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Journal of Automatic Chemistry, Volume 4, Number 3 (July-September 1982), pages 147-156

Proc uct news

Apart ofthis issue’s new products section is devoted to instruments launched at the recent Pittsburgh conference. The meetingwas heht from 8 to 13 March 1982 at the Atlantic City Convention Hall, in New Jersey, USA. Next year’s Pittsburghconference on analytical chemistry and applied spectroscopy will also be at Atlantic City and will runfrom 7 to 12 March.

Programmable wavelengthdetectorUV-100

Varian announced a fully integrated pro-grammable wavelength detector at Pitts-burgh. The detector provides automatedUV detection on the company’s Model5000 series of liquid chromatographs.

Chromatographers may select anynumber ofwavelengths in nm incrementsbetween 190nm and 370nm for optimaldetection of all components in a run.Simple keyboard entries control range,baseline setting and time constant; theseautomated functions may be changed atany point during operation and as oftenas desired.

To improve data accuracy and reportquality, peaks can be attenuated and thebaseline may be reset without disruptingoperations. The time constant, which isprogram specific, may be set at 0-05, 0"5,or 5"0 s.

The UV-100 fits inside the Model5000 liquid chromatograph, so noadditional bench space is required. TheUV-100 flow cell and its optics are com-bined in a unique self-centring assemblydesigned to maintain perfect alignment.Hemispherical lenses at each end of theflow cell define a cylindrical illuminatedvolume between slit and grating images.This design achieves maximum lightthroughput with minimum wall-inducedrefraction index effects.

For trace analysis studies, a stable,low-noise baseline allows the UV-100 toprovide high sensitivity detection. Undernormal operating conditions, peak-to-peak baseline noise is 5x 10.5 AU.Another notable feature is the linearity of_+1o to AU, which permits users toquantitate reliably over a wide concentra-tion range with one calibration standard.

The UV-100’s small flow cell, fast timeconstant and closely coupled design alsoprovide excellent performance for bothnormal and ultra-fast LC applications.

The UV-100 is available both as afactory-installed option and as a field

upgrade for the 5000 Series and VISTALiquid Chromotographs. The result isenhanced throughput and lower cost peranalysis for Varian LC owners.

Further informationfrom Jack Bell, VarianInstrument Group, 2700 Mitchell Drive,Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA.

Circle No. 6 on Reader Enquiry Card

XL-300 superconducting FT NMRspectrometer

The XL-300 is a 300 MHz supercon-ducting Fourier transform nuclearmagnetic resonance spectrometer. It isintended for research applications and,apparently, it surpasses the Sensitivity ofmost high field systems and is 50cheaper.

Advances in probe technology haveproduced a guaranteed 300-to-1 signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio using a 10mm probeand an ASTM sample. This is the highestASTM sensitivity specification in theindustry. For the user, this superior sen-sitivity reduces the minimum sample sizerequired for meaningful results andallows successful experiments to be runon short-lived or unstable samples.Dispersion characteristics are such thatspectral interpretation is easier, allowingthe solution of problems usually con-sidered possible only on more costlyinstruments with much higher fieldstrengths.

The software is based on PASCALand provides message displays, parametercalculations, branch points and manyother operations automatically.

The XL-300’s correlated 2-D capa-bilities produce faster results on com-plicated experiments. Answers thatrequire hours ofmultiple runs or multipleexperiments on other NMR systems arepossible on the XL-300 in only a fractionof that time.

A two-level instrument control systemconsisting of two independent processors

with separate memories maximizes flexi-bility. One performs data manipulationand experiment management; the othermonitors data axquisition and providesautomatic instrument control. The resultis that a single XL-300 operator cantransform, plot, display and acquire inas many as nine different experimentsconcurrently.

Further information from Bob Sheldon,Varian Instrument Group, 611 HansenWay, Palo Alto, California 94303, USA.


Surface area and pore structureanalysis

Micromeritics introduced a completelyautomatic surface area and,pore volumeanalyser--the DigiSorb 2600--atPittsburgh. The instrument measures sur-face area and pore structure of a widevariety of industrial materials includingcatalysts, carbons, ceramics, clays, metaloxides, ores and fuels. DigiSorb 2600automatically determines adsorptionand/or desorption isotherms, it calculatesthe B.E.T. surface area, and determinesthe distribution of pore volume and porearea versus pore diameter. Data are gene-rated in both tabular and graphical form.Up to five samples can be analysed auto-matically without reloading. Instrumentoperation and data acquisition, reductionand print-out are all microprocessor-controlled. Communication is by a tele-printer, and an auxiliary RS-232 serialinterface is available. Programming isoperator-orientated in Fortran IV on a5"25 in. floppy disc.

The analyser provides versatile, stan-dardized analysis routines: sample para-meters, modes of operation etc., can easilybe selected and modified to suit differentanalyses. Up to 150 relative pressurepoints can be used to measure the adsorp-tion and/or desorption isotherm for each

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sample. Other user features of the instru-ment are an alphanumeric display forprompting messages, and an operationstatus display for up-to-the-minutemonitoring of analysis.

For more information contactMicromeritics Instrument Corporation,5680 Goshen Springs Road, Norcross,Georgia 30093, USA.Circle No. 8 on Reader Enquiry Card

Active catalyst surface analyses

Micromeritics also launched theirChemiSorb 2800 at the Pittsburgh meet-ing. The machine provides automatedsample preparation and chemical adsorp-tion to determine catalyst activity. Activesurface in a catalyst is measured byexposing a prepared sample to a reactivegas at a controlled temperature. TheChemiSorb can also be used to measureany gas uptake by solids at temperaturesfrom ambient to 750C (for example forcarbon dioxide on chars in synfuels). Upto five samples are prepared and analysedautomatically, a teleprinter is suppliedand an auxilliary RS-232 serial interface isavailable. The machine is programmed inFortran IV.

Four basic chemisorption routinesare provided to meet most analysis re-quirements: two for hydrogen and one

each for oxygen and carbon monoxide.Sample parameters and modes of oper-ation are easily selected and can bemodified to suit different analyses.

Precise temperature control permitsreproducible results and prevents des:tructive transformations to certain cata-lysts; and pressure, from a few/m Hg toover 900mm Hg, can be equilibrated witheach sample. A flow-through preparationsystem speeds sample clean-up, particu-larly when dealing with dirty catalystsremoved from process.

More information on the instrument canbe obtained from the MicromeriticsInstrument Corporation.


The Videochart Recorder

The VideoChart Recorder is being pro-moted by its developer, Mr H. G.Matthews, as providing an ideal solution’to the problem of converting an ana-lytical laboratory into a productive,computer-oriented facility in an econ-omical, controlled and people-sensitivemanner’. The VideoChart Recorder isa user-interactive data acquisition,manipulation and display instrumentwhich combines the functions of a chartrecorder, integrator and scientific calcu-lator with video presentation and anRS232C computer interface. The Recorder

does not need any software, it easilyconnects to laboratory instruments andcomputers and it presents data bycombining graphics with numericalvalues under real-time control.

The Recorder was demonstrated atPittsburgh connected to an Applemicrocomputer. Conferees were shownhow, for an investment of around $8000,a combination of the instrument and amicro could be used in laboratories whichdo not have a full-scale computer system.The ’personal’ computer stores and re-trieves data records by ID number usingfloppy discs or cassettes.

Details from H. G. Matthews, Instru-mentation Graphics, 60 Church Street,Yalesville, Connecticut 06492, USA.Circle No. 10 on Reader Enquiry Card

New HPLC series from KontronAnalytical

A new family of high-pressure liquidchromatography (HPLC) modules, whichoffer automatic injection and processingof 120 samples, were launched by KontronAnalytical at the Pittsburgh Exposition.Called the HPCL Series 600, the instru-ments reduce the most time-consumingstep in HPLC: the complete preparationof a sample prior to analysis. The seriesalso features automatic method develop-ment, in which one can determine whichcolumn and mobile phase are necessaryfor the separation.

The main components of the Series600 are:

The MS1660 autosampler which providesreproducible injections of up to 120samples using minimal sample volumes.Injections are controlled by a micro-processor via a pneumatically driveninjection-valve followed by a rinse anddry cycle of the entire vent cross-contamination between samples. Whenthe sampler is used with the KontronModel 200 programmer the analysis timeand the repetitions per sample can bealtered as required. The sample volumecan vary between 30/tl and 4 ml, while theinjection volume ranges from 10/1 to2ml.

The ChemiSorb 2800 launched by the Micromeritics Instrument Corporation atPittsburgh.

The LCS 610 isocratic system. Thesystem has a digitally controlled singlepiston pump and a constant flow-ratethat can be digitally set between 0.1 and9.9 ml/min., or up to 28 ml/min, with a

preparative pump head. Up to fourstandard columns can be installed in the

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column chamber which may be thermo-statically controlled if required. Thesystem is compact but the pump head,connections and valves can be easilychecked and changed.

Product news

The LCS 620 gradient system, which isdesigned for methods development inresearch laboratories. The single pistonpumps along with a small volumedynamic mixer, allowing complex gradientprofiles to be used for difficult separations.

The LCS 630 isocratic system withautosampler--the 630 is a self-containedsystem controlled by a micro. Number ofsamples, number of analyses per sampleand analysis time are entered via akeyboard; the 630 is intended for routinelaboratory use.

The microprocessor-controlled solution handlin9 system from FiAtron. TheFiAcells and the FiAtec are used with the system to automate pH, redox and ISEmeasurements.

LCS 640 gradient system with sampler,built for research and quality-controllaboratories. The microprocessor con-trolled autosampler, in conjunction withthe Model 200 programmer, providesrandom access of samples allowing auto-matic method development of even themost difficult separations and processingof different samples. Combination withthe eluent switching system, LCS 870,allows the further optimization ofroutineanalyses or multidimensional separations.

The MCS 670 tracer. Any type ofenrichment on guard columns is possiblewith the tracer. Combinations of variousswitching methods and .column materialsallow even the most complex samples tobe easily and reproducibly analysed. Upto 12 different eluents can be used.

Prices for each HPLC Series 600configuration will be quoted individually,more informationfrom Kenneth Moilanen,Kontron Analytical, 630 Price Avenue,Redwood City, California 94063, USA.

Circle No. II on Reader Enquiry Card

FiAtron’s SHS-200An advanced microprocessor-controlledflow-injection instrument, the SHS-200,was displayed at Atlantic City by itsmanufacturer: FiAtron. The SHS(Solution Handling System)-200 is de-signed to significantly increase the analy-tical productivity of any labfor bothhigh- and low-volume work-loads. Themachine automates most solution-handling tasks and is readily interfacedwith virtually any analytical flow-through instrument. The SHS-200 con-trois a dedicated multichannel peristaltic

pump, a dual-channel sample injectorand an optional sample changer. Allcomponents are under software controland are readily programmable from thesoft-touch front panel keyboard. Forexample, the solution flow rate (typically3"0 ml/min.) can be readily changed with-out resorting to time-consuming tubechanges by simply reprogramming thepump motor speed. The injected samplevolume (2/A minimum) can also bereadily re-programmed without anysample loop changes.

In addition to the ’transient’ signalsusually found in flow-injection analysis,the SHS-200 can also generate ’steady-state’ signals of any width, by pro-gramming the injection of larger samplevolumes. Typically, sample injectionsgreater than 200/d give rise to ’steadystate’ signals.

Reagent addition can be carried outon a continuous or an intermittent basisby means of a programmable reagentvalue. For efficient mixing, the reagent isinjected into the carrier stream via aTangental Flow Chamber (volume 4which creates a localized flow region ofhigh turbulence. A fourth pumpingchannel allows additional, continuousreagent injection. A total ofthree differentreagent additions can be accommodatedby the SHS-200.

In the ’Stop-Flow’ mode, slowchemical reactions (for example enzymereactions requiring incubation) can bereadily accommodated. The SHS-200pumps a programmable volume ofsample and reagent into the detector. Thesample-reagent mixture remains station-ary in the detector for a programmabletime interval during which measurementscan be carried out.

When calibrated, the SHS-200 can beused as a solution dispensing device. Aprogrammable volume of solution can bemetered into the containers of a samplechanger. The automated, repetitive dis-pensing of precise volumes of solutionsinto large arrays of test-tubes is possiblein this mode.

Applications include AA, AE, ICPand flame photometry; liquid chromato-graphy; UV/Visible, IR, fluorescence.

Further informationfrom Customer Service,FiAtron Systems Inc., PO Box 17927,Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217, USA.


Sentinel--an automatedchromatograph

liquid

Sentinel is the first liquid chromatographthat can optimize separations in 12-24 husing four solvents and the seven experi-ment technique. The chromatograph isthe latest addition to Du Pont’s series8800 HPLC system--it is part of the8800’s modular design and can be addedto any of the instruments in the series.With Sentinel, chromatographers can freethemselves from hour-to-hour operationduring methods development--operatorssimply enter column number, a desired k’or retentivity value, and the number ofsample vials to be used: the machine thenproceeds automatically.

The system has five steps called’Sample’, ’Scout’, ’Search’, ’Separate’ and’Sort’. They are based on the solventtriangle concept developed by L. L.Snyder and a Du Pont chromatographic

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routine termed ’selectivity optimization’.The triangle concept reduces solvent/sample interactions to three types: protonacceptor, proton donor and dipole-dipole. A predictive model uses theconcept to optimize strength andselectivity using four solvents forimproved separations in reversed phaseliquid chromatography.

Sentinel automates the triangleconcept and the optimization technique,reducing them to routine practice.

’Sample’ is a basic, initial phase ofSentinel that provides automatic controlof the overall sampling sequence requiredto execute the total program. Prior to thisstep, the analyst has provided the systemwith column void volume, a desired k’ or

retentivity value, and the number ofstandards to be used. The instrumentprovides auto-injection and autosamplerfunctions, as it adjusts time sequences tofit the experiments. Based on informationentered by the chromatographer, ’Scout’then runs a routine standard gradient todetermine if the LC mode selected andisocratic method are feasible. Desiredretention time and column volume are

next used to predict mobile phaseconcentration, using the first of threeisocratic binary mobile phases (usuallymethanol/water) needed to produce thedesired retention. ’Search’ sets up theexperimental conditions predicted by’Scout’, runs the predicted mobile phaseconcentration and compares the resultswith the predicted value. If the valuesdiffer, it will re-predict the mobile phaseand continue this procedure until thechromatographic data match the analyst’sretention requirement. ’Search’ calculatescompositions of the mobile phase for theother two points of the solvent/selectivitytriangle, such as acetonitrile and THF,and runs chromatograms using thesepredictions until it obtains acceptableretention results. The fourth step,’Separate’, uses ’Search’ results to auto-matically run all of the seven experimentsthat are part of the technique to optimizesolvent strengths. The data from this stepis then organized and reported by ’Sort’.’Sort’ is used when chromatographicstandards are incorporated into themethods development routine. It numbersthe peaks in the seven experiments, andrecognizes and highlights in printedformat all changes in elution order.

Each step can run automatically orupon instructions from the operator.

’Techscan’

The March 1982 ofDu Pont’s newsletter,Techscan, contains abstracts of technicalpapers presented at Pittsburgh. It alsohas two feature articles: ’Four-solventHPLC: state of the art’, and ’Interferoncharacterization via HPLC’; a descriptionof ’Safeguard’, a new column plan de-veloped by Du Pont, and a presentationon HPLC of proteins and peptides byGerman researchers.

’Techscan’ is availablefrom the Wilmingtonbranch of Du Pont (as above).Circle No. 14 on Reader Enquiry Card

Visc0meter for consistency control

The consistency of many types of pro-ducts can be determined with Nametre’snew Model 7.010 viscometer. Each deter-mination tests consistency as quickly asa control technician can test with hisfingers. The machine’s quantitativeviscosity display is accurate to +2 and

it is reproducible to +0.1% over therange 0" to 100 000 centipoise. The smallstainless-steel tip can be used to sense theviscosity of adhesives, blood, grease,honey, ink, jelly, ointment, sea-water,soap and toothpaste for example. Thetemperature of the sample is alsodisplayed.

This instrument is available from theNametre Company, 1778 State Highway27, Edison, New Jersey 08817, USA.


LABNETSpectra-Physics chose Pittsburgh as thelaunch pad oftheir ’Expandable Chroma-tography Communication System’:LABNET. The purpose ofLABNET is to

provide the maximum degree of flexi-bility, expandability and reliabilitypossible in Spectra-Physics’ micro-processor-based instruments at thelowest possible cost. LABNET is madeup of a number of functions: a signal

Further information from the Du PontCompany, Analytical Instruments Division,Concord Plaza, McKean Buildin.q,Wilmington, Delaware 19898, USA.


The Model 7"010 viscometer .[’or testing product consistency. (NametreCorporation, Edison, USA.)

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pathway, a vocabulary, a grammar, asyntax and rules of order. The system caneasily be integrated with four of thecompany’s instruments: the SP8100automated HPLC, the SP7100 high-performance GC, the SP4200 computingintegrator, the SP8700 solvent deliverysystem--these already have the hardware,intelligence and command structure toprovide the commanication link.

The use of LABNET is described in anarticle by M. P. T. Bradley in the February1982 edition of Spectra-Physics’’Chromatography Review’, which isavailable from Spectra-Physics, AutolabDivision, 3333 N. First Street, San Jose,California 95134, USA.Circle No. 16 on Reader Enquiry Card

TAN/TBN--a new titrationsystem

A new titration system was introduced byFisher Scientific at Pittsburgh. TheTAN/TBN determines total acid andtotal base numbers in oils. It is fullyautomated, does not need a skilledoperator and the system is quick enoughto be used for routine maintenance.TAN/TBN’s analytical method is derivedfrom the industry standard--ASTMD664.

The heart of the system is theTitrimeter II FEP Titrator, which auto-matically titrates a single sample to oneor two fixed endpoints, pre-set via digitalswitches. Operating over a -1000 to+1000mV or 0 to 14pH range, itautomatically delivers titrant with anaccuracy of _+ 0"1 ofsyringe volume and+0.02 precision, and proportionallyapproaches end-points so that titrantdelivery rate continually decreases as theendpoint is approached.

The TAN/TBN includes all of theperipheral equipment, supplies, and re-agents needed to begin operation.

The operating instructions are pic-torially presented and designed to beeasily used by an inexperienced operator.

More information from Fisher ScientificCompany, 711 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania 15219, USA.Circle No. 17 on Reader Enquiry Card

The autosampler accessory is com-puter controlled and complements theICAP-9000 simultaneous spectrometer.Featuring a maximum capacity of 114samples, the autosampler processes largesample work-loads at a rate of onesample/min. The machine fits easily ontoa lab cart or work bench. The Jarrell-Ashautosampler is linked directly to theICAP-9000 spectrometer by an intelligentprocessor/controller. This enables theuser to completely program the auto-sampler for rinse times, sample flushtimes, and exposure times. It automatesseveral operating functions of the ICAP-9000 spectrometer: instrument standard-ization, quality-control monitoring, andconcentration limit monitoring. Theautosampler features a continuous flowrinse station, manual reset push-button,and built-in drip tray for spill protection.

Jarrell-Ash’s AtomScan 2000 is asequential inductively coupled argonplasma (ICAP) spectrometer for methodsdevelopment and single- or multi-elementanalyses. The AtomScan 2000 has a high-speed drive which can traverse the entireUV-VIS spectrum in less than s. Thisfeature is a significant advance overexisting stepper-motor technology. The

Product news

AtomScan 2000 scanning mono-chromator has a 0"75 m crossed Czerny-Turner optical design which covers awavelength range from 175 to 800 nm. Toassure high wavelength accuracy andrepeatability, the AtomScan 2000 ismicroprocessor-calibrated against knownwavelengths at frequent intervals duringuse. Additionally, the instrument is tem-perature-controlled and air-cushionedfor stability.

To analyse a variety of solutionsamples, the AtomScan 2000 uses anICAP source powered by a 2500W,27 MHz RF generator. The analyst usesthe AtomScan data-acquisition systemcomputer, video monitor and printer--tooperate the instrument. Mini-floppy discscontain AtomScan software programs;and menu-driven software leads theanalyst step-by-step through instrumentoperation. A high resolution graphicsdisplay format is included for easy inter-pretation of spectral scans.

For more information contact: Jarrell-AshDivision, Fisher Scientific Company,Evanthia Malliris, 590 Lincoln Street,Waltham, Massachusetts 02254, USA.


Autosampler and ICAPspectrometer

The Jarrell-Ash Division of the FisherScientific Company displayed severalproducts at Pittsburgh including an auto-sampler accessory for their ICAP-9000spectrometer and the AtomScan 2000.

The AtomScan 2000--an ICAP spectrometer for methods development andsingle- or multi-element analyses. (Jarrell-Ash Division, Fisher Scientific,Waltham, USA.)

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Microprocessor-controlledfraction collector

Gilson Medical Electronics’ newcomputer-compatible fraction collector,Model 201, for LC, HPLC and prepara-tive applications can be used as a stand-alone instrument or incorporated in, forexample, a Gilson HPLC system.

The Model 201 includes a remotecommand module with digital display toprovide simple touch-switch control ofcollection mode, rack pattern, wait-timebefore start of collection, and instrumentrecycle. Entering of parameters is ac-complished through a prompt/respondsequence between the command moduleand the operator.

The instrument offers drop and timecollection modes and several variations ofpeak collection and variable time-basedprogramming. In its peak modes, the 201allows selection of any or all peaks abovea controllable threshold level, includingcollection through repeated cycles. Usingthe variable time program mode, the 201collects the components detected duringthe selectable time windows.

Details from Gilson Medical ElectronicsInc., 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middle-ton, Wisconsin 53562, USA.Circle No. 19 on Reader Enquiry Card

Computer pump

A peristaltic pump, which is suitable forlong-term organic perfusion, is the firsttruly programmable pump with accuracyand repeatability to within 1%. TheCompuflow Pump System features digitalinput and read-out capability and anyfunction can be repeated by panel or byremote switch. It can be programmed torun to pre-set volume or pre-set time. Itssafety features include an audible alarm atthe end of the operation.

Information from the ManostatCorporation, 519 Eighth Avenue, NewYork, NY 10018, USA.Circle No. 20 on Reader Enquiry Card

ISCO’s autosamplerAn autosampler called ISIS can automatesample introduction for AAs, flamephotometers and many other analyticalinstruments. The autosampler can becontrolled by an existing computer orby its own, optional, microprocessorsequencer.

ISIS can collect fractions prior tosample transfer and can control accessory

equipment, such as a pump, diluter/dis-penser, or valve, for simple processing ofsamples. It holds up to 114 samples anduses 3 to 20 ml containers with or withoutseptum caps. An optional wash stationrinses the pipette between every sample.

Information on ISISfrom ISCO Inc., Box5344, Lincoln, Nebraska 68505, USA.Circle No. 21 on Reader Enquiry Card

Multi-step controller from.TecatorThe Autostep 1012 is a new time/temperature controller which has beendesigned for automatic control of wetchemical samples and wet ashing for tracemetals for example. The controllerfeatures nine temperature levels, whichcan be programmed for ramp and plateautimes of up to 10 h within a temperaturerange up to 600C. Times and tempera-tures are indicated on a digital display.The Autostep 1012 is fully compatiblewith its manufacturer’s line of digestionsystems.

Details from Tecator Inc., 13 HighlandCircle, Needham, Massachusetts 02194,USA.Circle No. 22 on Reader Enquiry Card

Water purificationBarnstead Company

system-

NANOpure II is a reagent grade watersystem which features microprocessor-controlled purity monitoring. Themonitoring system indicates when purityhas been reached and cartridges shouldbe changed. An LED digital displayprovides automatic resistivity read-outreferenced to 25C, with temperaturedisplay in C of the water in the system.

NANOpure II: a new water purifica-tion system featurin9 microprocessor-controlled monitoring. (BarnsteadCompany, Boston, USA.)

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Each resistivity reading is checked againsttwo internal standards to ensure propermeter calibration. The NANOpure IIalso has a pre-treatment cartridgedesigned to remove colloids, organics andmost bacteria. The new cartridge is placedin the first position of three canistersystems followed by two mixed-bed ion-exchange cartridges and an autoclavable0"2 submicron filter. The system producesup to 3 1/min. of 10 to 18 megohm water(depending on the feedwater), and is lessexpensive to operate than competingsystems. It can be used on pre-treatedwater or high-quality tap-water and isavailable in a three or four canisterconfiguration. All units meet or exceedNCCLS, CAP and ASTM specificationsfor Type Reagent Grade Water.

Further information from the BarnsteadCompany, Division ofSybron Corporation,225 Rivermoor Street, Boston, Massa-chusetts 02132, USA.Circle No. 23 on Reader Enquiry Card

Automatic multi-gas analyser

An industrial mass spectrometer, calledthe MMS-80, which performs fast con-tinuous and completely automatic analy-

ses ofprocess gases, has been launched byVG Gas Analysis Ltd. The MM8-80 cansimultaneously monitor 60 gases from 24different gas streams and thus eliminatesthe need to use several analytical .tech-niques to ensure complete monitoring otprocess plants. The instrument can beused for inlet and outlet gases; the selec-tion of gases to be monitored is simpleand can be changed at any time by theoperator. The machine is controlledeither by a dedicated microprocessor orby a microcomputer which will als0handle source selection and data output.

The MM8-80 has a high resistance tocontamination and drift and, therefore,periods between recalibration are quitelong. Repeat accuracies are better than1% fsd; typical response time is 250ms.

The mass spectrometer is intended foruse in petroleum production, for themonitoring and control of reaction gasesin fermentation, protection of catalysts,monitoring of coal gasification, steelplant monitoring, and ethylene oxide andammonia production.

Further information from Brian Scott,VG Gas Analysis Ltd, Nat Lane, Winsford,Cheshire CW7 3QH, UK. Tel.: 0606552021.Circle No. 24 on Reader Enquiry Card

Personal gas and vapour monitor

A personal monitor for gases andvapours, developed at BirminghamUniversity, is available from DutomMeditech. The monitor is a stainless-steeltube with a unique serial number which ispacked to chromatographic standardswith absorbents appropriate to the con-taminants to be monitored. The instru-ment is connected to a personal samplingpump which draws air through it at a pre-set flow rate. Air-borne contaminants arethen adsorbed onto the packing material.The monitor is worn clipped to clothingand it can sample for up to 10h tocalculate a time-weighted average ex-posure. The unit is sealed after use andsent to a laboratory for analysis--collected contaminants are thermallydesorbed and analysed using gaschromatography.

Further information/from Dutom MeditechLtd, 10 Gordon Street, Luton, BedfordshireLU1 2QP, UK. Tel.: 0582 412354.Circle No. 25 on Reader Enquiry Card

Compact digital frequency meter

A frequency counter which runs off themains or a battery has been announced bySimwood Ltd. The new counter, ModelMC-841, features gate times from 10msto s and has an operational frequencyrange from 10Hz to 50Hz. ModelMC-841 can handle square wave inputsbetween 6 mV and 20 V amplitude.

Further information from Simwood Ltd,Garretts Hall, Shalford Green, Essex, UK.Tel.: 0371 820006.


Model MC-841 frequency counter.(Simwood Ltd, Shalford Green, UK.)

The ICP/5500--an inductivelycoupled plasma system

Perkin-Elmer has announced a newinductively coupled plasma system--theICP/5500--for analysing trace metals in

Product news

Dutom Meditech Ltd’s Adsorba--a reusable personal monitor for gases andvapours.

both low and high concentrations. Thesystem automatically determines upto 80 elements in a sample and up to15 elements/min, under optimum con-ditions. The instrument can handle anyacid used in the laboratory, as well as highdissolved solids. The newly-designedcross flow nebuliser requires no adjust-ment and the inert plastic-mixing chamberprevents contamination of samples. Theplasma torch is demountable for lowrunning costs and easy maintenance. TheICP/5500 also offers a choice of injectors:quartz for routine applications and highpurity alumina for analysing high-concentration hydrofluoric acid solutions.The ICP/5500 is controlled by Perkin-Elmer’s Model 3600 Data Station andfully supported by an interactive softwarepackage. A .new ’Develop’ programincorporating high-resolution graphics isused for complete methods development,including wavelength calibrations andbackground correction parameters.

Further information from Perkin-ElmerLtd, Post Office Lane, Beaconsfield,Buckinghamshire HP91QA, UK. Tel.: 04946 6161.


’Liquid chromatographyapplications index’

A new bibliography ofthe extensive rangeof applications literature on liquid chro-matography available from Perkin-Elmerhas recently been published. Applicationsnotes are listed under various categories,

such as Environment, Pharmaceuticalsand Foods, so that references are veryeasy to find. Copies can be obtained fromMartin Perry at Perkin-Elmer Ltd.


New ratio-recording infra-redspectrophotometersPerkin-Elmer have announced a newrange of low-cost ratio-recording infra-red spectrophotometers--the 1400 series.Ratio recording guarantees high ordinateaccuracy and repeatability, as well assensitivity to small changes in sampleabsorption. Full response and accuracyare maintained at low transmission valuesand the absence of the conventionalgain control means that response isalways optimized. There are twomodels in the series: the Model 1420which covers the range 4000 to 600 cm- 1,and the Model 1430 which scans from4000 to 200 cm- 1. Both instruments haveintegrated scan controls to preventselection of meaningless scan conditionsand ordinate scale expansion from X1 toX100. The series includes built-in servicediagnostics and a purgeable optical pathto minimize the presence ofwater vapour.The models are compatible with thePerkin-Elmer data station, which givesaccess to a wide range of infra-red appli-cations software including PECDS 11,SEARCH and QUANT.

For further information contact Perkin-Elmer Ltd.


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Portable gas analysers

Columbia Scientific Industries’ series2000/2200 range ofportable gas analysersare being distributed in the UK byTechmation. The analysers are simple touse; each has an adjustable, audible alarmto warn of a build up of ozone (1 ppb tolppm) or nitrogen oxides (10ppb to50 ppm). Accuracy is better than 2 andresponse time is under 30s. The modelsare light and allow up to 10h of con-tinuous operation from internal batteries.

Detailsfrom Techmation Ltd, 58 EdgwareWay, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 8JP, UK.Tel.: O1 958 3111. In the USA contactColumbia Scientific Industries Corpor-ation, PO Box 9908, Austin, Texas 78766,USA.Circle No. 30 on Reader Enquiry Card

High voltage power-supply

The HIGHPAC high-voltage power-supply made by Oltronix Labor AG ofBiel Bozingen in Switzerland is beingdistributed in the UK by WessexElectronics Ltd. The HIGHPAC is in-tended for bench use or rack mountingand will deliver 0-2250V at 20mA and upto 2500V with a load current of 10mA; itis particularly suitable for supplyingphotomultiplier tubes. The output voltageis continuously variable by means of a10-turn precision potentiometer, whichhas digital read-out. Load regulation is100mV and line regulation 50mV; the

PARD is less than 2 mV rms. There is afront panel adjustable current limit andeither the positive or negative outputterminal may be grounded. The 19-in.half-rack case is only 44mm high.

Further information from WessexElectronics Ltd, 114-116 North Street,Downend, Bristol BS16 5SE, UK. Tel.:0272 571404.


Low-cost fridge gas monitor

A continuously monitoring refrigerantleak detector which runs off the mainshas been produced by Autoclimate ofBirmingham. The ’Gaztell’ which is aboutthe size of a telephone, samples theatmosphere for 2"5 s every 2rain. roundthe clock. Dual flashing lights and anaudible alarm operate when the gasconcentration reached 1000 ppm--thesafety level recommended by the UK’sHealth and Safety Executive. Autoclimatesay that their instrument is so sensitivethat it will detect a leakage before re-

frigeration capacity is affected, preventingdanger to food stocks, manufacturingprocesses, the environment and theplant’s workforce.

Gases detected include R 11, R 12, R 14,R22, Rl13, R502 and other halogens. Ifthe Gaztell master sensing unit is locatedin a normally unoccupied area it can belinked to a remote alarm, also operatedfrom mains electricity, with identicalvisual and audible warnings.

The company anticipates demand forthe system from the food processing

industries, cold stores, supermarkets, andfactories where refrigeration is employedin the production cycle; as well as fromplaces with large-scale air-conditioningplants such as offices, airports andcomputer centres.

Further information .from AutoclimateLtd, 80 Hatchett Street, BirminghamB19 3NB, UK. Tel.: 021 359 6447.


Update on the CDP1 chromat-ography computer integrator

Increased calculation power is nowavailable for the low-cost Pye UnicamCDP1 computing integrator, which can

Pye Unicam’s CDP1 computin9 in-tegrator for 9as and liquid chromato-graphy systems, which now has in-creased calculation power.

The HIGHPAC high-voltage power-supply. (Oltronix Labor AG, Switzerland;distributed in the UK by Wessex Electronics Ltd.)

complement many gas and liquid chro-matography systems. The new optionadds two further advanced calculationpossibilities: internal and external stan-dardization. In addition, it doubles thenumber of possible timed events andallows results to be recalculated usingnew parameter data. The option isavailable for new and existing CDP1integrators; it is economically priced andcan be fitted by customers in a fewminutes. The CDP1 is a single-channelintegrator, which is capable of producingrapid chromatographic data. It is alreadyknown for high accuracy, ease of use andflexibility from its choice of peak detec-tion methods and calculations.

More information on the new option fromPye Unicam Ltd, York Street, CambridgeCB1 2PX, UK. Tel.: 0223 358866.Circle No. 33 on Reader Enquiry Card

154

Eppendorf clinical chemistryanalysers

The Eppendorf ACP 5040 is a single-channel, discrete clinical biochemicalanalyser for the determination of en-zymes, substrates, immunoglobulins andEMIT; it is being sold in the UK by Baird& Tatlock Ltd. The instrument hasmaximum throughput of 300 enzymes/h,and is fully programmable for up to 16different methods. The ACP 5040 usessmall reagent sample volumes, andincorporates an automatic laundrysystem which washes all the reactioncuvettes, so cost per test is kept to aminimum.

Baird & Tatlock are also marketingEppendorf’s PCP 6121, a semi-automatedphotometer, which was designed specifi-cally for small laboratories and for use asa back-up instrument. The PCP 6121 is

The PCP 6121 semi-automated photo-meter. (Baird & Tatlock Ltd.).

also microprocessor controlled and canstore parameters for up to 12 kineticand end-point methods via a universalkeyboard. Like the ACP 5040, the PCP6121 utilizes a mercury lamp, spectral lineprinciple in its photometeric system. Thushigh-intensity spectral lines with anaccuracy of +0.1nM for each selectedwavelength can be achieved.

Further informationfrom Baird & Tatlock(London) Ltd, PO Box 1, Romford RMI1HA, Essex, UK. Tel.: 01 590 7700.


’Computer Enhanced Spectroscopy’Scientists in spectroscopic laboratories allover the world are putting a large amountof effort into spectrometer/computerinterfacing and computer programming.There is a real need for a communicationmedium so that their efforts are cumu-lative rather than repetitive. It is to pro-vide this vehicle that the journal Com-puter Enhanced Spectroscopy has beenlaunched; it is a journal for the practisinglaboratory scientist interested in novelwork in which the performance of aspectrometer or a chromatograph/spec-trometer combination is enhanced with acomputer, either for the control of itsoperation, or for the manipulation of theoutput data, Contents will be centred onminicomputers and microcomputers, butpapers involving more sophisticated com-puters will be published--especially where

Product news

the object is to interrelate the output of anumber ofinstruments or to involve data-bases and spectral collections, or wherethere are implications for the smallerinstallation and for general use. In ad-dition to technical papers, the editorspropose to publish review articles, shortcommunications and correspondence.Computer Enhanced Spectroscopy willhave no page charges and 50 free offprintsof published material will be supplied toauthors. A strict refereeing system will beapplied to all submitted material.Authors wishing to submit a paper

should contact the appropriate editor:

USADr George Levy, Department ofChemistry, Syracuse University,Bowne Hall, New York 13210.

JapanProfessor S. Sasaki, ToyahashiInstitute of Technology, School ofMaterials Science, Tempaku-cho,Toyohashi 440.

All other countriesDr H. A. Willis, The EditorialOffice, Computer EnhancedSpectroscopy, Heyden & Son Ltd,Spectrum House, HillviewGardens, London NW4 2JQ.

The journal will appear six times a year.Institutional prices are 50.00, $110.00,DM230.00; and personal rates are27’00, $60.00, DM 125.00.


Eppendorf’s ACP 5040 single-channel, discrete clinical biochemical analyser.(Baird & Tatlock [London] Ltd are distributing it in the UK.

Atomic absorption softwarepackage

A general-purpose atomic absorptionspectrometer software package forCommodore computers is now availablefrom Anaspec. The package has beenwritten with the inexperienced computeruser in mind and has clear instructionsfor its use. It allows several modes ofoperation, including construction of acalibration curve and calculation ofresults with reference to this curve. Data-handling facilities allow either direct out-put to a printer, output to a printer withsimultaneous disc storage or outputdirectly to disc for subsequent reuse.Anaspec will soon have other packageson the marketufor general chromoto-graphy and spectroscopy applications.

Further information from AnaspecLtd, Pearl House, Bartholomew Street,Newbury, Berkshire, UK. Tel.: 063544329.

Circle No. 36 on Reader Enquiry Ca.d

155

Product news

The Parallel in Britain

The first Monitor Parallel System hasbeen installed in the Department ofClinical Chemistry at Charing CrossHospital, London. The Parallel, which isbased on American Monitor’s KDA anal-yser, is now in production in Belfast. Thesystem at Charing Cross is one of threewhich will be evaluated for the ECCLS(the other instruments are to be installedin Lille and in Hannover) and is alsobeing evaluated for the UK’s DHSS. Themanufacturer intends to have a networkof service engineers in the UK backing upthe instruments and also to have anumber of ’chemistry specialists’ aroundthe country on call for advice.

More information on the Parallel fromMike Cle99, Monitor International,Storrington, Pulborou#h, West SussexRH20 3DW, UK. Tel.: 09066 5303.


The Monitor Parallel System installed. The data management towers are in theforeground and the main chemistry console has itsfront raised to show the samplin9and dispensin9 panels. (Monitor International, Storrington, UK.)

Temperature transmitter

Nulectrohms are marketing a program-mable temperature transmitter, which issuitable for a wide range of thermo-couples. A variety of inputs and outputscan be pre-set by means of small DIPswitches and the whole assembly is con-tained in a plastic case for either DIN railor surface mounting. The inputs can bemV from any type of thermocoupleranging from copper/constantan toplatinum/rhodium, and a wide range oftemperature spans can also be pre-set.Offset zeros are possible as the zero can beadjusted from 50 to + 500o of selectedspan by mearis of a multi-turn poten-tiometer on the front panel, whilst afurther variation of 20 of the selected

span is also available. The output optionsare as varied as the inputs and can be0-20, 4-20, 0-50 or 10-50mA, or 0-5,1-5, 0-10 or 2-10 V, all of these can beselected with the DIP switches. The unitwill accept supply voltages from 110,220, 240V a.c., or 24V d.c,, and theinput/output power transformer is iso-lated to 1000 V d.c.; the transmitter isboth RF1 and EM1 protected.

Nulectrohms sell a number oftemperature-sensin9 instruments: thermocouples, resis-

tance thermometers, panel meters and cali-bration equipment. For details on the newtransmitter and their other products con-tact Nulectrohms Ltd, Meppershall,Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5LX, UK.Tel.: 0462 813000.


’The AutoAnalyst’

March 82’s issue of Technicon’s housemagazine The AutoAnalyst includes anarticle on their RA 1000 system discussingits role in the emergency laboratory andhow it fits into small, medium and largelabs. Also an interesting announcement ofthe installation of a second-generationSMAC at the Royal Infirmary ofEdinburgh.

The April issue publishes a summaryof a paper by D. M. Reardon reportingthe results of a six-month evaluation ofTechnicon’s H 6000 haematology system.

Copies of’The AutoAnalyst’ are availablefrom Technicon Instruments CompanyLtd, Evans House, Hamilton Close,Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK.


156

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