Journal of Automatic Chemistry/Journal of Clinical Laboratory Automation, Volume 8, Number (January-March 1986), pages 36-44

New productsMonarch

A brochure is. now available fromInstrumentation Laboratory aboutthe new Monarch chemistry system.The system provides cost-effective,fully automated analysis of up to98% of the tests currently performedin the clinical laboratory, includingelectrolytes, routine chemistries,special proteins, and therapeuticdrugs.

The system combines an on-boardcapability of 23 tests (using ISE)with quick, easy changeover to addi-tional IL-developed tests and appli-cations for EIAs, FIAs and specialchemistries. It provides a program-mable capacity ofup to 100 tests, anda throughput of up to 600 tests/h,with minimal operator involvement.

The Monarch system uses multiplemethods of detection, includingabsorbance, fluorescence, light scat-ter, and potentiometry, and offers achoice of test modes" random accesspatient-prioritized, time-optimized,and stat sampling.

For a free copy of this colour brochure,write to Instrumentation Laboratory,Inquiry Department, 711 Forbes Avenue,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, USA.Tel.: 617 861 0710.Circle No. 2 Reader Enquiry Card

New compact digital linearizer modules with EPROM memories programmed forparticular applications are now available fiom Moore Industries. The modules (DLMs)are used to convert non-linear voltage or current inputs into linear voltage or current outputs.

The characteristics ofeach DLM supplied are held in the Moore Industries computer sothat customers’ orders may be reproduced as required and new programs can be burnt in tosuit different applications.

The DLM will handle any non-ambiguous input curve without restrictions on the numberofslope or signal reversals or the steepness ofthe slope. Accuracy is claimed as +0"1% spanand repeatability +0"01% span; input resolution is stated as being 0"055%. The modulesaccept inputs ofl-5, 4-20, 0-20 mA, or 0-1, 0-5, 1-5 V. Linear outputs are produced in thesame ranges. The unit also provides input and output isolation as a standardfeature. Anoptional range of millivolt inputs is available and RF interference protection can beprovided. More information from Moore Industries-Europe, Inc., Baird Close, MaxwellWay, Crawley, West Sussex RHIO 2SY, UK.Circle No. Reader Enquiry Card

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Electrophoresis

A new capability in electrophoresispreparation systems was introducedby Ultra-Violet Products Ltd at theSeptember Laboratory-85 exhibitionin London. UVP is streamlining itsservice to users in the biotechnologyfield by offering complete DNA/RNAelectrophoresis preparation pack-ages. These systems, which are tail-ored to suit individual users’ needs,can include a variety of trans-illuminators, camera systems, films,safety equipment, gel producingapparatus, gel dryers and powersupplies.

Full details from Ultra-Violet ProductsLtd, Science Park, Milton Road, Cam-bridge CB4 4BN, UK. Tel.: 0223355722.Circle No. Reader Enquiry Card

New products

have been proven in standards labor-atories throughout the world. Thisensures an instrument requiring norecalibration and which is free of thedrifts and thermal EMF errors asso-ciated with d.c. carrier systems.

A clear display indicates in either Cor K and can be set to zero at thetouch of a button, for either probeinput or differential read-out.

A range of robust and economicallypriced calibrated PT100 probes isavailable for use with the new ther-mometer. Linearization data is heldinternally within the instrument’smicroprocessor. The use of cali-brated PT100 probes means that themeasurements are traceable tonational standards.

The company says that the F25 offersexceptional performance at an eco-nomic cost, particularly as an RS232interface for both data acquisitionand instrument control is included asstandard. An IEEE interface is avail-able as an optional extra.

It is understood that, for multi-channel applications, ASL will soonbe bringing out a new scanner de-signed specifically for the F25.

More informationfrom ASL, Saxon Street,Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, Bucking-hamshire MK14 6LD, UK.Circle No. 5 Reader Enquiry Card

A brochure published by Mettler introduces the company’s three compact titrators anddescribes their possible applications. Called ’Mettler Family of Titrators’ the booklet alsocontains information about the many connection and expansion possibilities of Mettlertitrators. It shows the connection of balances with automatic processing weighing data,printers and printer-plotters, as well as the use of Mettler titrators in combination withsample transports, robots and Kjeldahl distillation instruments. Finally, the brochuredescribes such titration accessories as electrodes, titration vessels and burettes. Particularlynoteworthy in this respect are the phototrodesfor calorimetric end-point indication. For more

information contact Ruedi Schulthess, Mettler Instrumente A G, CH-8606 Greifensee,Switzerland. Tel.: 941 22 41.

Circle No. 4 Reader Enquiry Card

Thermometer

Automatic Systems Laboratories hasintroduced a new precision ther-mometer. The F25 gives a stablemeasurement for one or two PT100resistance probes, displaying bothabsolute and differential tempera-tures. Its absolute accuracy is+0"025 C with user-selectable reso-

lutions of 0"01 C and 0"001 C overthe full temperature range of-100C to +450C. This range canbe extended by using alternativeprobes.

The F25 is very easy to use, and itshigh performance results fromfurther developments in ASL’s estab-lished AC bridge techniques which

V. A. Howe

V. A. Howe and Company, as theUK’s largest independent suppliersof laboratory equipment, are able tooffer an extensive range of instru-ments which can enhance the degreeof automation achieved in a labora-tory.

Of particular note is the AMICAsystem developed by Hamilton ofSwitzerland in close co-operationwith Ciba-Geigy. This system wasdesigned to solve problems of chem-ical and pharmaceutical industrieswhich are in need of automation forchemical analyses. AMICA com-bines the features ofseveral analysersand performs its tasks consistently,quickly and economically. Thesystem’s capabilities include sample

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New products

preparation, automatic sampling,reactant pick-up from any liquidcontainer, continuous sampling,mixing of liquids in variable ratiosand analysis in flow-through cell byvarious techniques. These caninclude spectrophotometry, poten-tiometry and amperometry. User-friendly dialogue is exhibited by amicrocomputer, as well as logging ofdata and results by a printer/plotter.

The system is particularly useful forquality control analysis in the phar-maceutical industry..Sample dataand results, together with statisticalanalysis, are logged as a permanentrecord by the printer/plotter.

The purity of many chemicals andpharmaceuticals is often determinedby non-aqueous titrations of weakorganic acids, frequently using tetra-

butylammonium hydroxide as ti-trant. AMICA is ideal for this appli-cation for several reasons: it is aclosed liquid system and, as such, nospecial precautions are required toavoid either the absorption of CO2from, or the release of solvents into,the atmosphere. AMICA also per-forms the titrations very accuratelyand rapidly, typical analysis timebeing under 2 min per sample, withboth accuracy and reproducibility ataround 0"2%.

Also available from Hamilton area range of microprocessor-controlleddiluter/dispensers. These versatileinstruments can not only be pro-grammed and operated through theircontrol units which have battery-protected memory, but also througha computer via an RS232C serialinterface: an arrangement already inoperation with one of the UK’sleading pharmaceutical companies.

V. A. Howe as agents for Radiometerof Denmark can also offer fully auto-mated titration systems completewith automatic sample changes.Once again, computer interfacing ispossible with an RS232C interface.

The Shimadzu UV240 and UV260research grade spectrophotometersnot only feature built in micropro-cessor control and a large number ofaccessories which can be used to

develop fully automated samplingsystems, but can be interfaced withIBM and Hewlett-Packard personalcomputers, for which software pack-ages have been developed by V. A.Howe.

For further details of the AMICA systemor any of the other instruments mentionedplease contact V. A. Howe on O1 874 0422.

Circle No. 6 Reader Enquiry Card

Pesticides in food

The Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has recently produced a newedition of the FDA Pesticides AnalyticalManualma laboratory .manual whichdescribes methods for the analysis ofpesticide residues in foods and feeds.

Volumes and 2 (PB85"911799) ofthe manual present 2878 pages ofinformation on FDA methods forenforcing pesticide tolerances.

Giving complete details of FDAmulti-pesticide residue methods,Volume also includes sample prep-aration, gas chromatographic opera-ting conditions, confirmatory tech-niques, and tabulations of the analy-tical behaviour of various chemicalsthrough each procedure.

The second and larger volumepresents methods for the determi-nation of single pesticide residues. Italso contains appropriate cross-references to Volume for the chem-icals which are recovered by multipleresidue procedures.

Details (UK) from Microinfo, PO Box 3,Newman Lane, Alton, Hampshire 0U342PG, UK. Tel." 0420 86848.

Circle No. Reader Enquiry Card

In the food industry, for instance,determination of nitrite, by photo-metric analysis, is undertaken fre-quently when sodium nitrite has beenused to preserve red meat constitu-ents.

During the manufacture of printedcircuit boards, acidic electroplatingbaths ofcopper and tin are used. Thequality of the products is dependentupon the accurate control of bothacid and metal concentrations ofthese baths and these analyses areoften performed by titration.

The Hamilton AMICA system isable to determine the concentrationofthese constituents in either discretesample form or by on-line analysis.After rapid analysis, data is printedout, but AMICA could also com-mand a process computer to auto-matically adjust the strength of thebath.

CAMAG has introduced the LINOMAT IV, a microprocessor-controlled, programmableinstrument with keyboard parameter entry. From band length, distance between samples,edge space, and plate width, the instrument computes the number ofavailable tracks andindicates them by means oflight-emitting diodes. Track location and application ofseveralsample deliveries from the syringe proceed automatically. Details from Ch. Gfeller,CAMAG, Sonnenmattstrasse II, CH 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland. Tel.: 061 61 34.34.

Circle No. 8 Reader Enquiry Card

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New products

be calibrated for two independentmeasuring ranges with a dual linearscale meter. Repeatability is _+ 1% offull scale deflection or better, linear-ity is +2% or better, and responsetime is typically less than 10 s formost samples.

The IRGA 320 is packaged in SiegerTPA’s modular system in sealeddust-proof units, which can bepurged for electrically hazardousatmospheres. Options include a digi-tal display with auto-zero unit, a duallevel alarm, and full microprocessorcontrol through which the sampleinformation can be converted to cus-tomer-defined parameters via a plug-in keypad.

Elkay have introduced the Ezee-Perfcap tofit all Elkay sample cups up to 2.5 ml includingthe SMAC type cup. The cap, which is precision-mouldedfrom low-density polyethylene, isperforated to allow analyser probe penetration or pipetting without removing the cap. The

Ezee-Perf cap is also ideal for short-term storage, as it minimizes the possibility ofcontamination. When dealing with paediatric samples, the Elkay cap is recommended to helpminimize evaporation prior to sample aspiration. Detailsfrom Elkay Laboratory ProductsUK) Ltd, Unit 2, Crockford Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK.

Circle No. 9 Reader Enquiry Card

In-process colour monitoring

Qual-Probe is an automatic, in-process colour measurement system.Qual-Probe improves the user’s abil-ity to obtain consistent colour in a

variety of products--the systemenables the user to monitor andcontrol colour and colour-relatedproperties faster and with more pre-cision than has been previously pos-sible.

Qual-Probe combines a solid-statefibre optic sensor with a compactwall-mounted operator station. Bothcomponents meet scrub-downrequirements, NEMA/IP standardsand are not affected by heat, humid-ity or vibration.

The sensor is positioned above theproduct as it exits the process lineand can be mounted either in astationary position or on a traversingassembly. This positioning flexibilityallows the user to tailor the system toconform to varying product sizes,shapes and flow patterns. The opera-tor station is designed for simplicityof use and can support up to three

sensors, for use on separate produc-tion lines, or for example, for moni-toring top and bottom colour on thesame line. The operator stationallows permanent storage of previ-ously determined color standardsand acceptable limits (tolerances) fordifferent products. It displays a sin-gle number to represent the colourvalue of the product.

Details from HunterLab, Process Moni-toring and Control Division, 11495 SunsetHills Road, Reston, Virginia 22090,USA. Tel.: 703 471 6870.Circle No. 10 Reader Enquiry Card

Infra-red analyser

The IRGA 320 non-dispersive infra-red analyser makes the high sensitiv-ity and selectivity of the well-provenIRGA 220 laboratory instrumentavailable to industrial markets. Theanalyser continuously measures theconcentration ofone gas in a mixtureand provides wide measuring rangesfor many gases and vapours (CO, C2,CH4, Ng_O, hydrocarbons and re-

frigerant gases for example). It can

More information from Sieger TPA Ltd,34 Tresham Road, Orton Southgate, Peter-borough PE2 0SE, UK. Tel.: 0733235500.

Circle No. 11 Reader Enquiry Card

Computing integrator

The new HP3393A computing inte-grator from Hewlett-Packard addsadvanced software and built-in func-tionality to the proven precision ofthe HP3390 integrator series, andprovides extensive data-handlingcapabilities for the analytical labora-tory. This new system not only inte-grates, calculates and reports, it alsore-integrates, replots, performsmulti-level calibration and providesBASIC programming language.

To give HP3393A full functionalityas a computing system, an alpha-numeric typewriter-style keyboard, athermal printer/plotter and RS-232-C, INET (instrument network) andsample number-input communica-tion/control interfaces are providedas standard, built-in features.

The HP3393A computing integratorsystem takes advantage of proventechnology and reliability improve-ments made during the five-yearhistory of the HP3390 family.

Once the chromatographic signal hasbeen transmitted to the integrator, itcan be stored locally or in externaldisk memory. It then can be re-integrated, replotted and recalcu-lated as many times as necessary atspeeds much faster than the original

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New products

run. This is extremely helpful incases where only a small amount ofsample is available or during thedevelopment of a method for anunfamiliar sample.

Multi-level calibration enables usersto match the calibration to theirchemistry, ensuring accurate results.In addition to traditional single-point calibration, HP3393A offerslinear regression, non-linear (quad-ratic), or point-to-point calibrationcurves.

Simple question-and-answer pre-paration dialogues make setting upcalibration and sequence tables aneasy process, especially for the infre-quent user. Unlike most other inte-grators, there is no need to memorizecommands.

Programming

The HP3393A Basic programminglanguage is an interactive compilerthat executes at speeds about 10times faster than traditional inter-preted Basic.

A set of 231 commands, statementsand functions allows for flexible con-trol over all aspects of the chromato-graphic system, including post-runcalculations and custom reports.Interactive control over chromato-graphy and automatic-samplerparameters also is possible.

The alphanumeric keyboard reducesthe need for manual record-keeping,minimizing interpretation errors andsimplifying peak identification.Calibration and data files can beassigned names, not just numbers.The built-in keyboard also can beused to create and edit Basicprograms.

INET configuration

As part of Hewlett-Packard’s instru-ment network (INET), the comput-ing integrator can serve as a con-troller for an HP5890A gas chromat-ograph, HP1090A liquid chromato-graph, HP7673A automatic sampler/injector and HP19405A event controlmodule.

In such a configuration, the operat-ing parameters of all the instrumentson the network are stored on disk orin the HP3393A, which has battery

back-up in case of power failure. Allset points and parameters for eachinstrument on the communicationsloop can be activated directly fromthe integrator’s keyboard. Mostparameters can be changed on arun-to-run basis through a BASICprogram.

When used with the HP5890A gaschromatograph, the integratorallows the user to quantitate thesignal from a flame-ionisation detec-tor without the need for signal rang-ing.

System expansion

Important accessories to the newcomputing integrator include diskdrives for increased.storage and theHP ThinkJet printer for 80-characterprinting. The standard RS-232-Cinterface allows communication witha work-station, personal computer orlaboratory data system.

Readers’ enquiries to Enquiry Section,Hewlett-Packard Ltd., Eskdale Road,Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, UK.

Circle No. 12 Reader Enquiry Card

Spectrometry information

Hilger Analytical has published thefirst four in a series of technicalinformation sheets: ’Polyvac at Work’.

The Polyvac series of spectrometershave become well known for theirperformance and quality throughoutthe world, analysing rapidly andaccurately elemental composition ofraw materials or manufactured pro-ducts.

The first information sheet is called’Carbon gradient in case-hardenedsteel’ and describes the QC testing ofcomponents to ensure that they havebeen case-hardened correctly.

The second, ’Nickel-based alloys’,deals with the development of super-alloys and the precise analysis that isrequired.

’Free-cutting steels’ is the title of thethird sheet, which looks at the analy-tical problems encountered withfree-cutting steels and the solutionsachieved using the Polyvac.

The fourth publication, ’Stainlesssteels’ embraces the analyticalrequirement of the AOD process,(Argon Oxygen Decarbonizing) anddiscusses the background and devel-opment of micro-duplex steels.

Further information from Richard W. G.Aslet, Marketing Manager, Spectro-chemistry Group, Hilger Analytical Ltd.,Westwood, Margate, Kent, UK. Tel.:0843 225131.Circle No. 13 Reader Enquiry Card

Genesis

A colour brochure is available fromInstrumentation Laboratory, whichprovides a detailed description of theGenesis 21 clinical chemistry ana-lyser. The system provides automaticanalysis of one to 21 routine chem-istries and electrolytes. The 21-testmain menu is supplemented by asecond menu for an actual capabilityof 36 different analytes. The systemperforms up to 21 simultaneous testson any sample, and is preprogram-mable for up to 50 patient samplesper run.

For a free copy of the brochure, phoneInstrumentation Laboratory on 617 8610710, or write to Instrumentation Labora-tory, Genesis Marketing Coordinator, 113Hartwell Avenue, Massachusetts 02173,USA.Circle No. 14 Reader Enquiry Card

Calibrator kits

Using one of the new Coulter S-Calcalibrator kits, an operator can cali-brate an S or S-Plus Series CoulterCounter instrument, with dailyresults monitored using the com-pany’s 4C Control product. S-CalCalibrator values for WBC, RBC,MCV and Plt parameters are derivedby replicate analyses of fresh wholeblood samples on several correctlycalibrated S or S-Plus Series instru-ments. These assigned values aretraceable to reference methods withan accuracy within +2%. In addi-tion, the accuracy of each assayinstrument is verified daily with freshwhole blood samples against refer-enced methods as detailed on theassay sheet.

For further information contact CoulterElectronics Ltd, Northwell Drive, Luton,Bedfordshire LU3 3RH, UK.Circle No. 15 Reader Enquiry Card

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New products

Variable wavelength UV detector

Beckman have announced a new UVdetectormthe Model 163mwhichprovides selection of any wavelengthfrom 195 to 350 nm in nm incre-ments. Sensitivity is a feature of theinstrument.

The Model 163 is expected to bewelcomed for a variety of applica-tions, including microbore, highspeed and preparative chromato-graphy.

The entire flow cell assembly of theModel 163 can be easily removed as aunit for replacement purposes or forservice. In addition to the standardanalytical flow cell, a micro flow cell(1.4 1) and a semi-preparative ver-sion (35 1) are available.

More information from Beckman Ltd,Progress Road, Sands Industrial Estate,High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK.Tel.: 0494 41181.

Circle No. 18 Reader Enquiry Card

In a move towards greater professionalism and productivity in the laboratory, PhilipsAnalytical has launched its new data station and thefirst in an associated series ofintegrateddata systems-for infra-red spectroscopy. The company has adopted as its data station theindustry standard IBM PC environment which offers customers the reassurance ofhavingsupport and room to grow, rather than the uncertainty of being locked into the dedicatedcomputer products ofone analytical instrumentation manufacturer. An immediate benefit isthat users can take full advantage of a range of business software, including Symphony,Framework, Lotus 123 and Wordstar, in order to improve the administration andpresentation of their laboratory and its work. Details from Pye Unicam, York Street,Cambridge CB1 2P4.Circle No. 16 Reader Enquiry Card

Blood coagulation measurement

Labsystems have launched theFP910: a new automatic system forblood coagulation measurements.Both conventional and chromogenicsubstrate test methodologies can becarried out with the system. TheFP910 is a compact, microprocessor-controlled analyser, designed tomeasure and automatically evaluateend-point and kinetic tests. Theinstrument enables simultaneousmeasurement of nine samples in acuvette block, based on the principlesof vertical photometry. The softwareallows both conventional and chro-mogenic substrate tests for coagula-tion to be carried out quickly andreliably, including PT, APTT, AT

III, Heparin, factors and inhibitors.The FP910 is compatible withreagents from a variety ofmaufactur-ers, including the ’Manchester’reagents. In PT and APTT determi-nations the use of the LabsystemsFP900 nine-channel pipette, with anelectronic starter, ensures simul-taneous starting of the reaction in allchannels.

The system has a high throughput(100-150 PT and APTTs/h, 200kinetic tests/h) and is priced ataround 10 000.

More information from Labsystems (UK)Ltd, 12 Redford Way, Uxbridge, Mid-dlesex UB8 1SZ, UK.Circle No. 17 Reader Enquiry Card

Low-pressure mixing for HPLC

Low-pressure mixing is an econom-ical way of adding binary gradientelution performance to existing iso-cratic HPLC systems. The newModel 1020 low pressure mixingmodule from Drew Scientific incor-porates an electronically operatedvalve which proportions %B in abinary solvent mixture. It is poweredand controlled by the Drew Model1025 gradient controller. Its smalloverall size allows the module to beconveniently positioned between thesolvent reservoirs and the single highpressure pump.

The solvent pathways are chemicallyinert and introduce no additionaldead volumes to the chromatographysystem. The gradient output is withinthe specification of the Model 1025gradient controller. In linear grad-ients, the coefficient of linearity isbetter than 0.999. The performanceis equally good with non-linear grad-ients. The valve actuator frequency isadjustable to ensure that the Model1020 is compatible with all currentdesigns of HPLC pumps,

More information from Drew ScientificLtd, 12 Barley Mow Passage, Chiswick,London W4 4PH. Tel: O1 995 9382.Circle No. 19 Reader Enquiry Card

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New products

The Systems Division of VG Gas Analysis has introduced a 1-200 amu, computer-controlled, quadrupole mass spectrometer, gas analysis system suitablefor laboratory, pilotplant and on-line application. The system allows complete analysis of multi-component,multi-stream gas samples with composition output under manual or computer control. Theintegrated instrument is in a mobile 19 in cabinet with flexible gas inlet line, 9 in VD U,imag-writer hard copy and analogue outputs and user-programmable disk-based software,which can be formatted to cover a variety of @-to-day and special or occasional gasanalyses. A choice ofinlet systems and mass ranges is available. Contact Graham Atkin, VGGas Analysis Ltd, Middlewich, Cheshire CWIO OHT, UKforfurther details.

Circle No. 20 Reader Enquiry Card

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Thermospray

A fully integrated thermospray liquidchromatography/mass spectrometrysystem was launched by Hewlett-Packard at the 10th InternationalMass Spectrometry Conference,which was held in Swansea, UK inSeptember last year. The systemcombines the latest thermospraydesign from Professor Marvin Vestal(whose group at the University ofHouston first developed the thermo-spray ionization source as a practicalLC/MS interface), with HP’s tech-nology in mass spectrometry, liquidchromatography, data handling andautomation. According to ArthurWood, UK General Manager ofHewlett-Packard’s Analytical In-strumentation Group, ’the new HPthermospray LC/MS costs at least25% less than other comparablesystems, in accordance with ourstrategy of substantially reducing theprice while improving the perfor-mance of our mass spectrometersystems’.

Thermospray LC/MS combines theseparation capabilities ofHPLC withthe ability of the thermospray deviceto ionize a range of thermally labile,or non-volatile compounds, that canthen be analysed by the sensitivemass spectrometric method.

The thermospray LC/MS techniquehas been successfully used to analysemany classes ofcompound, includingunderivatized amino-acids, ureapesticides, peptides, vitamins, glu-curonides, glycols, polyglycols,organic acids, nucleotides, nucleo-sides and alkaloids.

Operation ofthe system is simple andquick. To set up, the thermosprayLC/MS is tuned and calibrated withjust a few keystrokes. System controland data handling are effected via aninteractive analytical work-station,and several configurations are avail-able. Users may choose the multi-user, multi-tasking, multi-in-strument HP 1000 RTE-6/VMs. Allprovide screen-based formats formethod building, data edition, calcu-lations and report generation.

Users may tailor and expand thesystem using a number of optionalperipherals, including a kit that con-verts the system from LC/MS to

New products

GC/MS. The system is offered withor without the HP 1090 liquid chro-matograph, allowing the purchaserto interface it to an exciting HPLCinstrument if required.

As well as performing as a standardthermospray system, the HP thermo-spray LC/MS operates in severalother modes. The ion source includesa rugged filament that works in either’filament on’ or ’filament off mode.For some compounds, thermospraymass spectra can be obtained in the’filament off mode. Many other com-pounds, however, require ’filamenton’, either to provide more structuralinformation through electron-assisted ionization or to increase thesensitivity.

Positive chemical ionization (CI) isstandard on the HP thermosprayLC/MS system for maximum speci-ficity, while negative CI is offered asan option. Negative CI provides highsensitivity for compounds with elec-tro-negative sites, such as fluorinatedor chlorinated pesticides.

The standard HP thermospray LC/MS has a mass range of 10-1000amu. A high mass option is avail-able-doubling the range to 2000amu.

The system can also be operated inthe RF-only mode as a true total ionmonitor (TTI), providing a sensitiveuniversal detector for HPLC. In theTTI mode, the system detects com-pounds eluting from the HPLC thatare above the scanning range of themass spectrometer.

Enquiries to Tina Mears, AnalyticalInstrumentation, Hewlett-Packard Ltd,Miller House, The Ring, Bracknell, Berk-shire RG12 1XN, UK. Tel.: 0344424898.Circle No. 21 Reader Enquiry Card

Micro-grinding

Homogenous samples of even themost difficult materials can be pre-pared with the Braun Micro-Dismembrator, which is available inthe UK from FT Scientific Instru-ments of Bredon. The unit, which isbased on the ball mill principle, isdesigned to function from wellbeyond the simpler duties required in

inorganic sampling to the most exact-ing medical requirements. Samplingof hair, skin tissue, liver, kidneys-even cartilage and dental enamel-can all be achieved. It is also idealfor contamination-free preparationsin trace-element analysis, dry Or wetgrinding, embrittling technique(grinding of frozen sample in thevial), and any other applicationwhere small samples have to bemixed, dispersed, emulsified, dis-solved or extracted.

The ball mill principle allows a highkinetic energy to be generated. A vialcontaining the sample and grindingballs is oscillated at mains frequency;the balls are accelerated to resonatewith this frequency and the highkinetic energy is used to disintegrateand mix homogenously the amplematerial.

Vials are available in stainless-steelor Teflon. Grinding balls, in mm,3ram, 5mm and 10mm sizes aresupplied in Teflon-coated steel,stainless-steel, chromium steel, tung-sten carbide and agate quartz.

Full detailsfrom FTScientific InstrumentsLtd, Station Drive, Bredon, Tewkesbury,Gloucestershire GL20 7HH, UK. Tel.:0684 72425.Circle No. 22 Reader Enquiry Card

Gas analysis

GOW-MAC is offering ContinuousGas Analyzers, Models: 50-350, 50-450, 50-250, 50-150, custom de-signed for high sensitivity. Usingthermal conductivity for accuracy,all models feature a self-containedgas-flow system, purgable cases, andsample and reference rotameterswith pressure regulators. Zero stabil-ity for most applications is 1% offull-scale in a 24 h period, while theaccuracy is also 1% of full scale.Applications include continuousmonitoring of gas streams in staticsystems, atmosphere control andquantitative analysis of binary pro-cess streams of industrial gases.

Five factors are taken into accountfor custom applications: detectordesign and construction, cell-currentregulation, temperature regulation,gas-flow system and read-out equip-ment. Single and two pass analysers

may be specified. Options include:alarm contacts, eight-filament cells,10X signal amp, digital meter, flow-meters, etc. GOW-MAC’s continu-ous gas analysers may be either rackmounted or installed on a bench.

Byfilling out an Applications Data Sheet,a customer may request specific applica-tions. GOW-MAC will determine thesuitability of the instrument to the appli-cations. For detailed informatin, specifi-cations and prices contact GOW-MACInstrument Company, PO Box 32, BoundBrook, New Jersey 08805, USA.

Circle No. 23 Reader Enquiry Card

GC

The Model 3500 GC from Varian isdescribed by the company as provid-ing the fastest results over a widerrange of applications and the bestretention time reproducibility of anyother instrument on the market.

The 3500, designed specifically foruse with the more inert capillaryfused silica columns, was developedin response to the growing popularityof capillary gas chromatography.The absence of parts that deal withpacked columns enable the 3500 tooffer more flexibility, efficiency, per-formance, and higher resolution thanpacked/capillary GCs.

In creating the 3500, Varian havestressed ease-of-use. By eliminating.the packed column capability, whichdoes away with several parts, thecolumn connection is made mucheasier. In doing so, the cross-talkbetween the column oven and theinjector and detector ovens has alsobeen reached. Self-testing features ofVarian’s Models 3300 and 3400 GCshave been incorporated in the 3500.

New features of the 3500 includeelectronic pressure read-out, whichallows for easy reproduction of flowsspecifically for split/splitless injec-tion. The 3500 is the only GC offeringsplit flow read-out and column (cal-culated) flow read-out.

The 3500 automatic column standbytemperature, which eliminates dailyflushing and saves start-up time, andheated pneumatics. A rapid detector

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New products

electronics time constant of 50 ms isseven times faster than other systemsand a new ECD, allows the use ofhydrogen as carrier gas.

In addition to the new capabili-ties,the 3500 borrows a number offeatures from the Varian Model 3300and 3400 GCs, including its compactsize, automatic storage of four com-plete analytical methods, built-inpower failure protection of memorybase, self-diagnosis which reducesservice requirements, a built-inprinter/plotter, rapid column ovenheat-up and cool-down, automaticmultilinear temperature program-ming for faster analysis, and easyaccess pneumatics.

The 3500 is compatible with Varian’snew 600 Series Data Systems for totalsystem automation. Another newVarian system, the 8035 Auto-Sampler, can accommodate all injec,tion modes, including on-columncapillary injection. The 8035 hasadvanced capillary features, includ-ing control of injection speed, andcontrol of needle residence time forthe most accurate results.

An optional built-in, space-savingprinter/plotter enables the user toautomatically document and confirmthe validity of each analysis. Theinstrument plots the chromatogram,prints the entire analytical methodused, and is able to produce a com-

plet RUN LOG of the analysis.

Detailsfrom Varian, 24-28 Manor Road,Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, UK. Tel.:09 322 43741.

Circle No. 24 Reader Enquiry Card

Software for spectroscopy

QUANT-3, Perkin-Elmer’s softwarepackage for the quantitative analysisof single or multicomponent systems,is now available for ultra-violet/visible and infra-red spectroscopy.Up to 15 components in a mixturecan be determined and the resultstransferred to a printer for a hard-copy report.

QUANT-3 runs on the Perkin-Elmer7000 Series Professional Computers,The program employs a least squarescurve fitting method which can use

LDC/Milton Roy,s Series 3000- a modular, high performance liquid chromatographysystem. The 3000 is built around two new instruments- the constaMetric 3000 solventdelivery system, and the spectroMonitor 3000 variable wavelength detector. Included in thesystem are a Rheodyne 7125 injection valve, 15 cm C-18 column, and plumbing kit. TheconstaMetric 3000 provides precise pulselessflowfrom 0.10 to9.99 ml/min to pressures upto 6000 psi. The pump can be voltage controlled externally and is pressure monitored. ThespectroMonitor 3000 has a wavelength rangefrom 190 to 700 nm, and is designed to handleall aspects ofliquid chromatography. A full complement ofcell options are available. Thevertically designed modules allow for easy system configuration and greatly reduce theamount ofbench space required. Further informationfrom LDC, Milton Roy House, HighStreet Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8AR, UK. Tel.: 0785 813542.

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information from the entire spectrumrather than from a few selected fre-quencies. This approach has severaladvantages over traditional methodsbased on the heights or areas ofindividual absorption bands. It givesbetter precision because more infor-mation is used in calculating theconcentrations. The development ofanalytical methods is much easierbecause it is not necessary to selectspecific frequencies for peak andbase-line measurements. Methodsare stored on disk so that analysescan be initiated with a single com-mand.

QUANT-3 is easy to use. No typedcommands are necessary: users

simply follow the instructive softwarefor entering standard spectra andcalculating concentration values ofunknown samples.

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

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Results can be presented in a varietyof formats, including deviations fromnominal concentrations and com-parisns with a range of acceptablevalues for .quality-control applica-tions. For complete flexibility,QUANT methods can be combinedwith the instrument control and datamanipulation facilities of CDS-3infra-red or CUV-3 UV/VIS spec-troscopy software to give fully auto-mated analyses.

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