible and visual prompting for all usertasks. A variety of data manipulationscan be performed, and corrections andalterations entered as appropriate. Forlater retrieval, reproduction or analysis,all data is stored on a diskette. Patients’results are provided in hard copy bymeans ofany suitable 80-column graphicsprinter. The data, which is presented in aneasily readable form, can then be attachedto medical records.

The system provides fast results for anumber of standard assays, such as VonWillebrand, and, if required, Payton willdevelop an exact software package tomeet specific aggregation needs.

More information from Centronic SalesLtd, Centronic House, Kin9 Henry’s Drive,New Addinyton, Croydon CR9 0BG, UK.Tel.." 0689 47021.Circle No. 30 Reader Enquiry Card

Industrial pH/Redox meter

A range oflow-cost pH/Redox meters hasbeen announced by Kent IndustrialMeasurements Ltd. The meters are de-signed for continuous measurement ofpH levels in industrial liquids. With adigital display, and a choice of severalcontrol, alarm and output options, thepanel-mounting Kent EIL 9140 Seriesinstruments are suitable for on-line appli-cations in a number of industries. Theycan be connected to chart recorders,controllers, data loggers or computerizedcontrol systems, and can be used toprovide two- or three-step automatic pHcontrol using one or two reagents toadjust the acidity or alkalinity of the testliquid.

A variety of dip-and-flow type elec-trodes, electrode cleaning systems andcontrol valves is available, enabling com-plete pH/Redox measurement and con-trol schemes to be implemented.

There are four models. The basicmodel, the 9141, gives pH indication only,and is equipped with non-isolated currentoutput. The 9142 model has the samefeatures plus two on-off control/alarmpoints. The next model, the 9143, has inaddition an isolated current output. Onthe most sophisticated, model in therange, the 9144, one of the control/alarm

points is fitted with a mark-space controlfunction to facilitate the monitoring orcontinuous dosing systems with long timeconstants. All instruments are housed in aDIN-standard case measuring 96 x96x 160 mm, and share the same 0-14 pHor 0 to

__1999mV range, 0.01 pH dis-

crimination, and stability of better than0.02 pH in 24 h at constant temperature.They all incorporate temperature com-pensation over a range of 0-100C. Thiscan be automatic, with a Ptl00 tempera-ture compensator installed in the elec-trode system, or fixed at 10 intervals byplacing a fixed resistor of the appropriatevalue in the temperature-compensationcircuit. Various current output ranges areavailable, giving 0-10.mA, 0-20mA or4-20 mA, in isolated or non-isolated ver-sions. The output current can be ex-panded to cover a pH span down to 5 pH,pre-set anywhere in the range 0-14pH.High and low alarms, with either normalor failsafe operation, are set by means ofscrewdriver-operated controls on thefront panel of the instrument.

More information from Kent IndustrialMeasurements Ltd, Hanworth Lane,Chertsey, Kent KT16 9LF, UK. Tel.:09328 62671.


Turbidity measurement

The Model 40-100 measures turbity indrinking-water. The nephelometer isEPA approved and provides a digitalread-out directly in nephelometric tur-bidity units (NTUs). The wide range,0-9.99 and 0-99"9 NTUs, is appropriatefor both raw and finished water studies.The 40-100 has a sample viewing portwhich prevents lint, dirt or fingerprintsfrom creating high readings. Cappedsample bottles eliminate bubbles or con-taminants in the sample. Operation iseasy and dependable with low drift; it isreadable to 0.01 NTUs on the 0-99.99NTU range and to 0.1 on the 0-99.9range, stray light is under 0"03 NTUs. Novolume measurement is required and asample is approximately 20ml; it hasstandard recorder outputs.

Accessories are available, including acontinuous-flow attachment. The nephe-lometer comes complete with operatingand service manual, three sample cells,two spare fuses and one spare lamp.

More informationfrom Tekmar Company,PO Box 371856, Cincinnati, Ohio 45222,USA.


Series 9140 pH/Redox meters are described as havin9 ’potential applicationswhenever there is a need for a panel-mountin9 instrument to provide continuousanalysis of industrial liquids’. The most likely applications includebrewing, chemical manufacture, dairyin,q, effluent treatment, food and drinkprocessin,q, metal finishing7 and platin9, paper and board manufacture. (KentIndustrial Measurements, UK.)

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